Adding a little extra spice to this exciting Yucatan expedition, we first explore Tikal, the breathtaking ancient Guatemalan city built by the then-dominant Mayan civilisation. Constructed as a ceremonial centre, Tikal's temples, pyramids and majestic stone monuments were designed with an aim to inspire awe in visitors and after two millennia, they still do so today. Our education into the ways and practices of the ancient world continues as we visit Chichen Itza in Mexico, a splendid archaeological site that incorporates the legacies and ruins both of the Maya and of the later-arriving Toltecs, and Uxmal, an ancient Mayan city of temple-pyramids, palaces, sacrificial tombs and ballcourts. Deep into the heart of the Yucatan jungle, we travel to Coba through untamed nature, where we find temple ruins overgrown with trees and foliage, a feature that only adds to their mystical appeal. Perched atop a pyramid overlooking vast ocean and dense jungle on our visit to Tulum truly is an experience never forgotten.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
The above prices are subject to an additional $50 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included (any exceptions are listed in red below), but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.
Optional Single Supplement: $450 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrive in Guatemala City
Today we arrive in Guatemala City.
Overnight in Guatemala City.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Guatemala City - Flores - Tikal
Today we fly from Guatemala City to Flores.
On arrival we embark on a guided tour to experience the mystique of Tikal, possibly the most magnificent of all Mayan sites. Here we discover ancient temples, pyramids and stone structures dating from 500 BC. The five great pyramids of Tikal give this ceremonial centre a majestic grandeur unique among Maya cities. The height of the temples, crowned with tremendous roof combs; the complicated assemblage of the palace structures of the central Acropolis; and the complexity of the chronology of the North Acropolis are staggering to anyone visiting Tikal for the first time. In ancient times Tikal functioned mainly as a ceremonial centre in which the aristocratic elite and their priests ruled, dictated, and directed the activities of the architects, builders, craftsmen, and labourers. All endeavours in the region of Tikal were directed to enhance the city, to glorify the gods, to amass wealth, and to acquire tribute for the ruling upper strata of society. To sustain this activity for over a thousand years demanded a well-disciplined peasantry.
Overnight near Tikal.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Flores, Guatemala - Cancun, Mexico
Today we fly from Flores, Guatemala to Cancun, Mexico.
Overnight Cancun.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Cancun - Chichen Itza
Today we travel to Chichen Itza. This is a wonderful archaeological site incorporating the ruins of two different cultures, the ancient Maya and the later arriving Toltecs. The substantial fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architecture make Chichen Itza unique. The El Castrillo, the temple of Panels and the Platform of Venus are superb architectural feats.
The most impressive monuments here are the Temple of the Warriors, the group of a thousand columns, the Temple of Kukulcan, the Temple of Chac-Mool and the Ball Court. The Toltecs interest in astronomy and mathematics is evident with a visit to the Astronomical Observatory, perhaps one of the most impressive revelations is the phenomenon occurring during equinoxes, when shadows cast across the ramp of the castle appear to form the shape of a slithering serpent.
Tonight we include a visit to the Sound and Light show.
Overnight in Chichen Itza.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Chichen Itza - Merida
Today we drive to Merida, probably the most beautiful town in the Yucatan peninsula. We find that the most enjoyable way to sightsee is from a calesa, or horse drawn carriage. We include a half-day's sightseeing in this most elegant of fashions. During the nineteenth century, European traders flocked to the bustling city to exchange their luxuries for the area's much sought after sisal hemp. The state capital's many buildings and the Moorish and rococo-style mansions of the Paseo Montejo reflect the strong Old World influences.
Overnight in Merida.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Merida - Uxmal
Uxmal is a stunning place. Uxmal was one of the sites to which the Maya returned again and again in the course of their civilization. The name means 'thrice built'. The Palace of the Governor at Uxmal is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Maya structures in Central America. Here some 20,000 hand cut stones have been set into acres of geometric friezes. The nunnery is the quadrangle where vestals allegedly spent a licentious final year of worldly pleasure before their sacrifice to appease the rain god Chac. This truly is a step back into the years of the Maya glory (AD 7-10). The Palace of Large Masks with its magnificent stone mosaics and representations of the ubiquitous rain god.
We also visit the nearby smaller sites of Kabah and Labna. Kabah is the most notable for its Palace of the Masks, the facade of which is covered with innumerable carved masks of the rain god Chac. Labna is another beautiful site. It is famous for its fine sculpture and its arch, this was one of the most ornate built by the Maya.
Overnight in Uxmal.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Uxmal - Valladolid - Coba
Today we depart Uxmal for Coba. The morning's drive takes us through Valladolid where we stop for our lunch break. The peaceful Zocalo in the heart of Valladolid is shaded by large trees and surrounded by a variety of restaurants.
We continue on to Coba, one of the grandest Mayan city-states, and have a tour of this impressive site immediately upon arrival. As a large trading center, Coba was connected to other Mayan cities by an elaborate network of roads known as "sacbes". The ancient temples are still surrounded by the thick Yucatan jungle which adds a lot of natural flavour to a rich cultural experience.
After our guided tour you may choose to rent a mountain bike available at the site. A bike is the quickest way to reach some of the most remote parts of this enormous ruined city that once rivalled Tikal in size. Because our hotel is so close to the site you may choose to stay in the site and climb up Nocoh Muh -- the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan. Watching the sun set from the top of this Mayan pyramid over an endless stretch of forests is truly one of Mexico's most magical experiences.
Overnight in Coba.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 Coba - Tulum - Cancun
In order to beat the crowds, we depart early today for Tulum, one of the most beautiful Maya sites, perched high on the cliffs above the Caribbean. Tulum means "wall" in Maya. The most impressive site at this area is the large pyramid on the edge of the cliff overlooking the sea. A wide staircase leads to a two-chamber temple on the top. Two serpent columns divide the entrance and above the middle entrance is a carved figure of the Diving God. The sight at the top of the pyramid is stunning with a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding jungle. You will have free time to explore this site on your own.
From here we continue to Cancun.
Overnight in Cancun.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Departure
Departure from Cancun.
BUEN VIAJE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and local restaurants). All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, hotel porters (if available). Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuity, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable). Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on not included meal costs, and shopping.
Seasonality and Weather
The warm dry season is Dec-May though temperature differences between seasons are slight. The coolest months are Nov-Jan though temperature differences between seasons are slight. You must be prepared for heat and humidity at any time.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Road transport by private air-conditioned motor coach, 12-30 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). The region's roads are generally good and the distances covered are not great. Numerous nature walks and walking tours on uneven surfaces. Internal flights via scheduled carriers.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range (3-4 star) hotels with en suite toilet and bath throughout (probably shower only). Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than doubles. Hotel porter service is sometimes available (see 'Inclusions') though you should be independent with your luggage, especially at airports. Most hotels have outdoor swimming pools.
Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver/s, and local step-on guides at various locations.
Group Size
10-18 (plus Tour Leader)
Regions visited: Central America and North America
Countries visited: Guatemala and Mexico
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
This city hotel has 397 elegant rooms equipped and completely renovated. In 2013, energy-saving devices were installed in all rooms as an initiative to preserve the environment. In addition, it has Premium category rooms for guests who are interested in enjoying a stay with a plus in services and equipment.
