Discover the Yucatan
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 741
MODERATE | SMALL GROUP: Let the remnants of the Mayan empire intrigue you on this short Yucatan Peninsula tour, which takes in the famous sights of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Ekbalam, and Coba, before returning you to the sundrenched shores of Cancun.
This 3-day stay on the Yucatan is all about the fascinating ruins of the Maya.
Set out from Cancun bound for the Chichen Itza archaeological site. This was the Mayan capital of Yucatan between the 5th and 10th centuries, and is now one the most famous Mayan sites. You’ll tour the Kukulcan Temple, the Observatory, the Convent of the Nuns and other important structures, before going on to Merida, your base for the next two nights. Spend the afternoon exploring gorgeous colonial architecture, including its main cathedral and government buildings.
Your Mayan adventure continues at Uxmal, highlighted by the famous Pyramid of the Magician. With design more typical of the Mayan period, this was a dominant city in the region for much of the late 9th and early 10th centuries, though it dates back to about 500AD. That long history offers some explanation for its name, which means ‘built in three stages.’ Return to Merida in the afternoon.
On your final day, you’ll explore Ekbalam, a city whose name means ‘Black Jaguar.’ Its central pyramid, La Torre, is thought by many to compare with the famous Tikal pyramid, and all the structures date back to between 700 and 1000AD. The last archaeological site on your itinerary is Coba, which actually contains the tallest Mayan pyramids in Mexico, the Nohoch Mul. Your final destination is Cancun, where you can depart, or transfer to your chosen hotel for a few days in the sun.
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- Duration
- 3 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 741
Itinerary View Trip Map
Cancun, Ekbalam, Coba & Merida
Transfer to Aloft Cancun Hotel where your small group tour departs to visit Cobá, the ancient Maya archeological site. The site hosts the tallest Mayan pyramids of Mexico: the "Nohoch Mul." After that, visit Valladolid and later, Ekbalam archaeological site. Ekbalam is a Mayan word that means “Black Jaguar”, and this site was built between years 700 to 1000 CE. Visitors can admire the Plaza Central that stands out thanks to its three ceremonial sculptures; the main pyramid is known as "La Torre" (The Tower) and is comparable in size to the outstanding Mayan constructions of the southeast Yucatán. Lunch (included) is in restaurant Selva Maya and is followed by some time for a refreshing swim in its Cenote. The trip to Mérida continues in the afternoon, followed by a panoramic tour of the city known as the “White City”, which has Colonial houses as well as houses that date back to the beginning of the 20th century in Arabic, French and Italian styles. Those houses have witnessed all the old wealth that was generated thanks to the Sisal culture. Soon you’ll stop at Mérida’s Zócalo to admire the city’s main monuments, including the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Francisco Montejo’s House. Approximate distance: 340 km (211 miles).
| Meal Plan | Lunch |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Nights |
| Accommodation |
Courtyard By Marriott Merida Downtown |
| Location | View map |
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Courtyard By Marriott Merida Downtown
Our Merida hotel is placed in one of the most important avenues of the city, just in front of the International Congress Center of Yucatan and 200 meters away from the famous Paseo Montejo Av. Surrounded by the most important tourist, historical and cultural sites, …
Our Merida hotel is placed in one of the most important avenues of the city, just in front of the International Congress Center of Yucatan and 200 meters away from the famous Paseo Montejo Av. Surrounded by the most important tourist, historical and cultural sites, its unique location also provides quick access to the international airport (15 minutes away). When you're not exploring the city, enjoy the comfort of our spacious rooms and suites boasting complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and free Nespresso coffee. Start your day at our on-site restaurant, Napa, with a wide selection of delicious local and international options, as well as dinner and evening cocktails.
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Merida - Uxmal & Merida
After breakfast, meet your fellow travellers and set off to visit Uxmal archaeological site. Uxmal means “built in three stages”, and is a typical example of the classic and post-classic Mayan period. Uxmal’s main constructions feature Pirámide del Adivino (The Fortuneteller’s Pyramid), Palacio de los Gobernadores (Governor’s Palace) and the Cuadrángulo de las Monjas (Quadrangle of the Nuns). After exploring Uxmal, settle in for lunch (included) at a nearby restaurant before return to Mérida in the afternoon to and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Approximate distance: 162 km (100 miles).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Merida, Chichen Itza & Riviera Maya
Following breakfast, set out with the group toward Riviera Maya. En route you’ll visit Chichén Itzá archaeological site. Chichén Itzá was the Mayan capital of the Yucatán that flourished between the 5th and 10th centuries CE. Visitors can admire the impressive buildings of the northern and central archaeological sites, such as the Kukulcán Temple, the Ball Game, the Observatory, the Warrior’s Temple, the Convent of the Nuns and the Sacred Cenote. Lunch is included in a nearby restaurant and afterwards the trip to Riviera Maya continues, concluding upon arrival to Barcelo Maya Riviera Maya. Approximate distance: 316 km (196 miles).
| Meal Plan | Breakfast and Lunch |
|---|
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
2023: January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; February 7, 14, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20, 27; July 4, 11, 18, 25; August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 2 nights in moderate accommodations in Merida
- Small group touring in a 10-seat van, microbus or autobus with air-conditioning
- Bilingual English-speaking guide
- Entrance to the following archeological sites:
- Cobá
- Ekbalam
- Uxmal
- Chichén Itzá
- Porter services at hotels
- Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 3 lunches
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not listed and drinks
- International airfare & taxes
- Tips to drivers and guides
- Taxes
- Visa fees
- Items of a personal nature
- Spending money
- Accommodation before or after the trip in Cancun
OTHER INFORMATION:
Children (0-12 years) share a double room with their parents. Maximum of 2 children per room. Please note that a pre-night in Cancun on Monday is required (tour departs on select Tuesday mornings). It is highly recommended to book the pre-night at the hotel from which the tour departs; this pre-night is not included in the trip price though can be added. Please speak to your Destination Specialist for more information.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
This tour is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 2 people. Prices are "from", per person, based on twin share accommodations, and is subject to availability.
5 Dec 2023
