03| Yucatan RoundTrip | 8 Days - 7 Nights

03| Yucatan RoundTrip | 8 Days – 7 Nights

The Mesoamerican rainforest was the witness of the development of one of the most amazing cultures in human history: the Mayan civilization. The Mayans reached their maximum splendor in the classical period that covered from 300 to 950 AD, Mayans are distinguished by their great findings, very advanced for their time, in mathematics, architecture and astronomy which allowed them to create a calendar system based on the stars. Today, its discoveries and the history of its culture can still be told thanks to what remains of its great pyramids and…

Monuments / Attractions Envisaged

Tulum: Castle of Kukulcan.

Chetumal: Sightseeing on the City.

Kohunlich: Temple of the Masks, Stele Square, The Acropolis, Temple of the King, The Stands, Temple of the Stalls, Temple of The Twin Columns, Building of The Eleven Doors, The Ball Court.

Palenque: Temple of Inscriptions, Royal Pakal Tomb, The Palace, The Temples of the Cross, The Temples of the Jaguar, The Temple of the Sun.

Welib-Ha: Waterfall and waterhole.

Campeche: Sightseeing on the City.

Kabah: The Palace of the Masks, Pyramid of Mascarones.

Uxmal: Pyramid of the Magician, The Governor’s Palace, The Nunnery Quadrangle.

Merida: Governor Palace, Montejo Palace, San Idelfonso Cathedral of Merida.

Chichen Itza: Temple of Kukulkan, Great Ball Court, Skull Platform, Sacred Cenote, Temple of the Warriors, Group of a Thousand Columns, El Mercado, The Osario, Las Monjas, El Caracol.

Valladolid: Sightseeing on the City.

Coba: Nohoch Mul Pyramid, Sacbes roads.

Accommodation Overview

As part of the Yucatan RoundTrip tour you will be staying at a selection of four star hotels.

Equipped with modern day facilities, these hotels are known to offer the utmost care and comfort along with high standards of service.

Accommodation for your tour will be as described below, at the following properties:

1 Night at La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun 4* or Similar in Cancun on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Capital Plaza 4* or Similar in Chetumal on Bed and Breakfast basis.

2 Nights at Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar in Palenque on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* or Similar in Campeche on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Mision Merida Panamericana 4* or Similar in Merida City on Bed and Breakfast basis.

1 Night at Ecotel Quinta Regia 4* or Similar in Valladolid City on Bed and Breakfast basis.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun 4* – Located in Cancun, 8 minutes drive from the beach, recently received an AAA 3 Diamond award and the TripAdvisor Excellence Award, located right on the financial area of the city, close to plaza Malecon and Plaza Las Americas shopping areas. Spacious guest rooms and suites are well furnished with contemporary décor and amenities including Wi-Fi throughout the property and outdoor swimming pool.

Capital Plaza Chetumal 4* – Located in Chetumal city centre, near from the main business zone, commercial shops and entertainment. The air-conditioned rooms at Capital Plaza are decorated in elegant light colours. Offering an outdoor pool, a gym and stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi, this modern hotel is situated opposite Chetumal’s Mayan Culture Museum.

Hotel Tulija Express Palenque 4* – Hotel Tulija Express Palenque is located in the commercial zone of Palenque, Chiapas. Tulija Express Palenque by Excellent City Hotels is the 4 stars Palenque hotel that reflects the unique mysticism of southeast Mexico. In addition to comfortable rooms, Tulija Express will offer you a restaurant, room service, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a full list of services that guarantees your satisfaction.

Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* – The Hotel Plaza Campeche offers high quality, elegance, comfort and safety with all the services offered by modern hotels. Located in the historic centre of the city and port of Campeche, near all commercial, cultural and tourist activities. Decorated in a classic style, Hotel Plaza Campeche offers an outdoor pool, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and the seafront is just 500 m away.

Mision Merida Panamericana 4* – Mision Merida Panamericana will surround you with its unique architecture of a traditional colonial house. Located near of the most important historical sites in the beautiful city of Merida, in the historic city centre, less than 10 minutes walk from the downtown; is surrounded by museums, theatres, restaurants and colonial buildings, its location will allow you to visit the most important tourist sites including the Main Plaza and The Cathedral. Its airy rooms with a mix of streamlined and Spanish Colonial–style decor provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screens and sitting areas, as well as desks.

Ecotel Quinta Regia 4* – Get in touch with Yucatan’s local nature in an eco-friendly 4-star hotel that guarantees you the most pleasant stay. Ecotel Quinta Regia is located near the Historic Centre of Valladolid, Yucatan. This hotel has been designed to offer a private, familiar and cozy ambiance. Located in an old and exuberant fruit hacienda of over 100 years old, offers spacious and quiet facilities, surrounded by charming gardens with regional vegetation and fruit, medicinal and decorative trees.

