Maya Mini Wonders Exploration

Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, a tour representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cancun. You will then have the remainder of the day at your leisure to settle in and explore this vibrant city at your own pace. Take advantage of the hotel’s facilities or venture out to discover the local sights and atmosphere. Overnight in Cancun.

We begin the day with a visit to Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, renowned for hosting the largest flocks of pink flamingos in the region, alongside nearly 400 bird species. We take a two-hour boat trip through the mangroves of the reserve’s estuary, offering opportunities to spot flamingos, crocodiles and other wildlife. The excursion includes stops at feeding areas, a chance to experience a traditional Maya mud bath using mineral-rich white mud, and a dip in the salt-laden lagoon waters. Afterwards, we visit a cenote – a natural sinkhole – where you can cool off with a swim. We then continue to Valladolid, where after checking in to the hotel, there is time to refresh before joining a walking tour of the city. Valladolid is a place where Mayan culture remains alive in its streets and architecture, reflecting a rich historical legacy from pre-Hispanic times to today. We spend the evening exploring its charming centre before overnighting in Valladolid.

After breakfast, we depart for Chichen Itza, one of the most significant Maya archaeological sites. Explore the ancient city reclaimed from the jungle and learn about its history. See the Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, notable for its design reflecting the Maya calendar and the serpent illusion during the equinoxes. Visit the Great Ball Court, the Skull Platform where victims of sacrifice and prisoners were displayed, and the Sacred Cenote, once used for offerings. Other well-preserved structures include the Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and adjacent Church, and the Snail observatory. Afterwards, we travel to the Maya town of Izamal, where pre-Hispanic ruins blend with colonial architecture. Visit the Convent of St Anthony of Padua, built atop a former Maya pyramid. Following lunch (not included), continue to Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, for a tour of its historic centre. See the elegant 19th-century villas along Paseo de Montejo, the Plaza Grande with its cathedral and the 16th-century Casa de los Montejo, as well as the Government Palace and City Hall. You then have some free time to explore Mérida at your own pace. Overnight in Mérida.

After breakfast, we explore the ruins of Uxmal, a remarkable Maya city reclaimed from the jungle and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our guided tour highlights the impressive 35-metre Pyramid of the Magician, which dominates the site, along with the intricately decorated Nunnery Quadrangle. We also visit the Governor’s Palace and the partially excavated Great Pyramid. Following the archaeological visit, we stop at a Cocoa Museum to learn about the significance of this plant to the ancient Maya. Afterwards, we return to Cancun or the Riviera Maya for your onward stay, where the tour concludes. Breakfast is included.