Mayan Yucatan Mexico – Small Group Travel

Few single spots left!

Itinerary: 

Dec 2 – Cancún
After landing, claim luggage and meet your representative, transfer to the Westin Resort. Everyone will leave the airport at 1:30pm. Enjoy the amazing beach, spa and amenities of this indulgent hotel. Tonight welcome dinner together. If you arrive at a different time, we can arrange a private transfer for $60 for 1-4 passengers or there are many taxis at the airport, with a flat fee of approximately $18. (Set your price before getting into the taxi). Welcome dinner at the Westin.

Dec 3 – Cancun to Merida Casa del Balam, for 4 nights
Before leaving Cancun, visit the excellent “Museo Maya”. The Mayas developed one of the most important Mesoamerican civilizations lasting more than 3,000 years. Proceed to the adjoining archaeological site of “San Miguelito”. Now drive with your tour guide to the major site Chichén Itzá. Only about 30 of the many buildings overgrown by the jungle have been uncovered and restored. “ElCastillo,” the most impressive building (98 ft. high), rises far beyond the site. We leave the crowds continuing to the real Yucatan and Merida. Drives will take us through beautiful landscapes on modern roads with stops along the way. (Breakfast/Dnner at hotel). .

Dec 4 – Mérida
Founded in 1542, Mérida is the cultural capital of Yucatán with colonial charm, narrow streets, and horse-drawn carriages. The influence of Spain and France is everywhere. The Champs-Elysées, for example, became a model for the Paseo de Montejo. See the cathedral, the Palacio Municipal, and the Casa de Montejo. We learn about Mexican cooking on a market tour with a local chef, show and taste some of the food! We continue our sightseeing to the small fishing village of Celestun. Take a boat to the colonies of pink flamingos and other birds in natural habitat. We then visit the most historic hacienda in the area, Yaxcopoil from the 17th century. The ruins are set in a beautiful landscape; you will feel the legacy of European wealth. Bring binoculars for the tropical birds and the foliage.

Dinner at the restaurant “La Chaya Maya” in the historic center of Mérida with fine Yucatan cuisine in the ambience of colonial Mexico. Merida is full of shops, from cheap markets to quality jewelry and clothing. Our hotel is central, so bargains are a step away. (Breakfast/Dinner)

Dec 5 – Mérida, Uxmal, Mayan villages + Chocolate
The name Uxmal means “built three times.” Built around 600 to 950 AD, the site is impressive, with decorated façades, vast terraces, squares, columns, and archways. Visit the chocolate museum, “Ecomuseo del Cacao,” for history of cocoa and its mystical connection with Mayans. Nestled in a beautiful garden with orchids and indigenous fauna, are Mayan houses filled with information about chocolate! Try the traditional Maya drink made from cocoa beans and spices and enjoy the sweet and spicy taste of the “black gold.” You’ll finish with a visit to a traditional Mayan village, untouched by tourism. Studied by archaeologists, Santa Elena is much unchanged. Here is first hand insight into the everyday life of the families in this village. (Breakfast/Dinner in town)

Dec 6 – Campeche UNESCO World Heritage Site
Often overlooked by tourists, Edzná is an early settlement of power, which ruled large parts of Yucatán. The most beautiful building “Edificio de los Cinco Pisos”, is one of the most interesting buildings in the entire Maya culture. Now we enter the life of the Conquistadors in Campeche. Set on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Campeche is one of the most perfect cities in Mexico. Campeche is walled (against pirate attacks), with narrow streets, restored colonial buildings, plazas, markets, the Zócalo and Cathedral of La Concepción. (Breakfast)

Dec 7 Mérida – Cancún
Depart early for the drive back to Cancun Airport arriving around 1pm at the airport.

Rate: $1,600 double per person shared/additional $300 single supplement (limited single rooms available)

Contact us today for more information or to book this excellent get-away!