Mexico: Riviera Maya and Yucatan
-
Chichen Itza, Mexico ©Tritour
-
Chichen Itza, Mexico, © Tritour
-
Valladolid, Mexico © Tritour
-
Yucatan Ek Balam, Mexico © Tritour
Discover a magical land of vivid colours and vivacious cultures. From the sleepy fishing villages to vibrant metropolises, Mexico is a diverse country and an endless adventure for the senses. It is rich in beautiful and archaeological treasures with tree shaded plazas and sculptured stone churches hidden in cloistered corners of colonial cities.
Mexico is home to some of the world’s oldest and well preserved monuments which tell the story of ancient civilisations. Explore the beautifully preserved Mayan ruins or the world famous Chichen Itza. Mexico’s rich culture comes alive in the bustling street fiestas of cosmopolitan cities. Head to the coast for a slice of paradise and find the most beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear azure waters. Those beaches are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a refreshing Margarita. Mexico is a magnificent mystery waiting to be discovered.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary by Air
Day 1
Arrival in Cancun
Fly from the UK to Cancun International Airport. On arrival you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to relax at the hotel.
Day 2
Cancun
Enjoy the morning at leisure to relax by the pool. In the afternoon, explore Cancun with a local guide, visiting the main city attractions as well as sights of this beautiful city. In the afternoon, visit a local restaurant where you can enjoy Caribbean food with a Mayan twist.
Day 3
Tulum – Coba – Chichen Itza
Travel to the walled city of Tulum. Explore the archeological site with an English speaking guide and see the Mayan ruins. In the town, visit the flea market and stop for a drink in a local bar. Later, you will travel to the Mayan City of Coba. On the way, stop at a “cenote” (underground river) where you will have the opportunity to refresh in to the clear spring water. In Coba, learn about Mayan history and culture with a tour around the archaeological site. Enjoy a traditional Yucatan lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon travel to Chichen Itza. You will then have the evening at leisure to relax in the hotel.
Day 4
Chichen Itza – Merida
Enjoy a guided tour of the archeological site of Chichen Itza. Founded in 445 B.C. it was the most important and the most spectacular ceremonial center in in Mayan culture. Visit Kukulkan’s Pyramid, Temple of the Warriors, Great Ballcourt, Sacred Cenote and Thousand Columns. In the afternoon, explore the city of Merida nicknamed the “White City” because of the predominance of white limestone buildings. The city’s colonial heritage has been preserved which can be seen in the avenues and monuments in the historic district. The Central Square or “Plaza Grande” is surrounded by ancient buildings such as the San Idelfonso Cathedral, the most antique church of the Americas, built in the second half of the XVI Century. The cathedral has one of the biggest interior statues of Christ in the world. In the evening, walk through town and visit the variety of bars and restaurants. Merida is considered one of the most peaceful cities.
Day 5
Merida – Celestun
The Yucatan Peninsula is a privileged region blessed by nature, covered by Biodiversity Reserve areas where the Jungle and the evergreen Tropical Forest seem like a replica of the Garden of Eden. Visit one of Yucatans most beautiful sites, the Ria de Celestun Bird Sanctuary with almost 100 different species including flamingos. Tour the lagoon on a small motor boat and even enjoy a dip. In the afternoon, return to Merida where you will be able to explore the different districts of the city with with their Spanish and French influence.
Day 6
Merida – Uxmal – Sotuta de Peon Hacienda
Visit the majestic archeological site of Uxmal declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The elegant and beautiful buildings of Uxmal site are amazingly well preserved. Tour the Governor’s Palace, the House of the Turtles and the Pyramid of the Magician. The architecture of Uxmal is among the most majestic in Yucatan. Its beauty is characterised by low and horizontal palaces placed around patios and quadrants richly decorated with detailed sculptures. Continue to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, where you can still sense the city’s past. Sotuta de Peón, was built in the late 1800’s in Tecoh, Yucatán, and is the restoration project of a landmark located in the heart of the ancient Henequén zone. It gives a true glimpse of what was once a fully operational Henequen Hacienda in the grand style and tradition of this period.
Day 7
Merida – Izamal – Valladolid – Ek Balam
Travel to the colonial city of Izamal, also called the “city of three cultures” because of how its Pre-Hispanic past, colonial period and current culture blend together. Feel the peace of this city with its yellow buildings, beautiful monastery, Mayan ruins and warm people. Continue to Valladolid and visit the historical Plaza, the site of one of the oldest churches in America. Later visit the archeological site of Ek Balam where mysteries of mixed cultures come together. Learn about the history of the site with a tour from a local guide. Stop at a cenote and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local Mayan village. Drive to Cancun and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 8
Cancun
Today, you have the day at leisure to enjoy hotel facilities or explore the city. Go shopping in the mall and stop for a drink or a bite to eat at one of the many traditional restaurants looking out onto the beach.
Day 9
Cancun – Xcaret
Visit the Xcaret Eco Theme Park. Walk through the Hacienda, a typical 19th century mansion. Learn about the history of Mexico in its halls of exquisite architecture. Continue to the Gran Tlaxco Auditorium and enjoy a 3 course dinner and a musical performance.
Day 10
Cancun – Return to UK
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Mexico is a huge country and the weather varies by season and region. The optimum time to visit is generally between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. The coolest months are between December and February, while the wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. A heavy shower during this period usually clears the increased humidity before it builds up again. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
