• Return airfare from Toronto (YYZ)* to Cancun, Mexico (CUN)
• Airport transfers 
• Our unique Connections Program
• Private local transportation
• 10 nights accommodation
• 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners
• All entrance fees for the highlights listed
• Local English-speaking guide
• Tips for local drivers, local guides, waiters, and bellhops
• Services of a Professional Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

*  Alternate flight arrangements can be made, and price will be adjusted accordingly.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• “Magical Towns:" Valladolid, Isla Aguada, and Izamal 
• Archaeological site Ek Balam
• Ek Balam community lunch
• Workshops: chocolate, hammock-making, and embroidery
• Cenote Chukum
• Merida orientation tour plus city tour of Paseo de Montejo
• Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy 
• Great Mueseum of the Mayan World
• Archaeological site Uxmal
• Uxmal Chocolate Museum
• Hacienda Mucuyché day pass
• Ferry to Isla Columpios with sunset experience
• the Mayan Train (Tren Maya)
• Campeche city tour
• San Miguel Fort Museum
• Isla Aguada boat tour
• Tortugas Beach Club
• Izamal Convent of San Antonio de Padua
• Don Esteban jewelry demonstration

Add-On Excursion - Chichen Itza Kukulcan Nights - See Optional Additions

Enjoy these famous Mayan ruins, beautifully illuminated at night, and then be amazed by the dramatic light and sound show.

Interesting Archaeological Sites

The Mexican state, Yucatan, is well known for its archaeological sites. The Acropolis at Ek Balam is a tall pyramid with well-preserved stucco sculptures. The ruins at Uxmal represent the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. A visit to Chichen Itza is offered as an optional add-on. See this iconic attraction in the evening to watch the dramatic light and sound show, Kukulcan Nights.

Authentic Cultural Experiences 

In Ek Balam, the Mayan community will present workshops in chocolate, hammock-making, and embroidery, and in Izamal, the art of cocoyal jewelry will be demonstrated. At the Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy, a special lunch will be enjoyed, and there will be plenty of opportunities to sample these flavours along Merida’s Paseo de Montejo. 

Swim in Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is known for its karst landscape, which, rather than having surface lakes, is characterized by underground rivers and sinkholes, called cenotes, often quite deep with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. In the ancient Mayan culture, cenotes were thought to provide a mystic connection to the underworld. Cenote Chukum and Hacienda Mucuyché are two different examples where this special swimming experience can be enjoyed.

Beautiful Beaches

There are several excursions to beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Try sitting on a swing or relaxing in a hammock while in the water! While at the beach club, sample the local flavours, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy the turquoise water and soft white sand.

Relax in Warmth with Free Time to Explore

From the moment you land in Mexico, you can relax and breathe in the sunshine. The pace of the tour is designed with a leisurely vacation in mind, staying in each place for more than one night, with five nights in Merida.  Excursions are typically in the mornings and early afternoon, so that afternoons and evenings are free to relax by the pool or browse shops and street markets. 

Day 1:  Fly to Cancun and Travel to Valladolid

This is a big travel day. Be greeted on arrival in Cancun and board the bus for a comfortable journey to Valladolid, a “Magic Town” full of history. Check in at your hotel, and enjoy a delicious welcome dinner to begin your Yucatan adventure. 

Stay: Mesón del Marqués Hotel, Valladolid (2 nights)

Meals: D

TIME CHANGE:  Of note, the time in Cancun and Puerto Morelos is one hour earlier than Toronto, and during the drive to Valladolid, time is adjusted earlier by another hour.

Day 2:  Ek Balam and Mayan Community Experience

Start your day exploring the fascinating Ek Balam archaeological site and enjoy a unique experience in Mayan communities, including lunch. When you return to your hotel in the afternoon, you are free to explore Valladolid, browse the outdoor markets, and savor the local flavours. 

Meals: B, L

AN OPTIONAL EXCURSION is offered to see Chichen Itza at night, with the dramatic Kukulkan Nights Light and Sound show. (See the Optional Additions section.)  If selecting this excursion, you’ll need to get a bite to eat at the hotel before the bus departs for this evening adventure.

Day 3:  Cenote Experience

Start with a tasty breakfast, then pack your daypack and we’ll head to the Chukum cenote. Swim in the crystal clear waters, have lunch surrounded by nature, and after a delightful time at the cenote, return to Valladolid for dinner at a charming local restaurant. After dinner, board the bus and relax as we travel to Mérida, arriving in time to check in and settle into your comfortable hotel. 

