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April 14-21, 2027

heart of the Maya

Mérida, yucatán, & the riviera maya

Most people who visit México’s Yucatán peninsula go to the same few spots and leave thinking they've seen it all. This tour goes further.

Vast, diverse history.

In eight days you'll see the grandest Maya ruins, wander the pastel streets of Merida, and swim in cenotes carved into limestone over thousands of years.The Yucatán Peninsula has millions of years of rich prehistoric, Maya, colonial, and industrial history.

Itinerary

Welcome to Mérida! Settle into the city. Explore the Plaza Grande, Paseo de Montejo, and the historical architecture at your own pace before we gather tonight for a welcome dinner of Yucatecan cuisine with the group. (Overnight: Mérida; Meals: Dinner)

Day 1

After breakfast, a visit to Uxmal, a quiet yet stunning Maya site, followed by lunch in Mérida. The afternoon features a trip to the Anthropology Museum at Palacio Canton, with free time to explore the city before the final dinner in Mérida. (Overnight: Mérida; Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

DAY 2

Early start to reach Chichén Itzá ahead of the crowds. We will meet our Mayan guide for an in-depth three-hour tour of this famous site. In the afternoon, a visit with a local Maya family to share in cultural dance, a hands-on cooking class, an in-depth mezcal tasting, and a delicious shared meal. (Overnight: Pisté; Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

DAY 3

Leave Pisté to Valladolid, a colorful colonial town, for breakfast and exploration. After visiting a cenote and having lunch, we will drive two hours to a private jungle lodge near Playa del Carmen, where we will enjoy a welcome dinner. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Day 4

After breakfast, we explore Río Secreto, an underground river and cave system, with all equipment provided. Following a buffet lunch and a local spirit tasting, the afternoon is free at the lodge. Group dinner with our on-site chef. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

DAY 5

Early morning breakfast and departure as we take the ferry to Cozumel Island. Today, you will snorkel the stunning reefs (option scuba dive add-on), and meet the team behind Restore Coral. An organization working on education and local coral reef restoration projects. We spend our entire day on the island and are back to the lodge in time for dinner. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

DAY 6

After breakfast, we head to the jungle to enjoy one final cenote swim, then return to soak up the lodge for our last day. This afternoon, participate in a hands-on cooking experience with Chef Sebastían Aliano. (Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 8: Breakfast at the lodge, then private transfer to Cancún airport for your flight home. (Meals: Breakfast)

DAY 7/8

What to Expect