Compare Whale Sharks & Spider Monkeys: The Yucatan With Your Grandchild by Road Scholar vs Premium Mexico in Depth by Intrepid Travel

Day 1
Arrive Cancun, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Cancun D Courtyard Marriott Cancun
Activity note: Book flights that arrive into Cancún no later than 4:30 p.m. Two arrival transfers will be provided on this day. Pick-up times will be scheduled by the Road Scholar Program Provider approximately 30 days prior to the program and will be based on the most popular flight schedules. Participants should also note that the Road Scholar hotel offers a complimentary roundtrip airport shuttle service. The hotel is located approximately 5 minutes from the international airport.

Afternoon: 5:30 p.m. - We will meet in the hotel lobby in preparation for our Orientation session. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Meals on our program feature local cuisine. In many cases, they will be plated and served set meals; in others, we will have buffets with multiple options. Beverages include coffee, tea, water; other beverages are usually available for purchase. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. During this program, we must follow regulations when interacting with local wildlife. Please bring biodegradable sunscreen because normal sunscreen is not allowed near whale sharks and sea turtles. Mosquito repellent and a lightweight, long sleeve shirt are recommended for cool evenings.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Plated meal plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 2
Swimming with Whale Sharks
Puerto Morelos B,L,D Hacienda Morelos
Activity note: From the hotel to Puerto Juarez dock is about 12 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Swimming with whale sharks is highly regulated; only 2 people allowed in the water with a guide at any time; each session about 10 mins; no flash photography in the water; only biodegradable sunscreens. Boat has a bathroom and a covered area. Hat, sun glasses and sunscreen are a must. A rash guard is suggested for protection against sunburns and chafing from wearing a life vest. Snorkeling gear provided.

Breakfast: At the hotel; juice, coffee, tea, and water included.

Morning: Check out, load luggage on the bus and begin the drive to Puerto Juarez. Once there, we'll disembark at the dock and board a covered motorboat that will take us to the whale shark feeding site. During the boat ride, our snorkeling expert will provide information about whale shark migration patterns, feeding habits and general biology. If we’re lucky, we might see some dolphins or manta rays during the journey. Once we arrive at the feeding site, the snorkeling expert will select the first 2 members of our group to snorkel with the whale sharks while the rest of us wait on the boat. This will be a good time to observe whale sharks feeding on the ocean's surface or take photos from the comfort of the boat. Snacks and drinks will be provided on board.

Lunch: Box lunch plus bottled water on the boat.

Afternoon: We'll return to Puerto Juarez and disembark at the dock. After a short walk, we'll get onto our bus and begin our transfer to Puerto Morelos. Upon arrival, we'll check in at the hotel and get our room assignments. Before dinner, kids will join the Group Leader for another informal Spanish lesson.

Dinner: At a local restaurant that serves kid-friendly fare. Meal includes a non-alcoholic drink; other beverages are available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Puerto Morelos National Park, Botanical Garden, Soccer Game
Puerto Morelos B,L,D Hacienda Morelos
Activity note: Getting in and out of boat and reef snorkeling. Masks, snorkels and fins will be provided for the activities at Puerto Morelos National Park. Avid snorkelers are welcome to bring their own gear to ensure a good fit. Walking on uneven, undulating paths at botanical garden; bring insect repellent.

Breakfast: At the hotel; juice, coffee, tea, and water included.

Morning: After driving to a local dive shop to select fins and snorkel gear, we'll walk to the local dock. We'll board a boat along with a local expert and sail out to the reefs at Puerto Morelos National Park. During our activity, we'll stop at two separate locations to swim among the coral and look for a variety of marine life. Puerto Morelos has one of the world's largest barrier reefs where it is possible to see a variety of colorful coral and tropical fish such as parrot fish and butterfly fish. Sea turtles occasionally make their appearance among the patches of sea grass while rays of various species glide close to the sandy bottom. We'll return to shore and drive to the hotel to freshen up and change clothes.

