Maya Culture Tour in Mexico's Valladolid & Mérida - 5 Days

Highlights

• Enjoy free time to explore charming Spanish-colonial architecture
• Visit famous archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá and Ek' Balam
• Ride a bike along an ancient stone path to get to a cenote (for swimming!)
• Take a chocolate tour in Uxmal and wander through botanic gardens

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Valladolid, Walking Tour

Welcome to Mexico! More specifically, welcome to the Yucatán Peninsula, a region that's rich in history and Indigenous culture, as well as natural beauty. After arriving in Cancún, a driver will pick you up a the terminal for the 2.5-hour ride inland to Valladolid, a charming colonial city with well-preserved 16th-century landmarks. This is one of Mexico's famous Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns), a special designation the country has bestowed on over 100 places that have demonstrated historical importance, rich culture, great symbolism, and exceptional beauty. 

After checking into your hotel, meet a local expert guide and embark on a walking tour. Founded in 1543 and invaded several times by the Spanish, the city was the stage of vast confrontations between the Maya and the Conquistadores. Much colonial architecture remains today, and one of the finest examples is San Servacio Church, which dates to 1545 and overlooks the Parque Francisco Cantón, the main plaza. The tour also includes stops at the 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino de Siena and the Calzada de Los Frailes, a cobblestone street lined with colorful shops, boutiques, and galleries.

Day 2: Day Trip to Ek' Balam & Cenotes

In the morning, meet your driver for the 30-minute ride north to the archaeological site of Ek' Balam, which means "black jaguar" in ancient Maya. The name refers to the Maya king who constructed this city, and during its heyday, between the 7th-10th centuries CE, it was the capital of the entire political region. On a one-hour tour led by an expert guide, you'll visit highlight ruins, including temples, a ball court, and an acropolis.

Afterward, ride a bicycle (or take a bike taxi) along an ancient stone path called a sacbé (white road). This causeway leads to Cenote X'Canché, a limestone sinkhole fed by the largest underground aquifer in the world. After a traditional Yucatecan lunch, you'll dive into X'Canché for a swim before heading to a nearby village. During a community walking tour, visit a few local homes and meet Maya families, who'll teach you how to make tortillas by hand and show you how hammocks are knitted.

From here, return to Valladolid and enjoy some free time. For a traditional culinary experience, head to Parque Francisco Cantón to order 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).

Day 3: Transfer to Mérida, Tour Chichén Itzá & Yalcobá

Wake up early and meet your driver for the transfer west from Valladolid to Mérida, the capital of Mexico's Yucatán region. The drive only takes a couple of hours, but you'll make two stops along the way. The first is just outside Valladolid in the Maya community of Yalcobá. This cultural adventure begins with a guided hike through the Maya forest and a tour of the milpa fields—an ancient agriculture system that intercrops corn, beans, and squash. After exploring caves and swimming in virgin cenotes, you'll return to town and enjoy a lunch of traditional Maya cuisine.

Then continue about an hour west to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During its heyday (around 600-900 CE), this pre-Columbian Maya city was the most revered religious center and pilgrimage site in the Yucatán. Its most iconic attraction is the pyramid of Kukulkán (El Castillo), built in honor of the feathered serpent god, an important deity to the Maya people. During a two-hour tour of the site, your expert guide will reveal the history and mythology of the ancient Maya world as you marvel at Kukulkán. Then continue to Mérida.

After checking into your hotel, you can explore the city at your own pace. Start with a stroll around the Centro Histórico to admire the colorful colonial architecture. Then, venture down the iconic Paseo de Montejo, with its opulent mansions and museums, stopping at the Palacio Cantón. You can also head to the Santa Lucía neighborhood, another historic enclave, to relax in the tranquil Parque de Santa Lucía and admire the historic red church. End your day by indulging in Merida's famous nightlife along Paseo de Montejo, with its bars, restaurants, and live music.

Day 4: Day Trip to Uxmal's Ruins & Chocolate Museum

After breakfast, you'll hop in the car and transfer 1.5 hours south of Mérida to Uxmal, an important Maya archaeological site. Before entering, however, you'll visit nearby Choco-Story, a cacao (cocoa) museum. Cacao is a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cuisine dating back to the days of the ancient Indigenous peoples. At this interactive museum, you'll learn the history of the cacao crop, plus taste a traditional spiced chocolate drink that the Maya enjoyed. You can even stroll through the cacao trees at the on-site botanic gardens.

Then it's time to head into Uxmal. Located in the low hills of Yucatán's Puuc region, Uxmal's early structures here date to the sixth century CE, and the city was a major seat of power until its influence waned in the 10th century. Embedded in its ruins are ornate friezes, sculptures, and carvings that archaeologists regard as some of the finest architectural sculptures in the ancient Maya world. You'll see all this and more on a 1.5-hour guided tour. At the end of the day, you'll return to Mérida.

Day 5: Transfer to Cancún, Depart

Alas, your cultural adventure in the Yucatán Peninsula has reached its conclusion. If time allows, spend the morning strolling Mérida's Centro Historico and perhaps enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a restaurant on the main plaza. At the appropriate hour, you'll transfer back to the airport in Cancún and catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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