Mayan Mexico Discovery Trip
Explore Mexico and the wonders that the Mayan culture has left the country. You will spend your time becoming at one with nature and the way that the Mexican community lives. Along, with staying in a unique set of hotels in different places throughout the country. History and traditions will play a massive part in your trip but relaxation on the white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters will give you an unforgettable experience.
- Mayan Archaeological site
- Bacalar Lagoon
- Canal de los Piratas
- Temple of the masks
- UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Gulf of Mexico
- Bird Island
- Yalahau Lagoon
- Passion Island
- Hacienda
- Be Mayan Experience
Throughout your trip, you will visit a variety of places and stay in stunning accommodation.
Tulum: Home to 6 miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear water it is clear to see why residents call this the “Jewel of the Mexican Caribbean”.
Bacalar: When you arrive you will be stunned by the most beautiful views. It is hard to believe it is real but it is! That is because you are viewing the lagoon of seven colours.
Kohunlich: Staying in the city is like taking a step into a time machine with all the modern features still here. Walking through the city will allow you to appreciate the importance of the buildings here.
Campeche: Mexico is home to 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (at the time of writing). Campeche is proud to be one of the unique ones due to it being a walled city.
Uxmal: Home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world. This place is perfect for all culture and history lovers with history and culture behind every corner.
Merida: Otherwise known as the “White City” the place is photograph ready with impeccable views everywhere.
Hacienda Sotuta de Peon: Home to the historic era of “Green Gold” in Yucatan you will visit the only working Henequen Factory in Merida.
Celestun: This protected area is home to flora and fauna. Including Flamingos with the yearly visit to the mangroves they protect their species for future generations.
Chichen: This destination has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Why would you not want to visit this place?
Holbox: Peace, tranquillity, beauty and nature are what embody the city. Here you will find breathtaking views and feast on fresh produce.
Upon arrival at Cancun Airport, a representative will be waiting for you ready to transfer you to your accommodation. Once you arrive at Hotel Ana Y Jose check into your room, explore the resort and meet up with your guide for orientation.
Highlights:
- Arrive in Mexico
- Check into your hotel
Your first destination is Tulum and after breakfast, you will visit one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites. Visit a Mayan Archeological site. Tulum served as the main port for the state of Quintana Roo. It was one of the last cities to be built and inhabited by the Mayans. Enjoy the rich history, the view and the incredible photo opportunities. Take this opportunity to relax on the white sandy beaches. After this incredible experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Highlights:
- Discover a Mayan archaeological site
- Relax on the white sandy beaches
Start day 3 with breakfast, check out of your accommodation and en route to your next accommodation stop off at Bacalar Lagoon. Here you will visit places that are away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy the sounds of nature, take a swim in low crystal clear waters and embrace the endless photo opportunities. Enter the covered boats where the staff have prepared a picnic which includes fresh mouth-watering seasonal fruits. After this you will have a tour of the “Canal de Los Piratas” later on in the day you will travel to Kohunlich where you will check into your accommodation for the night.
Highlights:
- Explore the Lagoon of the seven colours
- Learn about the history of the “Canal de Los Piratas”
Today you will visit another traditional Mayan city surrounded by huge trees and palm trees. Hike through the city and climb large buildings while taking in the views within the large squares. Enter the pyramid of the “temple of the masks” where five gods look to the west. It is said that the faces which are carved into the stones are the most beautiful in the Mayan world. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Campeche where you will check into your accommodation for the night.
Highlights:
- Discover Kohunlich with your friendly guide who will guide you in the history of the country
- At the hotel, relax in the sounds of nature
Start the day with breakfast in the hotel you will check out and partake in your daily activities to your next accommodation. Your first activity for the day will be visiting Campeche a city that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will learn about the Mayan heritage and the ancient pirate stories. Then move on to discovering the main attractions within the city such as museums, colonial buildings, fortress and the legend the city holds. Finally, you will drive to Uxmal and check into your hotel for the night.
Highlights:
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Learn about the Mayan heritage and history
- Discover the main attractions of the city
After breakfast, you will check out of the accommodation and explore Uxmal a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the steep pyramid of the dwarf and stone masks of the rain god “Cahc Mol”. Do you have a sweet tooth? If so, the next activity for the day will see your mouth watering. You will visit the Choco story an interactive museum taking you through Mexico’s history of chocolate production. Travel on to the south of Merida, whilst you are here you will discover the archaeological site of the Mayan Prehispanic area. Here you will check into your accommodation for the next four nights.
