Destination:
Days: 10Go on the ultimate archeological Mayan journey, discovering ancient ruins and magical Yucatecan villages on a luxurious 10-day vacation.
Dive into the region’s rich history, visiting ancient Maya archeological sites including Uxmal, Palenque, Bonampak, and the world-famous Chichen Itza. Private expert guides will help to add color and uncover the secrets of the Maya from their bloody rituals to their astonishing mathematical and architectural achievements.
Travelers will also enjoy private tours of gorgeous Maya cities, including Merida and Campeche, a swim in a refreshing cenote, and stays in luxurious accommodations.
HIGHLIGHTS
1N Cancun – Settle in your first night after arriving to Mexico at a beautiful hotel in Cancun with breath taking views of the ocean.
2N Merida – Tour the colorful city of Merida, named the World’s Best Small City 2019 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
1N Campeche – Explore the charming coastal city of Campeche and take an evening stroll along the boardwalk.
2N Palenque, 1N Calakmul – Overnight near the archaeological sites for an off-the-beaten path experience in the jungle and to beat the crowds.
1N Playa del Carmen – Enjoy your last night in the vibrant beach town of Playa before heading home the next day.
Maya Archaeological Sites – Delve into the ancient Maya world with expertly guided visits of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Palenque, Bonampak, Yaxchilan, and Calakmul.
Celestun Biosphere Reserve – Visit the beautiful Celestun Biosphere Reserve to see North America’s largest flock of flamingos.
Day 1: Arrival in Cancun
Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, enjoy a private transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening exploring its elite facilities.
Overnight: Luxury hotel in Cancun
Day 2: Chichen Itza to Merida
Embark on a cultural and historical journey, stopping first at an indigenous Maya market to see contemporary and traditional arts and crafts. Next, head to the world-famous archeological site of Chichen Itza. Join an expert guide and tour the site, visiting a grand ball court, palaces, and the famed stepped pyramid, El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. After the tour, continue the journey to a luxurious hotel in the beautiful capital of the Yucatan, Merida. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure, taking the chance to explore Merida´s enchanting streets.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Merida
Day 3: Celestun Biosphere Reserve and Merida City Private tour
Explore the Maya region’s endless natural beauty with a privately guided excursion to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, famous for its magnificent flamingo colonies. Take a private boat onto the waters of the estuary and admire the beauty of the landscape.After free time for lunch, head back to Merida for a guided tour of the city, visiting the colonial architecture, churches, and monuments of this thriving destination.
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Merida
Day 4: Transfer to Campeche and Uxmal visit
Depart Merida and journey to Uxmal, an ancient Maya city that flourished from around 600 to 900AD. Take a privately guided tour, making sure to visit the Pyramid of the Magician, a round-cornered pyramid with a fantastical origin story. Enjoy a traditional Maya lunch, before continuing the journey to the coastal city of Campeche, the first port city founded by Spanish Conquistadors in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Overnight: Hotel in Campeche
Day 5: Campeche City Exploration and Private Transfer to Palenque
Begin the day with a brief private tour of Campeche, exploring the highlights of this colorful UNESCO World Heritage City. Dive into Campeche’s rich history by visiting its notable museums, churches, and historical landmarks. After exploring the city, embark on a journey along the Gulf of Mexico coast to the ancient city of Palenque (5 Hrs 360 kilometers Aprox) Upon arrival, settle into your lovely hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Palenque
Day 6: Yaxchilan and Bonampak
Depart Palenque for Bonampak, an ancient Maya city near the border of modern-day Guatemala. Explore this fascinating site in the Lacandón Jungle, viewing the astonishing frescoes inside the Templo de las Pinturas.
Then, continue exploring the lesser-visited Maya world with a tour of Yaxchilan, known for its ornamented facades, roof combs, and impressive stone lintels that depict battles and ceremonial events. Only reached by boat, Yaxchilan straddles a bend in the Usumacinta River, the natural border between Mexico and Guatemala.
Overnight: Hotel in Palenque
Day 7: Palenque Archeological Zone
Continue the exploration of the ancient Maya world with a visit to Palenque. With an expert guide taking the lead, explore these jungle ruins, and learn about the inscriptions found there. After the archeological exploration, take a private transfer to the hotel in Calakmul.
Overnight: Hotel in Palenque
Day 8: Full-day excursion to Calakmul
Travel to Calakmul, a stunning archeological site nestled within a protected reserve. Take a private tour of the jungle grounds, visiting the vegetation-wrapped ruins. Along the way, keep an eye out for the region’s fascinating inhabitants, including jaguars, king vultures, harpy eagles, and spider monkeys.
Overnight: Hotel in Palenque
Day 9: Bacalar, Lake of the Seven Colors, and cenote swim
Travel to the paradise town of Bacalar, a stunning getaway in Quintana Roo given Pueblo Magico status for its “magical qualities.” Visit its famed Lake of the Seven Colors to swim in its shimmering waters or to embark on a private kayak tour.
After, enjoy lunch before a refreshing swim in Cenote Azul, a crystal-clear freshwater sinkhole.
Overnight: Luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen or Cancun
Day 10: Departure from Cancun
Enjoy a private transfer from the hotel to Cancun Airport for departure flights home.
Dates
Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.
Prices
Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing. Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.
