Experience a true exploration of the Mayan Yucatan (Mexico) created by a local, Manuel Hernandez. One of Mexico’s most exciting cultural destinations, the Yucatan offers something for every interest: breathtaking natural wonders, the fascinating history of the Mayan people, a lively cultural calendar, and an exciting gastronomical scene. You will explore charming pueblos where Mestizos still don Huipils and Guayaberas (traditional Yucatecan attire) daily, and world-class cities with streets full of colourful Colonial houses; flamingo nesting grounds and other-worldly cenotes (underground swim holes); the well-preserved and majestic ruins of this complex and influential ancient civilization, surrounded by idyllic and undiscovered Emerald-green Gulf beaches. The ancient Mayan civilization was a very advanced society, whose many customs are still in daily use and evidence today. One of these great legacies is Mayan cuisine. Distinctive from traditional Mexican cuisine, Yucatecan cooking draws heavily on native Mayan traditions and techniques, relying on ingredients native to the region, and revealing the strong European mark of its Colonial history as well as the influence of nearby Caribbean cultures. Smoky hot chiles, the aroma of cooking in outdoor pips, sour orange and lime laced salsas, dark mysterious recados, and fresh juices made of native fruits feature heavily on local menus ranging from modest street stalls to elegant eateries serving exciting fusion cuisine. In today’s Yucatan, tradition and modernity walk hand-in-hand: awe-inspiring ancient ruins, picturesque Colonial architecture, and all the comforts of modern life coexist in beautiful harmony. It won’t take long to discover why so many visitors to Yucatan end up coming back again and again!

CANCUN OR MERIDA ITINERARIES BELOW!

Your package includes:

Summary: 7 Nights – 8 days of professionally guided exploration of the Yucatan Peninsula; this experiences circuit has been specifically designed to immerse you into the heart of the Mayan Culture. During this adventure you will be in contact with Nature, Archaeology, History, Culture, Food, Traditions and much more, for you to discover Mexico accompanied by the hand of our local expert hosts.

Accommodations: 7 Nights of 5 & 4 Star - Boutique Hotels as well as 4 Star Chain Standard Hotels depending on the type of tour package. These are based on double occupancy.

Meals: Hotel continental breakfast every morning during the tour. Meals on 2 nights of the experiences. Snacks and water are provided while touring. We have a list of curated restaurants to suggest to you on the days when meals are not included.

Guide: A designated certified guide to accompany you for the entire duration of the trip, as well as a specialized guide on site for each individual experience. Customer service assistance 24hrs.

Experiences & Attractions: Includes Bird watching – Flamingo and Culinary experience; As well as all the entrance costs to archaeological and historic buildings.

Transportation: Modern, air-conditioned private vehicles with a professional designated driver. Pick up and drop off from and to the airport, transportation all through the designed experience circuit as well as to restaurants not included in our program. Complementary drinks and snacks during trips.

Cancun Itinerary:

(see below for Merida Itinerary)

DAY 1: CANCUN ARRIVAL: Airport pick up – Hotel Drop off.

Arrive in Cancun, transfer to the hotel for check-in, and then enjoy the city at your leisure.

DAY 2: EK BALAM – VALLADOLID

Start exploring the Mayan world by visiting Ek Balam; one of the most unique archaeological sites on the West side of the Peninsula as this site has a very specific style of stucco sculpture, very different from most Mayan buildings. This is the least crowded site compared to others, so you can enjoy it at your leisure. Continue your day towards the Magical Town of Valladolid, with its impressive buildings and colourful houses that attract thousands of tourists every year.

DAY 3: CHICHEN – YAXUNAH

DAY 4: CELESTUN

Get ready to immerse yourself in the small fishing village of Celestun – home to some of the most diverse and untouched ecosystems on the peninsula. Relax and enjoy a peaceful guided tour through the mangroves, lead by a knowledgeable, certified local guide. Take a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear natural swimming hole where you can observe the stunning array of flora and fauna that coexist within these mangroves. Celestún is home to hundreds of bird species including the flamingo, these non-invasive tours are one of the strongest Ethical Community Tourism Projects in the Yucatan.

