CT- Echoes of the Mayan Past

Explore majestic archaeological sites surrounded by tropical rainforest, stroll through charming colonial towns, visit elegant henequen haciendas, and discover World Heritage Sites, where every step will be an encounter with history, beauty, and the essence of Mexico.

DAY 1. CANCUN

Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our Cancun Travel Group team, who will assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Once you have checked in, you will have free time to rest and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Welcome to paradise!

DAY 2. CANCUN – HOLBOX

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the port of Chiquilá, where we will take a boat to the beautiful island of Holbox. Upon arrival, an electric taxi will take us to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free to begin discovering the charms of this magical island at your own pace. Nature, tranquility, and breathtaking landscapes await you.

DAY 3. HOLBOX

After breakfast, we will set off on a boat trip to explore the most iconic sites on Holbox. We will visit:

• Isla de los Pájaros, a natural sanctuary that is home to a variety of exotic species.
• Isla Pasión, where walking along its sandbanks is a unique experience.
• Ojo de Agua Yalahau, a spring of fresh, crystal-clear water, shrouded in local legends about its rejuvenating powers. Return to the hotel and free time to enjoy the island at your leisure.

DAY 4. HOLBOX – “SALT AND HONEY ROUTE” – MÉRIDA

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the pier to take the boat that will take us to the mainland. Today we will visit the salt and honey route, two dominant products that gave Yucatán its power. Our first stop will be Las Coloradas, a small fishing port. Its vegetation is typical of the coastal dunes and mangroves that make up an extraordinary ecosystem, especially at the confluence of sea salt and freshwater deposits, its pristine beaches, and its flora and fauna, which are part of the Río Lagartos Nature Reserve. It has one of the most important salt processing plants in Mexico for the collection and treatment of salt.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Experience bee care in a Mayan community, considered one of the best living museums of honey. An experience full of history, ancestral knowledge, and direct contact with nature. Through interactive activities, we will discover the fascinating world of the melipona bee (without a stinger) and its vital importance to the ecosystem in Yucatán. We will continue on to the iconic Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, one of the few still in full production. Aboard wooden platforms pulled by mules—known as trucks—we will venture into the extensive henequen plantations.

DAY 5. UXMAL – THE GOLDEN AGE OF THE HACIENDAS – CHICHÉN ITZÁ

After breakfast, we will depart for one of the archaeological jewels of the Mayan civilization: Uxmal. This majestic city, dating back to the Classic period (250-950 AD), was the capital of the ancient kingdom of the Xiu, establishing itself as the political and economic center of the Puuc region.

Among its buildings, the following stand out:

• The Nunnery Quadrangle
• The Ball Court
• The Dovecote
• The Old Woman's House
• The House of the Turtles
• The Pyramid of the Magician, with its unique elliptical structure and a height of 35 meters.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Nights of Kukulkán, a video mapping show at the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá.

DAY 6. MÉRIDA – CHICHÉN ITZÁ – EK BALAM –VALLADOLID

After breakfast at the hotel. Very early in the morning, we will be among the first visitors to enter one of the main archaeological sites of the Mayan civilization, Chichén Itzá, the religious capital of the Itzaes, which reached its peak during the Early Postclassic period (950-1200 AD); its name means “the mouth of the well of the water sorcerers.” A day that connects the splendor of the past with the magic of the present.

DAY 7. VALLADOLID – THE CASTAS WAR ROUTE – BACALAR

After breakfast at the hotel. If you visit the Yucatan Peninsula, learning about the Caste War will allow you to discover a fascinating history of Mayan resistance that marked the region between 1847 and 1901. This war was an uprising of the Mayan people against the white population that dominated northwestern Yucatan, and for decades the Mayans controlled much of the territory, especially in the south and east. Among the most important cities in this history is Chan Santa Cruz (now Felipe Carrillo Puerto), which was the capital and spiritual center of the rebels, where the cult of the “Talking Cross” united the Maya in their struggle. Other key cities were San Antonio Muyil and Santa Cruz Tulum, on the north coast of Quintana Roo, which also played a crucial role during the war. In addition, places such as Valladolid and Mérida were the scenes of battles and refuges for the white population.

DAY 8. BACALAR – LAGOON OF THE SEVEN COLORS AND PIRATE LEGENDS

After breakfast, we will begin our adventure in the charming Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town) of Bacalar, a destination with unique natural and historical riches. From ancient pre-Hispanic settlements to colonial tales of pirates who sailed these waters, Bacalar offers a profound and vibrant experience.

DAY 9. BACALAR – TULUM – PLAYA DEL CARMEN

After breakfast, we will depart for the legendary Mayan city of Tulum, formerly known as Zamá, “the city of dawn.” This settlement was one of the main Mayan ports that was still active when the conquistadors arrived.

DAYS 10 AND 11. PLAYA DEL CARMEN – FREE TIME

Free days to enjoy Playa del Carmen, its vibrant Fifth Avenue, idyllic beaches, gastronomic experiences, artisan shops, or simply relax with the sound of the Caribbean Sea in the background.

DÍA 12. PLAYA DEL CARMEN – AEROPUERTO DE CANCÚN

A la hora acordada, traslado al Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún para tomar su vuelo de regreso.