Mexico's Treasure: The Yucatan
Travel south of the border to Mexico's lush Yucatan Peninsula, a tropical paradise filled with ancient ruins, baroque colonial architecture, and exotic flora and fauna. Geographically isolated, the Yucatan is home to a unique culture influenced by the indigenous Mayan Indians and historic trading partners from the Caribbean and Europe. Marvel at ancient Mayan pyramids and temples, learn about traditional Mayan and Mexican cultures, and savor the delicious flavors of regional cuisine during your sojourn in the Yucatan.
To travel in Mexico's Yucatan is to explore a world of ancient Maya ruins, colonial architecture and savory cooking. Our local guest speakers will enhance your experience with a series of exclusive talks. Learn about the Mayan heritage before and after the Spanish Conquest. Gain knowledge about the ecological wonders of the Yucatan land and environment. Sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy a presentation by a chef. Learn about the distinctive structures and architecture of the Mayan region.
Highlights
Ek'Balam, Valladolid, Merida, Izamal, Uxmal, Kabah, Celestun, Chichen Itza
Collette Experience
Details
- Tour Operator
- Collette Vacations
- Offer
- Offer valid through 2/28/2009
- Duration
- 8 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Cancun | Cancun, Mexico: Travel south of the border to Mexico's lush Yucatan, a tropical paradise filled with ancient ruins, baroque colonial architecture and exotic flora and fauna. Geographically isolated, the Yucatan is home to a unique culture influenced by the indigenous Mayan Indians and historic trading partners from the Caribbean and Europe. Marvel at ancient Mayan pyramids and temples, learn about traditional Mayan and Mexican cultures and savor the delicious flavors of regional cuisine during your sojourn in the Yucatan peninsula. Tonight, gather for a special welcome reception and dinner. |
| Day 2 | Merida | Cancun - Ek'Balam - Valladolid - Merida: Explore the magnificent ruins of Ek'Balam (Star Jaguar). Dating from AD 900, this wealthy city-state was known for richly carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, stelae, a sophisticated network of roads and numerous hieroglyphic texts. Next, spend time at the colonial city of Valladolid, known as "The Pearl of the East." Valladolid is Yucatan's oldest and second largest city and has preserved its colonial flavor of the mid-1500s. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore the plaza and life along the cobblestone streets. Your day comes to an end in Merida, capital city of the state of Yucatan. |
| Day 3 | Merida | Merida - Izamal - Merida: Known as the "white city" for its light-colored facade, Merida was founded in 1542. A city tour features the spectacular archaeological finds at the Museum of Anthropology and the impressive collection of paintings at the Governor's Palace. In addition, see the Plaza Principal, Cathedral of San Ildefonso (the oldest in North America), and Paseo Montejo with its gorgeous 19th-century homes. Outside Merida, stop for lunch at Hacienda Teya where you will enjoy mouth-watering Yucatecan cuisine. Next, travel to Izamal, a beautiful colonial city known for its seven major Maya pyramids. The base of one pyramid became the foundation of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, which holds the second largest open-air atrium in the world. Explore the treasures of this unique town on your own before returning to Merida for an evening at leisure. |
| Day 4 | Merida | Merida - Uxmal - Kabah - Merida: Enjoy a full-day excursion to two impressive archaeological sites in the area, known as Puuc Route, which has World Heritage status. First, visit Uxmal, which was one of the largest city-states in the Yucatan. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and see the impressive building known as the "Pyramid of the Magician." Later, travel to Kabah, the sister city-state to Uxmal, and visit the "Temple of the Masks," whose facade is completely adorned with sculptures of the rain god, Chac. After returning to Merida, the balance of the day is at leisure. |
| Day 5 | Merida | Merida - Hacienda Visit - Merida: Today, travel back in time to the golden days of the haciendas when you visit the Hacienda Sotuta Peon. Experience the grandeur and magnificence of the hacienda buildings and plantation and watch the staff of this working plantation produce and process henequen (sisal). The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore all that Merida has to offer. |
| Day 6 | Merida | Merida - Uman - Celestun - Merida: This morning, walk through a local market in the town of Uman. Your guide will talk about the local produce that is used for everyday cuisine in the Yucatan. Your day continues at the Ecological Reserve at Celestun. During a relaxing boat excursion watch for the local wildlife, including elegant flamingos and pelicans that make this their home. This evening you are invited to a presentation on Yucatecan cuisine followed by a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. |
| Day 7 | Valladolid | Merida - Chichen Itza - Valladolid: No trip to the Yucatan would be complete without visiting the famous Mayan city-state of Chichen Itza. Explore what was once the largest political and religious center in the Yucatan Peninsula. Marvel at the magnificent ruins that demonstrate the impressive architectural skills and ingenuity of the ancient Mayan civilization. Your day concludes with a farewell dinner. |
| Day 8 | Tour Concludes | Valladolid - Tour Concludes: Your tour ends today in Valladolid. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
