Cancun, Mexico
Xcaret
Mayan Ruins
Cancun, Mexico
Mexico is ancient and brand-new all at once. From palm-fringed beaches, chili-spiced cuisine, steamy jungle and vibrant cities, Mexico conjures up diverse and magical dreams.
It´s history stretches across thousands of years from the ancient Olmec, Maya, and Aztec through the arrival of Cortés and three centuries of harsh Spanish rule.
You will experience ancient sites, vibrant indigenous culture, water and nature adventures as well as cosmopolitan neighborhoods!
Established
April 20, 1970
Population
628,306
Please see a sample itinerary below. All itineraries are fully customizable.
Trip Inclusions
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Round trip transportation
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6 Night hotel accommodations at a student-friendly hotel
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Breakfast served daily at your hotel
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3 Group lunches
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3 Group dinners
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Visit to Cancun
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Visit to Tulum and Coba
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Visit to Cenotes – Sacred Wells
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Visit to Chichén Itzá
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Visit to Valladolid
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Visit Underground Cenote (sinkhole) at Ik Kil
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Visit to snorkeling paradise Xel-Há Park
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Visit to Mérida
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Uxmal and Kabah Tour
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Comprehensive Travel Insurance Upon Request
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A-Z Travel Tour Manager
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Free chaperone spaces based upon the number of paying passengers
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Private security upon request
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All taxes and fees for above listed inclusions
Day 1
Morning: Departure and flight to Cancun, Mexico.
Afternoon: Welcome to Cancun! Upon arrival you will meet your tour guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in and freshen up.
Evening: Enjoy your welcome dinner with the group at one of the local restaurants.
Day 2
Morning: After breakfast, your group will visit the beautiful sites of Tulum, Coba and Cenotes – Sacred Wells. You’ll learn about Mayan culture and history within the walled city of Tulum. You will have free time to explore the city on your own and then travel to Coba for a tour of its archeological zone.
Afternoon: After lunch and before returning to Cancun, you will stop to swim in the incredible Yucatan Cenotes. So make sure you have your swim suit! Take a shopping break at the Fifth Avenue of Playa del Carmen.
Evening: Meet for a group dinner in a local restaurant and head back to the hotel for a good rest before another exciting day in the tomorrow!
Day 3
Morning: Enjoy breakfast and afterwards meet your tour guide. Today you will travel to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula. Upon arrival at Chichén Iztá, you will see the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo) known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step creating image of a descending serpent.
Afternoon: After lunch, go the ancient cenote of Ik Kil or Hubiku and experience one of the sinkholes that form a part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. After, stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid.
Evening: Meet for a delicious dinner and get a well-deserved rest!
Day 4
Morning: After breakfast, you will start your full day tour to the natural wonder of Xel-Há. It offers a unique experience with many kinds of land and water activities. It is a universe dedicated to ecology and the preservation of flora and fauna. With a full-day access ticket you can enjoy delicious Mexican and international cuisine as well as drinks throughout the day. Dive into the waters of the world ́s most beautiful natural aquarium and snorkel next to a variety of plants and hundreds of tropical fish in the warm Caribbean waters. Slide down the Salpichanga and fly with a vine to drop yourself in the cool waters of a “cenote” or underground river. Relax and indulge with the whims of Carribbean Sea on Hammock Island.
Afternoon: After lunch your tour will continue. Discover vestiges of the Mayan culture while enjoying the mysterious landscape of the forest. Be amazed by the Ixchel Grotto – carved by underground rivers for thousands of years. See how the light is naturally refracted beneath the waters of the Grotto El Dorado and renew your spirit enjoying these natural formations.
Evening: Late arrival and delicious dinner on your own!
Day 5
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready! Today you will travel to Merida – a truly beautiful destination. Nicknamed the Cuidad Bianca (white city) where you certainly will see many white structures while roaming around grid-like streets of the charming colonial city. Today you will immerse yourself in the local culture and experience a cooking class!
You will start by walking through Merida ́s downtown and see the beautiful buildings overlooking Main Square, then walk to Lucas de Galvez market. Your guide will explain in depth about regional fruits and vegetables – recados, achiote, peppers, chile habanero and xcatic. Once you have all your supplies, you will travel to the local hostess ́s home for the cooking class.
Afternoon: You will prepare and enjoy a three-course meal while learning all about the unique local cuisine and traditions. After this wonderful meal you will have time to explore the city and take in more of Merida!
Evening: Have a late dinner and return to your hotel for rest!
Day 6
Morning: Have a delicious breakfast at your hotel and get ready for adventure. Today you will travel to Uxmal and Kabah. Your first stop will be Uxmal – situated within a series of hills known as the Puuc or “mountainous area” of the Maya. Take in the beautiful sites of colossal Magician’s Pyramid, impressive Governors Palace, Intricate Dove´s Temple and Grand Nuns Quadrangle.
Afternoon: After lunch visit Kabah, a Puuc-style city that flourished around 800 AD. After sightseeing, enjoy the beautiful pool and gardens of the Hacienda Uxmal Hotel. Then, head back to Merida. You will have the rest of the afternoon to explore on your own, shop and stroll the streets.
Evening: Meet for a farewell dinner with your group. Return to hotel and rest before your trip back home.
Day 7
Morning: After breakfast and check out, your group will depart for the Airport! Safe travels back home!
