Maya Riviera And Merida

Today we will wake up at the crack of dawn to visit Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. This impressive Mayan temple is famous for the Kukulkan pyramid, the ball court, the observatory, the nunnery and the sacrificial well.  The archaeological site remains in an excellent state of preservation. We will then head on to the city of Merida. 

Today, we will visit the village of Uman, with its 16th century San Francisco de Asis church. This domed building made of stone, is gothic in appearance, and the centre-piece of the village along with its local market. Heading on for an hour or so more, we will reach Oxkintok meaning “three days of burning,” in the Mayan language. It is considered one of the most important settlements in the northern Yucatan and, possibly the oldest in the central Puuc region. Its location controlled the flow of commercial goods from the south to connect with other contemporary cultures. We will then head to the Hacienda San Pedro Ochil, one of the seven haciendas in the region. Here they farm henequen, we can see how artisans work inside their workshops, or even visit a small museum of folk art. Women weave hammocks and embroider their white cotton dresses which are characteristic of the region. In the afternoon, we will head back to Merida.

After breakfast, we will head out to the Celestun Reserve, which is home to the stunning pink as well as more than 170 resident and migratory bird species that inhabit the area. We can also see crocodiles in the marshes, the green hawksbill and loggerhead turtles laying their eggs. We will have the time to relax in a secluded beach, pristine beach before we head back to Merida.

Today we will head out on a cultural City tour which will take us back in time This “white City” maintains its character with its old paved streets and impressive buildings such as the Merida main Cathedral built in 1561, Casa de Montejo, government palace, municipal palace, theatres, parks and markets. Also the local cuisine is a must, as these Yucatecan dishes are world renowned! 

Today we will head to the town of Tulum, stopping at Coba Archaeological Site, along the way. Coba literally translates to ‘waters stirred by the wind’, an appropriate Mayan name as this settlement is surrounded by two large lagoons. For many years Coba was an ignored piece of Mayan history due to its location, between Tulum and Valladolid due to the dense jungle surrounding it. This Mayan site is still largely unexcavated making it a true marvel of the Yucatan Peninsula.  

The white pathways will take us to three settlements that demonstrate the architecture and vast area of this once large city, home of 2 ball courts and the highest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan, Nohoch Mul. What makes this site different from Chichen Itza, and other Mayan sites is that it is a combination of of sites connected to the central pyramid. There is also the option to take a zip line over the archaeological site, if you are feeling adventurous!

Today we will head to Muyil for a fascinating cultural immersion experience. A local nature guide will share the mysteries of the Muyil archaeological site. We will hike through the forest to the shore of a turquoise lagoon called Chunyaxche, where we can jump in the fresh water canal and “float on the calm waters for a relaxing experience. We will then enjoy a Mayan lunch, before we return to the hotel. 

After breakfast, we will visit the village to enjoy an authentic experience in a Mayan community and where the local people open their homes. We can learn all about the local people, their traditions, customs, and trade. These traditions have been passed through generations and a legacy of their Mayan ancestors. We will learn about Maya Medicine plants, Henequen spinning demonstration, textiles, legends and storytelling. 

 We will then visit Tihosuco and its church and convent dedicated to the Divine Child. 

The town, rich in history and culture, has a museum devoted to the social Maya War, where visitors can see impressive paintings and weapons used during this historic event. We will have a traditional lunch of Mayan Yucatecan Cuisine, before we return to Tulum. 

Today we will head to Punta Allen, to see dolphins, turtles and many bird species. We will board the boat to sail through lagoons, mangroves and the caribbean sea. We can snorkel on the second largest reef in the world and swim with a variety of colourful fish, turtles and starfish. We can also appreciate the birdlife and spot other marine animals.

After breakfast, we will head to the Tulum National Park. El Castillo, which is the tallest building at the Tulum site, offers spectacular views over the Caribbean. Here we will take the time to do some snorkeling an d once more appreciate the magnificent barrier reef. 

We will then enjoy a free afternoon to relax in the beach. 

Today is the final day of this adventure and we will drop you at the Cancun International airport in time for your international flight back home or onto your next exciting destination.