The Charms Mexico: Haciendas of the Yucatan

Day 1 : Cancún (Downtown)

Arrival at Cancun airport. Meet your driver and transfer to Valladolid.

The Capital of the Maya East – Valladolid

Valladolid is a small and authentic Mexican town that is delightful to wander around. This peaceful town, built in the sixteenth century by Francisco de Montejo, is dominated by the imposing sobriety of the Franciscan convent San Bernardino de Siena. Appreciate the pretty pastel colored houses, while eating an ice cream.

Check in at your hotel and spend the evening in Valladolid . Overnight stay at the hotel Posada San Juan.

Day 2 : Valladolid

In the morning, visit Chichen Itza , the largest archaeological site in Yucatan.

Chichen Itza, Mayan Wonder

After breakfast, head to Chichen Itza , one the seven wonders of the modern world. Built by the Maya, and then reorganized by the Toltecs, Chichen Itza symbolizes the unification of both religious cultures. The site, which at its height was the most important religious center of the peninsula, is the largest archaeological site in Yucatan.

The Yellow Town of Izamal

Then, journey to the gorgeous colonial town of Izamal, entirely painted in bright yellow. The Franciscan convent San Antonio de Padua was built on top of a Mayan ceremonial center, and is the continent’s largest cloister.

At the end of the day, arrive in the small town of Tixkokob where you will spend the night. Option included: English speaking local guide in Chichen Itza. Option included: Entrance fees to Chichen Itza. Overnight stay at hotel Hacienda Ticum Casa Maya.

Option included: Standard room – no triple room available.

Note: This hotel is located 45 minutes from Merida.

Day 3 : Tixkokob

A Day of Relaxation

Today, enjoy the relaxing setting of the hacienda and spend time by the pool with a cocktail or a book in hand. You also have options to use the wonderful hotel spa services.

An optional activity is to pop into Tixkokob where you can find local residents weaving hammocks by hand. Option to Explore Mayan Villages by Tuk-Tuk

Leave this morning in a motorcycle taxi with a local guide. Visit one of the last working Mexican haciendas where you can see how hennequen (or sisal) is still produced. Providing nearby Merida with grandeur and wealth, this hacienda has been nicknamed the Green Gold of the Yucatan.

Continue to the archeological site of Maya Aké which is rarely visited by tourists or the general public. Enjoy this small site in peace and quiet and imagine life as a Mayan civilian.

Return to the village of Tixkokob where you can have lunch in a local rotisserie (not included). Take the opportunity to meet local weavers who create outstanding hammocks before returning to the hotel in the middle of the afternoon Overnight stay at hotel Hacienda Ticum Casa Maya.

Option included: Standard room – no triple room available.

Note: This hotel is located 45 minutes from Merida.

Day 4 : Tixkokob

A Short Romantic Journey to a Small Paradise

Today you will have a wonderful opportunity to travel along the beaches to the north of Merida! Drive along the incredible coast to a small fishing port. Here, you will explore the lagoons by kayak. Gaze upon flora and fauna and spot the beautifully graceful flamingos that live here in the mangroves. Cross the lagoon to refresh yourselves in an ojo de agua , a small source of fresh water.

Have lunch in a boat and enjoy some of the locally caught fish.

Note: Bring along a swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat or cap!

Travel to the colonial city of Merida where you will spend the night in. Option included: boat and Kayak Tour. Overnight stay at hotel Hacienda Merida.

Day 5 : Mérida

The White City of Merida

Free day to explore Merida. The capital city of Yucatan has maintained its captivating colonial charm and strong personality while enjoying great economical growth in recent years. You will find many historical monuments, churches and restaurants with both local and international food. The city is dotted with pleasant little squares which are perfect to relax in, have a drink and listen to a marimba  band.

The handicrafts market offers numerous souvenirs like renowned huipils (very colorful embroidered woman tunics), authentic Panama hats, true Yucatecan all-cotton hammocks and much more.

Spend the night in Merida . Overnight stay at hotel Hacienda Merida.