Lunch: At local restaurant plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: We'll drive to the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Botanical Garden in preparation for an exploratory walk led by our Group Leader. This 160-acre reserve was established in 1982 with the intent of preserving the biodiversity of northern Quintana Roo. Within the reserve we can find the two most important ecosystems of the region, semi-deciduous tropical forest and mangrove, as well as an ecological research center. Our visit will include a walk on uneven trails visiting a medicinal garden and a reconstruction of a “chiclero” camp (gum extraction camp). During our explorations we hope to catch glimpses of the gardens' resident iguanas, spider monkeys and birds. Return to the hotel. Before dinner, our Group Leader will organize a soccer match with local schoolchildren.

Dinner: At local restaurant plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare luggage for check out.

Day 4
Local Home Visit, Historic Valladolid, Piñata Party
Chichen Itza B,L,D Hotel Mayaland - Chichen Itza
Activity note: From Puerto Morelos to local home is about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours; from the home to Valladolid is about 50 miles, approximately 1.5 hours; Valladolid to Chichen Itza is about 26 miles; just under 1 hour. Walking on irregular, rocky and unpaved paths.

Breakfast: At the hotel; juice, coffee, tea, and water included.

Morning: Check out and load luggage onto the bus. Then, we'll begin our transfer to Chichen Itza with en route stops at a typical Mayan homestead and at historic Valladolid. We'll learn about the Yucatan's modern-day Maya during a visit to a local home. After meeting the family and visiting their house, we'll accompany the Group Leader on an exploratory walk of the grounds to understand what it takes to live off the land.

Lunch: At a local home, enjoy a family-hosted traditional meal.

Afternoon: Next, we'll drive to Valladolid in preparation for a panoramic introduction to the city as we drive through the town’s colonial center and become familiar with some of its key historic buildings. Valladolid is an attractive 16th century town located in the eastern side of the Yucatán state, within 29 miles of Chichen Itzá. Like most colonial cities in the Yucatan, Valladolid was born from the destruction of a local Maya community. The very stones used to build the Spanish city once graced the graceful lines of ancient Maya structures. It is sadly ironic perhaps, that many of the original colonial buildings were destroyed or damaged during the Yucatecan Caste War (1847-1901) and later during Indian uprisings. The Church of San Bernardino de Siena and adjoining convent are among the oldest churches in the region. We'll continue with the transfer to nearby Chichén Itzá and check in at hotel. After receiving our room assignments, we'll have some "down time" to jump into the hotel’s swimming pool or explore the attractive gardens for a chance to see local flora and bird life and catch glimpses of Chichén Itzá's ancient temples. Especially for kids: At the hotel, take part in a piñata party and an informal Spanish lesson before dinner.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal plus coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Yokdzonot, Spanish Lesson, Planetarium
Chichen Itza B,L,D Hotel Mayaland - Chichen Itza
Activity note: A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are indicated for our exploration of the Chichen Itza ruins. Descend/ascend a steep, zigzagging staircase, with railings, to/from cenote. Do not remove hotel towels from your room; Group Leader will provide beach towels for the cenote.

Breakfast: At the hotel; juice, coffee, tea, and water included.

Morning: From the hotel, we’ll join our Group Leader on a walking field trip to the Chichén Itzá archaeological complex. We'll examine the architecture, layout and history of this important Maya city. Chichén Itzá is considered the greatest Mayan site on the Yucatán peninsula and is certainly the most popular stop along today’s Ruta Maya. The archaeological site centers upon two unusually large cenotes, one that provided water for the city and the other a famous sacred cenote. Its history is the Yucatán’s “Trojan War,” as the ruler of Chichén Itzá stole the bride of one of the lords of Izamal who then took vengeance and sacked Chichén. The consolidation of Chichén Itzá as a political center meant the creation of a complicated political structure. This leadership allowed it to achieve magnificent architectural and sculptural splendor and made it one of the largest cities in the Maya area. We'll return to the hotel for a bathroom break and a change of clothes before departing for Cenote Yokdzonot. We'll take a moment to feast our eyes on the beauty of Cenote Yokdzonot before taking a refreshing dip in the cool spring-fed waters. Cenotes are water-filled limestone sinkholes found in the Yucatán and some Caribbean sites. Cenotes were an important source of freshwater for the Maya living in the Yucatán Peninsula. They were believed to be the gateways to the afterlife, and were treated as sacred sites. Rock walls encircle a pool of transparent blue waters, amidst lush tropical vegetation. After catching a glimpse of this beautiful natural creation, it is easy to understand why the Maya would have felt this site was sacred.

