Day 2 - Dzitnup, Chichen Itza, Merida - This morning the tour will visit Dzitnup cenote, an underground wonder of the Yucatan’s natural hydraulic system.  Dzitnup is stunningly lit with electric lights, the only natural light source being a tiny hole in the cavernous ceiling dripping with stalactites. The water is clean and cool and the swimming is excellent, but bats do sometimes swoop down from above. Exploratory walks can also be made through the many passages, which lead off of the cenote, abut a flashlight is needed.  Then its on to the most majestic of Mayan ruins -- Chichen Itza. This is, without a doubt, the most famous Maya archeological site. With its careful preservation, powerful frescoes, shocking sacrificial imagery and grand pyramid, Chichen Itza is sure to impress you. The city flourished from 300 to 900 A.D., was abandoned, and then re-established from 1000 to 1250 under Toltec rule. This is why there are two areas of Chichen, the "old" and the "new." While other Maya sites were being abandoned during the tumultuous Terminal Classic period (800-900 AD) Chichen Itza rose to become the most important center of its time. The famous sacred Cenote of Sacrifice gives the site its name and offerings found inside of this deep well come from all over Mesoamerica, including objects of jade, gold, rubber and copal incense, as well as the remains of human sacrificial victims. The city's Itza rulers had close connections with the Toltecs of Central Mexico and the fusion of Mexican and Maya cultures produced the unique art of Chichen Itza. We will visit the Caracol, thought to have been an ancient Maya observatory, as well as the Temple of the Warriors and its colonnades, whose layout mirrors the site of Tula, north of Mexico City more than 1000 km away. The ball court of Chichen Itza is the largest in all of Mesoamerica and the Castillo or Temple of K'uk'ulkan, icon of the site and once used as a fortress by Spanish conquistador Montejo, honors the Feathered Serpent deity.  Later there is dinner and overnight in Merida. (B, L, D)

 

Day 3 - Merida, Uxmal - Enjoy touring the parks, avenues, Spanish missions and colonial architecture of the glorious city of Merida. Early afternoon departure for the hotel at Uxmal. After dinner, marvel at the Light and Sound Spectacle at the Uxmal Ceremonial Center. (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Uxmal, Kabah, Hopelchén, Hoxob, Chicanna - Tour Uxmal’s Temple of the Magician, Quadrangle of the Nuns, Governor’s Palace and the stunning carved stones of the House of Doves. After lunch at the hotel, drive through the scenic countryside and visit the sites of Kabah and Labná. After a photo stop at Artist Point enjoy the indigenous community of Hopelchén and its lovely church built to honor St. Francis de Padua in 1667. Tour Hoxob, a community closely associated with the Puuc style. Arrive at the resort in time for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Calakmul - Morning drive through the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve which contains countless species of birds, butterflies and wild animals. The prehistoric metropolis of Calakmul was discovered and named by botanist Cyrus Lundell in 1931. Calakmul dominated the so-called Kingdom of the Serpent’s Head (250-750 AD). This group skirmished constantly with archrival Tikal. Overnight at the resort. (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Chicanna, Becan, Xpujil, Chetumal - Start the day with tours of Chicanna and the majestic Citadel of Becan. The moat surrounding the city center is 52 feet wide and 16 feet deep and has been dated to the pre-classic period. Next stop is the awe-inspiring citadel of Xpujil which depicts the Rio Bec architectural style. After lunch at the Calakmul restaurant the day’s adventure concludes in Chetumal, with dinner at Don Jose Restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 7 - Mayan Museum and Tulum - After breakfast visit to the modern Maya museum in Chetumal, then transfer north to Tulum, with a walking site lecture on the site, and then continue to the hotel and relax, before a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 8 - Depart Tulum - Depending on departure schedules, there may be time to enjoy the beach at your hotel before transferring to Cancun International Airport. (B)

 

PROGRAM	ACCOMMODATIONS						TOUR PRICES (per person, double occupancy
	Valladolid	Uxmal	Merida	Calakmul	Chetumal	Tulum	2	4	6	8 or more
CUSTOM	Meson del Marques	Villas Archaeologicas	Holiday Inn	Deblitz Calakmul	Los Cocos	Los Lirios	Call for quote	Call for quote	Call for quote	Call for quote
COMFORT	Meson del Marques	Hacienda Uxmal	Castellanos Hotel	Eco- Village Resort	Los Cocos	Freedom Paradise	$2537	$1715	$1536	$1361
DELUXE	Meson del Marques	Hacienda Temozón	Fiesta Americana Montejo	The Explorean	Holiday Inn	Hacienda Vista Real	Call for quote	Call for quote	Call for quote	Call for quote

PLEASE NOTE - The Mayan Traveler tours are not "day tours" or "seat in bus" tours.  Our tours (other than Guaranteed Departure tours) are quality, escorted tours designed for a minimum of 2 persons. 

ALSO, the prices presented are generally higher during Holiday weekends, Spring break, etc. when travel schedules are dictated higher demand.

Discounted Continental Airlines airfares are available with all our packages!

This Tour Includes:  

·        Services of a professional archaeological guide.  

·        Hotels and lodges, hotel taxes service charges, and tips for baggage handling.

·        Breakfasts (B) and Lunches (L) OR Dinners (D) as detailed in the tour description with Full Board available.

·        Carefully maintained air-conditioned motor coach; maximum 10 tour members per vehicle; experienced driver. 

·        All entrance fees to parks and archaeological sites are included in the program.

·        Complete program of sightseeing and cultural events as described.  

Please Note:  

·        Other accommodations could be substituted for like kind and quality based upon availability.  

 

The Mayan Traveler/Tropical Travel

5 Grogan's Park, Suite 102

The Woodlands TX  77380

1-800-451-8017 / tel 281-367-3386 / fax 281-298-2335

email:  TheMayanTraveler@wt.net