Mexico's Treasure: The Yucatan

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Tour Operator

Collette Vacations

Duration

10 Days

Itinerary

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Cancun	Cancun, Mexico : Travel to Mexico's lush Yucatan Peninsula and marvel at ancient Maya archaeological sites, baroque architecture, exotic flora and fauna and delicious regional cuisine. Begin in the Caribbean jewel of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome reception followed by dinner. Today dinner will be included.
Day 2	Merida	Cancun - Ek'Balam - Merida : Visit the magnificent archaeological site of Ek'Balam (Star Jaguar). Dating from A.D. 900, this wealthy city-state was known for richly carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, stelae, a sophisticated network of roads and numerous hieroglyphic texts. Your day ends in Merida, capital city of the Yucatan. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 3	Merida	Merida : Explore a local market this morning for an opportunity to learn about the products made and grown in the region. A tour of Merida - founded in 1542 and known as the "white city"- features the spectacular archaeological finds at the Museum of Anthropology and the impressive art collection at the Governor's Palace. See the Plaza Principal, Cathedral of San Ildefonso, and Paseo Montejo with its gorgeous 19th-century homes. The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening, a presentation on Yucatecan cuisine is followed by a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 4	Merida	Merida - Hacienda Sotuta Peon - Merida : Experience the grandeur and magnificent golden days of the haciendas at the Hacienda Sotuta Peon. Stroll through the buildings and working plantation grounds where henequen (sisal) is produced and processed. Take a scenic ride on an historic mule-drawn cart and perhaps enjoy a swim in a cenote, an underwater cave. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 5	Campeche City	Merida - Uxmal - Becal - Campeche City : Enjoy an excursion to the archaeological site of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, formerly one of the largest city-states in the Yucatan and take a guided tour of the impressive building known as the "Pyramid of the Magician." Next, visit the small community of Becal, where a local Maya artisan demonstrates making the famous Panama hat. Later, travel to the Mexican state of Campeche, home of Maya culture for more than 2,000 years. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 6	Campeche City	Campeche City - Edzna Archaeological Site - Campeche City : Tour the archaeological site of Edzna, the "house of the itzaes (echoes)." Explore the great acropolis, including the main central square, the Building of the Five Floors, the Ambassadors Patio, Temple of the Masks and Platform of the Knives. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Campeche City's customs, traditions and culture independently. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 7	Campeche City	Campeche City : Enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour of Campeche City's historic city center, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 16th-century walled city features more than a thousand buildings of historical significance. Later, walk along the impressive seaside promenade, browse the many antique shops and galleries or explore the rich history of the many bastions and forts that protected the city from pirate attacks. Today breakfast will be included.
Day 8	Valladolid	Campeche City - Chichen Itza - Valladolid : This morning explore the famous Maya city-state of Chichen Itza (a UNESCO World Heritage site), once the largest political and religious center in the Yucatan. Marvel at the magnificent archaeological site that demonstrates the impressive architectural skills and ingenuity of the ancient Maya civilization. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the colonial city of Valladolid, "The Pearl of the East." Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 9	Cancun	Valladolid - Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve - Cancun : An amazing two-hour boat excursion explores the natural beauty of the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Covering more than 120,000 acres of protected land, comprised of mangrove forest, coastal dunes vegetation, savannas and hummocks, the reserve is home to the world's largest flamingo nesting grounds and is a bird-watching paradise with recordings of more than 350 bird species, 56 mammals, and 95 reptiles and amphibians. Later, return to Cancun for an overnight stay and farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable trip to the Yucatan Peninsula. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.
Day 10	Tour Concludes	Cancun - Tour Concludes : Today breakfast will be included.

Dates/Pricing

Lodging

	Radisson Hacienda Cancun, Cancun		Gran Real Yucatan, Merida
	Plaza Colonial, Campeche City		Ecotel Quinta Regia, Valladolid
	Radisson Hacienda Cancun, Cancun

Disclaimer

Note
Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.