Day 6 : Mérida

Conquer the City of Uxmal

The archaeological site is peaceful and not widely visited by tourists… You will love it! Uxmal , in Mayan language, means “Thrice Built”, but in reality the city was constructed five times. One of the best preserved sites on the peninsula, this massive complex includes The Great Pyramid, House of the Turtles, a vast ballgame court and the Governor’s Palace. The water is really scarce in the region which explains the omnipresence of representations of the rain god Chac-Mool.

On the way, stop to visit the Yaxcopoil hacienda (outside only).

Chocolate Museum Delights

After, visit the Museum of Cacao . Here you will learn about the history of chocolate and how it is closely linked with Mayan history. See how cacao has transformed from the pre-Hispanic era, when it was used as a bargaining tool, to the bars of chocolate we know and love today. With your own eyes witness the process of harvesting cacoa from the tree to the final product and prepare your own beverage with a choice of ingredients.

At the end of the day, arrive at Hacienda Temozon where you will spend the night. Option included: Entrance fees to the Cacao Museum. Option included: Entrance fees to Uxmal. Option included: English speaking local guide in Uxmal.

Overnight stay at hotel Hacienda Temozon. Guest room.

Day 7 : Temozon

The Quiet Ruins of Mayapan

This morning, visit the archaeological site of Mayapan , nicknamed the “mini Chichen Itza.” It is said that the city was built by Kukulcan himself. Mayapan is not widely visited by tourists… you will feel like you have the site to yourselves.

Cenote Tour VIP – Off the Beaten Tracks

Then, explore 2 unique cenotes. Cenotes are natural pools of fresh and crystalline water, where the sun’s rays create spectacular lighting effects.

First, head to Rancho Sotuta (1 hour 15 minutes). Your host will take you on foot (15 min) or by bike (5 min) to a private cenote for a swim in the wilderness (mask and snorkel provided). When you come out of the water, a picnic will be waiting for you (wine or champagne included). Then head to a second private cenote to refresh yourselves in the hottest part of the day.

Return to Hacienda Temozon at the end of the day. Option included : English speaking guide. Option included: Entrance fees to Mayapan. Option included: Lunch. Overnight stay at hotel Hacienda Temozon. Guest room.

Day 8 : Temozon

This morning, depart early and continue your trip towards the Caribbean Coast with its endless beaches and turquoise waters which host the 2nd largest coral reef in the world.

Explore the Ruins of Coba

On the way stop at Coba , one of the largest Mayan cities on the peninsula. Its ruins have remained essentially intact in the middle of the tropical jungle. The archaeologists excavated a 42 meter (138 feet) high pyramid, a 9-storey high palace, a ball court and the most extended network of large calk cobbled roads ( sacbé ) ever discovered.

White Sand and Turquoise Sea

Then head to the archeaological site of Tulum . This World Heritage Site sits on a cliff edge facing the Caribbean sea and witnessed the arrival of the first colonists. In 1518, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Grijalva set foot on the beach, under the stunned glaze of Batab (the Mayan governor of the time). Visit this ancient harbor, built in 1200, which disappeared at the end of the sixteenth century.

Spend the night in Tulum. Option included: Entrance fees to Coba. Option included: Entrance fees to Tulum. Overnight stay at hotel Ana y José. Garden View

Note: Resort fee of$8 USD to be paid on arrival, per room per night.

Day 9 : Tulum

White Sand and Turquoise Sea

Spend the day in the Magic Town of Tulum, either shopping in the small boutiques, strolling up the central street, relaxing on the white sand, swimming in the crystal clear blue, Caribbean waters or sampling some local seafood. Don’t forget to visit the archeaological site to the north of the main beach. This World Heritage Site sits on a cliff edge facing the Caribbean sea and witnessed the arrival of the first colonists. In 1518, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Grijalva set foot on the beach, under the stunned gaze of Batab (the Mayan governor of the time). Visit this ancient harbor, built in 1200, which disappeared at the end of the sixteenth century.

Note: transport not included on this day. Overnight stay at hotel Ana y José. Garden View

Note: Resort fee of $8 USD to be paid on arrival, per room per night. Option romantic dinner.

Day 10 : Tulum

Hasta Luego Mexico

Depart from the hotel in private transportation to Cancun Airport and arrive at the terminal at least 3 hours before your flight is schedule to take off.