Explore the Mayan Ruins of Yucatan and Cozumel Island’s Coral Reefs
Upon arriving at Merida International Airport, an airport shuttle will take you to the Fiesta Americana hotel. In the afternoon, tour Merida, its cathedrals, monuments, and a hacienda. In this vacation package, you’ll also visit cenotes, the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun and Chichen Itza, spend four days in Cozumel to scuba dive near the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and snorkel in Chankanaab National Park. Then you’ll be driven to the Riviera Maya’s endless luxury, all inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park to enjoy five days on your own. On the last day, a driver will take you to Cancun International Airport
Vacation Itinerary
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Day 1. Arrival at Merida International Airport
Upon arrival at Merida International Airport, you will take a shuttle to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a two-hour tour through the enchanting city of Merida, once the Mayan city of T’ho. Founded in 1542 by Spaniard Francisco de Manteo, conquerors renamed it to honor the city of Merida in Spain. Visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, built on the huge stones of old Mayan pyramids. Nicknamed the White City for its colonial appearance, Merida is one the most tranquil cities in Mexico. Its Mayan roots, superb colonial monuments, and its turn of 19th century architecture have made Merida a captivating blend of cultural influences.
Stay overnight at the Fiesta Americana hotel in Merida.
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Day 2. Kankirixche
After breakfast, enjoy a wonderful journey into the past and present of Yucatan on a historical trip. Explore unknown regions of the Yucatan Peninsula, and discover the clear blue water of fascinating cenotes (cave-like sinkholes with natural wells). Cenotes offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving.
Visit the impressive cenotes of Kankirixche and Yaal-Utzil. Kankirixche (which means “yellow fruit tree”) is located 30.5 miles (49 kilometers) south of Merida. To find this cenote, you climb down 49 feet (15 meters) of metal stairs. Theisfascinating cenote reveals the roots of trees growing from the surface of the earth to the top of the water, and also have many interesting stalactites. Witness the beautiful effects the sunlight creates as it shines into the clear water.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Hacienda Ochil with a tour of the Museum of the Henequen (agave plant fiber). Enjoy lunch and a relaxing visit at the Hacienda, which includes a pool and handicraft shop
Then return to your hotel in Merida at 4:00 p.m.
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Day 3. Cuzama
After breakfast, depart for the cenotes of Cuzama, taking in views of Hacienda Ednakan and a beautiful Gothic church. Upon arrival in Cuzama, ride on a horse drawn carriage, known as a truck. The truck will take you to the cenotes of Chelentum and Bolonchojol for cave diving in their clear blue water.
Then enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch at Hacienda Tepich, famous for its rabbit stew. Afterwards, return to your hotel in Merida.
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Day 4. Dzibilchaltun
After breakfast, visit the Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltan, only 9 miles (15 kilometers) northeast of Merida on the way to the Port of Progreso. At Dzibilchaltan, visit the museum of Mayan artifacts pyramids, the main Temple of the Seven Dolls, and other structures.
Then visit the beautiful Noh-ac-well cenote for swimming and cave diving in its crystal clear blue water.
In the afternoon, spend the rest of the day at Progreso beach to enjoy lunch and relax before returning to Merida.
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Day 5. Chichen-Itza, Yucatan – Cozumel
After an early breakfast, visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza (which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza”) was at its height between 800 AD and 1200 AD as the center of political, religious, and military power for the Mayan civilization and southeast Mesoamerica. Observe the gradual merging of structural styles from Puuc to Toltec, as the change of power occurred between opposing factions of the Mayan empire.
Chichen Itza was recently designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. This archaeological site is recognized for its spectacular architecture, such as the Kukulkan Pyramid (also called El Castillo). Discover and learn about the many remarkable structures of this mystical ancient city: The Observatory, Temple of the Warriors, Hall of a Thousand Columns, and the Great Ball Court, to name a few.
Afterwards, have a buffet lunch at Xay Beh Restaurant and enjoy watching traditional, regional dances.
In the afternoon, travel to Cozumel, home to the second largest coral reef in the world, the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (formerly called the Palancar Reef). With more than 18.5 miles (30 kilometers) of coral reef formations and depths of 110 feet (33.5 meters), Cozumel is recognized as one of the best places to scuba dive in the world.
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Day 6. Hawksbill Sea Turtles Diving
After an early breakfast, explore the coral reef on the southwest side of the island of Cozumel. This is a very popular site for scuba divers and is divided into several sections based on sea depth and type of coral formations. Diving depths range from 50 to 110 feet (15 to 33.5 meters) with coral scattered throughout.
After lunch, go diving on the north of the island at Santa Rosa, the habitat of endangered Hawksbill sea turtles. Diving depths reach 98.5 feet (30 meters) and feature coral walls of 59 feet (18 meters). Due to the strong sea current, this zone can only be explored by experienced divers.
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Day 7. Paradise Reef Diving
After breakfast, explore Paradise Reef, a series of three coral reefs bordering the Cozumel shore. This side of the reef is calmer with very clear water and is ideal for night diving. Discover marine sponges and Elephant Ear sponge, which are favorite subjects for marine photographers. Diving depths vary between 49 and 98.5 feet (15 and 30 meters).
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Day 8. Maracaibo Reef Diving
After breakfast, explore Maracaibo Reef. Located on the south side of Cozumel island. The coral line extends nearly one mile (1 kilometer) out. Due to the force of sea currents in this area, only expert divers are allowed to dive here.
After lunch, explore the Horseshoe Reef. Diving depths range between 30.8 and 98.5 feet (10 and 30 meters). Its coral formations resemble a horseshoe shape, which is how the coral reef obtained its name.
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Day 9. Chankanaab Reef Diving
After breakfast, visit the coral reefs at Chankanaab National Park. Chankanaab is a natural aquarium with remnants of underwater shipwrecks like the Felipe Xicotencatl shipwreck. There are numerous coral reef formations in this marine park, including underwater statues of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.
Discover the park’s fascinating submarine gardens by snorkeling or scuba diving (classes offered by certified diving instructors). Depths range between 82 and 115 feet (25 and 35 meters). Witness a large variety of marine life, such as tube sponges, yellow sponges, and enormous cat sharks.
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Day 10. Hacienda Tres Rios
Early in the morning, depart for Hacienda Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya, where you’ll stay at this all inclusive, endless luxury resort for five days with time to explore Tres Rios Nature Park.
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Day 15. Departure
You’ll be picked up at Hacienda Tres Rios and driven to Cancun International Airport for your return flight home.
We hope you enjoyed your vacation so much that you’ll return again soon.