Lunch: Buffet meal plus coffee, tea, water at a restaurant in the Cenote Yokdzonot park.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we will drive back to the hotel and enjoy some "down time" to rest or enjoy the hotel amenities. At the hotel, our kids will join our Group Leader in an informal Spanish lesson while the rest of the group enjoys free time. Our entrance tickets to the Chichen Itza ruins are valid for multiple entries on this day and the complex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Before dinner, we'll join your Group Leader at the hotel’s planetarium to enjoy a cosmic show: “Tales of the Maya Skies.” Journey through time and space, into the Mexican jungle to learn about the history, culture, and incredible scientific and astronomical discoveries of the ancient Maya.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare luggage for check out the following morning.

Day 6
Cobá, Gran Cenote, Turtle Beach Walk
Akumal B,L,D Hotel Akumal Caribe
Activity note: Chichen Itza to Cobá is about 66 miles, approx. 1.5 hours; Cobá to Akumal is about 46 miles; approximately 1 hour. Walking/biking from park entrance to main pyramid, about 1 mile; bici-taxis available for that segment. Explore park on foot or by bicycle. Nohoch Mul pyramid, 120 steps to top. Bathing suit & biodegradable sunscreen for cenote. Turtle walk, up to 3 miles. Dark clothing, sneakers and lightweight sweatshirt suggested. No perfumes, flash photography or flashlights allowed.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: Check out and begin bus transfer to Akumal Bay. On our way to Akumal, we’ll stop at the archaeological ruins at Cobá to accompany our Group Leader on a walking and biking exploration of the complex. We'll learn about Cobá's history and architecture and discuss it's possible ties to Tikal-- an important Maya city located in Guatemala's Peten jungle. Cobá is a very large city, with roots in the Late Preclassic and with most construction from the Middle and Late Classic but with some Postclassic additions. It contains several pyramidal/temple/plaza complexes, linked together by a large number of sacbes or ceremonial roads. Still primarily covered by vegetation, Cobá has many structures yet to be excavated. Especially important are the Iglesia and associated royal residential compound and the ballcourts. Several excellent examples of large standing stelae, reminiscent of ancient cities in the southern Maya lowlands, can be encountered at Cobá, some of which are thought to depict female rulers. From atop the tallest pyramid in the northern lowlands, Nohoch Mul, it is possible to see the figure of the "Descending God" that graces the Eastern Coastal-style temple.

Lunch: At a local restaurant serving typical fare plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: From Cobá, we'll drive about 27 miles on the highway to Tulum before stopping at the El Gran Cenote for a refreshing swim and some snorkeling in its spring-fed waters. Wooden staircases with handrails (about 40-60 steps) lead to two separate natural pools. It is possible to swim and wade from one pool to the other through a short connecting cave. The cenote's natural lighting and crystalline waters offer perfect conditions for viewing multicolored cave formations, turtles, fish, and water plants. At the conclusion of this activity, we'll return to the bus and continue our drive to Akumal. Upon arrival, we will check in, get room assignments and have time to rest and freshen up until we meet again for dinner.

Dinner: Hotel plated meal plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Especially for kids: At the hotel, we’ll be joined by a biologist from the Centro Ecologico Akumal (CEA) for a presentation on sea turtles. Next, we’ll set out for a nighttime walk to a nearby beach that is a turtle nesting ground. We hope to see turtles coming ashore to lay eggs and have the chance to observe CEA staff as they measure and document the turtles and their nests. The Centro Ecologico de Akumal is a non-profit marine research and conservation organization that monitors environmental impact of urban development in the Mexican Caribbean. Through scientific research and community education, the CEA hopes to raise public awareness about local ecosystems and the need for conservation.

