YUCATAN PENINSULA AND CHIAPAS
A complete 18-day, 17-night circuit to discover the essentials of the Yucatan Peninsula and the beautiful state of Chiapas. A comprehensive tour of the most famous archaeological sites, the most beautiful reserves, and the most magical cenotes, as well as the most typical colonial cities, while enjoying the delicious local cuisine. By the end of this journey, the entire region will hold no secrets for you.
TRAVELER NOTICE
CIRCUIT DETAILS
Highlights of the circuit
- Complete tour of the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas
- Visit to 7 of the most impressive archaeological sites in the peninsula
- Visit to over 5 lakes and lagoons, including 1 by sailboat, 2 by boat, and 2 by canoe
- Exploration of numerous rivers, waterfalls, and cenotes ideal for swimming
- Stay in 5 colonial cities to fully experience the warm hospitality of the locals
- Tour of a historic sisal fiber hacienda
- Sailboat tour of Bacalar Lagoon
- Visits to the Ria Lagartos, Celestun, Montes Azules, Sumidero Canyon, and Calakmul reserve
- Sampling of Yucatecan and Chiapaneca gastronomy
- Nights in charming hotels and Mayan villages
- A comprehensive itinerary combining history, nature, gastronomy, communities, and water activities.
Difficulty
Moderate, suitable for the whole family.
Next available dates
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PROGRAM
Day 1
We depart from the Riviera Maya towards the northern part of the peninsula, driving through the famous pink salt flats of Las Coloradas. After a delicious seafood meal in the fishing village of Rio Lagartos, we’ll take a private boat tour on the lagoon to discover its stunning bird reserve. Flamingos, spoonbills, herons, ospreys, kingfishers, crocodiles, and many other species await us to be admired at sunset before spending the night in a hotel facing the Ria.
Day 2
We’ll explore the mangrove of San Felipe, followed by a visit to the magnificent archaeological site of Ek Balam with its beautifully preserved stucco fresco. We’ll then enjoy a refreshing swim in a beautiful cenote before arriving in Valladolid, a charming and colorful colonial town where we’ll spend the night in the historic center. On-site, visiting the convent or the chocolate museum are options to conclude this lovely day.
Day 3
Early in the morning, we’ll indulge in the flavors and aromas of the Valladolid market. Then, we’ll hit the road to one of the wonders of the modern world: Chichen Itza. Your specialized guide will explain everything about the marvels of this grandiose site and the Maya civilization, starting right at its opening before the massive influx of visitors. We’ll visit a beautiful cenote for a refreshing swim before reaching Izamal, known as “the yellow city,” another colonial town where we’ll spend the night. The ochre-yellow convent that dominates the city has given its color to the historic center.
Day 4
We’ll visit one of the last sisal fiber haciendas, which played a crucial role in the 19th-century fortune of the Yucatan with their natural fiber production. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the city of Merida, the Yucatan capital, famous for its gastronomy, museums, historic center, and performances. We’ll then retreat to a centrally located hotel where we’ll unpack and stay for 2 nights.
Day 5
We’ll explore the Celestun Biosphere Reserve and its protected mangroves, home to numerous bird species and a few crocodiles. Then, we’ll visit the village of Sisal to continue the story of the hacienda visited the day before. Here, the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and canoeing in the mangroves are among the attractions of this lively little village. We’ll return to Merida for a second night in the historic center.
Day 6
We’ll visit Uxmal, a magnificent Mayan city from the Classic period, showcasing superbly preserved Puuc-style sculptures and engravings. We’ll also explore the village where traditional Jipijapa hats (Panama hats) are made, often in caves beneath the houses. Next, we’ll arrive in a new colonial town, the only fortified one: Campeche, the capital of the state of the same name. We’ll spend the night in the historic center.
Day 7
The final stretch of our journey before reaching Chiapas will take us along the western coast of the peninsula, with its beaches overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. We’ll take a refreshing swim in an impressive cenote before arriving in Palenque for our first night in Chiapas, where we’ll stay in a beautiful hotel with a pool to rest from the journey.
Day 8
We’ll head towards San Cristobal de las Casas, taking the mountain route with its scenic viewpoints, forests, and numerous villages. We’ll discover our first waterfall, Misol Ha, before enjoying the stunning Agua Azul waterfalls. Please note: during the rainy season, the waterfalls may not appear blue. Finally, we’ll arrive in a city that everyone will love: San Cristóbal de Las Casas. The various ethnicities inhabiting the region, the museums, the churches and the numerous activities around are all reasons to settle in for 3 nights and fully enjoy this historically rich region.
Day 9
A day with very little driving to fully enjoy the nearby Tzotzil villages, the flower market, an extraordinary church, and in the afternoon, the center of San Cristobal and its museums. We’ll also enjoy the cool, sometimes chilly climate offered by this city, perched at over 2000m/ 6000 feet altitude. Our second night will be spent in the historic center of this charming city.
Day 10
We’ll head west towards the state capital to discover the immense Sumidero Canyon. A boat tour amidst its towering cliffs will likely allow us to observe crocodiles and birds. Then, we’ll take the road through the reserve to view the canyon from above, visiting various viewpoints and lookout points. We’ll return to San Cristobal for our last night.
Day 11
We’ll head east along the road bordering Guatemala to explore the stunning Montebello Lakes, each displaying a different shade of blue and surrounded by vast forests, including conifers. We’ll visit several of these lakes, where we can enjoy activities like canoeing or rafting. We’ll spend the night in cabins overlooking one of the lakes, nestled amidst the mountains in serene tranquility.
