DAY 1
08:00 AM Departure PRIVATE SERVICE
Departure of passengers in Cancún or Riviera Maya.
In the morning, visit to the archaeological site of Tulum.
Tulum is one of the most visited and beautiful Mayan cities in Mexico; part of its charm lies in the fact that it was built facing the sea, on a cliff where you can appreciate the turquoise tones of the Caribbean Sea in all its splendor.
Although not a very large city, Tulum played a prominent role in maritime and land trade in the area between the 13th and 16th centuries, during the period archaeologists have classified as the Late Postclassic. It was precisely during this period that its main buildings, those we can currently appreciate, were constructed. Tulum also served as an astronomical observatory and defensive system.
Unlike other Mayan cities, it is believed that Tulum had significant autonomy, meaning it did not depend politically or commercially on other major city-states. Another important fact is that Tulum was inhabited when the Spanish arrived in 1518, but due to conquest, slavery, and diseases, it was soon abandoned. The jungle then took over, burying it in oblivion, and it had to wait several centuries to be rediscovered. The Bacalar Lagoon is popularly known as the "Lagoon of the Seven Colors" because seven different shades of blue can be distinguished in its waters, formed by seven different cenotes whose waters overflowed, creating a single lagoon. It is narrow and long, measuring 42 km in length and only 2 km at its widest point.
The Bacalar Lagoon is one of the few permanent bodies of water on the Yucatan Peninsula, where the limestone soil typically does not allow for surface water retention, forming underground currents and cenotes. However, in the Bacalar region and southern Quintana Roo, the Lagoon is part of a larger system along with other smaller lagoons, such as Guerrero Lagoon or Milagros Lagoon. During rainy seasons, these lagoons sometimes join through waterholes and swamps with the Hondo River and Chetumal Bay. Unlike other parts of the peninsula, this system of lagoons, rivers, and bays allowed for communication and development in southern Quintana Roo. Then, the journey will continue to Bacalar Lagoon, where accommodation will be provided at Hotel Laguna or similar. Lunch not included.
DAY 2
Departure at 08:00 am in PRIVATE SERVICE
Visit to Kohunlich, Becán, and Xpu-Hil. All these areas are remote from civilization and surrounded by dense vegetation and jungle for protection. Becán is a Mayan archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Campeche. It is characterized by being surrounded by a moat, unique in the Mayan area, which some researchers consider as evidence of continuous warfare activity between this and other cities in the region, while others see it as a clear spatial division of social classes. Access to Becán was possible through seven entrances, and outside the area surrounded by the moat, there are a large number of minor constructions that served various functions. Accommodation at Hotel Chicana Ecovillage or similar. Lunch not included.
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DAY 3
05:00 am departure PRIVATE SERVICE
Important city of the Classic period, Calakmul, one of the largest cities in the Mayan world. This ancient Mayan city is located within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, which covers more than 723,000 hectares and is the largest of the five protected natural areas in Campeche. The Calakmul archaeological zone was inscribed by UNESCO in 2002 as a cultural heritage of humanity.
Culturally, Calakmul has been considered the capital of a Maya regional state during the Classic period, with initial development in the Late Classic period. Some have considered it a "superpower", openly hostile to the power of its counterpart, the great Tikal, with whom it vied for hegemony in the central Maya area during the Classic period. Additionally, this site reports the largest number of stelae in the region, totaling 117, and a large number of tombs have been found, in whose funerary contexts numerous vessels and various elements of the attire of the inhumed officials have been recorded (masks, pectorals, earplugs, and jadeite necklaces, pieces of shell and marine snail, obsidian, stucco, etc.).
Continuation to the city of Campeche, which preserves all its buildings practically intact since the colonial era, thanks to the bulwarks that protect the historic center from pirate attacks. Arrival at the hotel on Paseo de Campeche. Accommodation at the Hotel del Paseo Campeche or similar. Lunch not included.
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DAY 4
09:00 am departure PRIVATE SERVICE.
City tour in Campeche and continuation to Uxmal. Visit of Uxmal, which means "The Three Times Erected" in Mayan language, and although the reason is a mystery, its beauty is undeniable. Subsequently, we continue to Mérida, "The White City". Accommodation at Hotel Castellano or equivalent.
Uxmal, surrounded by legends, myths, and anecdotes; poetic in its name and history, is located next to a series of hills known as Puuc, which in the Mayan language means "mountain range", and which was the name later given to the architectural style of the sites in that region.
The most impressive structure, standing at over 35 meters, is the House of the Magician. The Nunnery, another of its great buildings, was baptized by the Spaniards who, upon seeing it, were reminded of some European convent, and it was probably used as a school for healers, astrologers, and priests.
The Governor's Palace is an excellent example of stone mosaic work and was most likely elaborated by hundreds of masons and sculptors.
Subsequently, we continue to Mérida, "The White City". Accommodation at Hotel Aluxes or Castellano with lunch included.
DAY 5
08:30 AM DEPARTURE ON SHARED TOUR
Excursion to the Celestún ecological reserve to observe flora and fauna. There is a wide variety of birds to see, including the pink flamingo. The tour includes a boat ride through the estuary. Afterwards, there is time to swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Return to Mérida. Accommodation at Hotel Los Aluxes or El Castellano with lunch included.
DAY 6
SHARED SERVICE.
Visit to Hacienda Sotuta de Peón with a swim in the Zhul-ha cenote and free time to enjoy the hacienda. On a truck, you will tour the henequen fields and learn about sisal production. A visit to the beautifully restored owner's house with its original furniture and large swimming pool is a must. Lunch included.
Return to Mérida and accommodation in Mérida.
DAY 7
08:30 am 09:00 am departure SHARED.
Visit to Chichen Itzá, the most visited archaeological site with its impressive Pyramid of Kukulcán, the great Ball Court, and the fascinating Temple of the Thousand Columns. Lunch included.
And return to Merida or Cancun end of services.
INCLUDES:
Personalized banner to welcome you at Cancun airport
Entrance fees to the sites to be visited
Tour lunch in Uxmal, Celestun, and Chichen Itza
American breakfasts
4-star hotel nights
Days of private service +03 days in shared
Guide throughout the tour
Guide-driver allowances during the tour
Parking fees and highways as required
Does not include unspecified items.
Telephone calls
Meals outside the program
Porters at the arrival and departure airport.
