Yucatan Haciendas
5 days back into history

Description

Day 1: Cancun/Riviera Maya – Chichen Itza-Cenote-Hotel Hacienda San José Cholul

Pick up by English speaking driver/guide and transfer to the archeological site of 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. We continue our trip to a cenote, a water sinkhole, where you can refresh yourself and swim. Transfer to your luxury boutique hotel Hacienda San José Cholul 5*, where we will stay 2 nights.

Day 2: Hotel Hacienda San José Cholul-Ake-Izamal- Hotel Hacienda San José Cholul

Today we start off with a visit to the Hacienda Ake where the green gold of Yucatan, better known as sisal is still manufactured. We will learn the manufacture process from the plant to the rope. 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. Return to your luxury boutique hotel Hacienda San José Cholul 5*, where you relax the rest of the afternoon, enjoy the lovely pool or swing in your hammock.

Day 3: Merida – Celestun – Hotel Hacienda Santa Rosa

Transfer to the capital Merida. 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. 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 Hotel Boutique Hacienda Santa Rosa where we will stay two nights.

Day 4: Uxmal – Choco Story – Becal

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 Choco Story where you will learn about the history of Cacao, the use of cacao in the Maya culture, the cultivation of the tree, the process and manufacture of chocolate. We will also witness a Maya ceremony. Our journey continues to the village of Becal where we will see how hats are manufactured from the Jipijapa palm leaves. The hats are woven by hand in a cave. Return to your Hotel Boutique Hacienda Santa Rosa.

Day 5: Cenote- Valladolid – Cancun/Riviera Maya

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.