Destination:
Days: 12This amazing itinerary takes you on a journey through the wonders of the Yucatán, Campeche, and Riviera Maya.
Kick off the trip with a stay at Cancun´s elegant Nizuc before exploring the jungle covered Mayan city of Ek-Balam and strolling the colorful streets of laid-back Valladolid, the Yucatán´s first capital city.
You´ll get to experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, on a special off-hours visit, as well as a UNESCO world heritage site at the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal. In the Yucatán´s neighboring state Campeche, step back in time at the converted-hacienda-hotel, Puerta Campeche, discover the remarkable main temple at Edzna archaeological site, and get to know the fortified walls and pastel-colored mansions that Campeche city is known for.
Heading back north to the Yúcatan, you´ll stop off at Bécal with its famous panama-style hats, on the way to the secluded oasis of the Celestún Biosphere. Here, take a rest at the luxury hotel Chablé Yucatan. After connecting with nature, you´ll continue to the historical hub of Mérida, a celebrated small city with colonial-era architecture, churches, and monuments.
On the way back to the Riviera Maya, visit the pueblo mágico of Izamal, known for its bright yellow and white building facades, and the striking Franciscan monastery. You´ll round off your journey with a final few days traversing the large and fascinating ruins of Cobá and taking a dip in the beautiful Dos Ojos Cenote. Relax at the luxurious, beachfront Hotel Esencia before your departure from Cancun.
HIGHLIGHTS
1N Nizuc – Offering a luxurious beachfront escape, Nizuc offers an entirely different vibe for the more mature vacationer.
1N Yucatan Peninsula – Stay at a luxury hacienda just outside the Chichen Itzá Archeological Zone which will allow you to be there the next day before the crowds.
2N Campeche –A colorful town of rich history, well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and picturesque coastal landscapes.
2N Chablé Yucatan – This luxury hotel offers the ultimate in pampering and wellness in a stunning, tropical setting.
2N Hacienda Xcanatun – Just outside downtown Mérida, the beautifully renovated Hacienda Xcanatun oozes the grandeur of its past life as an 18th Century sisal hacienda.
3N Riviera Maya– Enjoye white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, ancient Mayan culture, and a pick of luxurious resorts.
Maya Archaeological Sites– Enjoy expertly guided visits to the archeological sites of Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Edzna, and Coba.
Izamal and Valladolid – Visit Izamal and Valladolid, the Yucatan’s “Pueblos Magicos”
Merida and Campeche – Visit gorgeous Mexican cities including Merida and Campeche
Playa del Carmen – Enjoy the Mexican Caribbean coast, discovering beautiful beaches and sacred Maya cenotes
Day 1: Arrival in Cancun
Arriving in Cancun, you will be met at the airport by a bilingual Journey Mexico guide who will transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure or let a Journey Mexico Travel Planner know if you’d like to arrange any additional activities.
Hotel: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Day 2: Visit Ek Balam archeological site and Valladolid
Head to Ek Balam archeological site for a privately guided tour with an expert bilingual guide. Explore the site, which is nestled within lush vegetation, and take the chance to climb the main pyramid for extraordinary views.
After, head to Valladolid, the first capital city of the Yucatan, for lunch. The evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Hotel: Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa
Day 3: Visit The Mayan Archeological Sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, Transfer to Campeche
Embark on today’s journey to Chichén-Itzá after breakfast and hotel check-out. Located just 75 miles from Mérida, the famous Mayan pyramids of Chichén-Itzá are over 1500 years old and hold the title of one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Explore the famous “El Castillo” temple, built as a tribute to the god Kukulkan, and delve into the fascinating Mayan calendar.
Next, we proceed to Campeche, with a stop at the Uxmal Archeological Site, renowned for its well-preserved ruins and captivating architecture. Marvel at the low horizontal palaces adorned with intricate sculptures and details. After visiting the site and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant (not included), we continued our journey for two hours to our final destination, Campeche. Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious Hacienda for the next two nights and unwind at your leisure for the rest of the evening.
Hotel: Campeche
Day 4: Private Excursion to Edzna Archeological Site and Discover Campeche City
Set off to Edzna, a Maya archeological site outside of Campeche. The site’s major temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (Five-Story Building), was built on a platform 40 meters high and provides a great view of the plazas below as well as a panorama of the countryside.
Head back to Campeche to immerse yourself in its UNESCO World Heritage charm, with restored cobblestone streets, pastel-colored mansions, and fortified walls that once shielded the city from pirates. Take a leisurely stroll along the Malecon waterfront promenade or explore the scenic Plaza Principal.
Hotel: Campeche
Day 5: Head Chablé Yucatan and Visit Becal Town en Route
Enjoy the morning at leisure, then head to the famous natural habitat of the Celestún Biosphere Reserve. En route, stop at Becal for lunch and enjoy a private tour of a town famous for its Panama-style hats, which are among the very best in the world. After, Our journey continues to Chable Yucatan, your home for the next 2 Nights.
Hotel: Chablé Yucatan
Day 6: Day at Leisure
his Day is for you to explore on your own or perhaps just relax in your lovely hotel; our Optional Activities at additional Cost (not included):
- Celestun Biosphere Reserve
- Mayan Cenotes Experience
Hotel: Chablé Yucatan
Day 7: Explore Merida City
Enjoy a private transfer to Merida, voted the World’s Best Small City by Conde Naste Traveler in 2019. Explore this thriving and historical city with your expert guide, discovering its colonial architecture, churches, and monuments. After the tour and lunch, continue to your luxury hacienda to settle in and enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Hotel: Hacienda Xcanatun
Day 8: Explore Izamal
Experience the wonders of the Yellow City, Izamal, one of the Yucatan’s Pueblos Magicos. Visit its Franciscan monastery and admire the bright yellow and white facades for which the town is famous.
Back at the hacienda enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Hotel: Hacienda Xcanatun
Day 9: Visit Coba, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Playa del Carmen
Go on a guided excursion to see the ancient Maya ruins of Coba. Across this sprawling archeological site, you’ll discover a wealth of fascinating ruins and even have the chance to climb the main pyramid, Nohoch Mul.
After the tour, swim and relax in one of the most beautiful Maya cenotes in the region. The journey continues towards the Mexican Caribbean, arriving at your luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Hotel: Riviera Maya
Days 10 – 11: Days at Leisure
End the vacation in style, relaxing in the beauty of Playa del Carmen and enjoying your days as you wish. Stretch out on the white sands of the Riviera Maya, occasionally heading into the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea to cool off.
As an optional activity, you may visit Tulum, Rio Secreto, or the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, among other activities. Simply speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can arrange every detail for you.
Hotel: Riviera Maya
Day 12: Departure Day from Cancun
Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to Cancun International Airport for your onward flight 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 $1,800 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.
