The Yucatan boasts countless ancient sites that are simultaneously magnificent reminders of the mighty Mayan Empire and locations that offer unique opportunities for adventure. Our visit to an educational center lets us partake in a variety of activities, from playing with dolphins, to surrounding ourselves with butterflies in the world's largest butterfly pavilion.
Learn about nature in parks and reserves and find out about the past and humankind by wandering through the Mayan village replica, where the houses and food are all recreated for our learning experience. Arriving at Tulum, we climb the wide steps that lead to the temple atop an ancient pyramid. We have an excellent view of the sea from this structure because it is standing of the edge of a mighty cliff. We won't be coming home with a shortage of pictures because the ancient temples of Coba alone provide stunning photo opportunities of ancient architecture enveloped by thick, green jungle.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Cancun. Arrive in Cancun on the Mexican Yucatan peninsula. Transfer to our hotel. Please Note: The hotels indicated in this itinerary reflect our preferred properties in each location. We list these hotels primarily to provide a general sense of overall standard; the final hotel list (which supersedes this itinerary) is not 100% confirmed until approximately 30-45 days prior to departure. We reserve the right to make substitutions of a similar standard if necessary. Overnight in Cancun. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Cancun - Xcaret - Cancun. This morning we travel the short distance to Xcaret, an educational center with lots of water-based activities. Xcaret was once a Mayan port known as "Pole". Travelers would come here to purify themselves before worshiping the goddess Ixchel in Cozumel. Besides these activities, you can spend time on the beaches, walk the grounds and see other educational exhibits. Overnight in Cancun. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Cancun - Chichen Itza. Today we travel to Chichen Itza. This is a wonderful archaeological site incorporating the ruins of two different cultures, the ancient Maya and the later arriving Toltecs. The substantial fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture make Chichen Itza unique. Tonight we include a visit to the Sound and Light show. Overnight in Chichen Itza. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Chichen Itza - Coba - Tulum or Coba. This morning we travel to the archeological site of Coba, certainly of the grandest Mayan city-states. A large trading center, Coba was connected to other Mayan cities by an elaborate network of roads. The ancient temples are still surrounded by the thick Yucatan jungle, which adds a lot of natural flavor to a rich cultural experience. Our journey continues to Tulum, named for one of the most beautiful Maya sites, perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum means "wall" in Maya. Overnight in Tulum. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Xel Ha & Tulum. We spend the day at Xel Ha, an eco-park with a large lagoon for snorkeling. It is a great place for first time snorkelers. Inner tubes and life vests are free, and you can rent snorkel gear or bring your own. The lagoon is calm, even on windy days, so snorkeling is easy. The restaurants, snacks and sodas are not over priced, so you can enjoy lunch in the park. Overnight in Tulum. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Tulum - Cancun. This morning we visit the archeological site of Tulum, the most important on Mexico's Caribbean coast. Tulum is protected on one side by ocean cliffs, and on the others by a stone wall. After lunch we return to Cancun for a free afternoon. Overnight in Cancun. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Depart. Today we depart Cancun. We can quote extra accommodation and transfers for those wishing to extend their time in Cancun. Breakfast.
Price Includes:
- Family pricing: Age 15 and under at time of travel 30% off land price, based on one child per adult; 11 and under 25% off adult air
- Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants)
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available)
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
All pricing reflects per-person Land Only expenses, however, we can book flights from virtually every city.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, and international air taxes (if applicable)
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Optional trip cancellation insurance
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
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