Arrival in Mérida

Once you arrive in Mérida, you will be picked up at the airport/bus station and taken to your hotel. At the appropriate time, your guide for the next few days will pick you up from your hotel to begin your small walking city tour. Mérida, is the capital of the Yucatan and is considered the gateway to the Mayan world. It is known as “the white city” because of the colour of many houses and mansions, but also because its inhabitants love to dress themselves in white. You will visit the Cathedral and the Government Palace in the historical center of the city, as well as the Paseo de Montejo with its magnificent colonial mansions that have been impeccably restored into museums and restaurants and are a reminder of Merida´s affluent past. Afterwards you will be brought back to your hotel.

If you are in another destination before the start of your trip, just let us know and we will be happy to organize a transfer to Mérida for you. 

(Included: group tour (max 12 PAX), certified english speaking private guide, transportation in air conditioned country specific vehicles)

Mérida – San Antonio Mulix – Choco-Story Museum – Uxmal

Today you your first stop will be at San Antonio Mulix, where you will find 2 still undiscovered, quiet and idyllic cenotes which can only be reached via a bumpy and overgrown path of jungle vegetation. A must see off the beaten path secret!

Your next stop will be the visit of the archaeological site of Uxmal, which is the Yucatan’s most important archeological excavation, apart from Chichen Itza. The architecture of Uxmal is an example of that present in the Puuc region. The temples have smooth low walls which represent traditional Maya huts and many figures of the rain god Chaac.

Afterwards you visit the chocolate museum “Choco-Story”. A lot of fun is waiting for you here. You are allowed to try the delicious cocoa and learn more about the 2000 year old chocolate production. Something very special awaits you after this exciting tour, because you have the unique chance to attend a Mayan ceremony with a Mayan shaman. Afterwards we drive back to Mérida.

(Included: entrance fees, group tour (mxx 12 PAX), certified english speaking private guide, transportation in air conditioned country specific vehicles, breakfast in hotel)

Xcambó – San Crisanto

EA day full of magical experiences and enriching encounters awaits you today. Start with a visit to the mystical archaeological site of Xcambó, on the Gulf of Mexico where the history of the ancient Mayan civilization comes to life. Here we explore the ancient ruins and let ourselves be enchanted by the magic of bygone times.

After this cultural highlight, the tour continues to San Crisanto, a tipical fisher village on the coast.

You continue and you immerse yourself deeply in the authentic life of the local Mayans and visit a local community that specializes in breeding the sacred Maya bees. In a workshop we will teach you the art of making candles from pure beeswax and allow you to design your own artistic candles.

The experience is rounded off with a delicious lunch with the village community, where you can taste traditional regional delicacies. Indulge in the aromas and flavors of Mayan cuisine and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Afterwards we drive back to Mérida.

(Included: entrance fees, group tour (max 12 PAX), certified english speaking private guide, transportation in air conditioned country specific vehicles, breakfast in hotel)

Chichén Itzá – Valladolid

Today you will discover the cuisine of the Yucatán and taste the most popular dishes on a delicious street food tour. Yucatecan cuisine is a fusion of Mexican and European flavours. Overall, the food is less spicy and is characterized by its uncommonly tender meat and varying side dishes with fresh regional fruits and vegetables. Some of the dishes are still prepared according to centuries old traditions of the ancient Maya. The fist stop is at the Lucas de Galvez market, Mérida’s largest local market. Head to the area of the market where the yucatecan food is freshly prepared. Here you can taste extraordinary fruits and vegetables, juices, tamales, empanadas or the national dish “Cochinita Pibil”, which is cooked by the Maya in underground earthen ovens. You will also visit a local seafood restaurant as well as an ice cream parlor with unique flavours. One thing is certain: your taste buds will explode on this tour.

Depending on your time, you will now make a short stop in Izamal. Visit the beautiful old Franciscan monastery here in the small colonial town, which consists mainly of yellow-painted colonial buildings. Today it is also the pilgrimage site of the Virgin of Izamal, Yucatán’s patron saint.

Afterwards you will continue to Chichen Itzá, where you will enjoy the spectacular Light & Sound Show.

Finally you will be transferred to your hotel in Valladolid.

(Included: tasting of national specialties on the market, entrance fees, group tour (max 12 PAX), certified english speaking private guide, transportation in air conditioned country specific vehicles, breakfast in hotel)

Rio Lagartos – Las Coloradas

Today, you will head towards Rio Lagartos, a small fishing community on the coast where you can observe the multitude of sea birds and flamingoes as they take flight and begin their day. Enjoy a boat ride through the lagoon and mangroves to get a closer look at the unique flora and fauna with around 320 different species. On the tour you will also stop at a shallow area of the lagoon where you can enjoy a natural spa treatment in the mineral rich mud.

Your next adventure will be a stop at Mexico’s second largest salt factory, the so-called Coloradas, where you will go on a short bike tour. On a sunny day, the view of the pink water takes your breath away.

Then we go back to the colonial town of Valladolid. This was once an important ritual center of power for the Maya and has deep roots in its pre-hispanic cultures. Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the former Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, stop for a refreshing dip in the Cenote Zaci which is right by the local market where you can purchase some authentic habanero hot sauce the region is famous for.

(Included: bike & accesories (helmet, gloves), boat trip, entrance fees, group tour (max 12 PAX), certified english speaking guide, transportation in air conditioned country specific vehicles, breakfast in hotel)

Punta Laguna Spider Monkey Nature Reserve – Cobá

Today is dedicated to the Mayans and nature. After breakfast you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the Punta Laguna nature reserve Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh (House of the Spider Monkey and Panther) Nature Reserve is 58 km from Valladolid. This reserve is known for its large population of spider monkeys and a smaller group of howler monkeys. Upon arrival we begin a pleasant walk into the jungle. A local guide will help us find monkeys. With a bit of luck we will see many spider monkeys.

Afterwards you will visit the archaeological site of Cobá, which is located in the dense rainforest away from civilization and filled with birdcalls, cicada amd iguanas. It still maintains the unique flora and fauna of the yucatecan jungle. Enjoy a leisurely hike through the jungle while learning all about the interesting history of the site. At the end of the tour we definitely recommend climbing to the top of the highest pyramid Nohoch Mul. The view over the jungle canopy is worth all of your effort.

ADIÓS Y HASTA PRONTO MÉXICO !!

Now it´s time to say “Adiós” to this beautiful, colourful and friendly country with its welcoming people. We hope you had a wonderful trip and we look forward to welcoming you back!

You will be taken to the airport where you will begin your connecting stay or your journey home.

We would be happy to plan your extension stay together with you. Please contact us about this.

(Included: entrance fees, group tour (max 12 PAX), certified english speaking private guide, transportation in air conditioned country specific vehicles)