Highlights:
- Your guide will help you discover Uxmal
- Visit Choco-Story for an interactive chocolate experience
- Visit the south of Merida
Once your breakfast has concluded you will travel to the Gulf of Mexico on the west coast of Merida. Here you will reach the town of Celestun and the natural lagoon of salty water situated close to the sea. You will then step onto a boat and discover the local flora and fauna. See the Flamingo bird population they are pink in colour due to the shrimp they find and eat. Just before you head back to your hotel you will gaze at the crystal clear water near this amazing site.
Highlights:
- Celestun is a biosphere reserve that is home to unique pink Flamingos, flora and fauna
In the morning you will be accompanied by a guide who will give you a tour of Merida. Here you will visit the main attractions including the main square, hidalgo square, cathedral, the governor’s palace and many more. In the afternoon, you will have some time at leisure here you can visit Ruta Puuc a series of temples that are made out of limestone.
Highlights:
- Tour of Merida city
- Afternoon leisure time
Today you will visit the only working Hacienda in Merida. You will have a tour of the Henequen factory. Your guide will explain the importance of Hacienda and the role it played and still plays in the history of Merida. The tour includes a visit to the main house, the processing plant and the fields where traditional methods are still used to this day. You will return to Merida where you will spend some time at leisure.
Highlights:
- Tour of the only working Hacienda in Merida
- Time at leisure
During this day you will spend the morning in leisure where you could go for some retail therapy and buy souvenirs to remember this truly unforgettable experience. You will then check out of your hotel. Later on, during the day you will be transferred to Chichen where you will check in the next accommodation. At night this place offers a unique experience. Attend the light and sound show that is put on to feel at one with the place (not included in the price). If you choose not to attend this then you will be able to spend your time enjoying the resort before the next day’s activities.
Highlights:
- Discover the unique place of Chichen
Day 11 is jam-packed with activities. You will have breakfast and then take part in the “be Mayan experience”. This programme consists of:
The Mayan Spirituality Experience – An authentic Mayan ceremony officiated by an H’ men, a Mayan priest, and a witness to a spiritual ceremony that only he can perform.
The Secrets of the Mayan Cuisine – Try traditional dishes including “Pollo Pibil” you will be taught how to cook this dish and once you have you can eat it.
The Mayan Numerology Lesson – The binary number systems that we use in computers. Was invented by the Mayan community you will learn the basics and understand the numbers.
Observe the Universe – You will watch a short story movie that will help you understand the significance of the temples within the Mayan culture.
Explore the Temples of the Sacred City of Chichén Itzá the most famous and best-preserved archaeological site in Mexico. Discover the Kukulkan Pyramid and the observatory “El Caracol”.
Highlights:
- Take part in the Be Mayan Experience programme
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and be transferred to Chiquila. When you arrive a ferry will be waiting for you, it will transfer you to Holbox where your next accommodation is located. In the afternoon there is an optional excursion of the bioluminescence phenomenon. Please note that this optional excursion is not included in the price so you will have to arrange and pay extra for this.
Highlights:
- Time at leisure
Day 13
Today you will embark on a three-island tour by boat visiting Bird Island, Yalahau Lagoon and Passion Island. Bird Island is what it says on the tin; it is home to over 150 different species of birds and is a half an hour boat journey from the hotel. Yalahau Lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and it is a beautiful sight you would not want to miss. Passion Island is a fifteen-minute boat ride from the hotel and is an island where you will want to relax and encourages you to relax.
Day 14
Spend the day at leisure.
Today is the day where we wave you goodbye and you head onto your onward arrangements. We hope you had an amazing time.
No travel between the following dates:
Sep 14th -Sep 16th 2022
Dec 21st 2022 -Jan 4th 2023
Dates are flexible so please make an enquiry and tell us a range of dates you are considering so we can check availability.
- Modern air-conditioned transportation
- Official English-speaking guide.
- 14 overnights in hotels according to program
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch on day 11
- Tours mentioned on the program
- Transfer in from CUN airport to the first overnight hotel.
- Local taxes
- All flights
- Visa
- Health Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- All meals not included with the programme
- Added activities or activities within the programme which may require extra payments
- Carbon offsetting through climate care
- Drinks with meals unless specified in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels,
- Any optional tours, spa or other services not mentioned on the program
- Tips and gratuities
- Expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry, etc.
- Environmental tax on the first hotel
- Any proof of COVID testing required for return to home country
Suitable for ages 18 to 60
Some accommodations are adult only