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Yucatan & Chiapas Tours13-day Small Group TourOn this small-group tour, we visit most of the highlights of our 7-day Mayan Adventure. In addition, we travel to the jungle-draped ruins of Palenque, the charming mountain towns of Chiapa de Corzo and San Cristóbal de las Casas, the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, the spectacular Cañon de Sumidero and Agua Azul Falls. 1st Day: Our tour begins with our arrival at Cancun. We have free time to enjoy the white sand beaches, blue water, and great restaurants. In the evening, we join our guide for a welcome cocktail and introduction to the tour. 2nd Day: This morning we visit the archaeological site of Ek Balam, with its enormous Acropolis pyramid. At Ik Kil Cenote, a sacred pool of Mayan royalty, we can take a refreshing swim in the clear, clean water. After arriving at our hotel in Chichén Itzá, we enjoy the light and sound show at the ruins. 3rd Day: Today we visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá, the most visited Mayan city. The Pyramid of Kukulkán, the ball court, the Observatory and the sacred well are only a few of the many sights in this huge archaeological zone. In Izamal, a magical town whose buildings are all painted yellow, we ride through the cobblestone streets in horse drawn “calesas.” Overnight in Mérida. 4th Day: Today we tour Mérida, with its colonial buildings and the Cathedral of San Idelfonso, the oldest cathedral in Mexico. Then south to Uxmal, one of the finest examples of an ancient Mayan city. In the Loltun Caves, we visit stalactite-draped chambers where the earliest evidence of humans in the New World was found. Overnight in the city of Campeche. 5th Day: In the morning we tour colonial Campeche and visit the fort built to protect the city against the real “Pirates of the Caribbean.” After relaxing at the beach, we head along the gulf coast to Villahermosa, to stroll through the Parque-Museo de la Venta, and see the famous Olmec stone heads. 6th Day: We drive to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital city of Chiapas, where we have lunch and visit the city’s center. In the afternoon we arrive in the small colonial town of Chiapa de Corzo. Towering over its plaza is the 16th century Moorish-style fountain. 7th Day: Riding on speedboats through the magnificent Cañon del Sumidero, where Chiapanecan Indians chose to jump off of the 2,500 foot cliffs rather than submit to Spanish invaders, we watch for monkeys, crocodiles and other wildlife. In the afternoon we visit two indigenous villages and their colorful Indian markets, then continue into the mountains to San Cristobal de las Casas, one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, to spend our next two nights. 8th Day: Free day to explore San Cristobal. Rich in culture and history, it is a delight to stroll through its markets, churches, museums and tree-filled plazas. 9th Day: Today we leave the mountains for the lowlands, stopping to swim at magnificent Agua Azul Falls—long series of turquoise cascades, and Misol-Há, where a short trail leads behind the cascading waterfall. Then on to explore the wonderful site of Palenque. Draped with jungle foliage, its pyramids, palaces and temples are magnificent examples of Mayan artistry. 10th Day: Early morning departure to Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, the largest tropical forest reserve in Mexico, to observe wildlife and visit the archaeological zone. In the afternoon we visit Chicanná, a small site with great intact architectural detail. Overnight at a jungle lodge. 11th Day: Today we explore some of the smaller sites of the Rio Bec area, Becán, a city surrounded by a moat, and Kohunlich, on the border with Belize and known for its “Pyramid of the Masks.“ We overnight in the city of Chetumal. 12th Day: After breakfast, we travel to the walled fortress of Tulum. Overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Mayan port has over sixty well-preserved structures within its massive walls. Our farewell dinner is tonight in Cancun. 13th Day: For those departing today, we say good bye at Cancun Airport. For those wishing to extend their stay, add-ons are available. What's included: The trips are fully escorted by English-speaking guides and include all accommodations, land transportation, many meals.
*Note: Prices subject to change without notice.
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