Very few Mexican destinations can mesmerise you with ancient Maya ruins, historical haciendas, azure Caribbean waters and colonial cities all in one go.
The Yucatan Peninsula covers the different States of Mexico, Quinatana Roo, Campeche & Yucatan (also known as Mundo Maya and the Riviera Maya). Of these States Quintana Roo best known and is also one of the most visited states in Mexico.
The Riviera is known worldwide for its idyllic landscapes, activities of all kinds, cuisine of great proportions and its incomparable beauty of Mayan monuments. Quintana Roo has something for everyone and offers everything the ultimate in luxury to those who prefer the simplest places in contact with nature
The Mayan Heritage
The Yucatan Peninsula is littered with archaeological sites that will get you enough impressive history to almost last a lifetime. Compared to other famous similar sites around the world, the shear amount of remains from the a culture is almost impossible to comprehend so you have to be selective as to who you would like to see in one go. We have always favoured the combination of Izamal (just outside Merida as one of our preferred location) and together with the very interesting Puuc route compared to a visit to Chichen Itza. On this tour you will see most of the important Mayan Temples.
The Haciendas of Yucatan
This fascinating journey will take you through the history of the Maya and into the modern day Yucatan Peninsula via the colonial period and give you a chance to glimpse into a time filled with richness and grandeur. The entire Peninsula was the centre of the henequen (or sisal) plantations, a strong fibre that was used to make ropes for especially sailboats. All of these fantastic buildings was a result of the money that was made during the 17th and 18th century and was often referred to as "green gold"
Day 1: Arrival Mérdia - transfer to the hotel
Welcome at airport MID by your local English speaking driver-guide. Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnigth Rosas & Xocolate Sp. Cat
Day 2: Mérida - Temozón (B)
Breakfast at hotel.. In the morning, sightseeing tour in Merida.
Merida, the capital of Yucatan, is also the largest city of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is located in the northwest part of the state, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. The city, similarly to much of the state, has heavy Mayan, Spanish, French, British, Lebanese and to a lesser extent Dutch influences. Merida is a city of contrasts. You will find elegant hotels, restaurants and malls in the northern part of the city; a large central market and numerous small shops are found all around the main plaza. Merida has a rich cultural life which also reflects its diversity. Many free concerts, performances and other events are held daily. In this time, we are going to visit the Montejo Avenue, the monument to Motherland, the Main Square, the Cathedral & Government Palace.
Transfer to your elegant hacienda hotel approx. 1h south of Mérida. Assisted check-in and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight. Hacienda Temozón Sp Cat
Day 3: Day at leisure (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day at leisure to enjoy the services of the Hacienda. Overnight Hacienda Temozón Sp Cat
Day 4: Temozón - Kabah & Uxmal - Santa Rosa (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel. Morning hotel check-out and drive out into the so called Puuc Region, which means “hilly landscape” in Maya language. Here you reach with Uxmal and Kabah two very interesting archaeological sites (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage): the Puuc culture was of highly decorative expression in their architecture, and at Uxmal, besides the Pyramid of the Dwarf, you see the Nun’s Quadrangle and the Governor’s Palace, among others, where beautiful stone relief masks and ceremonial patterns cover the façades, and in Kabah, you will be lead over an ancient Maya White Path “Sac-Beh”, to discover the kind of explosion in decor and stone art in the façade of Codz Pop temple full of amazing masks and patterns. Lunch will be taken at a local restaurant near the sites. Afternoon proceeding drive to your following hacienda hotel. Assisted check-in and evening at leisure. Overnigth Hacienda Santa Rosa Sp Cat
Day 5: Day at leisure (B)
Breakfast at hotel. Full day at leisure. Overnight Hacienda Santa Rosa Sp Cat
Optional / not included: your hacienda hotel offers exquisite installations, services and gastronomy for full relaxation. You might also like to make an optional half- or full-day activity/excursion, e.g. visit the beautiful natural reserve of the Lagoon of Celestún, where you can make an interesting boat ride to see pink colored flamingo birds, enter the dense Mangrove woods, and have a tasty regional lunch with fish at a rustical beach restaurant. (all optional service and/or excursion is not included in our package prices for today / supplements for additional services on request / Spa treatments and similar available with direct reservation and payment at your hotel).
Day 6: Santa Rosa - Chichen Itza (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel. Early morning departure from your hacienda hotel and drive to Chichén Itzá (approx. 2h30min distance). Here, you visit the most emblematic prehispanic archaeological site of Yucatan (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage): Pyramid of Kukulkan, giant Pelota Ball Game Court, Observatory, Temple of the Warriors and Complex of the 1000 columns, among others.
Do not miss to see also the seldom visited Old Chichén Itzá, as well as to take a look into the Sacred Dwell, where ancient Maya cultures thought to be the entrance to the Infraworld of their gods, and where they offered sacrifices to receive benefits in good climate and sufficient crops. Your lunch is included at Cenote Ikkil, where your Maya Buffet is next to an amazing natural sinkhole, where refreshing crystal clear water awaits you to jump in and take a bath! Afternoon check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening recommendation to visit the Light & Sound Show over the temple buildings of Chichén Itzá. Overnight Hacienda Chichén 4*
Day 7: Chichen Itza - Caribbean Coast (B)
Breakfast at hotel. After a relaxed wake up and morning, noon depart from your hotel and drive to the Caribbean Coast of Mexico (distance approx. 2h30min). Beach hotel for the coming nights is not included (and would have earliest check-in time at 15:00h) in our prices and is recommended to be chosen individually from the many beautiful existing options. The transfer service today includes transfer to airport CUN or hotels in the following regions: Cancun, Northern & Southern Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen/Playacar and Tulum. (e.g. beach destinations like Mexican Caribbean Islands require supplements, given on request).