Luxury Tailor Made Journeys depart on the dates that work for you and feature expert local guides throughout your journey. The itinerary below can be customized to your interests.
ARRIVE MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Arrive in Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, where you are met and transferred to your hotel.
MEXICO CITY | PYRAMIDS OF TEOTIHUACÁN
Set out on a private city tour with your expert guide who leads you on an exploration of Teotihuacán, one of the most important sites in Mesoamerica. You may wish to climb the Pyramid of the Sun or the Pyramid of the Moon, and look out across the city and valley of Teotihuacán. Next, head to the historic city center, Zócalo, where you visit the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Palace of Fine Arts.
CAMPECHE | CITY OF SPANISH SPLENDOR
Fly to Campeche, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
CAMPECHE | COLONIAL SPLENDOR
In the morning, discover Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring restored cobblestone streets, pastel-colored mansions and impressive fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port. Stroll along the malecón (waterfront promenade), or visit the scenic Plaza Principal. Then, enjoy a privately guided visit of the walled city center.
CAMPECHE | MAYAN ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS
Set out on a drive to the Mayan archaeological site of Edzná, where you begin a full day of privately guided exploration. The city of Edzná showcases a variety of Mayan architecture, including the Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (Five-Story Building), a temple and an adjoining courtyard. Clap your hands and you can hear an echo travel across the site, the structures placed perfectly to allow the voice of a Mayan priest to reach a large congregation. Proceed to the archaeological site of Santa Rosa Xtampak, an important city in the Chenes region that reached its zenith between AD 550-950 and had a population of around 10,000. Discover the site with your expert guide, visiting the Snake Mouth Portal, a doorway in the form of a serpent’s mouth. Later, after absorbing the rich history of this ancient site, return to your hotel for the evening.
UXMAL | THE MAGIC PYRAMID OF UXMAL
Drive to Uxmal, which means “built three times” in the Mayan language, and explore its well-preserved ruins. Characterized by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards that are decorated with rich sculptural elements, its central structure is the massive Magic Pyramid, built between the seventh and 11th centuries. View its steep, rounded surfaces and the doorway near the top of its west side, a unique feature in Mayan buildings of the era. Also behold the façade of another impressive building on site, the Governor’s Palace, with its intricately carved details that suggest a slithering snake. Next, proceed to the city of Merida, where you check in to your hotel.
MERIDA | BIOSPHERE OF DIVERSITY
Set out on a privately guided excursion to the biosphere reserve of Celestun, one of the largest interdependent ecosystems in the world, famous for its colorful flamingo colonies, fresh-water springs and calm beaches. Enjoy a boat tour of the reserve, keeping watch for some of the more than 350 species of birds that have been identified here, along with a wide variety of indigenous turtles, frogs, crocodiles and insects. Return to Merida, where you tour its historic center, viewing the well-preserved colonial architecture, churches and monuments of this thriving Yucatan community.
Chichén Itzá | CITY OF THREE CULTURES
Today, travel to Izamal, one of the oldest cities in Yucatan, founded in the fourth century by Itzamna, leader and patriarch of the Mayan people. See firsthand how Izamal, known as the “city of three cultures,” brings together elements of the pre-Hispanic, colonial and contemporary eras. Continue to the vast Ek Balam archaeological site, engulfed deep in the Yucatan jungle, to view its elaborate acropolis pyramid. After exploring, you may wish to go for a swim and relax in one the region’s most significant cenotes (underwater caves). This afternoon, proceed to Chichén Itzá, where you check in to your hotel.
DEPART CANCUN
Rise early for a guided visit to the famous Mayan site of Chichén Itzá, taking in its splendor before crowds arrive. Marvel at its iconic step pyramid, El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulkan), and visit the Great Ball Court, plazas, observatory and other temples, while learning about its troubled history as a settlement. Then, transfer to the airport in Cancun and board your homebound flight.
Enhance Your Journey
Elevate your experience with a host of options available for an additional cost.
PRIVATE EVENING AT THE NATIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY MUSEUM
Visit the Mexico City home of the Piedra Del Sol (Aztec Calendar Stone) after hours, on a privately guided excursion led by an expert guide.
VISIT THE GRAN MUSEO DEL MUNDO MAYA
Discover the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya near Merida, with its magnificent collection of textiles, religious ornaments, and objects that reflect Mayan life and culture.
HAMMOCK ARTISAN’S HOME WORKSHOP IN TIXKOKOB
Stop at a rural Yucatan community famous for its quality hammock weaving to meet a local artisan and watch a demonstration of his craft.
PRIVATE DINNER & WINE PAIRING / ARTISANAL BEER PAIRING
Enjoy a chef-led culinary experience, with your choice of wine and tequila or artisanal Mexican beer, at a mansion in Mexico City’s La Roma neighborhood.
The Americas
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