Magical Mayan Mexico



9 Days   Merida – Uxmal – Chichen Itza 
Coba - Xel-Ha – Tulum – Playa del Carmen

The Yucatan Peninsula carries deep within its river-less plateau 1,500 years of fascinating Mayan history. Visit this vast area to discover why the Maya abandoned their great cities that once flourished with 50,000 or more citizens. They sacrificed humans and built huge pyramids. Their civilization was so advanced they invented a calendar superior to the one we use. They discovered the wheel but never used it? Their Civilization was so indomitable it absorbed the War-like Toltec Indians after being conquered by them. -- And then came the Spanish Conquerers and their evil! What affect did they have on the Maya? Find out.

Day 1 We arrange the flight to Cancun and then to Merida for our first night in Mexico.

Day 2 and 3  Merida. Our gracious hosts welcome us to the Colonial City of Merida. Discover why this is called the "Paris of Mexico". We visit the Governor's Palace, Main Plaza, Cathedral (finished in 1598) and Museums. We have some free time this afternoon to explore and look for souvenir bargains. Stroll the Zocalo, (or main Square), next to Governer's Palace and catch some shade under centuries old Laurel trees. Surrounding the Zocalo are outdoor cafes, banks, and candy and ice cream shops.

Day 4 Chichen Itza. Our motorcoach delivers us 75 miles East to fantastic Chichen Itza. Stand before Chac Mool where Mayans placed still beating hearts of sacrificial victims. Walk between the spires of the Temple of a Thousand Columns, see the Pyramid of Kukulkan which sits atop El Castillo (The Castle), approach the Cenote (large well) where divers are recovering jewels and many human bones and play in the ball court where Mayans played a game many centuries ago. The winner of these games was rewarded with jewels and fame. The loser could suffer a much more permanent and sordid fate. Later venture into the depths of the Balancanche Caves. O/N Chichen Itza, most widely known of all Mexican ruins.

Day 5 Playa Del Carmen. Another hearty breakfast and an early departure for Coba. We hike the ruins here with our local tour guide. He will take us through the ghost-like ruins and introduce the towering pyramids. The setting amongst five lakes is beautiful and eerie. Can you here the voices of the hundreds of thousands who once called Coba home? The Spaniards never discovered Coba but we can. End the day in Playa Del Carmen.

Day 6 Playa Del Carmen. Today we visit the natural aquarium at Xel-Ha cut out of the limestone shoreline. Countless varieties of tropical fish swim the waters and so shall we. You can occasionally see Manta Rays and Nurse Sharks here. Afterwards we travel 8 miles South to the only Mayan Port ever uncovered, Tulum. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is enchanting. Legend says that at Tulum we will become spellbound & we must return. Drive back to Playa Del Carmen for our supper and overnight at hotel.

Day 7 Playa Del Carmen. We enjoy a free day to relax. Walk on sand that never burns your feet, no matter how hot it gets. We can enjoy an optional visit to Isla Mujeres (Island of Women), Xcaret or the Scuba heaven of Cozumel. Jacques Cousteau himself labeled Cozumel the World’s second best scuba dive sight.

Day 9 Transfers to Cancun International Airport, for our flight home. Adios Mexico!