MEXICO'S TREASURE: THE YUCATAN
PENINSULA ITINERARY:
Day 1 — Cancun, Mexico
Tonight, gather for a special welcome reception and dinner.
(D)
Day 2 — Cancun, Ek'Balam, Valladolid, and Merida
Explore the magnificent ruins of Ek'Balam (Star Jaguar).
Dating from A.D. 900, this wealthy city-state was known for rich
carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, stelae, a
sophisticated network of roads, and numerous hieroglyphic texts.
Next, spend time at the colonial city of Valladolid, known as
"The Pearl of the East." Valladolid is Yucatan's oldest and
second largest city and has preserved its colonial character of
the mid-1500s. Enjoy exploring the plaza and life along the
cobblestone streets. Your day comes to an end in Merida, capital
city of the state of Yucatan. (B,D)
Day 3 — Merida and Izamal
Known as the "white city" for its light-colored facades,
Merida was founded in 1542. A city tour features the spectacular
archaeological finds at the Museum of Anthropology and the
impressive collection of paintings at the Governor's Palace. In
addition, see the Plaza Principal, Cathedral of San Ildefonso
(the oldest in North America), and Paseo Montejo with its
gorgeous 19th-century homes. Outside Merida, stop for lunch at
Hacienda Teya to enjoy mouth-watering Yucatecan cuisine. Next,
travel to Izamal, a beautiful colonial city, known for its seven
major Mayan pyramids. The base of one pyramid became the
foundation of the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, which holds
the second largest open-air atrium in the world. Explore the
treasures of this unique town on your own before returning to
Merida for an evening at leisure. (B,L)
Day 4 — Merida, Uxmal, and Kabah
Enjoy a full-day excursion to two impressive archaeological
sites in the area, known as Puuc Route, which has World Heritage
status. First, visit Uxmal, which was one of the largest
city-states in the Yucatan. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins and
see the impressive building known as the "Pyramid of the
Magician." Later, travel to Kabah, the sister city-state to
Uxmal, and visit the "Temple of the Masks," whose facade is
completely adorned with sculptures of the rain god, Chac. After
returning to Merida, the balance of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 5 — Merida and Hacienda Visit
Today, travel back in time to the golden days of the
haciendas when you visit the Hacienda Sotuta Peon. Experience
the grandeur and magnificence of the hacienda buildings and
plantation and watch the staff of this working plantation
produce and process henequen (sisal). The remainder of the day
is at leisure to explore all that Merida has to offer. (B)
Day 6 — Merida, Uman, and Celestun
This morning, walk through a local market in the town of
Uman. Your guide will talk about the local produce that is used
for everyday cuisine in the Yucatan. Your day continues at the
Ecological Reserve at Celestun. During a relaxing boat
excursion, watch for local wildlife, including the elegant
flamingos and pelicans that make this spot their home. This
evening you are invited to a private cooking demonstration of
Yucatecan cuisine followed by a wonderful dinner at a local
restaurant. (B,D)
Day 7 — Merida, Chichen Itza, and Valladolid
No trip to the Yucatan would be complete without visiting
the famous Maya city-state of Chichen Itza. Explore what was
once the largest political and religious center in the Yucatan
Peninsula. Marvel at the magnificent ruins that demonstrate the
impressive architectural skills and ingenuity of the ancient
Maya civilization. Your day concludes with a festive farewell
dinner. (B,D)
Day 8 — Valladolid and Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in Valladolid. (B)
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Call toll-free 1-877-306-5595
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Travel south of the border to Mexico's lush Yucatan Peninsula, a
tropical paradise filled with ancient ruins, baroque colonial
architecture, and exotic flora and fauna. Geographically
isolated, the Yucatan is home to a unique culture influenced by
the indigenous Maya Indians and historic trading partners from
the Caribbean and Europe. Marvel at ancient Maya pyramids and
temples, learn about traditional Maya and Mexican cultures, and
savor the delicious flavors of regional cuisine during your
sojourn in the Yucatan.
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DEPARTURE DATES & RATES |
Land Only Rates Per Person:
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Departures |
Double |
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October 12, 2008
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$1,099
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November 02, 2008 |
$1,099 |
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November 09, 2008
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$1,099 |
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December 07, 2008
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$1,099 |
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February 15, 2009
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$1,149
|
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March 29, 2009
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$1,149
|
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April 26, 2009
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$1,149
|
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October 18, 2009 |
$1,149 |
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November 8, 2009 |
$1,149 |
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December 6, 2009 |
$1,149 |
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January 17, 2010 |
$1,199 |
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February 21, 2010 |
$1,199 |
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April 18, 2010 |
$1,199 |
Please call for single supplement pricing
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
- The days and order of sightseeing may change to best
utilize your time on tour.
- On day 8, due to flight schedules, you may be required
to depart the hotel in the very early hours of the morning
(between 3-4:30 a.m.). Travel time from Valladolid to Cancun
is approximately two and half hours. Return flights should
not be booked prior to 11:30 a.m.
- Our itineraries include many activities and may consist
of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at
times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean
accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially
in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing
sturdy walking shoes. In addition, temperatures can be very
high, so bring adequate sun protection.
- If you have not purchased air through Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures and wish to purchase transfers,
you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
- Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures air passengers
will depart from the Cancun airport. All Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures transfers will depart from
Valladolid for the Cancun airport.
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EDUCATIONAL
HIGHLIGHTS |
- Travel to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to explore a world
of ancient Maya ruins, colonial architecture, and savory
cooking and enjoy a series of exclusive talks given by your
resident experts.
- Learn about Maya heritage before and after the Spanish
Conquest.
- Gain knowledge about the ecological wonders of the
Yucatan land and environment.
- Sample delicious local cuisine and enjoy a presentation
by a chef.
- Learn about the distinctive structures and architecture
of the Maya region.
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