* Please note that should accommodation in the above listed hotels not be available at the time of your visit we will offer a similar standard.

Board Basis (Meal Plan) & Included Services

Welcome greeting at the airport in Cancun.

Transportation in air conditioned vehicles.

English speaking guide during the days of the tour.

07 nights accommodation at the hotels mentioned above in DBL occupancy.

Daily breakfast at all the above hotels.

Visits mentioned in the itinerary, including entrance fees to the archaeological sites.

Government taxes.

Exclusions

Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport taxes, any insurance etc.

Any meals other than the mentioned.

Gratuities in hotel (maids and bell boys).

Beach extension hotel.

Information

8 Days - 7 Nigths

Yucatan

Departure/Starting City

Cancun
Hotels during Tour

La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun 4* or Similar (Cancun) | Capital Plaza 4* or Similar (Chetumal) | Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar (Palenque) | Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* or Similar (Campeche) | Mision Merida Panamericana 4* or Similar (Merida)| Ecotel Quinta Regia 4* or Similar (Valladolid)

From Our Gallery

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun

Welcome and transfer to Cancun downtown hotel.

Overnight in Cancun | La Quinta Inn & Suites Cancun 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis

Day 2: Cancun – Tulum – Chetumal

On our first day, we start your expedition to The Mayan World, driving to reach the Magic archeological Site of Tulum, a walled sacred City of the Mayan Post Classic Period. Tulum stands on a Cliff facing the rising sun, with outstanding views of the Caribbean. With over 20 Buildings, you will be able to observe the Stalls on the monuments, with the graphic legacy of the stage of the Mayan Culture in that Period; you will also see the First Castle on your Route dedicated to Kukulcan, the God of Gods of the Mayas. Tulum was a major link in the Maya extensive trade network, both maritime and land routes converged here. Tulum will be your first Caribbean Beach to enjoy the white sand and the crystal clear water of the Ocean. During the afternoon, another two hour transit through the Tropical Vegetation, to reach your overnight destination. Chetumal, with a large Bay, is the outlet of the Hondo River, the natural frontier between Mexico and Belize. Chetumal is a fairly large and modern city, the capital of the State of Quintana Roo.

Overnight in Chetumal | Capital Plaza 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 420 km

Day 3: Chetumal – Kohunlich – Palenque

Departure to Kohunlich which is renowned for its Temple of the Masks. Kohunlich has an Early Classic pyramid which central stairway is flanked by large stucco masks. The temple was built around 500 A.D. Later around 700 A.D., the temple was over covered with a Terminal Classic construction, which protected the masks and accounts for their excellent preservation today. The giant masks represent the Sun God "Kinich Ahau" however they differ in appearance so it is thought that they also represent the various rulers of Kohunlich. The name Kohunlich comes from two English words "Cohune" (a palm tree native to Belize) and " Ridge " for " Cohune Ridge " or " The ridge where the cohune palm grows ". This archaeological site is surrounded by huge trees. The main buildings you will see on this site are The Acropolis, Temple of the King, The Stands, Temple of the Stalls and Temple of The Twin Columns, Building of The Eleven Doors, The Ball Court and The Pyramid of the Masks. In the afternoon, we will continue towards Palenque.

Overnight in Palenque | Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 490 km

Day 4: Palenque – Welib Ha – Palenque

In the morning of day 3 we visit the archaeological site of Palenque. This ancient Mayan City reached its peak from the sixth to the eighth centuries A.D. Palenque, is a more rigidly conservative architecture compared to other Classic Maya sites. Still Palenque is one of the most enigmatical Sites and has held its secrets for over twelve hundred years. The setting is nestled against the mountain wall, surrounded by flourishing vegetation deep in the rain forest. You will see endless levels of Maya man-made terraces, bearing uncounted structures, most of which appear to have been mausoleums. You will find a marked contrast between Palenque and other Classic Maya sites. The most outstanding buildings are: The Temple of the Inscriptions, a majestic pyramid with a secret crypt; The Fabulous Royal Pakal Tomb; with an exquisitely engraved monolithic sarcophagus; The Palace with a four story high square tower, probably used as an astronomical observatory; The Temples of the Cross, The Temples of The Jaguar and The Temple of The Sun. Palenque added additional roof toppings to its buildings producing an extra height, compared to other Classic Buildings. Continue to Welib Ha waterfalls. After the visit we will return to Palenque.

Overnight in Palenque | Hotel Tulija Express 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 65 km

Day 5: Palenque – Campeche

We will undertake a transit along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico until reach Campeche. Campeche used to be the main town of the Mayan province of Ah Kim Pech, which means "Serpent Tick" and was founded around the 3rd century AD. The City of Campeche was one of the Head Quarters of the Spanish Conquerors that established their reign over the big Mayan Civilization settled all along the Yucatan Peninsula and way down it to Central America. The First Spaniard soldiers got to Campeche in the year 1517 and although were defeated on the first intent, stayed anyway and took over this Mayan Provincial Capital, proceeding with its colonization. In the Mid 16th Century, Campeche had become an important port with an already established wall around the City in order to prevent a further defeat. Later it prevented attacks from Pirates that would move in from the Caribbean. UNESCO has awarded recognition to The City of Campeche for its beautiful colonial architecture and restoration of its facades.

