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Tour the Mayan Ruins and Spanish Haciendas of Yucatan

Upon arriving at Cancun International Airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to the endless luxury, all inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park in the Riviera Maya to relax before touring begins. In this vacation package, you’ll tour the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Kabah; the cities of Valladolid, Izamal, and Merida; visit three haciendas, Ria Celestun National Park, and a cenote.

At the end of the tour, you’ll return to Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park to enjoy six days in the Riviera Maya. On the last day, a driver will take you from the hotel to the airport.

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Expand AllVacation itinerary

• Day 1. Arrival at Cancun International Airport

  Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, you will be picked up by an official multilingual guide, who will escort you to the hotel. Once here, relax and enjoy the evening, refreshing yourself after the flight. Stay overnight at the endless luxury, all inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios Resort.

• Day 2. Ek Balam – Valladolid – Chichen-Itza

  After breakfast, depart for the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, an influential ancient Mayan city with impressive, massive structures, such as The Acropolis, with the tomb of King Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', and The Tower.

  Afterwards, visit the colonial city of Valledolid, recognized as one of the most authentic Spanish cities in the Americas with historic architecture. Once a spiritual center of Mayan civilization, Valladolid was founded in 1543 to conquer the ruthless Cupules Mayans, who aggressively resisted Spanish influence. The city continues to have a strong Mayan influence.

  After an optional authentic Yucatecan lunch at the El Meson del Marques Hotel, depart for Chichen Itza to watch the spectacular Chichen Itza Light & Sound Show in the evening. Enjoy an optional dinner at the Hacienda Chichen Resort or the Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows with a subsequent overnight stay.

• Day 3. Chichen Itza, Yucatan – Temozon

  After 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.

  In the afternoon, visit the colonial city of Izamal, a sacred place of Mayan pilgrimage since 300 BC. Izamal is a historic Spanish city with ancient building facades, horse drawn carriages, and cobblestone streets.

  Enjoy an optional lunch at Kinich Restaurant in Izamal for delicious, authentic Yucatecan cuisine. Then depart for the town of Abala, and stay overnight at the five-star Hacienda Temozon hotel, which was built in the 16th century and has 28 luxurious suites.

• Day 4. Temozon

  Enjoy breakfast at Hacienda Temozon. Then explore the hacienda grounds, activities, and spa for the day. Afterwards, visit the underground river and cenote Kankirixche. According to Mayan belief, these cenotes were sacred and meant to cleanse the body and soul.

  Then spend the night again at Hacienda Temozon hotel.

• Day 5. Uxmal - Kabah – Santa Rosa

  After breakfast, visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a perfect example of the Late Classic period’s Puuc Mayan architecture. See its famous decorated Mayan-style facades, including the Governor’s Palace, the Pyramid of the Magician, and the Nunnery Quadrangle.

  After lunch, visit the newly uncovered Mayan archaeological site of Kabah to see the famous Palace of the Masks, and other Mayan pyramids and temples. You will also have the option to visit other archaeological sites along the Puuc route.

  Afterwards, depart for the town of Maxcanu, and stay at the charming Hacienda Rosa de Lima.

• Day 6. Santa Rosa de Lima

  Take the day to relax and enjoy the luxurious, extensive hacienda grounds, offering various activities including a traditional spa.

  Stay another night at Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima.

• Day 7. Santa Rosa de Lima – Celestun

  After breakfast, take a day trip to the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve at the western point of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Gulf of Mexico. Explore this exotic, tropical, paradise and nature park, home to thousands of mangroves, pink flamingos, and other wildlife.

  Enjoy an optional lunch and stay at Eco Paraiso Xixim Hotel in the Celestun nature park: a beautiful, peaceful resort surrounded by pristine nature and a gorgeous beach.

  Afterwards, depart for La Hacienda Xcanatun in Merida, and stay overnight at this charming, privately owned luxury hotel with magnificent facilities, including spa services.

• Day 8. Dzilbilchaltun

  Take the morning to indulge in the amenities of the luxurious La Hacienda Xcanatun hotel in Merida.

  In the afternoon, 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 return to La Hacienda Xcanatun hotel in Merida for another overnight stay.

• Day 9. Merida – Hacienda Tres Rios

  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.

  After your tour of Merida, depart for Hacienda Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya, where you’ll stay at this all inclusive, endless luxury resort for six days with time to explore Tres Rios Nature Park.

• Day 15. Departure

  You’ll be picked up at Hacienda Tres Rios and driven to Cancun International Airport for your return flight home.