Overview

Join Travelian for an in-depth tour of Estado de Yucatan, a peaceful place with friendly people in the northwestern Yucatán Peninsula.

Absorb the beauty and grandeur of the remarkable ruins of Uxmal, the Puucs, Dzibilchaltun, Chichen Itza, and other lesser-known yet important sites with an expert local guide. Yucatan's strong Mayan influence permeates every aspect of daily life. Mayans live in both small villages and the city of Merida. They are welcoming and proud of their heritage. Enjoy getting to know their remarkable culture personally. Yucatecan food has its unique style and differs from what most people consider "Mexican" food. It includes influences from the local Mayan culture and Caribbean, Mexican, European, and Middle Eastern cultures.

Take in the essence of Merida, Yucatan's capital and largest city. It's a modern, cosmopolitan city with museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops, and boutiques. Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo. The Spaniards built Merida on the site of the ancient Maya city T'ho, meaning "City of five hills," a center of Mayan culture and activity in the northwestern Yucatan region. After their arrival, the Spaniards destroyed the ancient city's five main pyramids and constructed Merida's cathedral and other colonial buildings with its ruins.

Explore a rich example of one of the area's 19th-century sisal haciendas and learn about the economic boom of this natural, regional agave plant. The hacienda/sisal factories were significant, and due to the high demand for this product, they brought abundant wealth to their owners. The era of the henequen boom from the late 1800s into the early 1900s was known as the time of "green gold." However, sisal prices declined after the stock market crash of 1929 and never recovered.

Our expert guide will present the historical dichotomy between Yucatan's ancient Mayan ruins and its 19th-century haciendas and urban mansions during a stimulating journey that offers firsthand encounters and expansive information.

Travel in comfort and safety and delve into Yucatan's rich history and natural beauty with Travelian's expert-friendly guides on this comprehensive adventure!

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 – TRAVEL DAY TO MERIDA

Fly to Merida—Travelers flying from the US/CAN/Europe can meet us at Merida Airport or at our hotel in Merida. Check into the hotel. At 6:00 pm, meet the Travelian guides in the lobby for orientation about the tour. Then, have drinks* and dinner* at our hotel's restaurant.

Included Meals: None.
Overnight in Merida.

 

DAY 2 – DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet in the lobby and join our local guide. Begin a downtown walking tour. Drive to Merida's mansions. Visit the Mansion Museum. Drive to lunch*. Return to the hotel. Then, you will have free time to explore and shop or relax at the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Merida.

 

DAY 3 –  UXMAL ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE AND MORE

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel and meet in the lobby. Depart for Uxmal with our guide. Arrive and explore the site with the guide. Walk to the restaurant across from the site to enjoy lunch. Walk to the hotel and check-in. Visit Santa Elena with our guide for a special surprise. Evening cocktails* and dinner* at the hotel.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Uxmal.

 

DAY 4 – PUUC ROUTE AND HACIENDAS

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel and meet in the lobby. Depart for Puucs with our guide. Drive to a hacienda for lunch*. Visit a nearby Museum Henequen Museum. Drive to the hotel in Merida. Check into the hotel. That evening, we walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Merida.

 

DAY 5 – DZIBICHALTUN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE, MUSEO MAYA

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Dzibichaltun. Tour the site with our guide. Drive to a hacienda for lunch*. Depart for Museo Maya in Merida. Drive to the hotel. Free time to relax or explore downtown. Meet in the hotel lobby and drive to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Merida.

 

DAY 6 – IZAMAL, CHICHEN ITZA

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of the hotel and meet in the lobby. Drive to Izamal. Visit Izamal and have lunch* at a typical Mayan restaurant. Drive to Chichen Itza and check into the hotel. Relax and enjoy the hotel grounds. Meet for dinner* at the hotel that evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Chichen Itza.

 

DAY 7 – TOUR OF CHICHEN ITZA SITE, DRIVE TO MERIDA

Breakfast at the hotel. Walk to the back entrance for an early visit to the site with our local expert guide. Return to the hotel. Freshen up and Pack. Check out of the hotel and meet in the lobby. Drive to lunch* at a nearby hacienda. After lunch, Visit Cenote Ik Kil and swim for those who would enjoy a refreshing deep dip. Depart for Merida. Arrive and check into the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Merida.

 

DAY 8 – FREE DAY TO ENJOY MERIDA

Breakfast at the hotel. Walk to Merida's Downtown Market with Travelian Guides. Visit other shops and museums and enjoy your day in Merida. Lunch* on your own with recommendations. Meet in the lobby that evening and walk to our Farewell dinner*. Some of you may be joining the Travelian Yucatan Birding Tour. The Birding Tour group will arrive this evening at the same hotel and join us for dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast.
Overnight in Merida.

 

DAY 9 – TRAVEL DAY

Breakfast at the hotel depends on each traveler's plans for departure.  Travelers may choose to stay longer in Merida or join our Yucatan Birding Tour. Others may wish to return to San Miguel de Allende with our guides. We will do our best to help you with your travel connections.

Included Meals: Breakfast.

 

* This itinerary is subject to changes without prior notification.
* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.

Our updated list of Recommended Items to Bring is available here.