Archaeology and Wildlife of the Yucatan Peninsula

Our MOST comprehensive tour sweeps across the entire Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico as it explores key archaeological and cultural sites such as Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Izamal, the capital city of Merida, Celestun's Pink Flamingoes on the Gulf coast, Uxmal, Kabah, Becan, Xpuhil, the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Chicanna, little known Dzibanche, Kohunlich, Bacalar Lagoon, the Maya seaport of Tulum, Coba, and finalizing at Akumal beach on Mexico's Caribbean shore.

15 Days / 14 Nights.

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun and transfer to the colonial city of VALLADOLID (2 hours drive). Overnight at the charming Rancho San Miguel, located 10 minutes away from Valladolid.

Day 2: Morning visit to the newly opened site of EK BALAM (30 min. from Valladolid). Enjoy the mysterious underground cenote of DZITNUP for a refreshing swim and continue on to Chichén Itzá. Overnight at Hacienda Chichén.

Day 3: Early morning visit to the archaeological site of CHICHEN ITZA. Afternoon visit to the BALANCANCHE CAVES and then return to the Hacienda Chichén to enjoy the beautiful gardens and pool.

Day 4: Depart for the colonial city of IZAMAL, and walk through the Franciscan Convent of Izamal, site of the largest atrium in the Americas. Continue on to MERIDA, capital of Yucatán, and enjoy a tour of the city. Overnight at the charming Ho Casa del Balam.

Day 5: Morning tour to the archaeological site of DZIBILCHALTUN, including a visit to the new Museum of the Pueblo Maya. Drive north to the port of PROGRESO for lunch, or return to Mérida to relax or explore the city. Overnight at the Ho Casa del Balam.

Day 6: Early departure for the small fishing village of CELESTUN, located on Yucatan's Gulf coast. Enjoy a boat ride up the estuary to view the large colony of flamingoes and many of the over 300 bird species found there. Late afternoon arrival in Uxmal. Overnight Ho Hacienda Uxmal.

Day 7: All day visit to UXMAL and nearby KABAH. Optional Light and Sound show in the evening. Overnight Ho Hacienda Uxmal.

Day 8: Visit the PUUC area site of LABNA, and continue on to rarely visited CHACMULTUN. Overnight at Hacienda Uxmal.

Day 9: Travel to the southern portion of the State of Campeche and visit the ruins of XPUHIL. Afternoon visit to BECAN. Overnight at the Ecovillage Chicanná Resort.

Day 11: Drive east to the BACALAR LAGOON, visiting en route the ruins of CHICANNA and newly opened DZIBANCHE, once an important ally of Calakmul. Visit KOHUNLICH with its impressive Sun God masks. Overnight at the Laguna Bacalar Ho, located on the shores of Bacalar lagoon.

Day 12: Stop to marvel at the Maya seaport ruins of TULUM before continuing on to COBA . Explore the archaeological site of Coba, set amidst the tropical jungle. Overnight at the Hotel Villas Arqueológicas.

Day 13: Early birding at the PUNTA LAGUNA SPIDER MONKEY SANCTUARY Enjoy a late breakfast before departing for XEL-HA LAGOON. Early afternoon arrival at our hotel located right on the beach. Afternoon free for snorkeling and relaxation. Overnight at the Hotel Villas Maya (or similar).

Day 14: All day at leisure. Optional tour to Cozumel Island or birding at Muyil site located in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Overnight at the Hotel Villa Maya (or similar).

Day 15: Transfer to the Cancun airport for flights home. END OF SERVICES.

All tours are led by specialized guides.

The Jewels of Yucatan and Campeche tour includes:

- Land transportation in air-conditioned vehicles.
- Accident insurance during the tour.
- Specialized tour guide.
- Entrance fees to sites and boat tour.
- Hotels, including gratuities for bellboys and maids.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.

Not included:

- Beverages
- Telephone calls
- Personal laundry

Suggested items to bring along:

- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen (preferably biodegradable)
- Binoculars
- Hat
- Raincoat
- Comfortable clothes
- Bathing suit
- Walking shoes
- Small towel.

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