On this Mexico Private Tour you will explore the highlights of the Yucatán and Campeche. Your private guide will take you on a journey to the ancient Maya world where you will learn all about the history, culture and traditions while discovering hidden gems such as Calakmul and the pristine nature found in Celestún, Laguna Bacalar and Holbox.
You will picked up at the airport Cancún and taken to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: none)
After breakfast you will picked up from your hotel to visit the small colonial town of Valladolid. Explore the cobblestone streets and visit the breathtaking Convent of San Bernardino de Siena built between 1552 and 1560 as well as the main plaza while learning all about the Yucatán´s history. Your next stop is the world famous archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. In 1988, the ancient Mayan city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 2007 declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Let yourself be fascinated by the imposing, architecturally impressive buildings of the Maya and admire, among other things, the famous pyramid of Kukulcán which as a whole is a calendar turned to stone, as well as the huge ball court. After a delicious lunch (not included) continue to the Cenote Yokdzonot where you can refresh yourself in its crystal clear water. The day ends in the authentic colonial city of Mérida, also known as the “white city”. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Today is a day of pure nature and relaxation. In the morning, you will head to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve where you can observe one of the most extensive flamingo colonies during a boat trip through the unique mangrove swamps. Enjoy your free afternoon to take a stroll and experience the amazing flora and fauna, relax on the beautiful beach or let one of the famous restaurants spoil you with delicious seafood (not included) before being returned to your hotel in Mérida. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Today, you will make a quick stop at San Antonio Mulix, where you will find two 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! Continue to the ancient Hacienda Yaxcopoil, considered one of the most important sisal Haciendas of the Yucatán in the 17th century. You will be transported back into history while admiring the original furnishings of the former residence. Your next stop will be the archaeological site of Uxmal which is the Yucatán’s most important archeological excavation, apart from Chichén Itzá. 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. After a full day you will continue on to Campeche which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
This morning you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Campeche. Learn about the San Miguel Fort which protected the city against pirates, the Cathedral, the Zocalo, the boardwalk and the San Román Church. Campeche is a small fishing town famous for its colourful houses and impeccably restored buildings which are remnants of its colonial past. Enjoy your guided tour through the cobblestones streets of this authentic Mexican town far away from the masses of tourists found on the Riviera Maya. Around noon, you will continue into the jungles of Calakmul. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
After breakfast, visit the impressive archaeological site of Calakmul. Located in the middle of the rainforest, deep in the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, it is still one of the less discovered archaeological sites and was once the largest and most influential Mayan center of power and the greatest of all Mayan cities at that time. There are over 100 ruins spanning 20 km² and the view from the top of the temples compensates for all your effort. Afterwards, continue to the idyllic and peaceful Laguna Bacalar, also known as the lagoon of 7 colors. In the afternoon, the lagoon shines brilliantly in blue, turquoise and green tones. Relax and admire the beauty of Bacalar from a hammock and enjoy a dip in the warm fresh water. Luckily, this impressive location has been spared from large hotel complexes, and there are only small eco-resorts dedicated to preserving the pristine landscape. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
In the morning, you will be picked and taken to Tulum’s unique archeological site. These ruins are situated atop a cliff with a spectacular view of the white sandy beaches and turquoise sea below. Your guide will explain all about Mayan culture and you can explore the temples and ruins. Enjoy a final dip in the ocean underneath the archaeological site. Afterwards, you are taken to your beach hotel in Tulum. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the port of Chiquilá. From there, you will take the ferry to the small, car-free island of Holbox which is a natural paradise with white sandy beaches, turquoise water and famous for its spectacular sunsets. If you do not have an extended beach vacation in Holbox, your guide will take you to the airport in Cancún or to your beach hotel on the Riviera Maya. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)