Destination:
Days: 11Discover the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula traversing Mayan archaeological sites, visiting small authentic pueblos, and picturesque cities filled with color.
This 11 day itinerary starts and ends in Cancun but is filled with a journey traveling throughout the entire Yucatan Peninsula. On this trip travelers visit the region’s most interesting archaeological sites to learn about the Mayans and their history in pre-Hispanic times. The trip also includes visits to colorful cities and small towns where the Mayans and their culture are still very much present today. The itinerary ends at the beach in Playa del Carmen for some days of relaxation.
PHOTO GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS
Mayan Ruins – Locally guided visits to the amazing archeological sites of Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Edzna, and Coba.
Magical Towns – Visit the Pueblos Magicos of Valladolid and Izamal
Campeche – Visit the UNESCO World Heritage City of Campeche filled with pastel buildings
Xixim – Relax in nature at this hotel in the Celestun Biosphere Reserve
Merida – Discover the lively capital of the Yucatan, a charming colonial city filled with markets, squares, and a bustling commercial center
Playa del Carmen and Cenotes – Enjoy the Mexican Carribbean coast, discovering beautiful beaches and sacred Mayan sinkholes
Day 1: Arrival Day to Cancun
Overnight: Nizuc Resort & Spa
Day 2: Ek Balam Archeological Site and Valladolid
Head to Ek Balam Archaeological Site for a tour followed by Valladolid for lunch. Valladolid was the first capital city of the Yucatan, today a bustling Mayan city with a special colonial flavor. Later this evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight: Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa
Day 3: Off-Hours Privately Guided Visit to Chichen Itza with Uxmal and Campeche
Early at sunrise you will enjoy an off hours private visit to Chichen Itza. Admiring the site prior to opening to the public is an unforgettable experience. Next, you will be privately transferred to Campeche City with a stop at Uxmal Archeological Site on the way. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best restored and maintained ruins in the Yucatan. Tonights accomodations are at a luxury hacienda.
Please note this would be a long day of activities, starting at 6 am with early sunrise at Chichen itza and ending proximately at 6:00 pm in Campeche, this program can be personalized according to your traveling preferences for a slower pace if preferred.
Overnight: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Day 4: Privately Guided Excursion to Edzna Archaeological Site & Campeche City
Today after breakfast you will depart the hotel for a short transfer to Edzna, the Maya archaeological site outside of Campeche. Built on a platform of 40 meters high, Edzna’s major temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (Five-Story Building) provides a great view of the plazas below as well as a panorama of the countryside.
After the site head back to Campeche City to discover that Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with restored cobblestone streets, pastel-colored mansions, and impressive fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port from marauding pirates. It is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll along the malecon, the waterfront promenade, or a visit to the scenic Plaza Principal.
Overnight: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Day 5: XiXim Hotel & Visit to Becal
Today you’ll enjoy morning at leisure and after hotel check out we depart towards the Biosphere Reserve of Celestun, en route stop at Becal for lunch and enjoy a private tour of a town famous for its traditional hats made of jipi, the statue of two monumental Panama hats which reigns supreme in the center of Bécal’s main plaza leaves little doubt as to the town’s claim to fame.
Your journey continues to the northwest part of the Yucatan Peninsula arriving at the Special Biosphere Reserve of Celestun, where you will discover your harmony with nature in a 3 nights stay at the Hotel Xixim, nestled on a 3 mile virgin white sand beach.
Overnight: Xixim
Day 6: Xixim Free Day
From your bungalow you will have direct exclusive access to 3 miles of white sand beaches. On the Xixim beach you can chill out under a shady ramada resting areas, sunbathe, play volleyball, or sail in a kayak, (all without additional cost). Mexico is known worldwide for its unique coastline. In the Gulf of Mexico the sea is shallow and very calm in the morning, so swimming in its warm waters is a pleasure. Optional Activities include: boat ride through mangroves and visiting flamingos colony in Celestun Biosphere Reserve; kayaking in Celestún’s salt flats lagoons (from September to January only); cooking ceviche class with organic products; moon light safari at night; mangrove adventure and bird watching; and off shore fishing.
Overnight: Xixim
Day 7: Merida City
Meet your private guide drive towards Merida City to explore this thriving and historic Yucatan City. Discover its colonial architecture, churches and monuments and enjoy a Calesa tour ride. After city tour and lunch you will continue to your luxury hacienda where you will settle in and enjoy rest of evening at leisure.
Overnight: Hacienda San Jose Cholul
Day 8: Izamal
Today enjoy a half day private tour to the Mexican Magical town of Izamal where you will visit the Franciscan monastery and explore the mysterious Yellow City know. Suggested lunch at Kinich restaurant.
Overnight: Hacienda San Jose Cholul
Day 9: Coba, Cenote Dos Ojos, and Playa del Carmen
In the morning, meet your guide for a private transfer and guided excursion to Coba Archaeological Site. After the tour you will enjoy time to swim and relax in one the most beautiful Mayan cenotes in the area. The journey continues towards the Mexican Caribbean, arriving at your luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen.
Overnight: Hotel Esencia
Day 10 – 11: Leisure Day
This days day is yours to enjoy at leisure to relax in your lovely surroundings and take advantage of the many amenities and activities available in Riviera Maya or just lay back at the white sands and turquoise seas. As optional activity you may visit the beachfront ruins of Tulum Archaeological Site, Rio Secreto, Biosphere Reserve of Sian Ka’an, among others.
Overnight: Hotel Esencia
Day 12: Departure Day: Cancun
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 $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.
