Yucatan: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes

Widely popular as the ultimate spring break destination, Cancun’s many delights make it the perfect city to explore on your own. Discover the ancient ruins of El Ray archaeological zone and the Mayan remains of El Meco after which you can head for the downtown buzz of El Centro. Stroll through the Mercado Veintiocho, a large open air market selling traditional crafts, and then walk along the Avenida Tulum, dotted with historic buildings like the majestic City Hall. Settle down to a quintessential Yucatecan lunch of panuchos or stuffed tortillas or choose from Mexican staples like tacos and burritos. You can drop by the Cancun National Marine Park, famous for its striking underwater attractions or head straight to the beach to lounge in the sun. Come evening, the place to be is Zona Hotelera, a long strip of trendy bars, cabanas and resorts, testimony to Cancun’s legendary nightlife. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Mérida on this leisurely walk through the fascinating capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Also the largest city of the Yucatán, Mérida is a vibrant amalgamation of ancient Mayan culture and a Spanish colonial history. Discover the marriage of civilizations in the grand architecture lining the city’s historic town square or the Plaza de la Independencia. Admire the impressive early colonial Cathedral of Mérida and its neighboring church, the striking white Iglesia de la Tercera Orden. Walk over to the Hidalgo Square, dropping by the colonial monuments of the Governor’s Palace, Montejo House, and Boulevard. Discover the vibrant heart of Mérida before returning to your hotel. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Note: Please carry sun hat, shades, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, light clothes & comfortable walking shoes).

Discover the history of a Mexican hacienda and swim in cenotes on this half day tour in Mexico. Your private vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in Merida and drive you to Hacienda Mucuyche, which is located in the town of the same name. Enjoy a tour of the hacienda, which dates to the 17th century. Learn about its past as one of the most important henequen haciendas of its time. Then follow your guide to Cenote Carlota, named after the former Empress of Mexico, who is said to have been the first person to bathe in its waters. You will have time to swim or snorkel in the cenote before moving on to Cenote Azul Maya, which is located in a cave. Enjoy a dip in its waters and discover why the Mayans considered these pools to be sacred. You will also have access to the hacienda pool during your visit. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Travel time to activity: 1.5 hrs; Meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Snorkeling equipment is provided; All entry fees are included)

Set out from your hotel in Merida and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Izamal. Stroll down cobblestone streets with horse drawn carriages as you savor the beauty of the yellow-colored colonial architecture. Pass by bustling plazas and arcades as you head to the Mayan archeological site at the heart of town. Explore the Franciscan convent of San Antonia de Padua and the pyramids scattered around town. Afterward, travel on to the charming town of Valladolid and soak in the unique ambiance created by the blend of colonial history with a rich Mayan heritage. Saunter past stately buildings and head to the vibrant marketplace to mingle with the easy-going locals. Stop by the lovely convent established by early Christian missionaries in this former Spanish colony. You could then relish lunch in town before being dropped off at your hotel. (Private En route Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Set off on an exciting exploration of the splendid ruins of an ancient Mayan city at Chichen Itza. Saunter around the UNESCO World Heritage site as your expert guide points out the finer details of pre-Columbian architecture. Take a closer look at the well-preserved structures with Toltec influences. Wander around the magnificent Pyramid of Kukulkan characterized by its square terraces. Walk across the Pelota ball game court that is believed to have hosted the predecessor of the now popular sport of basketball! Learn about the famous Mayan method of charting calendars at the grand observatory and admire the spectacular Temple of the Warriors with its 1,000 columns. Take a closer look at the Chac-Mool sacrificial sculpture before you travel on to a cenote or sinkhole. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waters before it’s time to wind up your tour. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Explore Coba and Tulum, two ancient cities of the intriguing Mayan civilization, located in Quintana Roo in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Drive from your hotel to Coba, nestled deep in the Mayan jungle, and marked by a stunning pyramid rising out from the midst of a dense cover of trees. Enter the site, and take a bike or tractor to get to the highest pyramid of the region known as Nohoch Mul (large mound), famous for its hieroglyphics. Climb up the pyramid feet to witness panoramic views of the archaeological site and its tree-clad surroundings. Learn about the history of Coba, which was one of the largest Mayan trade centers and now boasts many significant ruins. Walk or cycle around the site through lakes and an impressive network of roads connecting the structural remains of the ancient city. Relish a local lunch at one of the restaurants outside and proceed to picturesque Tulum, once a Mayan fortress city. Tulum is one of the best-preserved Mayan sites, and is situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. After a short train ride from the parking lot to the entrance, visit the temple of El Castillo (the castle) that used to be a lighthouse to guide boats traversing the surrounding reef. Understand the significance of the place that thrived during the 13th – 15th century. Explore more of the ruins, visiting some of the other restored structures in the walled area, taking in stunning views of the sparkling sea beyond the cliffs. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach enjoying the turquoise waters before heading back to your hotel. (Duration: Full day; Please note that this includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional English-speaking, bilingual guide. Comfortable clothes and footwear are recommended, along with sunglasses, hat, change of clothes and extra cash for possible souvenir shopping.)

Explore a host of attractions in the charming seaside town of Tulum on your own. You can start with the stunning architecture of El Castillo, an enormous stone structure perched on a rocky cliff that looks out on the sea and recalls the past of glory of this ancient Mayan port town. After your explorations, you can head for white sandy beaches lapped by turquoise blue waves followed by a leisurely lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. Savor freshly caught and grilled seafood or traditional tacos seasoned with local flavors. Then, if you wish to indulge the nature lover in you, set off for the nearby Parque Nacional Tulum where lush mangroves and cenotes or natural limestone sinkholes dot the coastal landscape. As the dusk spreads across the Yucatan sky, make your way back to the beach where hip cabanas and posh resorts throb with a party vibe. (Full Day; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included).