The Treasures of Yucatan

Transfer to the center of the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen. Accommodation in a B&B hotel. Time to relax on the beach.

After breakfast, departure towards the Bacalar Lagoon. Locals call it the “Lagoon of 7 Colors” because its color changes depending on the water depth—from turquoise blue to dark green. In the afternoon, accommodation at a hotel en route to Calakmul.

Morning departure from the hotel to the magical archaeological site of Calakmul. On the way, enjoy a delicious breakfast in a local restaurant. This archaeological site is the most important of the entire Río Bec group. It is one of the largest archaeological sites in all of Central America. The city covered more than 70 km², and archaeologists have identified over 7,000 structures—more than in any other Mayan city. The dominant feature is the Gran Pirámide, whose base measures 2.5 hectares, the largest in the Mayan world. Over 120,000 inhabitants once lived in Calakmul, and it served as the main religious and administrative center of the historic Petén region. Most structures are still buried under tons of soil and jungle, and you'll have a unique chance to explore this stunning site.

Palenque is considered the most beautiful Mayan city of the Classic Period. The discovery of King Pakal’s tomb beneath the Temple of the Inscriptions in the 1960s turned Palenque into a cultural landmark. Nestled at the foot of the mountains and surrounded by lush jungle, it exudes a mystical atmosphere. Key structures include the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross, and the Royal Palace.

Misol-Ha is special because behind the main waterfall is a cave containing another, smaller waterfall.

The stepped Agua Azul waterfalls are unique because of the high mineral content that causes the water to change color throughout the day—from turquoise to deep blue-green.

Edzná was once a major city built along trade routes connecting the highlands with coastal city-states. Key highlights include: Temple of the Five Stories, Nohochná, and the Temple of the Masks.

In the afternoon, visit Campeche, a colonial gem on the Yucatán's west coast. Campeche was one of the most important Spanish cities in Mexico. Ships once sailed from here to Spain loaded with treasures such as gold, silver, jade, and cacao, making it a frequent target of pirates. After repeated raids, the Spanish built an elaborate system of walls and bastions to protect the port.

Uxmal is one of the most important cities of the Classic Period. During the tour, you'll see pyramids built in the Puuc architectural style, known for elaborate exterior design but simple living spaces inside. You’ll visit the Pyramid of the Magician, rebuilt five times due to the Mayan calendar cycle, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Great Pyramid, and the Governor’s Palace, which offers stunning views of the site.

Later, transfer to Mérida—a beautiful and romantic city that has always been the cultural, economic, and social hub of the state of Yucatán. During colonial times, it became home to sisal plantation owners and developed active trade ties with Europe through the nearby port of Sisal, exporting ropes. During the evening city tour, we’ll visit the house of Francisco Montejo, Mérida’s founder, which remained in his family's possession until the 1980s. Then, we’ll stop at the cathedral, believed to be the oldest in the Americas. Thanks to the sisal boom, the elite of Mérida built their own “Champs-Élysées,” the Paseo de Montejo, still lined with mansions.

We start with Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The visit lasts approximately 2 hours. You’ll see the Temple of Kukulkan, where a natural light phenomenon creates the illusion of a feathered serpent descending the pyramid during the equinox. You’ll also explore the Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Nunnery Complex. Chichen Itza was once a grand royal city.

Next, we visit a cenote, a sacred place for the Maya, believed to be an entrance to the underworld. Swimming is possible. Lunch included.

We end the day at a tequila distillery, where you’ll observe the entire traditional tequila-making process—from planting the agave to final tasting of various tequila types.