Day 12
In the morning, we’ll have the option to briefly cross the Guatemala border to explore local crafts on the other side of one of the lakes. Then, we’ll continue along the border, gradually descending to return to a more tropical climate. Along the way, we’ll visit the conservation and reintroduction project for scarlet macaws before arriving at Frontera Corozal, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 13
Very early in the morning, we’ll board a boat to visit the Yaxchilan archaeological site. Staying near the site will allow us to be among the first visitors! We’ll enjoy exploring this site hidden deep in the jungle, accessible only by boat, where we’ll have the opportunity to observe numerous bird species and likely encounter monkeys. Then, we’ll visit the Bonampak archaeological site with its remarkably well-preserved frescoes, considered the best in the Maya region. We’ll then return to Palenque, where we spent our first night in Chiapas, with a stop along the way at beautiful waterfalls, if time allows.
Day 14
We’ll visit the famous archaeological site of Palenque as soon as it opens. We’ll explore its impressive temples and pristine jungle with a specialized guide. Then, we’ll hit the road back to the Yucatan Peninsula for a night near the entrance of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in comfortable cabins.
Day 15
Here, we’ll swim in the clear “rivers” feeding the stunning blue lagoon. In the evening, we’ll embark on a long private boat tour of the lagoon at sunset. We’ll prioritize sailboats for ecological reasons and to enjoy the tranquility. It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the wonderful moments of this journey. We’ll spend a second night in Bacalar.
Day 16
Here, we’ll swim in the clear “rivers” feeding the stunning blue lagoon. In the evening, we’ll embark on a long private boat tour of the lagoon at sunset. We’ll prioritize sailboats for ecological reasons and to enjoy the tranquility. It’s the perfect opportunity to reminisce about the wonderful moments of this journey. We’ll spend a second night in Bacalar.
Day 17
We’ll visit another lagoon, surrounded by jungle this time, which we’ll explore by canoe. (There’s the option to change this visit for a tour of one of the famous archaeological sites of the Riviera Maya: Tulum or Coba). We’ll spend the night in a Maya village in comfortable cabins.
Day 18
We’ll visit a conservation project run by a local family, protecting Maya stingless bees: the Melipona, white-tailed deer and ocellated turkeys among other species. Then, we’ll enjoy a typical meal with a Maya family living away from the other villages. Before heading back to the Riviera Maya, we’ll take one last swim in a beautiful cenote.
Day 1
We depart from the Riviera Maya towards the northern part of the peninsula, driving through the famous pink salt flats of Las Coloradas. After a delicious seafood meal in the fishing village of Rio Lagartos, we’ll take a private boat tour on the lagoon to discover its stunning bird reserve. Flamingos, spoonbills, herons, ospreys, kingfishers, crocodiles, and many other species await us to be admired at sunset before spending the night in a hotel facing the Ria.
Day 2
We’ll explore the mangrove of San Felipe, followed by a visit to the magnificent archaeological site of Ek Balam with its beautifully preserved stucco fresco. We’ll then enjoy a refreshing swim in a beautiful cenote before arriving in Valladolid, a charming and colorful colonial town where we’ll spend the night in the historic center. On-site, visiting the convent or the chocolate museum are options to conclude this lovely day.
Day 3
Early in the morning, we’ll indulge in the flavors and aromas of the Valladolid market. Then, we’ll hit the road to one of the wonders of the modern world: Chichen Itza. Your specialized guide will explain everything about the marvels of this grandiose site and the Maya civilization, starting right at its opening before the massive influx of visitors. We’ll visit a beautiful cenote for a refreshing swim before reaching Izamal, known as “the yellow city,” another colonial town where we’ll spend the night. The ochre-yellow convent that dominates the city has given its color to the historic center.
Day 4
We’ll visit one of the last sisal fiber haciendas, which played a crucial role in the 19th-century fortune of the Yucatan with their natural fiber production. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the city of Merida, the Yucatan capital, famous for its gastronomy, museums, historic center, and performances. We’ll then retreat to a centrally located hotel where we’ll unpack and stay for 2 nights.
PRACTICAL INFO
Included
- Transportation from Riviera Maya
- Specialized guide
- Accommodation in hotels or cabañas (based on double occupancy)
- Choice of snacks and soft drinks on board
- Breakfasts
- Lunches
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites
- Entrance fees to reserves, lagoons, and cenotes
- Private boat in Bacalar
- Private boat in Rio Lagartos
- Private boat in Celestun
- Visit to the sisal hacienda
- Canoes
- Insurance
Not Included
- Dinners
- Alcoholic beverages during meals
- Tips
- Personal souvenir purchases
A complete tour
18 days to explore several of the most beautiful, decorated, or impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the area. 18 days to discover 2 completely different states, villages with multiple cultures and magical colonial cities. 18 days to taste Yucatecan and Chiapanecan specialties. 18 days to explore the most impressive mangroves, jungle, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, cenotes, and reserves. 18 days to fall madly in love with Yucatan, Chiapas, Mexico.
PRICES
Prix du Circuit
Tous nos prix sont en Pesos Mexicains et par personne.
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2 people $142,000 Mxn / person
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3 people $109,000 Mxn / person
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4 people $87,000 Mxn / person
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5 people $77,500 Mxn / person
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6 people $69,000 Mxn / person
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7 people $66,000 Mxn / person
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8 people $61,500 Mxn / person
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9 people $59,000 Mxn / person
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10 people $55,500 Mxn / person
/ person
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