Destination:
Days: 10Uncover the treasures of the Yucatan with a fully immersive exploration ending with a relaxing beach stay.
This luxurious 10-day vacation of discovery will fully uncover the delights of the region, from ancient Maya cities to white sands via a sprawling hacienda estate, magical towns, and colonial cities.
Along the way, take privately guided tours with local experts, learning more about this endlessly fascinating area of Mexico. Among a packed itinerary of activities, hear tales of ancient wonders at Chichen Itza, see flocks of pink flamingos at Celestún Biosphere Reserve, and explore one of the world’s great cities in Merida.
PHOTO GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS
Maya archeological ruins – Tour world-famous ancient Maya cities, including Ek Balam, Edzná, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, and Coba.
Privately guided city tours – Uncover the delights of the Yucatan’s gorgeous cities, including Merida, Valladolid, and Campeche.
Celestún Biosphere Reserve – Float the lagoon and the canals of this eco-reserve home to flocks of pink flamingos.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon – Travel back in time to the era of grand colonial haciendas with a private tour of Sotuta de Peon.
Izamal – Explore the “Yellow City” and visit its prominent monastery.
Day 1: Arrival in Cancun
Bienvenido a México! The journey begins with a warm welcome at the airport and a private transfer to a luxury resort in Cancun. Take time to settle in and relax in the gorgeous setting.
Overnight: Nizuc Hotel
Day 2: Private transfer from Cancun to Merida via Ek Balam and Valladolid
Head inland for an expertly guided tour of the beautiful Maya archeological site of Ek Balam. This is the first but by no means the last, opportunity to dive into the ancient Maya world and learn about their customs and daily life through the ruins of their civilization.
After, head to Valladolid, the first capital city of the Yucatan, for lunch and to stroll around the city center square. After a city tour, it’s on to Merida, named the world’s best small city by Conde Nast Traveler in 2019, for free time to explore.
Overnight: Hacienda Xcanatun
Day 3: Private tour of Celestún Biosphere Reserve and Merida City
Explore the Yucatan’s natural beauty with a private tour of the wonderful wildlife sanctuary, the Celestún Biosphere Reserve. This is an enticing spot for all naturalists as there are more than 200 species of birds, and it´s home to one of the largest migratory flamingo populations in the world. Enjoy a boat ride through the river admiring wonders of nature, beautiful flamingo colonies, and freshwater springs.
Following Celestún, explore Merida’s historic city center. Start in the main square of the city (the Zócalo), visiting all four corners, exploring the oldest cathedral in the Americas, the Government House with its paintings by Fernando Castro, and the Municipal Palace. Then, return to the car and head down Paseo de Montejo, the main thoroughfare into the city, modeled on the Champs-Elysees and lined with trees and large colonial houses, once the city homes of affluent hacienda owners.
Overnight: Hacienda Xcanatun
Day 4: Transfer to Campeche and visit Becal en-route for lunch
Today, enjoy a private transfer to Campeche, where a stay in a luxurious hacienda awaits. En-route, stop at the village of Becal – famous for producing some of the world’s best Panama hats! See how the hats are made and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (meals not included).
After, continue the journey to the lovely hacienda hotel in Campeche.
Overnight: Hacienda Puerta Campeche
Day 5: Privately guided excursion to Edzná and Uxmal archeological sites
Start the day with an expertly guided tour of the Maya archeological site of Edzná, enjoying views of its breathtaking temples and ceremonial sites. After, enjoy a tasty traditional lunch in a local restaurant and try classic Yucatecan food, such as cochinita pibil (marinated pork and chicken wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked underground – meals not included).
After lunch, head to the legendary Maya temples of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This classic Maya city is a highlight of the Yucatan and dates to the 10th century AD. While exploring the site, an expert tour guide will shed light on the mysteries of the Maya through discussions on their engineering, architecture, and society.
Overnight: Hacienda Temozon
Day 6: Private transfer to Chichen Itza visiting Hacienda Sotuta De Peon & Izamal en Route
Enjoy a private transfer to Chichen Itza, where accommodation right next to the world-famous archeological site awaits.
En-route, stop at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon to learn about Mexican haciendas, which functioned much like the plantations in the southern US, and about henequen (sisal fiber), the source of the Yucatan’s wealth during the Colonial Era.
Tour the processing plant, which is still in action, visit the beautiful main house, and take a mule-drawn rail cart tour of the fields, ending at a refreshing cenote (natural pool of water that leads to an underground river).
Enjoy a traditional lunch at the hacienda and then head to the gorgeous city of Izamal to visit its magical Franciscan monastery. There’s time to stop at a local hammock workshop to watch artisans practicing their craft and to learn about this ancient Maya product. After, head to a hotel nestled beside Chichen Itza, one of the most celebrated archeological sites in the world.
Overnight: The Lodge at Chichen Itza
Day 7: Privately guided excursion to Chichen Itza Archeological Site and Coba
Enter Chichen Itza by a private entrance and explore the site before the crowds arrive. Explore with an expert guide who will point out the architectural and mathematical achievements of the Maya through the ancient ruins at the site.
Visit the grand ball court, sacred Maya cenote, and ancient temples. Also, admire the famous stepped pyramid known as El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan.
After, the journey continues to Coba to visit the towering temples, some of the tallest in Mexico. This unique site has barely been restored, and while only a few structures have been uncovered, it’s estimated that some 6,000 remain to be excavated.
Overnight: Maria Del Mar Tulum
Days 8 – 9: Free time in the Riviera Maya
After a wonderful time exploring the treasures of the Yucatan, days eight and nine are left free to enjoy the gorgeous Riviera Maya. Relax, swim in the pool or the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, and take advantage of the complimentary activities offered by the resort.
Optional day trips include visiting:
- Tulum´s Maya archeological site perched picturesquely on a cliff overlooking the sea
- The mangroves of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Playa Del Carmen’s bustling walkway, Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue)
Overnight: Maria Del Mar Tulum
Day 10: Departure from Cancun
Take a private transfer from the hotel in Tulum 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.
