Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Take the Yucatan tour that explores only the very best of this magical region. From ancient ruins to modern wonders via eye-catching natural beauty, this nine-day vacation is a must for those looking to take a deeper look at the stunning Yucatan Peninsula.

Begin with a visit to Isla Holbox to swim with whale sharks and enjoy some hammock time. After, head to Merida – named the world’s best small city by Conde Nast Traveler in 2019 – before heading to the ancient city of Uxmal.

This is followed by a tour of a working hacienda and a visit to the Pueblo Magico of Izamal. Finish with a private tour of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

PHOTO GALLERY

HIGHLIGHTS

Isla Holbox – Visit this island in the Caribbean Sea and spend days swimming with whale sharks

Merida – Visit the lively and colorful city of Merida for a private tour and cooking class with one of the region’s finest chefs

Izamal – Explore the mysterious Yellow City of Izamal, a designated Pueblo Magico

Maya ruins – Enjoy private tours of the world-famous Chichen Itza and Uxmal

Day 1: Arrive at Cancun

Arrive at Cancun International Airport, where a Journey Mexico representative will be waiting with private transport to a luxury hotel in Cancun.

Day 2: Isla Holbox

Head to Chiquila Dock for a speedy transfer across the Caribbean Sea to the island paradise of Isla Holbox. Upon arrival, enjoy a transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Take the time to soak up some rays while relaxing on the soft, white sands of this beautiful Mexican-Caribbean island.

Day 3: Swim with whale sharks

Go on a private snorkeling tour to swim with the elusive whale sharks that are found in the local waters from June to September. These magnificent beasts can reach up to 10 meters long, making them the largest fish in the world, but are actually very docile. After this unforgettable adventure, return to your hotel for the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 4: Isla Holbox and Merida

After breakfast, go on another whale shark snorkeling tour and spend more time with these amazing creatures. Then, head back to Chiquila Dock and on to Merida. Along the way, and with time permitting, stop in Tixkokob to visit a hammock weaving family and learn all about how they make their artisanal products.

After enjoying a delicious lunch at Hacienda Teya, arrive at Merida City and take an orientation tour in the late afternoon. Finally, check-in to the hotel for an evening of relaxation.

Day 5: Merida City and Uxmal

Enjoy an unforgettable cooking class with one of Merida’s finest chefs, Mario Canul, at his beautiful colonial cooking school, Los Dos.

In the afternoon, enjoy a private tour of Merida City that includes the Palacio de Gobierno, Paseo de Montejo (which was modeled on the Champs Elysees in Paris), and the Anthropology Museum. After, enjoy a private transfer to the ancient city of Uxmal to check-in to the hotel for the evening.

Day 6: Uxmal

Visit the world-renowned Maya temples and ball courts of Uxmal. An expert guide will bring the site to life and add color to what many consider to be the finest examples of classic Maya architecture on Earth. Visit and learn about the amazing Palace of the Governors and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician.

After, enjoy a delicious pibil lunch, a regional delicacy, before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.

Day 7: Hacienda Sotuta de Peon and Izamal

The day begins at the living-museum of Hacienda Sotuta de Peon. Here, learn about haciendas and henequen (sisal fiber), which was the source of the Yucatan’s wealth during the Colonial era.

Tour the processing plant, which is still in action, visit the beautiful main house, and take a mule-drawn rail cart tour of the fields, ending at a refreshing cenote.

Enjoy a traditional lunch at the hacienda before heading to the city of Izamal to visit its magical Franciscan monastery and a crafts co-operative. After, head to a hotel nestled beside Chichen Itza, the world’s most famous Maya archeological site.

Day 8: Private Chichen Itza tour and cenote swim

Rise early to enjoy off-hours access to Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. Under the expert knowledge of a private guide, the ball courts, temples, and plazas come alive.

Depart as the heat rises and the crowds thicken and head to a little known cenote to access the cool, dark, crystal-clear waters of the vast underground river system that crisscrosses the Yucatan Peninsula! Guests can swim in the cenote if they would like.

Day 9: Departure from Cancun

Today, take a private transfer to Cancun Airport for flights home.

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.

Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.

*Conservation and Sustainability: $50.00 USD of your trip fee goes to Fundacion Haciendas del Mundo Maya, which works with local communities in the Yucatan Peninsula on a range of sustainable development projects including: Housing, Health and Nutrition, Education & Culture, Sustainable entrepreneurship, and the Environment. Please visit their web site for more information: http://www.haciendasmundomaya.com/index.html