The Yucatan of Mexico
Mayan Pyramids and Sandy Beaches

1st Quarter 2009

The Yucatan Peninsula is a tropical paradise filled with ancient ruins, baroque colonial architecture, exotic flora and fauna, ancient Maya pyramids and temples and beautiful white sand beaches.  We'll learn about traditional Maya and Mexican cultures, and savor the delicious flavors of regional cuisines.  Some beach time is in order after our sightseeing so relax and enjoy Cancun, world-renowned playground for sun and fun.
(See tentative itinerary below)

We are currently in the process of planning this trip.
Once we have all the activities, hotels and other details confirmed,
and the price finalized, we will remove this information and post
a completed itinerary with the price.

If you are interested in learning more about this trip,
make a pre-reservation.
It is very important to make a no-obligation pre-reservation.
Those who have made a pre-reservation will be notified first
when the full itinerary and pricing is posted.

 Make a Pre-Reservation

A pre-reservation does not require any money.
Once the tour is finalized and a tour price available, those who have pre-reserved
a space will be contacted via email and asked to decide if they
want to make a deposit. If you are not interested, you don't have to do anything.

Tentative Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Cancun, Mexico

Overnight Cancun

Day 2 - Ek'Balam, Valladolid and Merida

Ek'Balam, dating from A.D. 900, was known for rich carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, a sophisticated network of roads, and numerous hieroglyphic texts.   Valladolid, "The Pearl of the East," is Yucatan's oldest and second largest city.  Enjoy exploring the colonial character of the plaza and life along the cobblestone streets. Our last stop of the day is Merida, the capital city of the state of Yucatan, known as the "white city" for its light-colored facades.  Overnight Merida.

Day 3 - Uxmal, Kabah

Enjoy excursions to two archaeological sites today.  First, visit Uxmal, which was one of the largest city-states in the Yucatan. Tour the ruins and see the impressive building known as the "Pyramid of the Magician."  Later, travel to Kabah, the sister city-state to Uxmal, and visit the "Temple of the Masks," whose facade is completely adorned with sculptures of the rain god, Chac. After returning to Merida, the balance of the day is at leisure.  Overnight Merida.

Day 4 - Izamal, afternoon free

Travel to Izamal, a beautiful colonial city, known for its seven major Mayan pyramids. The base of one pyramid became the foundation of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, which holds the second largest open-air atrium in the world.

We will stop for lunch at Hacieda Teya (or similar) for a true Yucatecan meal before returning to Merida for some free time.  Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to relax, shop for local crafts, or maybe visit nearby museums such as the Museum of Popular Art, showcasing Mayan art, handicrafts, and clothing.  Take a walking tour through the city’s colonial center and its colorful market. Enjoy an afternoon exploring the ruins of Dzibilchaltun, including its Temple of the Seven Dolls, and the nearby Museum of the Maya People.  Overnight Merida

Day 5 - Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Today takes us to the Ecological Reserve at Celestun. During a relaxing boat excursion, watch for local wildlife, including the elegant flamingos and pelicans that make this spot their home.  This is the main wintering area for greater flamingos, nesting beaches for endangered sea turtles, estuary "nurseries" for countless fish and marine species; highly productive mangrove communities; two endangered crocodile species; migrant and wintering waterbirds, shorebirds and songbirds.  Overnight Merida

Day 6 - Chichen Itza

No trip to the Yucatan would be complete without visiting the famous Maya city-state of Chichen Itza.  Explore what was once the largest political and religious center in the Yucatan Peninsula.  The magnificent ruins highlight the impressive architectural skills and ingenuity of the ancient Maya civilization.  Chichen itza was built by the Maya between 600 and 900 A.D.; abandoned by the end of the 10th century’ and re-established in the 11th and 12th centuries, possibly by the Toltecs. The site sits amid three miles of cleared forest scrub. Visit the ball court, site of many human sacrifices, el castillo, a formidable building dedicated to the high priest, and the cenote sagrado, the sacred well once filled with priceless treasures offered to the gods.  Overnight in Merida

Day 7 - Merida to Cancun with stop at Tulum ruins, afternoon free

Tulum is a small site but one of the most fascinating archaeological sites strategically built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  The remainder of the day in Cancun is yours to relax or explore.  Overnight Cancun

Day 8 -  Free day in Cancun

Spend today in this world-renowned playground for sun and fun. Maybe take a trip out to Isla Mujeres or partake in some of the many water sports along the coast of Quintana Roo. For wildlife enthusiasts, there is the nearby sanctuary on Isla Contoy or the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.  Overnight Cancun.

Day 9 - Cancun - departure at leisure

All previous information has been superseded.