Maya Wonders Exploration

Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel in Cancun. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and settle in at your own pace. Overnight accommodation is arranged in Cancun.

We begin the day with a visit to Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, home to Mexico’s largest flocks of pink flamingos and nearly 400 bird species. We take a two-hour boat trip through the mangroves of the reserve’s estuary, spotting flamingos, other birdlife and crocodiles. The excursion includes stops at feeding areas, a Mayan mud bath using mineral-rich white mud, and a swim in the salt-rich lagoon waters. Afterwards, we visit a cenote—a natural sinkhole—where you can cool off with a swim. We then continue to Valladolid, where you will have time to refresh after checking into the hotel. Later, we explore Valladolid on foot, a city that preserves Mayan traditions and showcases a unique historical legacy, tracing its story from pre-Hispanic times to the present through its charming streets. Overnight in Valladolid.

After breakfast, we depart for Chichen Itza, one of the most significant Maya archaeological sites. Discover the history and achievements of the Maya civilisation as we explore this ancient city, carefully restored from the jungle. Marvel at the 25-metre-high Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, renowned for its precise geometry and its design reflecting the Maya calendar and the serpent illusion during equinoxes. We visit the Great Ball Court—the largest of thirteen found here—the Skull Platform, where sacrificial victims’ heads were displayed, and the Sacred Cenote, used for offerings. Other notable structures include the Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and adjacent Church, and the Snail observatory, all remarkably well preserved. Next, we travel to Izamal, the ‘City of Three Cultures’, where pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern influences converge. Here, you can see the Convent of St Anthony of Padua, built atop a former Maya pyramid. You will have time to enjoy lunch independently before continuing to Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. We take a guided tour of the historic city centre, including the elegant Paseo de Montejo with its 19th-century villas, the Plaza Grande with its cathedral and the 16th-century Casa de Los Montejo, and the Government Palace and City Hall. Afterwards, you have free time to explore Mérida at your leisure. Overnight in Mérida.

After breakfast, we explore the ruins of Uxmal, a remarkable Maya city reclaimed from the jungle and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you approach, the site emerges above the forest canopy, revealing its distinctive architecture. We tour the Pyramid of the Magician, which rises 35 metres and overlooks the intricately decorated Nunnery Quadrangle. Nearby, the Governor’s Palace impresses with its elaborately carved façade and roof. At the southern edge of the complex stands the Great Pyramid, partially excavated and still largely hidden beneath vegetation. Following the archaeological visit, we stop at a Cacao Museum to learn about the plant’s significance to the ancient Maya. We then continue to Campeche for hotel check-in and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we begin with a panoramic tour of Campeche, a charming coastal city renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture. We drive through the historic old town, admiring pastel-coloured houses, colonnaded arcades and bell-gabled churches. On foot, we explore key sights including the ramparts of the ancient city walls and St Francis’ Cathedral. The city’s exceptional state of preservation has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, which becomes clear as you take in its unique character. Afterwards, we continue south to Palenque in Chiapas, entering Mexico’s deep south where the vibrant culture of the Ch’ol Maya people remains strong. Upon arrival, we check into the hotel and prepare for the next day’s discoveries. Overnight in Palenque.

Today we explore the ancient city of Palenque, once a vast Maya city-state covering nearly 60 square kilometres. Though only a fraction has been excavated, the site reveals impressive structures such as the Temple of the Inscriptions, the Palace, the Temple of the Count and the Temple of the Cross. Our guided tour will bring these remarkable ruins to life, offering insight into a civilisation that flourished here before its decline in the eighth and ninth centuries. Afterwards, we visit a stunning nearby waterfall, providing a chance to appreciate the region’s natural beauty. We return to Palenque for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we leave Palenque and travel east to the archaeological site of Becan, an intriguing ceremonial centre of the ancient Maya. Despite ongoing research, much about Becan remains a mystery, including its original name. We will explore the site’s main structures before continuing to Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, where we check in to the hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we visit the charming town of Bacalar and its famous lagoon, known as the ‘Lagoon of Seven Colours’ for its striking blue hues. We pause briefly for photos before heading north to the archaeological site of Tulum, one of the final cities constructed and inhabited by the Maya. Tulum offers a unique contrast of ancient ruins set against turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. From there, we continue to Cancun, where you will be dropped off at your chosen hotel in the Riviera Maya or Cancun area (hotel not included).