Stay: Holiday Inn, Merida (5 nights)

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4:  Explore Mérida

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, put on your comfortable shoes for a walking orientation of the city. Enjoy an amazing lunch at MUGY, The Museum of Yucateca Gastronomy, then take a driving tour with stops to see the main attractions of Mérida:  The Great Museum of the Mayan World, Downtown Park, Casa de Montejo Museum, Government Palace, and the Mérida Cathedral. Finish with a sorbet tasting before returning to the hotel. For dinner on your own, the restaurant at the hotel is delightful, or after your orientation tour, you may be ready to discover something amazing on your own! 

Meals: B, L

Day 5:  Uxmal and the Chocolate Museum

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before exploring the impressive archaeological site of Uxmal. Then, live a unique experience at the Chocolate Museum and savor a delicious lunch. Return to Mérida, and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is on your own. 

Meals: B, L

DID YOU KNOW that Saturdays in Mérida is "Mexican night"?  It is worth venturing down Paseo de Montejo to see the folk dances, music, and food & craft stalls from around 8:00 -10:00 p.m.

Day 6:  Hacienda Mucuyché

After breakfast, pack your daypack, and be treated to a unique experience at Hacienda Mucuyché. With your Day Pass, enjoy a variety of activities and a delicious lunch. Late afternoon, return to Mérida, and you are free for the remainder of the day. 

Meals: B, L

Day 7:  Isla Columpios with a Sunset Experience

Start with breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely, free morning.  On our way to our afternoon adventure, stop at the beautiful Hacienda Xcanatún for lunch on your own, and then continue to the boat dock at arrive at the stunning Isla Columpios to experience a unique sunset. Return to your hotel, and explore and discover another amazing restaurant for your final evening in Mérida. 

Meals: B

Day 8:  Tren Maya & Campeche

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the modern Tren Maya station in Teya for a fascinating trip to Campeche. Upon arrival, learn about the region’s rich past at the San Miguel Fort Museum, and your introduction to Campeche continues with a driving tour, stopping to see the main attractions: Sanctuary of the Black Christ of San Roman, the Campeche sign, and the main square. After checking-in at your hotel, and you are free to explore the flavors of Campeche food.

Stay: Holiday Inn, Campeche (2 nights)

Meals: B

Day 9:  Isla Aguada & the Tortugas Beach Club

Today features an exciting excursion to Isla Aguada. After breakfast, pack your daypack, and there’ll be a short drive and boat tour of Isla Aguada, followed by a time to relax with lunch at a beautiful beach club (food and beverage voucher included). Enjoy a free evening in Campeche to conclude your day of sun, sea and relaxation!

Meals: B, L

Day 10:  Travel to Izamal and then Cancun

After breakfast at the hotel, journey to the “Magical Town” of Izamal. Visit the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, and enjoy a handcrafted jewelry demonstration with cocoyol artisan, Don Esteban. After lunch at a local restaurant, board the bus for the drive back to Cancun, during which time will be adjusted later by one hour. On arrival in Cancun, enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” with an opportunity to share your favourite experiences with your fellow travellers.

Stay: The Hilton Garden Inn, Cancun Airport  (1 night)

Meals: B, L, D

Days 11 :  Fly Home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then prepare for the journey home. It's a quick easy transfer from the hotel to the Cancun airport, and there will be time for a little more shopping before boarding the plane. Perhaps you’ll find some last-minute gifts or souvenirs of your relaxing time in the warmth, exploring the gems of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Meals: B

This tour begins and ends at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Round trip airfare is included from Toronto (YYZ). Other flight arrangements can be made for guests coming from anywhere in the world, and the price will be adjusted accordingly. Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.

TIME ZONES:  

Of note, the time in Cancun is one hour earlier than Toronto.

The time in Valladolid, Mérida, Campeche and Izamal is two hours earlier than Toronto.

CURRENCY:  Mexican Pesos

While a credit card will be good for dining out and for most shopping, having some Mexican pesos will be helpful.

PACKING NOTES:

• There is a lot of walking on this tour. We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes.
• At this time of year, the weather should be beautiful during the day; however evenings can be cooler, so a light weight jacket or sweater is recommended.
• While in Mexico, for communicating with the group, it is strongly recommended that the WhatsApp application is pre-installed and set up on your smart phone. You may want to practice using it with family members prior to your trip.
• There are several unique swimming opportunities, and a daypack or beach bag is recommended for carrying swimwear etc.
• Be sure to pack sunscreen, sun hat, sun glasses, and your camera.