On this 5-day itinerary, you will discover Yucatan’s most iconic archaeological sites, sample gastronomic delights and explore the secrets of the cenotes; enjoy the hospitality of Mayan communities & the colonial charm of Valladolid. Combined with exciting activities and eye-opening adventures, this is an active travel exploration of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Day 1: Cancun airport transportation to Valladolid City. Tour in the city and important places.
Valladolid is a city where past and present come together to delight us with the sights of colored colonial architecture and tastes of an incredibly rich gastronomy. We have dinner in the courtyard of a restored colonial mansion, an experience in itself, and have time to wander the square and nearby streets of the center afterwards. Great photo opportunities, craft shopping and a taste of slow-paced Mexican life.
Overnight: Valladolid – Hotel Meson del Marques
Day 2: Hotel breakfast in Valladolid and then take the road in destination of Rio Lagartos.
Rio Lagartos is without a doubt the best option to explore and experience a traditional fishing town of Yucatan, visit Las Coloradas (pink water ponds), take a boat to cover aquatic ecosystems giving you the chance to seeing a great diversity of birds including the biggest colony of the American Flamingo and perhaps crocodiles. After our boat ride, we stop at a local ´marisqueria´totaste some of the local fish and seafood. We then return to the road in direction of the archaeological site of EK Balam. The peaceful and inspiring Mayan temples of Ek Balam were once at the centre of an important kingdom. The site contains some wonderfully conserved monuments and exceptional architecture, that make the perfect setting to learn about the fascinating culture and way of life led by the ancient inhabitants of the Yucatan, far from the crowds of tourists who amass elsewhere.
After a cool dip in the waters of a pristine cenote, we depart towards the Mayan village of Nuevo Durange, where we will spend the night with Don Manuel and his family where they will let you stay in one of their independent Cabanas. Cabañas de uma nojoch kéej
Overnight - Cabañas de uma nojoch kéej
Day 3: Breakfast with family from the community. Visit an ongoing project in the conservation of endemic species the the local family operates. Visit spider monkey reserve by kayak, Zip-line, Cenote Family visit & Lunch with Cahun family (sustainable community).
Stay in the guesthouse of a local family who show us their gardens, medicinal plants and project that reintroduces endangered animals into the wild. And of course, a delicious home cooked meal all made from local ingredients. Also on this tour: we visit a family owned and run cenote, great for swimming and cooling down, and jumping or diving for the brave. We visit The community of Punta Laguna which provide eco-tourism activities which are aimed towards the preservation of their culture and the forest. The marvelous natural environment of this area is characterized by impressive lakes, deep well cenotes with crystal-clear water and a semi-deciduous jungle with trees of up to 100ft. An extraordinary bio-diversity of flora & fauna live in this environment, and we are guided by the local community through jungle trails on the lookout for some of the many species of birds, mammals orchids, insects & bromeliads. The standout resident is the spider monkey, who the community have built a very special relationship over the last 20 years, as they have become experts in observing their behavior and can identify each individual in the group! You will also paddle canoe on the calm waters of the lake and enjoy a thrilling zipline over the water.
Overnight in Tulum - Hotel Ambre et Epices (jungle side of Tulum town) or Rosa del Viento (beach - upgraded pricing).
DAY 4: VISIT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE TULUM, REEF SNORKEL & PRIVATE CAVE
The archeological site of Tulum, an ancient Mayan port overlooking the crystal waters of the Caribbean, is a must-see on a visit to the Yucatan. Enjoy a detailed historical tour just as the site opens, when it is virtually empty and the morning light over the ocean is a treat. Known as the jewel of the Mayan Riviera, Tulum's old walls hold the secrets to a mysterious past of sun-gods, sea-trade, ritual and ancient tradition. The Temple of the Wind, Temple of the Frescoes and the magnificent Castillo are testimony to the growing prosperity Tulum enjoyed just as the Spanish ships pulled in from overseas, ending the development of this fascinating culture.
We follow up with a visit to an exclusive cenote hidden in the jungle. This is an incredible insight into the underground world of the peninsula, where we walk, wade and swim in the clearest of waters, surrounded on all sides by the wondrous limestone formations that create beautiful textures in the rock. A close-up and exclusive experience of the unique environment of the underground rivers will leave you with a lasting impression of this magical world. The open sink hole in the middle of a labyrinthine cavern and the winding paths that lead us to it will delight your senses.
Overnight in Tulum - Hotel Ambre et Epices (jungle side of Tulum town) or Rosa del Viento (beach - upgraded pricing).
You will enjoy breakfast at your hotel and you will be transported to the airport at the appropriate time.
