Yucatan: Ancient Ruins & Beach Relaxation

Immerse yourself in the town of Tulum, Mexico on this bike tour. Your guide will escort you to Ancient Tulum, the remains of one of the last cities inhabited by the Mayans. The only ruins to be found by the sea, the city sits atop the cliffs. Learn about Mayan culture as you explore the remains of temples, watchtowers and trading posts. Climb to the top of the site for spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. Then visit the Melipona Maya Bee Foundation to learn about native beekeeping. End your tour with a refreshing swim in a cenote, a surface water body that extends into subterranean caverns that were considered sacred by the Mayans. Return to the office by 1330 hrs. (Duration; half day; Time: 07:45 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals: Lunch, Please let us know about any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: Easy)

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).

Explore ancient Mayan ruins on this fascinating excursion to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Uxmal and one of the many archeological sites surrounding it. After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive down to the magnificent ruins at Uxmal, comparable in historical as well as archeological importance to Chichen Itza as well as Tikal in Guatemala. Admire the imposing Step Pyramid of the Dwarf before checking out the famous acoustics at the Nun’s Quadrangle. Walk by the exquisite stone masks of the rain god, Chacmool, in the decorative friezes of the imposing Governor’s Palace. Discover the typical Mayan Puuc style of architecture at Uxmal and the nearby site of Kabah. Walk down the centuries’ old sacbe or the typical raised paved roads built by the Mayans at Kabah. Also known as the ‘white way’, the path winds its way through the lush forests to the site’s main Mayan temple. Admire the striking temple façade with its numerous intricately-carved masks of gods and other Mayan artifacts. Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; Lunch not included: Note: Please wear light clothes & comfortable shoes. Please carry sun hat, shades, sunscreen & mosquito repellent.)

After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive west of Mérida and spend a leisurely day attuning yourself with the beautiful natural landscape of the pretty little fishing village of Celestún. Explore the beautiful natural lagoon of Celestún, which lies along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Take a laidback boat ride to the gorgeous Celestún Biosphere Reserve, home to the famous pink flamingo and other coastal birds such as storks, herons, and pelicans. Spot flocks of flamingos getting their fill of saltwater shrimp which give these graceful birds their distinctive pink shade. Take a leisurely walk through the lush mangrove forests, with its crystal clear sweet water. Relish a delicious luncheon at a local inn before heading back to your hotel. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Moderate; Meals included: Lunch: Note: Please wear light clothes & comfortable shoes. Please carry sun hat, shades, sunscreen & mosquito repellent.)

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.)

Immerse yourself in Mayan culture on this fascinating excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza, with its magnificent remnants of a pre-Columbian era metropolis. Gain insights from your guide on the architectural influences of the Toltec culture evident in the structures. Stroll around the splendid Pyramid of Kukulkan with its square terraces famed for the unique play of light that on it during the day. Wander around the vast court that once hosted Pelota ball games considered the predecessor of basketball. Stop by the grand observatory for a look at the renowned Mayan method of charting calendars. Marvel at the thousand stone columns of the Temple of Warriors that is also home to a Chac-Mool sacrificial sculpture. Travel on to Selva Maya, the sacred freshwater cenote or sinkhole that is part of a network of underground rivers, revered by the ancient Mayans. Rejuvenate with a relaxing swim in the cool water before traveling on to Isla Holbox. (Private En route Activity & Transfer; Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy.)

At Holbox Island, slip into a kayak under the direction of an expert guide, and paddle from the clear shallow waters towards winding channels lined by mangroves. Witness spectacular scenery and various species of birds native to the swampy area, which is part of the Yum Balam nature reserve. Slow down to enjoy continuous birdsong and feel the wind in your hair as you listen to the guide’s commentary on the flora and fauna of this rich ecosystem. Pause to observe groups of graceful flamingos searching for shrimp in the water and crocodiles basking in the sun at the shore. Take short water and snack breaks if you need to, and head back to the pier for a drive back to your hotel. (Duration: 3 hrs; Start time: 07:00h; Shared Activity; Includes a guide, kayak, life jackets, and pick-up from the hotel; drop-off after activity in Holbox town, at walking distance from hotels)