Highlights
- Visit Izamal, one of the magical towns of the Yucatán Peninsula
- Admire Chichen Itzá, one of the Wonders of the New World
- See exotic birds in the Rio Lagartos reserve
- Explore the archaeological sites of Cobá and Xcambó
- Learn about Merida's cultural history
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Punta Laguna and Cobá | Valladolid |
| Day 2 | Explore Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve | Valladolid |
| Day 3 | Day trip tour to Ek Balam & Mayan community | Valladolid |
| Day 4 | Chichén Itzá at sunrise - swim in Yokdzonot Cenote | Izamal |
| Day 5 | Izamal's and Mérida city tours | Merida |
| Day 6 | Kayak Tour, X-cambó & Progreso | Merida |
| Day 7 | Departure from Mexico |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Punta Laguna and Cobá
The adventure begins in Punta Laguna. This reserve is a beautiful natural environment managed by a Mayan cooperative. You'll go on a hike, looking for spider monkeys and howler monkeys, and go for a sailing trip on the lagoon.
Continue to the archaeological site of Cobá, surrounded by beautiful lagoons and trees. There, you will learn about this important site, whose design and purpose were very different from other Mayan cities. You'll have the option to rent a bike to explore the sprawling site.
Day 2: Explore Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Go on a morning tour to Rio Lagartos, a charming village on the Yucatán Peninsula. The Río Lagartos protected reserve is a wetlands area home of animals like flamingos, crocodiles, sea turtles, jaguars, and all kinds of sea birds. Explore this beautiful area by boat.
Day 3: Day trip tour to Ekʼ Balam & Mayan Community Tour
Rise bright and early to discover the Yucatec-Maya archaeological site of Ek' Balam. Once a thriving seat of a Mayan kingdom, the city was absorbed into the dense jungle typical of the area and wasn't rediscovered until the late 1800s. Wander the complex and climb the steps of the Acropolis, taking in the site as well as the surrounding jungle.
From there, you'll head to Ekʼ Balam's local village to visit three Mayan families which will be open to share their culture with you and teach you how to make tortillas, knit hammocks, and participate in an embroidery workshop. Finally, you will head to the X'Canché Cenote to enjoy a swim in the fresh, cool water.
Day 4: Discover Chichén Itzá at sunrise - swim in Yokdzonot Cenote
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Very early in the morning, you will leave your hotel for the special experience of touring Chichén Itzá at sunrise. This pre-Hispanic city was once the most venerated center of worship and pilgrimage of the Yucatán Peninsula. Its main draw is the Pyramid of Kukulkán (El Castillo), though there are many significant Mayan and Toltec buildings, sculptures, and reliefs that will pull you in, like the Temple of the Warriors, the Hall of the Thousand Columns, and the ball courts.
Then head to the lovely cenote (sinkhole) of Yokdzonot, which is relatively unknown and not as crowded as other cenotes. Cenotes were sacred to the Mayas and represented the entrance to the underworld. Overnight in the colonial town of Izamal.
Day 5: Izamal's and Mérida city tours
Stroll along the picturesque cobbled streets of Izamal and visit the impressive Convent of San Antonio de Padua, then continue to Mérida, a symbol of Mayan legacy. On a walking tour, you'll see the cathedral, the main square, and the government hall with its incredible paintings.
Day 6: Kayak Tour, X-cambó Archeological Site & Progreso
Finish the trip with a kayak tour through mangrove paths, followed by a visit to the archaeological site of X-Cambó. You'll end the day on the beaches of Progreso, where you'll dine on fresh seafood and see the sunset. Return to Mérida
Day 7: Departure from Mexico
After breakfast, your driver will take you to Mérida's International Airport. Have a safe flight home!
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