2012 Classic: Yucatan Panorama (MYP)
Countries Visited: Mexico
Trip Style: Classic - Designed to ensure an authentic and unforgettable travel experience, our Classic trip styles have broad appeal. Thatâ??s because they are all about the exploration of unique landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife and foreign cultures.
Service Level: Standard - authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Group Size: Min 5, Max 15
Meals Included: No meals included.
Accommodations: Hotels (6 nts), beach huts (2 nts), overnight bus (1 nt).
Highlights
Exploring the ruins of Chichen Itza, soaking up culture, marveling at the beauty of Palenque, blissing out on world-class beaches.
Description
If you're short on time but want to delve into the Yucatan, this wide-ranging itinerary in one of Mexico's most fascinating regions is an authentic alternative to the mainstream. Snorkel Caribbean reefs and laze on beautiful white-sand beaches. Enter the world of the ancient Mayans at Chichen Itza and the incredible jungle ruins of Palenque. Your experienced CEO will reveal the region's hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can focus on ancient ruins and vibrant sites-or revel in a tranquil sunset cruise off Isla Mujeres.
Trip Style: Classic - Designed to ensure an authentic and unforgettable travel experience, our Classic trip styles have broad appeal. Thatâ??s because they are all about the exploration of unique landscapes, awe-inspiring wildlife and foreign cultures.
Service Level: Standard - authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home
Physical Demands Rating: 2 - Light walking and hiking. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Group Size: Min 5, Max 15
Meals Included: No meals included.
Accommodations: Hotels (6 nts), beach huts (2 nts), overnight bus (1 nt).
Highlights
Exploring the ruins of Chichen Itza, soaking up culture, marveling at the beauty of Palenque, blissing out on world-class beaches.
Description
If you're short on time but want to delve into the Yucatan, this wide-ranging itinerary in one of Mexico's most fascinating regions is an authentic alternative to the mainstream. Snorkel Caribbean reefs and laze on beautiful white-sand beaches. Enter the world of the ancient Mayans at Chichen Itza and the incredible jungle ruins of Palenque. Your experienced CEO will reveal the region's hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can focus on ancient ruins and vibrant sites-or revel in a tranquil sunset cruise off Isla Mujeres.
Details
- Tour Operator
- G Adventures
- Duration
- 10 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Cancn | Day 1 Arrive Cancn Arrive in Cancn at any time. Check into our hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. Long a destination among sun-worshipping tourists and spring breakers, we only stay here long enough to meet and get primed for our adventure. The famous resort of Cancn on the northeastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancn than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city. The heat and humidity of Cancn may affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it's simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside. |
| Day 2-3 | Chichen Itza / Merida | Day 2-3 Chichen Itza / Merida After departing Cancn at 9:00am under the usually scorching sun, we stop for a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza before arriving in the evening in the capital of the Yucatan, Merida. The city of Chichen Itza, estimated to be founded in 432, houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo, with a balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand and towering walls. The attention to detail, and fusion of architecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning, will no doubt impress you. After seeing a part of ancient Mexico we will arrive in Merida where you will have an included orientation walking tour and for the next couple of days you can explore colonial Merida's museums, plazas, architectures, open markets and outdoor cafes. Known as la ciudad blanca, the white city, Merida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico's fascinating mix of cultural influences. Merida's also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, one of the Yucatan's many ancient treasures. Merida, the capital of Yucatan State, was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor, or zocalo, is green and shady and surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and the Casa Montejo. There are several 16th and 17th century churches scattered about the city, as well as some interesting museums. Mornings are the best time to visit the busy and colourful markets. You can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. You can also try out new and wonderful food items, such as the delicious cochinita pibil, a local specialty. Hot sauce fans will also want to try El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers. Be sure and stroll down the Paseo de Montejo (or take a caleche carriage ride), together with many shops and restaurants, you will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Nearby, is the main shopping street, Calle 65. You are sure to find Merida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot. If cities aren't your thing, escape to the beach town of Progreso and see the Dzibilchaltun ruins on the way. Merida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route, the most famous of which is Uxmal, which rivals Chichen Itza in its scale and extent of excavation. Or, visit 3 nearby cenotes or water sink holes in the town of Cuzama, not far outside Merida. Transportation to the cenotes is an adventure as it involves taking small wooden horse-drawn carts that runs for 9 km along old rail tracks. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of the cenotes! Estimated Travel Time: 7 hours Approximate Distance: 320 km |
| Day 4-6 | Palenque | Day 4-6 Palenque After a long day of travel we arrive at the monumental Mayan ruins of Palenque. The large sarcophagus containing the mummified remains of the Lord Pakal were found in 1952 by Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz and is only one of Palenque's many treasures. The temples at this site, with fantastic comb-like decorations on their intact roofs, and the sculptured wall panels, are undoubtedly amongst the most exquisite achievements of the Maya. The ancient city holds over 200 buildings of varying size and complexity. Don't forget to bring your camera on our included guided tour of the ruins. There are many optional activities to choose from in this area. If you are interested in seeing more ancient Mayan sites, take a day trip by van and then boat to the breathtaking Bonampak and Yaxchilan Ruins near the Guatemalan border. This is a full day tour but well worth the journey. If you are interested in doing something closer to Palenque, the famous Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls are approximately 45 minutes away and are both well worth a visit. The 35-metre high Misol-Ha waterfall is set in the middle of lush jungle, with smaller falls just inside a nearby cave. Take a break from the heat with a swim in the stunning naturally formed pools at the waterfalls of Agua Azul, located just 15 minutes from Misol-Ha. Depart for Tulm later in the evening on Day 6. Estimated Travel Time: 8 hours Approximate Distance: 620 km |
| Day 7-8 | Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve | Day 7-8 Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve A first-class, but often heavy-on-the-air-conditioning, overnight bus takes us to Tulm, situated on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival in Tulm, we'll find a place for breakfast before travelling south to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. We spend a couple of nights at reserve, one of Mexico's most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. Our jungle lodge allows us to see and appreciate the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve through its 14-metre tower. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment. Optional activities include swimming in cenotes, lagoons or the ocean, bird or cayman spotting in a kayak or biking. Estimated Travel Time: 15 hours Approximate Distance: 870 km |
| Day 9 | Isla Mujeres | Day 9 Isla Mujeres About 30 minutes off of Cancn is the beautiful Isla Mujeres, Spanish for 'Island of Women'. Long and narrow, this small island offers much to explore. Scooters or golf carts are easily available and a great way to explore the Island. A nice selection of restaurants, shops and modest nightlife gives the Island a great flavour. The beaches are also some of the best in the area. Opt to set sail before dusk to watch the sunset and stars emerge. Another popular option is to spend the day at Isla Contoy - a bird sanctuary with a few short trails and an abundance of wildlife. **Please note that you may need to return to Cancun in the evening of Day 9 if you have a very early flight the next day. The Cancun International airport is exactly one hour from Isla Mujeres (30 mins by ferry and taxi respectively) and the ferries run from 6am, through 1am daily. Therefore, if you have an international flight from 9:30am onwards (or a domestic flight from 8:30am onwards) on Day 10 you are fine to stay in Isla Mujeres for the last night. Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours Approximate Distance: 150 km |
| Day 10 | Isla Mujeres | Day 10 Isla Mujeres Depart Isla Mujeres at anytime. It is only a 30-minute ferry transfer to Cancn from Isla Mujeres. Transferring to the Cancn International Airport is easily arranged. The total travel time between Isla Mujeres and the airport is approximately 1 hour. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Dossier Disclaimer: The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
