Discover the wonders of the Maya on this memorable eight-day journey through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Explore magnificent ancient cities reclaimed from the jungle, including Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Edzná. Admire the colourful colonial streets of Valladolid, Izamal, Mérida and Campeche, encounter pink flamingos and other wildlife at Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, and cool off with a refreshing swim in a natural cenote. Experience the region’s living traditions along the Camino Real Artesanal, discovering local craftsmanship, music and gastronomy, before travelling aboard the Maya Train. Combining archaeology, nature, culture and authentic local experiences, this tour offers a fascinating introduction to the rich heritage of southeastern Mexico.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Ría Lagartos: Spot pink flamingos and crocodiles on a boat trip through the mangroves, with a traditional Maya mud bath and lagoon swim.
Chichén Itzá & Uxmal: Discover two magnificent Maya archaeological sites, from the iconic Temple of Kukulkan to Uxmal’s Pyramid of the Magician.
Colonial Cities: Explore the colourful streets and historic architecture of Valladolid, Izamal, Mérida and UNESCO-listed Campeche.
Camino Real Artesanal: Experience local traditions, handcrafted jipi japa hats, traditional bread and regional gastronomy.
Edzná & Maya Train: Discover the impressive ancient Maya city of Edzná and travel through the Yucatán Peninsula aboard the Maya Train.
Day 1: ARRIVAL CANCUN
After landing at Cancun International Airport, you will be met by a tour representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Cancun. Then you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, getting to know this fantastic new location at your own pace. Make the most of the services available at the hotel or hit the streets and start exploring the wonders of Cancun.
Overnight in Cancun.
Day 2: CANCUN – RIA LAGARTOS – CENOTE – VALLADOLID (360km – 5 hrs)
Today’s adventure starts with a visit to Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, home to the largest flocks of pink flamingos in Mexico, in addition to the almost 400 birds species that have been identified here. Take a boat trip lasting around two hours through the mangroves in the reserve’s estuary to observe flamingos, other birdlife and crocodiles. The trip also includes a visit to the feeding areas, a stop for a Mayan mud bath with the mineral-rich white mud, and a dip in the salt-rich waters of the lagoon. We then visit a cenote, a natural sinkhole, for some time to cool off and have a swim. After the visit, continue to the hotel in Valladolid. After of the check in at the hotel, we will have time for refreshing. Continue with a walking city tour by Valladolid, this is a city that preserves the tradition of Mayan culture in every corner and its historical legacy is unique. Discover the passage of time from pre-Hispanic times to the present walking through its streets.
Overnight in Valladolid.
Day 3: VALLADOLID – CHICHEN ITZA – IZAMAL – MERIDA (192km – 3 hrs)
Enjoy your breakfast before departing for Chichen Itza, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya. Learn about the Maya and their civilisation and admire the scale and detail of this ancient city that has been laboriously reclaimed from the jungle. Behold the geometric perfection of the 25-metre-tall Temple of Kukulkan, popularly known as El Castillo (‘the Castle’), which was built both as a representation of the mystical Maya calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a serpent snaking its way up or down the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the largest of 13 discovered at the site, see the haunting Skull Platform, where the heads of human sacrifice victims and prisoners of war were impaled, and catch sight of the Sacred Cenote, where sacrifice victims were dumped. In addition, extremely well-preserved are the Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and adjacent Church, and the large observatory known as the Snail. Next, we make our way to the Mayan town of Izamal, known as ‘the city of the three cultures’, combining remnants of its pre-Hispanic past, the colonial period and the present. Izamal is one of Mexico’s ‘magical towns’, a designation awarded to selected locations famed for their cultural and historical heritage. Here you can see the Convent of St Anthony of Padua, which stands on a former Maya pyramid. You will have time to have lunch on your own in Izamal and continue to the ‘White City’ of Merida, the capital of Yucatan, to enjoy a tour of the historic downtown. Explore the Paseo de Montejo, where you will find a series of beautiful villas and palaces built in the 19th century. See the splendid Plaza Grande, home of the cathedral and the Casa de Los Montejo, built in the 16th century in the plateresque style. Admire its beautiful façade which is now a symbol of the city. Also visit the Government Palace and City Hall, before enjoying some free time to discover the city on your own.
