* Thalasso | Mini Wonders of the Maya, Self-Drive

Beyond her beautiful beaches, Yucatan boasts an impressive cultural and historical heritage as the repository of treasures of Maya civilization, such as Chichén Itza and Uxmal. Journey back in time to appreciate the greatness of these ancient cities clawed back from the jungle and discover the beauty of the colourful colonial cities of Izamal and Merida. Spend the night in atmospheric properties to further enhance the trip’s magical experience.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Ría Lagartos: 395 species of birds reside in this biosphere reserve where you can observe flamingos and crocodiles roaming the mangroves

Chichen Itza: Uncover the mysteries of Maya civilisation at this ancient archaeological site dominated by the imposing Temple of Kukulkan

Izamal: This ‘magical town’ is known as the ‘city of hills’ because of its numerous ruins of Maya pyramids

Uxmal: The Pyramid of the Magician in this UNESCO World Heritage Site rises above the jungle canopy

Merida: Yucatan’s ‘White City’ is famed for the elegant tree-lined boulevards from the 19th century

Day 1: ARRIVAL CANCUN

After landing in Cancun International Airport, you will be transferred you to your hotel in Cancun. Pick up your car from the hotel today or tomorrow depending on your arrival time.

Overnight in Cancun.

Day 2: CANCUN – RÍA LAGARTOS – CENOTE – VALLADOLID (390 km – 5 hrs)

Today’s adventure we suggest to starts with a visit to Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, home to the largest flocks of pink flamingos in Mexico, in addition to the almost 400 bird species that have been identified here. You could take a two-hour boat trip through the mangroves in the reserve’s estuary to observe flamingos, crocodiles and other animals. Visit feeding areas, stop for a Maya mud bath with mineral-rich white mud and dip in the salt-rich waters of the lagoon. Visit a cenote – a natural sinkhole – for some time to cool off with a swim. Then, continue to the hotel in Valladolid for check-in. We suggest joining a walking city tour of Valladolid. This is a city that preserves the tradition of Mayan culture in every corner and its historical legacy is unique. Discover the passage of time from pre-Hispanic times to the present walking through its streets.

Overnight in Valladolid.

Day 3: VALLADOLID –CHICHEN ITZA – IZAMAL – MERIDA (135 km – 2 hrs)

Today we suggest departing to Chichen Itza, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya. Learn about the Maya and this ancient city reclaimed from the jungle. Behold the Temple of Kukulkan, popularly known as El Castillo (‘the Castle’), built both as a representation of the mystical Maya calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a serpent slithering up and down the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the haunting Skull Platform where the heads of human sacrifice victims and prisoners of war were impaled, and the Sacred Cenote, where sacrifice victims were dumped. Other extremely well-preserved areas include the Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and adjacent Church, and the large observatory known as the Snail. Next, make your way to the Maya town of Izamal, which combines remnants of its pre-Hispanic past, the colonial period and the present. Visit the Convent of St Anthony of Padua, which stands on a former Maya pyramid. Then, continue to the ‘White City’ of Merida, the capital of Yucatan, where we suggest taking a tour of the historical downtown. See the 19th-century villas and palaces that line the Paseo de Montejo, and continue to the splendid Plaza Grande, home to the cathedral and the 16th-century Casa de los Montejo.

Overnight in Merida.

Day 4: MERIDA – UXMAL – CACAO MUSEUM – CANCUN (450 km – 6 hrs)

Today we suggest driving in the morning to Uxmal and taking part in a guided tour of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that rises into view above the jungle canopy. Unlike other Maya cities, Uxmal was devoured by the rainforest after the Spaniards had arrived. The most famous structure is the 35-metre-tall Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle with its ornately carved interior and exterior walls. Across the central plaza, just beyond the ballgame court, is the Governor’s Palace. At the southern end of the main complex is the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated with the other three still unclaimed from the bush. After this, we suggest visiting a Cocoa Museum to learn about the plant and its importance for the ancient Mayans. Then drive back to Cancun and return the car to Fairfield Airport Cancun hotel (dropping off the car at other hotels is possible but may incur an additional charge).