Yucatan Panorama

Day 1 Cancún

Arrive in Cancún at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.

Long a destination among sun-worshipping tourists and spring breakers, we only stay here long enough to meet and get primed for our adventure. The famous resort of Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancún than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city.

The heat and humidity of Cancún may affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it’s simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside.

Days 2-3 Chichén Itzá/Mérida

After departing Cancún at 9:00am under the usually scorching sun, we stop for a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá before arriving in the evening in the capital of the Yucatán, Mérida. The city of Chichén Itzá, estimated to be founded in 432, houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo, with a balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand and towering walls. The attention to detail, and fusion of architecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning, will no doubt impress you.

After seeing a part of ancient Mexico we will arrive in Mérida where you will have an included orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the city and for the next couple of days you can explore colonial Mérida’s museums, plazas, architectures, open markets and outdoor cafés. Known as la ciudad blanca, the white city, Merida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences. Merida’s also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, one of the Yucatán’s many ancient treasures. Mérida, the capital of Yucatán State, was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor, or zocalo, is green and shady and surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and the Casa Montejo. There are several 16th and 17th century churches scattered about the city, as well as some interesting museums. Mornings are the best time to visit the busy and colourful markets. You can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. You can also try out new and wonderful food items, such as the delicious cochinita pibil, a local specialty. Hot sauce fans will also want to try El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers. Be sure and stroll down the Paseo de Montejo (or take a caleche carriage ride), together with many shops and restaurants, you will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Nearby, is the main shopping street, Calle 65. You are sure to find Mérida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot.

If cities aren’t your thing, escape to the beach town of Progreso and see the Dzibilchaltun ruins on the way. Mérida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route, the most famous of which is Uxmal, which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation. Or, visit 3 nearby cenotes or water sink holes in the town of Cuzama, not far outside Mérida. Transportation to the cenotes is an adventure as it involves taking small wooden horse-drawn carts that runs for 9 km along old rail tracks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the cenotes!

Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours
Approximate Distance: 320 km

Days 4-5 Palenque

After a long day of travel we arrive at the monumental Mayan ruins of Palenque. The large sarcophagus containing the mummified remains of the Lord Pakal were found in 1952 by Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz and is only one of Palenque’s many treasures. The temples at this site, with fantastic comb-like decorations on their intact roofs, and the sculptured wall panels, are undoubtedly amongst the most exquisite achievements of the Mayan. The ancient city holds over 200 buildings of varying size and complexity. Don’t forget to bring your camera on our included guided tour of the ruins.

There are many optional activities to choose from in this area. If you are interested in seeing more ancient Mayan sites, take a day trip by van and then boat to the breathtaking Bonampak and Yaxchilan Ruins near the Guatemalan border. This is a full day tour but well worth the journey. If you are interested in doing something closer to Palenque, the famous Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls are approximately 45 minutes away and are both well worth a visit. The 35-metre high Misol-Ha waterfall is set in the middle of lush jungle, with smaller falls just inside a nearby cave. Take a break from the heat with a swim in the stunning naturally formed pools at the waterfalls of Agua Azul, located just 15 minutes from Misol-Ha.

Days 6-7 Bacalar

Transfer to Bacalar and spend time on the beach looking out at the crystal-clear lagoon, of seven colors, as it is known. Opt to kayak around the lagoon or explore the nearby fortress.

Days 8-9 Playa del Carmen

Transfer by bus to Playa del Carmen. Opt to take a day trip to Tulum and visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

Our final stop is Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. The town is your last chance to enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and to relax and swim in the Caribbean Sea. There is also snorkelling and diving available, and long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day. Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30 to 75 minutes depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the towns and the reefs of the island. For a final dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-minute drive south of Playa. Aside from its unusual late Mayan architecture, it offers possibly the most appealing setting for any ruins, as it is located on a palm-fringed, white-sand beach, where you can even go for a swim within the ancient walls.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment.

Day 10 Playa del Carmen

Depart at anytime.