This two-week family adventure begins in the world-famous beach destination of Cancun, where parents and children alike can enjoy the glistening white-sand stretches of pristine shoreline and the crystal-clear, blue-green waters lapping nearby. From here, we make headway for Xcaret, an educational center with plenty of opportunity for water-based activities, where we have the chance to explore a myriad of underwater caves that millions of years ago formed part of the ocean floor, play with dolphins and visit one of the largest butterfly pavilions in the world.
The center itself is built amid and around ancient ruins, which makes for a unique and fascinating setting, and before we venture through the Yucatan and Belize to see the real thing for ourselves, we check out a replica Mayan village and learn about one of the most famous and influential of all societies in history of the Americas. We tour archaeological sites with relics and remnants from two great civilizations, the Mayas and the Toltecs, and marvel at the pinnacle efforts of their architectural, astrological and engineering geniuses.
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. Today, the center is built in and around the ancient ruins, making a unique setting.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. 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. 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. On the far side of the lagoon, near the bridge, check out the Mayan cave. 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 - Chetumal. 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. It was founded around 1200 as a commercial trading port, and reached its height of importance in the 1400s. The most impressive site at this area is the large Pyramid on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. A wide staircase leads to a two-chamber temple on the top. Overnight in Chetumal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Chetumal, Mexico - Corozal, Belize. Before leaving Chetumal we visit the Museum of Mayan Culture, where we learn how the Mayans were the dominant culture in the area for over 100 years. After crossing the border into Belize we visit a butterfly breeding center. Overnight in Corozal. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Corozal - Crooked Tree - Altun Ha - Orange Walk. Today we travel to Belize City via the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a large reserve covering inland waterways, logwood swamps, and lagoons. It is ideally located as a resting point for thousands of migrating birds such as kites, tiger-herons, snowy egrets and ospreys. The reserve's most famous visitor is the rare Jabiru Stork, the largest flying bird in the New World with a wing span of 2.5 m/8 ft. Overnight in Orange Walk. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Orange Walk - Lamanai Archaeological Reserve - Belize City. Today we explore one of the many temples or palaces of Lamanai. Traveling via the Northern Highway, we pass through rural villages and lowlands to Tower Hill, where we board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter birdlife including hawks, kites and falcons. Overnight in Belize City. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Belize City - Belize Zoo - San Ignacio. Early this morning we we visit the world famous Belize Zoo. A highlight of any visit to this little country, the zoo allows us not only to see some of the rare creatures of Central America but the zoo is actively involved in conserving habitat for these species and part of our entrance fees go towards ensuring that the wild relatives of these now caged animals can live free. Overnight in San Ignacio. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: San Ignacio. This is perfect country for horse back riding. We offer a half day tour through canopy trails, Howler Monkey habitat and Maya ruins. Lunch and swim at the Mopan River. We walk, trot, canter, according to ability. Overnight in San Ignacio. Hotel San Ignacio or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: San Ignacio - Xunantunich - Belize City - Cay Caulker. This morning we visit Xunantunich, a Classic-period ceremonial center. Its name means "stone maiden." Perhaps the best part of a visit to Xunantunich is the spectacular view of the surrounding forest from the top of El Castillo, the largest structure in the complex and the second tallest human-made building in Belize at 40 m/132 ft. Overnight in Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13: Cay Caulker. On early British maps the island's name is spelled "Cay Corker." Known historically for its plentiful supply of exposed fresh water at La Aguada, one theory holds that this island was a favorite stop for sailors to replenish and cork water bottles. The Spanish name of the island is Cayo Hicaco, which means "the island of the cocoplum." Overnight on Cay Caulker. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14: Cay Caulker - Belize City - Departure. Today we fly to Belize City to connect with our onward flights. Departure from Belize City. Land only clients: Your flight out of Belize City, the tour end point, should take into account the trip from Cay Caulker. Those with morning flights may have to overnight in Belize City at an extra cost. 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:
Central America and Caribbean
Belize
Mexico
Cultural Journey
Ecotourism
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