Thrilling Escape to Mexico
7 days
Explore the ruins and mysteries of ancient civilizations with our seven-day trip. You’ll be able to get the right blend of taking in the natural sights and flora and fauna, revisiting historic cities that were once empires of the past, and of course, have plenty of time for some relaxation in the sun and sand.
There’ll be everything from boat rides and swimming in the Cenote Xcanche to the exploration of one of the seven wonders of the world at Chichen Itza while at the same time exploring the local delicacies that are available.
Ek Balam Mayan Ruins
Archaeological site
Ria Lagartos Biosphere
Eco tours
Izamal
The yellow city
Coba Mayan City
Jungle and bike tour
Highlights
- Get a closer look at nature by exploring preserved biospheres.
- A complete Mayan exploration experience with numerous ruins.
- Plenty of time to bathe in pure waters of various Cenotes or naturally occurring sinkholes to cool off from the heat.
- Head back into the past through colonial heritage towns and explore local markets and cuisines.
Itinerary
You’ll arrive in Mexico via Cancun International Airport on your first day, and we’ll provide you with a safe and comfortable transfer to your hotel in Valladolid. Today is just about coming and preparing for the rest of your trip.
There’ll be plenty to capture with your camera at the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, from mangroves to the possibility of some crocodiles. Yet everyone comes here to see the beautiful, brightly colored Flamingos.
After that, we venture toward the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam (the capital of one of the ethnic groups in the area). It has been around for a couple of thousand years and is a site you don’t want to miss. From there, you’ll swim in your first natural sinkhole, Cenote Xcanche, where you can dip and refresh yourself. In this Cenote, you’ll want to swim in the crystalline waters, and you can also cliff jump.
You can also rappel down as it’s pretty open compared to other Cenotes. Not to mention, it’s possible to zipline across or use the rope swing to enjoy getting into the calm waters.
Those with the energy in the evening are welcome to enjoy the light show at the Convent of San Bernardino in Valladolid.
Here we go to the superb location of Chichen Itza, a truly magnificent and incredible site. You will go on an in-depth walking tour, and your guide will be there happily to explain this ancient city of an era long gone. It houses multiple sites throughout the complex. You’ll see the iconic El Castillo, the symmetrical pyramid of this ancient city that used to hold tens of thousands of Mayan citizens.
You’ll also see the Temple of the Warriors and numerous other temples, marketplaces, and the stargazing observatory, El Caracol. That was the name the conquistadors gave, roughly translating to ‘snail’!
We’ll also stop at the Cenote Chihuan, where you can enjoy the stalactites and stalagmites. This Cenote tends to be a much more private encounter with fewer people around so that you can enjoy it better. In addition, it’s more of an underground cave than other types of Cenote with a deeper depth, perfect for some snorkeling or even scuba.
After that, we head to a transfer to the Magic Town Izamal, and there’s a walking tour throughout this colonial-era town, which will include the Convent of San Antonio De Padua, as well as one last Mayan temple, the Kinich Kakmo, meaning sun-faced. It is in the middle of the city.
From there, we transfer to Merida to prepare for the next day’s events.
On this day, we’ll be touring the Mayan City of Maypan, which has archeological sites to enjoy via the tour. Rumor has it this was built by the Mayan Snake God as Chichen Itza was in decline.
Of course, you’ll also be able to see the Observatory, as Mayans were some of the best in astronomy, as well as temples and castles. You can see the Castle of Kukulkan, a smaller twin to Chichen Itza, and note the over two dozen Cenotes around the area that provide fresh water. There are also numerous observatories and circular towers throughout the city to showcase the prowess of Mayan astronomy.
From there, the rest of the day is all about Cenotes. First, of course, we’ll swim in the Cenotes Homun. There are a few to explore and some off the beaten path, so be wary, but you’ll get those picturesque high ceiling cave-like experiences and crystal clear, calm waters to enjoy, with the natural sun to pierce in light.
After that, we’ll explore and observe the three Cenotes of Cuzama. You can opt for a horse-drawn carriage that will take you through the jungles to these often untouched Cenotes, and they will make you feel like you’re genuinely spelunking as you climb directly into the water to access them.
Here we’ll drive you to the Mayan ruins of Coba. You can explore the entire site this time by bike, so you’ll be able to see how large these complexes are.
You can also climb some of the pyramids here in specific locations. Then it’s back to cooling off and swimming through different Cenotes, such as Tamcach-Ha, where you can take the spiral staircase down to this expansive Cenote. You can also visit Cenote Choo-Ha, walk across the long bridge, capture the best picture, or jump into the water to refresh again.
From there, we give you one of the most picturesque points on the excursion, heading to the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, built on a cliff with the sea as its view. Again, you’ll be on a boat with a rare chance to savor and capture magnificence.
Later, we’ll happily transfer you to your hotel.
Visit the remote Sian Ka’an biosphere with a guide and surround yourself with nature. It’s just 30 minutes from your hotel on the Boca Paila Peninsula. You’ll explore everything via boat, and it’ll be a day where you can relax on the beach or go snorkeling (with gear included) and observe underwater creatures, such as turtles, dolphins, and manatees.
After that, you head to Ascension Bay for your final tour and to have its ecological importance showcased to you. Then, finally, you’ll have lunch at Punta Allen and get some free time to relax.
Final transfer back to Cancun International Airport for you to head back home.
map, expenses & price
Thrilling Escape to Mexico
Expenses included:
-All private transportation.
-Six nights of hotel accommodations.
-Professional certified guides.
-All park entrance fees.
-Tours and excursions as listed.
-Daily breakfast.
Extensions
thrilling escape to mexico
Those that find themselves archaeologists at heart should add this to their itinerary. Puuc means mounds, and this is a walking hike where you’re going to be able to explore some breathtaking Mayan ruins. There are five to explore: Uxmal, Kabah, Sayli, Xlapak, and Labná. The restoration process of the ruins varies from fully restored to looking as they did when they first resurfaced centuries ago.
thrilling escape to Mexico
Another perfect option for history lovers is an old fortified city that was one of the vital trading ports back in the mid-1500s. It was home to plenty of battles against various pirates and still has many fortifications available to explore. It’s a less explored path, so there will be fewer tourists than at other sites, and it’s also a UNESCO site. The city itself has that historic colonial feel.
