Ancient Mayan Discovery
Itinerary
Travel through the Yucatan Peninsula, and you will encounter everything you could expect from a Mexican vacation. Go beyond the beautiful beaches and immerse into the Mayan culture, with unique gastronomy, friendly people, stunning architecture, and a whole lot of natural splendor. The region’s rich history will also come alive in your hand-picked accommodations, blending elegant allure from the past with modern comfort.
Start your journey in the Caribbean and visit Izamal, the Yellow City, where pre-hispanic history meets modern Mayan culture. Then continue to Merida, and discover the city’s art, architecture, and gastronomic richness. Explore a local market, cook with famed local chefs, and familiarize yourself with Yucatan’s characteristic ingredients that make its cuisine so unique and colorful. We will take you to some of the area’s best-restored haciendas to glimpse Yucatan’s exciting bygone times and invite you to adventure in tiny villages where you will find the most stunning cenotes. Relax at the beaches of Celestun and keep your camera ready to capture flamingoes in their natural habitat. End your Yucatec journey on a Caribbean coast – but only after having one more cochinita pibil taco.
Immerse in the colorful Mayan World.
Highlights
- Touring the Yellow City of Izamal, one of Mexico’s most colorful towns.
- Art, history, and culture in Merida, with stunning colonial architecture.
- Swimming in the cenotes of Cuzama, the Mayan underworld.
- The fascinating history of the ancient Mayan civilization at Uxmal and Chichen Itza.
- Culinary market experience, cooking classes, and fine dining.
DAY 01: IZAMAL TRANSFER + YELLOW CITY TOUR (L)
Upon pickup at your hotel or the airport, our SAT Mexico advisor will greet you and take you on board or private transportation for a transfer to the magical town of Izamal, about 3.5 hours of driving from Riviera Maya.
Izamal is known as the ‘City of Three Cultures,’ as it combines elements of the pre-Hispanic, colonial, and contemporary eras, and as the ‘Yellow City’, since practically every building in the town center has been painted in this color. Izamal was founded in the 4th century by Zamná, a priest of the Mayan god Itzamná. It would become an important ceremonial and urban center for the ancient Maya. After the conquest, the Spaniards started to build a city upon the existing Mayan city. A Franciscan convent was constructed atop the ruins of an ancient Maya temple. And although many of the pre-Hispanic buildings have been destroyed by the Spanish, six can still be seen in Izamal. One example is the Kinich Kak Moo pyramid, one of the largest pyramids in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Maya heritage is also expressed by the Maya language, traditional dress, and gastronomy. As the region’s best conserved, Izamal has been called “the most colonial of the Yucatan cities.”
We will start with Lunch at Restaurant Kinich (Included), one of the best places to try typical Yucatec dishes. They traditionally prepare food exactly as they do in the villages. After lunch, we will start a tour around the colorful center of Izamal, including a visit to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua and its Atrium, a huge arcaded courtyard, one of the World’s most prominent of its kind. If you wish to rest your feet, you can do part of this tour by horse carriage. Then we will continue to Merida to the hotel of your choice.
DAY 02: MERIDA TIME TO RELAX + CITY TOUR (B+L)
Welcome to Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. We are thrilled to take you on a tour of this magnificent city, starting with a pick-up from your hotel at 10 am.
Our first stop will be some of the city’s most famous points of interest, where we will show you the beautiful colonial architecture and stunning landmarks that make Merida so unique. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Yucatan region as we explore the city.
After our walking tour, we’ll go to MUGY, the Museo de la Gastronomia Yucateca, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch (Included). MUGY is known for its authentic Yucatecan cuisine, which is a blend of Spanish and Maya influences. One of the “must” dishes to try at MUGY is Cochinita Pibil, a traditional dish made of slow-roasted pork marinated in a blend of spices and citrus juices and served with tortillas and pickled onions. It’s a mouth-watering experience you won’t forget! After lunch, we’ll head to the historic downtown area, where you can explore the city on foot or use the transportation at your disposal. The downtown area has stunning colonial buildings, charming parks, and bustling markets. You can take your time to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this beautiful city before we return you to your hotel.
This tour of Merida is a perfect way to experience the best of what the city has to offer, from its fascinating history and culture to its delicious cuisine and stunning architecture. We recommend you have dinner at Rosas & Xocolate Restaurant (Not included) and stroll on Paseo Montejo Avenue for the evening.
DAY 03: MERIDA GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE (B + L)
For today, we recommend you have a light breakfast since you will have the most exciting food experience when visiting Merida. In the morning, we will pick you up and take you to the Lucas de Galvez market (or similar), Mérida’s most important market, where you can find everything from chile habanero and exotic fruits to piñatas, molcajetes, and figures related to black magic (and the infamous Santa Muerte cult). This market is where the locals buy their food and eat. Accompanied by a local chef, you will learn about the essential ingredients of regional cuisine and enjoy authentic tasting experiences. Try, for example, the panuchos (fried tortillas stuffed with beans and topped with meat and veggies) or a torta de cochinita pibil (baguette with slow-roasted, marinated pork meat). Be careful with the habanero sauce! During the tour around the market, your private chef will purchase all the materials for a culinary workshop in a local kitchen. The chef will guide you and teach you how to create different Mexican dishes at home, according to the availability of the ingredients in your country. Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience and learn all the basics of Yucatan’s gastronomy. Once ready, you will, of course, try the dishes you prepared in the cooking class. After lunch, you will enjoy a free afternoon.