DAY 5: UXMAL – SOTUTA

Explore Uxmal – one of the most important cities of the Mayan Kingdom, with its multiple temples built with impressive ornamental characteristics, worshiping “Chaac“ The God of the Rain. Uxmal has been appointed as a World Heritage Site due to its magnificent architecture as well as for its historical value to the Mayan Culture and the world. We will continue by heading to an impressive Hacienda, where you will go back in time walking around this property built during the Spanish Colonization. Witness the remains of three different eras; The Pre Hispanic – Colonial and the Henequen Boom which was the primary economic force in Yucatan in the early 20th Century.

DAY 6: MERIDA CITY

Merida! Explore this magnificent and diverse city full of friendly people, stunning architecture, interesting flavours, the perfect synergy between the modern and ancient Mayan culture; as well as the mysterious romanticism trapped in its streets that has captivated people from all over the world through decades until today. You will visit colonial homes, art and cultural performances, traditional Cantinas and our busy City market. We will guide you in finding the activities that best suit your needs.

DAY 7 : IZAMAL – TULUM

Izamal – The city of the three cultures, this historical town is a great example of the amalgamation of the Mayan culture, the Colonization and the modern Yucatecan society of today. This magical town is also known as the Yellow city as all the houses and historical buildings are painted, you guessed it right, Yellow. Continue to the last leg of your adventure to one of the biggest Mayan cities built near the ocean, Tulum ruins; they show a less-known side of the Mayan Culture, Mayans were not just avid farmers but also avid in fishing, apnea diving and navigation. Relax and bury four feet in the soft, warm sand and enjoy the turquoise beaches of the Caribbean coast, reputed to be some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Mesoamerican reef is just steps from the shore and offers a stunning variety of colourful fish and sea life for curious snorkelers.

DAY 8: AIRPORT

Transfer to the airport or desired location within the Cancun area.

Merida Itinerary:

DAY 1: MERIDA: ARRIVAL

Wind down in your beautiful Boutique hotel, relax in the pool; or wander around the always-vibrant downtown Merida, before you start your Mayan adventure the next day.

DAY 2: CELESTUN

DAY 3: UXMAL – SOTUTA

DAY 4: MERIDA CITY

DAY 5 : IZAMAL – YAXUNAH - VALLADOLID

Izamal – The city of the three cultures, this historical town is a great example of the amalgamation of the Mayan culture, the Colonization and the modern Yucatecan society of today. This magical town is also known as the Yellow city as all the houses and historical buildings are painted, you guessed it right, Yellow. México is its people and traditions, and nothing will bring you closer to the heart of our Culture than the Rosalia Chay experience. Rosalia will let you into the soul of his home - her kitchen; She will show you the ancestral Mayan cooking techniques passed to her from her elders. You will experience a real Mayan culinary experience, full of delicious smells and flavours of The Yucatan, just like you watched her in her Netflix documentary. End the day in the beautiful town of Valladolid, where you will spend the next 3 nights.

DAY 6: TULUM

Explore and enjoy the view of one of the biggest Mayan cities built near the ocean; Tulum ruins show a less-known side of the Mayan Culture, they were not just avid farmers but also avid in fishing, apnea diving and navigation. Relax and bury four feet in the soft, warm sand and enjoy the turquoise beaches of the Caribbean coast, reputed to be some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The Mesoamerican reef is just steps from the shore and offers a stunning variety of colourful fish and sea life for curious snorkelers.

DAY 7: CHICHEN – EK BALAM

This exploration day includes the iconic Chichen-Itza temples, and once standing if front of these majestic buildings you will understand why this site has been assigned one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most important Archaeological sites for the Mayan people in Mexico. As part of this experience, you could have the opportunity to refresh yourself in a Cenote on your way out. Continue your archaeological adventure by visiting Ek Balam; this is a less crowded archaeological site so you can explore it leisurely. Ek Balam's importance lies in its different style of stucco sculpture, very different from most Mayan buildings. Return to Valladolid to spend the last night of your trip.

DAY 8: AIRPORT – HOTEL – END

Transfer to airport or desired location within Merida.

To book, contact:

Departures Travel 1889 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria BC V8R 1C6

Ph: 250.595.1161

and

105 – 2423 Beacon Ave. Sidney BC V8L 1X5

Ph: 250.999.9800

T: 800.475.3755

https://www.departurestravel.com

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Yucatan Mayan Experience created by Manuel Hernandez