Highlights
- Swim in the clear waters of the Lol-Ha cenote
- Wander through the ancient ruins of Ek' Balam
- Explore the colonial charm of Mérida on foot
- Visit the unspoiled nature of the Celestun Biosphere Reserve
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Mérida, Transfer to Yaxunah, Hammock-Weaving Workshop | Yaxunah |
| Day 2 | Corn Immersion at Yaxunah, Visit Lol-Ha Cenote, Transfer to Valladolid | Valladolid |
| Day 3 | Explore the Maya Ruins of Ek' Balam, Embroidery & Tortilla-Making Experience | Valladolid |
| Day 4 | Visit Chichén Itzá & Yokdzonot Cenote, Explore Mérida on Foot | Mérida |
| Day 5 | Go Cenote Diving | Mérida |
| Day 6 | Explore the Celestun Biosphere Reserve | Mérida |
| Day 7 | Depart Mérida |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mérida, Transfer to Yaxunah, Hammock-Weaving Workshop
Welcome to Mexico! After landing in Mérida, a driver will be waiting to transfer you two hours east to Yaxunah, home to an important ancient Maya archaeological site and a thriving Maya village where Indigenous customs still thrive. Upon arrival, you'll jump right into the community with a hammock-weaving workshop. Meet your hosts, Ruby and Jenny, who will welcome you to the Káabal Kuxtal workshop, which in Maya means "learning to live."
Watch the local artisans at work, learn how the colorful traditional hammocks of the region are created with different techniques, and test your weaving skills as you get hands-on with your own hammock. Afterward, you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to get settled into your accommodations and explore more of the village.
Day 2: Corn Immersion at Yaxunah, Visit Lol-Ha Cenote, Transfer to Valladolid
Yaxunah has been a key center for corn cultivation since Maya times, and this morning you'll join a local guide to learn about this integral crop for the Yucatán's ancient and modern residents. First, visit a milpa field—an ancient and sustainable method of farming that increases the efficiency of soil resources by using the same plants as fertilizer for the soil. Learn about the tasks of cleaning, planting, and harvesting, as well as the challenges faced by producers due to climate change and pests. The work in the milpas directly supports the community by providing food, jobs, and economic income through tourism.
Later, you'll take a trip to one of the region's iconic cenotes, limestone sinkholes filled with clear groundwater. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the 100-foot (30 m) deep waters of the Lol-Ha cenote, also known as the "Flower of Water," then try some delicious dishes offered by the local community nearby. Afterward, your driver will take you an hour west to the city of Valladolid. Get settled in at your accommodations, then head out to explore this charming city filled with colonial history.
Start with a stroll along the pastel-colored street of La Calzada de Los Frailes. Built in the 16th century to unite Valladolid with the town of Sisal, you'll find plenty of boutiques and charming cafés here. For a traditional culinary experience, head to Canton Parque Francisco to enjoy typical Yucatecan dishes (many of which originated in Valladolid). Try the lomitos de Valladolid (pork loin in tomato sauce), the longaniza de Valladolid (smoked pork sausage with achiote), or the escabeche oriental (grilled turkey and pickled vegetables)— simple but delicious dishes that the locals eat regularly.
Day 3: Explore the Ruins of Ek' Balam, Embroidery & Tortilla-Making Experience
Today you'll step into the past with a tour of the archaeological site of Ek' Balam, whose name in Mayan means "black jaguar." This ancient Maya city was at its peak in the eighth century CE, and today it's one of the few archaeological sites that still allows you to climb its structures. Ascend the Acropolis, from where you'll have a wonderful view of the rest of the site and the surrounding jungle. Accompanied by a specialized English-speaking guide, tour the area and visit the Observatory, where scientists, astronomers, and mathematicians lived, and the Ballgame Court, the site of a sacred religious practice.
Next, you'll dive deeper into the culture of the Maya people with a visit to a local community, where you'll learn more about the traditional Yucatán crafts of hammock weaving and embroidery. You'll be welcomed into local houses and can try your hand and sewing some of the beautiful, colorful garments yourself. At the end of this interactive cultural journey, roll up your sleeves and help make some corn tortillas, learning how to prepare the dough before enjoying some of the delicious fruits of your labors with your hosts.
Day 4: Visit Chichén Itzá & Yokdzonot Cenote, Explore Mérida on Foot
Meet your local guide this morning to explore the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this pre-Columbian Maya city was once the most revered center of worship and pilgrimage in the Yucatán Peninsula. Its most iconic attraction is the stepped pyramid of Kukulkán (El Castillo), built in honor of the feathered serpent god, an important deity to the Maya people.
Afterward, cool off with a dip in the peaceful Yokdzonot cenote and sit down to a mouthwatering lunch. Then, it's on to Mérida, where you'll spend the afternoon exploring on foot. Start with a stroll through the vibrant Centro Histórico, admiring the colorful colonial architecture and visiting local markets for unique souvenirs. See the iconic Paseo de Montejo with its opulent mansions and museums, stopping at the Palacio Cantón. Enjoy some traditional Yucatecan cuisine at a local café before venturing into the charming Santa Lucía neighborhood.
Day 5: Go Cenote Diving
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Today's excursion will be a memorable one as you experience the thrill of diving in a local cenote. With their crystal-clear waters and diverse flora and fauna, the Yucatán's cenotes offer remarkable diving conditions and visibility, and today's experience is perfect for both experienced and newer divers.
After a safety briefing and learning the basics from your experienced crew, you'll dive in and discover the underwater world of these sacred Maya waterholes-- swimming through shafts of sunlight, spotting limestone stalagmites and stalactites, and spotting the diverse underwater flora and fauna that thrives in this natural paradise.
Day 6: Explore the Celestun Biosphere Reserve
In the morning, you'll meet a driver and head 1-2 hours west to the Gulf of Mexico coast and the Celestun Biosphere Reserve. This magnificent wetland sanctuary spans approximately 146 square miles (378 sq km) and encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including coastal dunes, mangrove forests, and freshwater springs, and is renowned for its abundant flamingo population and rich biodiversity.
Upon arrival, a boat will be waiting at the mouth of the Río Esperanza, where you'll begin this day-long exploration of one of Yucatán's most unique ecosystems. This a birder's paradise—besides the famed flamingoes, you'll spot migratory ducks, Yucatán parrots, pelicans, and other waterbirds like herons and ibises. During the boat ride, keep an eye out for other resident animals, including crocodiles, sea turtles, spider monkeys, and even boa constrictors.
After the boat tour, head to Ojo de Agua, a canal and natural tunnel formed by overhanging branches where you can enjoy a refreshing swim. The trip ends with you enjoying a delicious meal overlooking the beach, after which you'll return to Mérida.
Day 7: Depart Mérida
Say goodbye to Mexico today! At the appointed time, a driver will take you to the airport in Mérida for your flight home. ¡Buen viaje!
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