Private Tour: Through Yucatan to Palenque
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6 days
fromUS$5,916.00
6 days
Free Cancellation
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Overview
Please note: price varies by group size
Highlights
Private exclusive circuit tour: Through Yucatan to Palenque (5 nights/6 days) Includes visit to: Cancun – Tulum – Bacalar – Chetumal – Calakmul – Palenque – Campeche – Uxmal – Merida – Chichen-Itza – cenote Ik-Kil - Cancun/Riviera Maya
Experience
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Cancun
- Arrival in Cancun, transfer to the hotel for rest before the sightseeing tour.
- Day 2: Cancun – Tulum – Bacalar lagoon – Chetumal
- Early in the morning, rested after a long flight, we wake up, have breakfast and go on an unforgettable journey through the greatest cities of the ancient Mayan civilization, located on the territory of modern Mexico. First, we visit the picturesque port town of Tulum, where you can see the ancient lighthouse, the temple of the frescoes, ritual constructions, learn how the mayan aristocracy lived and what the Indians invented to prevent that the first Spanish Galleons wouldn’t moor to the shores of Tulum. In addition, we enjoy the colorful scenery of the majestic ruins in the background of the turquoise Caribbean sea and the tranquility of a city built on the cliff. After we head to Bacalar lagoon, also known as unique “seven-colored lake” which plays with various shades of colors, from blue to turquoise. In addition to a fascinating view of the natural spectrum of colors, this lake is interesting because, it has a natural waterway, the “Blue cenote”, fed by underground rivers. Calm and crystal waters of the lake invite you to swim and cool off after a long journey that of course we’re going to do. And in the evening we will arrive in the small city of Chetumal, where we accommodate at the hotel and rest after a busy day.
- Day 3: Chetumal – Calakmul – Palenque
- On the second day after the breakfast, we go to one of the largest Maya settlements of the classic period, Calakmul, the ancient powerful kingdom of Ka’an. Erlier the city was located in a 30 km2 and consisted of more than 100 major buildings. Now the archaeological complex is considered a valuable monument of ancient architecture and surrounded by a network of canals and natural reservoirs, as well as the famous two Central pyramids, each other with a height of 45 m. In one of them was found 4 tombs. That evening we arrive in Palenque, where we accommodate in a hotel and get a chance to relax and walk around the city.
- Day 4: Palenque – Gulf of Mexico – Campeche
- Breakfast and departure to visit the archaeological complex of Palenque, which at the end of the last century were included on the UNESCO list of protected national parks. This is one of the most interesting and the great cities of the epoch of the Mayan Empire reign, whose ruins are surrounded by jungle. Still our days in the territory are proceeding the archaeological excavations. You will observe temples, palaces and the tomb of the great king Pakal, found in the cave of the Temple of the Inscriptions only in the fourth year of studies. It’s interesting that the innumerable hieroglyphs on the Temple walls are not decoded to the end and to this day. After seeing this great city, we leave the mainland of Mexico and head to the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Campeche, on the way stopping to admire the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. In the evening, we will walk along Campeche and acquaintance with fortifications, built to protect the city of pirates of the Caribbean, which, by the way, served as scenery for many historical films and series.
- Accommodation at the hotel. Rest.
- Day 5: Campeche – Cocoa - Uxmal – Merida
- After the breakfast, we leave Campeche and head towards Uxmal – Mayan settlement of the late Classic period that is different from the other cities, because it’s the unique ancient city, which had an artificial water sources. As only here we can see rare architectural Puuc style. A 35-meter high pyramid of the Magician with the rounded edges crowns Uxmal, which was not typical Mayan buildings. If our forces and time permit, we will visit a cocoa plantation where you will learn the process of making this drink, which in ancient times was considered an exclusively imperial and had a special ritual of cooking and serving. Then we move to Merida, the capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, founded by Spanish conquistadors on the ruins of a large Indian settlement. There we will drive through the main Avenue Paseo del Montejo, the edges of which for several centuries adorn the mansions, built by rich Spaniards after the conquest of these lands, visit the Central Square and we’ll see ancient cathedrals. Accommodation at the hotel. Evening free time for walk and rest.
- Day 6: Merida - Yaxcopoil - Chichen Itza – Cenote IK Kil – Cancun/Riviera Maya
- On the last day of an eventful sightseeing tour, we leave Merida and visit long abandoned but well-preserved mysterious manor Yaxcopoil, we will see how the Spanish governors lived and listen to the history of slavery. Then we’re going to the most famous archaeological site of Chichen Itza. You will see the famous pyramid of KUKULCAN, is deservedly included in the list of new wonders of the world and which is the original Mayan calendar; the temple of the Warriors, also known as the Temple of the Thousand Columns; the sacred cenote a well-used by the shamans for rituals of sacrifices; the camp of the Indian ball game “pok-TA-pok”; the Observatory, where in ancient times local residents were watching the stars, and more. Next, we move to one of the most famous freshwater karst lakes – cenote IK Kil, where we can relax and swim in the crystal clear waters of this beautiful natural wonder, and the most daring can even jump in the water from the ledges.
- In addition, we finish the six-day tour with accommodation at the booked hotels in Cancun or Riviera Maya.
Inclusions
- Comfortable transport with air conditioning
- Entrance fees to all archaeological zone and nature reserves mentioned in the program
- Accommodation in hotels of category 4*
- Services of English speaking professional guide
- Lunch on the last day of the tour
- Transfer from hotel in Cancun/Riviera Maya to the airport on the day of departure
Exclusions
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
- Lunches (except of last day) and dinner
- Accommodation before and after the end of the route
Additional Information
- Camera
- Cash
- Bathing suites
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Towels
Extras Available
If the displayed extras are not bookable via our website, you can book and pay locally within the destination
Private tour in Portuguese, French, German, Italian or Russian
Tour in Portuguese, French, German, Italian or Russian with professional live guide.
SNGL room occupancy extra charge / charged per person
SNGL room occupancy extra charge / charged per person
Drop off at Chiquila
Drop off at Chiquila at the end of the last day of the tour
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 90 days before the activity start time.
A 75% refund will apply if you cancel more than 30 days before the activity start time.
A 50% refund will apply if you cancel more than 14 days before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 14 days before the activity start time.
fromUS$5,916.00