Overnight in Campeche | Hotel Plaza Campeche 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 390 km

Day 6: Campeche – Kabah – Uxmal – Merida

Departure to Kabah. Kabah is known as the second largest religious centre in The Puuc Route Area, which flourished around the year 800 AD. It is connected with Uxmal by a sacbe which begins right in the Arch, a kind of main door to the city. Kabah has Classic Style Architecture and its main attractions are the Palace of the masks with over 300 representations, mainly dedicated to Chaac, God of the Rain and the “Piramide de los Mascarones” also including masks and Stalls. We then continue to Uxmal which means "Three times constructed"; the architecture of Uxmal is among the most majestic in Yucatan. Its beauty is characterized by low and horizontal palaces placed around patios and quadrants richly decorated with detailed sculptures. Uxmal, enveloped by legends and myths is situated within a series of hills known as the Puuc or the mountainous area of the Yucatan. Continue to Merida the Capital of the State of Yucatan. Merida has preserved its Colonial Heritage in the Historic District of the Town. It is the Center of the State and all the roads converge at the State Capital. Merida’s Central Square or “Plaza Grande” is surrounded by ancient buildings that form the Historic District such as The San Idelfonso Cathedral of Merida, the most antique church of the American Continent, built in the second half of the XVIth Century. Merida’s Cathedral has one of the biggest interior Statues of Christ in the World. Merida was founded on January 6, 1542 on the indigenous trace of Ichcaanziho's City, called also T'ho. City tour during the afternoon.

Overnight in Merida | Mision Merida Panamericana 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 240 km

Day 7: Merida – Chichen Itza – Valladolid

Today we will depart to Chichen Itza the Mayan Post Classic Sacred City, which represents the most intact and impressive of the Ruins of the Mayan Civilization that the modern world preserves. "The Mouth of the Well". Chichen Itza has a huge “Cenote” a big pond nourished by underground rivers which supplied clean water to the complex. Chichen Itza, as other Mayan Centers was originally a ceremonial and spiritual site, instead of a commercial area. Has maybe the most impressive Pyramid of all the Maya World. The Castle with 4 staircases (One for each season of the Year) with 91 steps each, totaling 365 with the top platform. The orientation of the pyramid is such that for about an hour around 4 o'clock during the spring and fall equinoxes (March 21 & September 21), the shadow of north-west edge of the pyramid on the side of the north stairway, draws seven triangles of light that imitates a serpent creeping downwards until it joins the huge serpent's head at the bottom of the stairway. This was a Religious message telling the people it’s time to seed the land or it is time to harvest with the Blessing of Kukulkan. At Chichen Itza, you will see an Astrological Observatory with a Design similar to others built in the Modern Age. There are many more Buildings such as The Temple of the Warriors, part of the "Thousand Columns Complex", the Temple of the Jaguars, the Ball Court which is the biggest in Mezzo America. Chichen Itza was voted One of the Modern Seven Wonders of the World. After a visit of almost 2 hours, we will drive onto Valladolid.

Overnight in Valladolid | Ecotel Quinta Regia 4* or Similar | Standard room on Bed & Breakfast basis | Travelling Distance Approx. 177 km

Day 8: Valladolid – Coba – Riviera Maya / Cancun

On our last day we will visit the Mayan ruins at Coba, which are unique in that only a few of its estimated 6,500 structures have been uncovered, but the ones that have been are graceful and impressive. On these quiet and peaceful grounds it´s hard to imagine that Coba may have once had the largest population of all the ancient Mayan cities. This vast Mayan archeological site dates from 600-900 A.D. and there were an estimated 100,000 people living in its domain. It was the heart of a large metropolis composed of many cities within the eastern Yucatan. Much can be learned about the ancient Maya in the architecture of Coba's pyramids and buildings situated on the shores of several lakes. As many as fifty sacbes (ancient roads) led into this huge Mayan city center, one of them over 62 miles long -- the longest in the Mayan world. Today few people live in Coba, leaving one to ponder how such a great city fell into complete decline. The steepness of the Nohoch Mul pyramid (the tallest in the Yucatan at over 126 feet) and the building techniques employed here are characteristic of the Petan region of Guatemala. There are stories that indicate a ruling queen here married a priest from Tikal, which has the tallest Mayan pyramid. This may be why the architecture of the two sites is similar.

After the visit we will continue to your final destination: Riviera Maya or Cancun | Travelling Distance Approx. 192 km