Mundo Maya
7 unforgettable days

Description

Day 1: Cancun – Tulum – Bacalar – Chetumal

Pick up by driver/guide and transfer to the archeological site of Tulum. Tulum is located in at the Caribbean coast. The most famous structures are the temple of the descending God and the temple of the frescoes. The site is bordered at one side by the sea and the three other sides by a wall. We continue our trip to Bacalar where we will visit the Lagoon of the seven colors where you can swim and have lunch. Afterwards we continue to Chetumal where we will visit the Maya museum that shows us what we are going to see the next days. Overnight in Chetumal in hotel plaza Chetumal.

Day 2: Chetumal – Kohunlich – Chicanna – Palenque

After the breakfast we drive to the archeological site of Kohunlich which is located in the jungle at the border of Quintana Roo and Belize. Here we can admire the masks of the sun gods. Our journey continues to the small archeological site of Chicanna. Late afternoon arrival in Palenque at hotel Chan Chaak where we will stay for two nights.

Day 3: Palenque – waterfalls – Palenque

Early morning visit of the archeological site of Palenque, world heritage of the UNESCO. Palenque was one of the most important sites of the Maya civilization which was known throughout the Maya world because of the great ruler Pakal. Afterwards we continue to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the surroundings of Palenque. We return to Palenque town where we can visit the city and enjoy an optional lunch. The rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the pool or relax.

Day 4: Palenque – Campeche

Today we are going to Campeche. During our journey we will pass a part along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. On the way we will stop at a beach where we can have an optional lunch and we can swim. In the afternoon we will visit the historic center of Campeche, world heritage of UNESCO. Overnight in Campeche at hotel Don Gustavo.

Day 5: Campeche – Uxmal – Celestún – Mérida

Transfer to the archeological site Uxmal world heritage of the UNESCO. The place name is pre-Columbian and it is usually assumed to be an archaic Maya language phrase meaning built three times. Uxmal holds some of the most complex and beautiful examples of the regional Puuc-style architecture, and its magnificent pyramids and structures make it a popular tourist destination. Visit the pyramid of the dwarf, the nunnery, the ball court and the governor’s palace. Your journey will continue to Celestun, a quiet fishing village at the Gulf of Mexico. We might see pink flamingos during the boat tour on the lagoon. Many other water birds will join the fantastic spectacle: e.g. cormorants, pelicans, ducks, frigate birds. Enjoy the beach while observing pelicans diving into the shallow water of the Gulf of Mexico. The optional lunch can be served at the beach. Transfer to the white city Merida. Overnight at hotel hacienda Mérida.

Day 6: Mérida – Izamal – Chichen Itza

The city tour begins on the Zocalo (main plaza). We will visit the oldest cathedral of Yucatan, the Governor’s Palace, with the stunning murals painted by local artist Pacheco, and the city founder’s former residence, casa de Montejo, as well as a lively city market. In Merida we can observe the Spanish and French influence. The Champs-Elysees served as an example for the construction of the Paseo de Montejo. Transfer to the magical town of Izamal. Izamal the yellow city is a place where Diego de Landa left his landmark in the form of the virgin of Izamal and the ex-convent of San Antonio de Padua. This place was visited by His Holiness John Paul II in 1993. We can also appreciate the Maya pyramids during a tour in a carriage in the historic center. You can enjoy an optional regional lunch in the famous restaurant Kinich. Transfer to the hotel Villas Arqueológicas in Chichen Itza where you can relax the rest of the afternoon.

Day 7: Chichen Itza – Valladolid – Cancun / Riviera Maya

We will visit the archeological site of Chichen Itza with this sunrise tour. Chichen Itza one of the seven wonders of the world. Here you can see the famous pyramid of Kukulkan, the temple of the warriors, the observatory and many other monuments. Chichen Itza had a large influence of the Toltecs from Central Mexico between 1100 and 1200 A.C. Only about 30 of all the discovered structures have been excavated up to date. The oldest date from the classic period around 600 A.C. The Toltecs constructed a huge amount of their structures on top of the Maya temples. The pyramid El Castillo is the most impressive with a height of 30 meters (about 90 feet), indicating the equinox. We continue to the largest ball court of Yucatan. The observatory “El Caracol” looks like a snail and has been discovered in 1842 by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, who drew it. The astronomical observatory was used to observe Venus. On our way back to the Caribbean coast you can swim in a cenote, water sinkhole, called Dzitnup. Transfer to the colonial city of Valladolid. The idyllic city Valladolid is characterized by colonial houses of vivid colors. In Valladolid we can visit the City Hall with wonderful paintings that tell the story of the city. The church is constructed with the stones of the pyramid that used to be at the place where we find the main plaza nowadays. The optional lunch can be enjoyed in the restaurant Mesón del Marques known for its excellent typical and regional food. Transfer to your accommodation.