We have reserved a table at Ku’uk Restaurant (subject to availability) for the evening, considered the region’s best restaurant, a unique fine-dining experience. Enjoy an 8-course tasting menu (not included) with pairing (including beer, wine, and cocktail), consisting of local products presented with a vanguardist twist by chef Pedro Evia. Subject to availability.
DAY 04: MAYAN ROADS AND HACIENDA MUYCUCHE (B)
Today, after breakfast, we will take you on a journey through time and nature, starting with a visit to the archeology zone of Mayapan. Then you will continue for a unique subterranean adventure. Yucatan is famous for its cenotes (natural sinkholes), which were considered the gateway to the Underworld by the ancient Maya. They were also used for water supplies and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. Nowadays, they are excellent natural places to take a swim, and you will surely be amazed by their natural beauty.
Mayapan was once the capital city of the ancient Maya civilization. Today, it is a well-preserved archeological site that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Maya people. As we explore the site, you’ll see the impressive structures and temples, including the impressive Pyramid of Kukulcan, and learn about this ancient civilization’s fascinating history and culture.
After our visit to Mayapan, we’ll head to the beautiful Hacienda Mucuyché, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and relax in the crystal-clear waters of the cenotes. Cenotes are natural sinkholes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater pools, and they are considered sacred by the Maya people. At Hacienda Mucuyché, you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax in the cool, refreshing waters and admire the stunning surroundings. You will have time for lunch at the Hacienda Muycuche (Not included).
If time permits, and if you are interested, we could make a slight detour and stop in the village of Tekit, the epicenter of artisanal guayabera production. We can visit a workshop where you will have a chance to shop for a unique Yucatan-style garment.
In the evening, back in Merida, we will have a casual dinner at a traditional cantina (Not included). Enjoy a fun evening, dancing the night away with live salsa music or zipping on mezcal, tequila, or Xtabentún, Yucatan’s liquor. Our driver will be there when you are ready to return to your hotel.
DAY 05: UXMAL PUUC ROUTE EXPEDITION (B + L)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then hit the road for a transfer to Uxmal. This ancient Maya city is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization. It is located in the Puuc region of the eastern Yucatan Peninsula. Recognizing its significance, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its buildings are known for their size and decoration. They are typical of the Puuc style, the region’s dominant architectural style. Our first stop today will be at Hacienda Uxmal, located across from the Uxmal ruins. This hacienda operates as a museum and hotel. It has hosted many influential personalities throughout its history, including Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Phillip of England, Prince Rainier & Princess Grace of Monaco, Jacqueline Kennedy and her family, and many archaeologists and other adventurous travelers. Before starting our expedition to the area, you will meet a traditional Mayan priest for a private ceremony. We will then invite you to explore the site in a vintage Land Rover Defender jeep, just like more than half a century ago when they used this type of vehicle for adventure expeditions in the Puuc zone. We will take you to the ruins, where your guide will accompany you to explore the Magician Pyramid, the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor’s palace, and the ballgame court. After visiting the archaeological site, return to Hacienda Uxmal for lunch (Included). We will take a ride through the grounds and vestiges of the historic hacienda and its surrounding plantations, with organic fruits and vegetables. You can also learn about chocolate at this historic site and see actual cacao trees growing on the grounds; visit the Chocolate Museum (Optional and not included). Then we drive back to Merida or ask your agent to book a room and enjoy the jungle pool in this unexpected destination. Just please consider the next day. You will need to wake up early.
DAY 06: CHICHEN ITZA EARLY VISIT – TRANSFER RIVIERA MAYA (B)
Today, we will take you on an unforgettable journey to one of the most iconic sites in the region, Chichen Itza.
After breakfast, we’ll start our journey early to avoid the crowds and make the most of our time at the site. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mexico’s most important archeological sites. As we explore the site, you’ll see the impressive structures and temples, including the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan, and learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Maya people.
After our visit to Chichen Itza, we’ll go directly to your hotel in Riviera Maya, where you can continue your journey in Mexico. Riviera Maya is a stunning destination with beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture, making it the perfect place to relax and explore.
At your hotel, you can enjoy the comfort and luxury of the beautiful surroundings, relax by the pool, or take a stroll along the white sandy beaches. There are also plenty of activities and excursions to choose from, including snorkeling, scuba diving, visiting ancient ruins, and exploring the local culture and cuisine.
Alternatively, extend your trip in the Yucatan region with a stay at Isla Holbox, a paradisiac island off the Yucatan coast, perfect for relaxing and spotting flamingos (and between May and August, you can swim with whale sharks, a unique experience).
Operated by: SAT MEXICO CORPORATION