Overnight in Merida.
Day 4: MERIDA – UXMAL – CACAO MUSEUM – UXMAL (84km – 1.5 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Uxmal to explore the ruins of this remarkable ancient Maya city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising above the surrounding jungle. Enjoy a guided tour of its impressive architecture, including the 35-metre-high Pyramid of the Magician, the beautifully preserved Nunnery Quadrangle with its intricately carved walls, the Governor’s Palace overlooking the central plaza, and the Great Pyramid, only part of which has been excavated.
Next, visit the Cocoa Museum to discover the importance of cacao in ancient Maya culture and its traditional uses. Continue to the Maya Planetarium for an immersive audiovisual experience exploring the fascinating world of Maya astronomy. Discover how the Maya aligned their temples with celestial bodies and developed sophisticated calendars to track the Sun, stars and seasons. The experience also introduces the ancient cities of Uxmal, Chichén Itzá, Tikal and Palenque, highlighting the Maya’s astronomical knowledge and the environmental challenges, including drought and famine, that affected their civilisation.
Overnight in Uxmal.
Day 5: UXMAL – MERIDA – CAMPECHE BY MAYA TRAIN (90km – 1 hr/ 2 hrs by train)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer from Uxmal to Mérida Teya Station to board the Maya Train (Tren Maya) to San Francisco de Campeche Station. Upon arrival, meet your tour representative and transfer to your hotel in Campeche.
Later in the afternoon, meet your guide in the hotel lobby and set out to explore Campeche on a panoramic tour of this historic coastal city. Drive through the heart of the picturesque old town, admiring its pastel-coloured colonial houses, elegant arcades and bell-gabled churches. Continue on foot to discover some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including the historic city walls and St Francis’ Cathedral. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional state of preservation and outstanding colonial architecture, Campeche offers a fascinating glimpse into Mexico’s rich history.
Overnight in Campeche.
Day 6: CAMPECHE
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a cultural journey along the Camino Real Artesanal (Artisanal Royal Road), discovering the traditions, crafts and gastronomy of the region. Travel through the picturesque towns of Hecelchakán, Dzitbalché, Becal and Pomuch, each offering a unique glimpse into the local heritage. Along the way, discover Hecelchakán’s historic charm and traditional markets, experience the musical and poetic traditions of Dzitbalché, and visit Becal, renowned for its jipi japa hats, skillfully woven by hand inside natural caves. In Pomuch, savour the town’s famous traditional stone-baked bread and learn about its distinctive cemetery customs, deeply rooted in local Day of the Dead traditions. You will also walk along the historic royal road connecting Hecelchakán to Poc Boc.
This authentic experience brings together history, craftsmanship and gastronomy, offering a deeper connection with the region’s cultural roots. A typical lunch is included.
Overnight in Campeche.
Day 7: CAMPECHE – EDZNA – CANCUN BY MAYA TRAIN (50km – 1 hr/ 7 hrs by train)
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the ancient Maya city of Edzná on a guided tour. Discover its impressive architecture, including the remarkable Pyramid of the Five Levels, the main plaza and other structures showcasing a blend of architectural styles, such as Petén, Chenes and Puuc. As you explore this fascinating archaeological site, learn about the history, symbolism and social organisation of the Maya civilisation, whose legacy continues to shape southeastern Mexico.
After the visit, transfer to Edzná Station to board the Maya Train (Tren Maya) to Cancún Airport Station, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, meet your tour representative for a transfer to your hotel in Cancún.
Overnight in Cancun.
Day 8: CANCUN DEPARTURE
Transfer from your hotel to Cancun International Airport according to your flight schedule. Please ensure arrival at the airport at least 3 hours before your international departure.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
