YUCATECAN NATURE AND HISTORY
TRAVELER NOTICE
CIRCUIT DETAILS
Highlights of the circuit
- Sailboat tour of Bacalar Lagoon
- Visit to 6 impressive archaeological sites on the peninsula
- Visit to 4 lagoons, including one by sailboat, one by boat, and two by canoe
- Exploration of 3 colonial cities, with overnight stays in 2 to enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals
- Exploration of a unique cave inhabited by snakes hunting bats
- Exploration of several cenotes and caves
- Visit to a historic sisal fiber hacienda
- Tasting of Yucatan cuisine
- Nights in charming hotels and Maya villages
- A comprehensive itinerary combining history, nature, gastronomy, communities, and water activities.
Difficulty
Next available dates
PROGRAM
Day 1
We depart from the Riviera Maya heading south with our first stop at the Tulum archaeological site to begin learning about the Mayan civilization. This famous city, set on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, is a great stop to make early in the day. Then, we’ll head to Bacalar, the small town of the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” where we’ll spend the night. Upon arrival, after our lunch, we’ll take a leisurely boat tour on the lagoon. We prioritize sailing boats for ecological reasons and to enjoy a peaceful moment. We’ll be able to admire the sunset over this stunning lagoon.
Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll head to nearby swimming spots near Bacalar, offering a different setting from the previous day. Then, we’ll visit a Maya archaeological site surrounded by lush vegetation, where we might have the chance to spot some spider monkeys. In the late afternoon, at sunset, we’ll visit a unique place in the world: a cave from which hundreds of thousands of bats fly out every evening. This is the time chosen by the snakes inhabiting the cave to come out and hunt these bats. We’ll exit the cave at nightfall and sleep in rustic cabins in the nearby Mayan village.
Day 3
After breakfast prepared by our Mayan hosts, we’ll head to the magnificent Maya site of Uxmal. This city from the classical period is the most famous example of Puuc architecture, beautifully adorned with numerous sculptures and carvings. We’ll enjoy a typical meal at a Mayan family’s home and refresh ourselves in a beautiful cenote before arriving in the Yucatecan capital: the colonial city of Mérida. We’ll spend the next 2 nights in the historic center with its lively atmosphere.
Day 4
We’ll explore the El Palmar reserve’s mangrove by canoe, where we might be lucky enough to spot flamingos. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the city of Mérida, with options including museums, markets, and churches. Another night in the historic center will allow us to once again enjoy street performances, gastronomy, and the charming atmosphere.
Day 5
We’ll visit one of the last sisal fiber haciendas, which brought fortune to Yucatan in the 19th century with their production of natural fiber. Next, we’ll stop in the colonial town of Izamal, known for its historic center painted in ochre yellow, the color of the convent at its center. An excellent restaurant awaits us there to sample more specialties. Then, at the northern tip of the peninsula, the fishing village of Rio Lagartos will welcome us for a night in a hotel facing the lagoon.
Day 6
In the early morning, when bird activity is at its peak, we’ll take a private boat tour to observe flamingos, spoonbills, herons, ospreys, kingfishers, crocodiles, and many other species. Then, we’ll visit the stunning archaeological site of Ek Balam with its superbly preserved stucco fresco. We’ll enjoy a beautiful cenote for a refreshing dip before heading to Valladolid, another colorful colonial town where we’ll spend the night.
Day 7
Bright and early, we’ll explore the vibrant market of Valladolid, filled with flavors and scents. Then, we’ll head to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza. Your specialized guide will enlighten you on the marvels of this grandiose site and the Mayan civilization, starting from the opening hours to avoid the massive influx of visitors. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a typical meal with a Maya family before visiting a cave still housing archaeological and anthropological remains. We’ll spend the night in comfortable cabins in a Maya village.
Day 8
We’ll begin with a visit to the spider monkey reserve, where we can canoe on the lake and zip line for those interested. We’ll then enjoy a traditional meal with a Maya family living away from other villages. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Coba archaeological site in the jungle, traversing it by bicycle or “ maya limo”, before returning to the Riviera Maya.
Day 1
We depart from the Riviera Maya heading south with our first stop at the Tulum archaeological site to begin learning about the Mayan civilization. This famous city, set on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, is a great stop to make early in the day. Then, we’ll head to Bacalar, the small town of the “Lagoon of Seven Colors,” where we’ll spend the night. Upon arrival, after our lunch, we’ll take a leisurely boat tour on the lagoon. We prioritize sailing boats for ecological reasons and to enjoy a peaceful moment. We’ll be able to admire the sunset over this stunning lagoon.
Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll head to nearby swimming spots near Bacalar, offering a different setting from the previous day. Then, we’ll visit a Maya archaeological site surrounded by lush vegetation, where we might have the chance to spot some spider monkeys. In the late afternoon, at sunset, we’ll visit a unique place in the world: a cave from which hundreds of thousands of bats fly out every evening. This is the time chosen by the snakes inhabiting the cave to come out and hunt these bats. We’ll exit the cave at nightfall and sleep in rustic cabins in the nearby Mayan village.
Day 3
After breakfast prepared by our Mayan hosts, we’ll head to the magnificent Maya site of Uxmal. This city from the classical period is the most famous example of Puuc architecture, beautifully adorned with numerous sculptures and carvings. We’ll enjoy a typical meal at a Mayan family’s home and refresh ourselves in a beautiful cenote before arriving in the Yucatecan capital: the colonial city of Mérida. We’ll spend the next 2 nights in the historic center with its lively atmosphere.
Day 4
We’ll explore the El Palmar reserve’s mangrove by canoe, where we might be lucky enough to spot flamingos. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the city of Mérida, with options including museums, markets, and churches. Another night in the historic center will allow us to once again enjoy street performances, gastronomy, and the charming atmosphere.
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
- 2 dinners in Maya villages
- Entrance fees to all archaeological sites
- Entrance fees to reserves, lagoons, and cenotes
- Entrance to the cave with protective equipment
- Private boat in Bacalar
- Private boat in Rio Lagartos
- Canoes
- Insurance
Not Included
- Dinners (except on days 2 and 7)
- Alcoholic beverages during meals
- Tips
- Personal souvenir purchases
A comprehensive tour
PRICES
Prix du Circuit
Tous nos prix sont en Pesos Mexicains et par personne.
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2 people $63,000 Mxn / person
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3 people $49,000 Mxn / person
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4 people $40,500 Mxn / person
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5 people $36,500 Mxn / person
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6 people $32,500 Mxn / person
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7 people $31,500 Mxn / person
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8 people $29,900 Mxn / person
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9 people $28,900 Mxn / person
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10 people $27,900 Mxn / person
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