Day 7
Muyil Ruins, Floating at Sian Ka'an Reserve, Tulum Ruins
Akumal B,L Hotel Akumal Caribe
Activity note: From Akumal to Muyil and Sian Ka'an is about 31 miles, approximately 1 hour; from Muyil and Sian Ka'an to Tulum is about 15 miles, approximately 1/2 hour; from Tulum to Akumal is about 18 miles, approximately 1/2 hour. Walking up to 1.5 miles on gravel surfaces, standing in hot/humid conditions, getting in and out of boats, and swimming. Hat, bathing suit, water shoes, bug repellent suggested; bring a change of clothes. Bathroom facilities available at the reserve.

Breakfast: At the hotel; juice, coffee, tea, and water included.

Morning: After boarding the bus, we'll ride to the Muyil archeological site located just south of Tulum, on the Sian Ka'an Lagoon. The Group Leader will introduce us to the history and architecture of Muyil during our walking exploration of the complex. Later, we'll walk for a few minutes on a park trail and boardwalk until we reach a small dock at the Sian Ka'an Lagoon. Especially for kids: An open-air motor boat will transport us across the lagoon, to a man-made canal engineered by the Maya. While wearing lifevests, we'll disembark in the shallow waters of the canal and let the light currents carry us down the beautiful, mangrove-fringed waterway. We will exit the water at a small dock, then follow the boardwalk to return to our boat. Our bus will be waiting to drive us to Akumal once we disembark at the lagoon pier.

Lunch: At a local restaurant en route.

Afternoon: Back at the hotel, we'll have some "down time" to relax and do whatever we like. Late afternoon, our bus will take us to Tulum. During a walking field trip led by our Group Leader, we will begin to uncover the cultural and historical secrets of the ancient coastal city. We will have the unique opportunity to enjoy the park after-hours accompanied by a park service guard. Tulum, originally serving as a major port and trading center, is a modest site, with Late Postclassic buildings dating between approximately the 13th and 15th centuries and still in use at the time of the Spanish conquest. A walled city, located atop tall cliffs, it offers the opportunity for a better understanding of the prevalence of warfare during the Postclassic period. A temple also graces the location of the main cenote, once again demonstrating the importance of securing a safe source of water. “Descending God” figures, in various poses, can be found on many of the buildings. Especially important is the Temple of the Frescos. Although one can only glimpse the painted murals inside, traces of original paint can be found on the exterior walls, including painted red hands. Masks of Itzamná, creator god, grace the front corners of the building. Return to the hotel.

Dinner: On own. The Group Leader will be available to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check out the following morning.

Day 8
Zip Lining, Transfer to Cancun, Farewell Dinner
Cancun B,L,D Courtyard Marriott Cancun
Activity note: The drive to Selvatica is about 55 miles; approximately 1.5 hours. Wear cool, comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes for zip-lining. Bring a bathing suit to change into for the cenote visit or wear it under your clothes. The zip-line launching and landing platforms at each tower are connected by stairs with handrails. The park has storage lockers and changing rooms. The drive from Selvatica to Cancún is about 26 miles; usually just over 1/2 hour.

Breakfast: At the hotel restaurant.

Morning: After check out and loading luggage onto the bus, we'll begin transfer to Cancun. Especially for kids: En route, we'll participate in a jungle and cenote adventure at Selvática Eco Park. Park staff will provide the equipment then demonstrate the dos and don’ts of zip-lining and review safety procedures. Then we'll be ready to climb the stairs to the first of 12 zip-lines that will take us on an exhilarating journey over the forest canopy. Once we complete the zip-line course we'll change into bathing suits and board the park’s transfer vehicle to a local cenote. We will get to cool off and recharge our batteries by jumping from a platform or dropping from a zip line into the cold waters of a deep cenote.

Lunch: Plated meal plus coffee, tea, water at Selvática Eco Park. Other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Continue our bus transfer to Cancun. Once at the hotel, we will check-in and get settled into our rooms. The rest of the afternoon is free until we regroup for dinner. This is a good time to get a head start on your packing or relax by the pool.

Dinner: At a local restaurant featuring typical Mexican food. Farewell dinner with a glass of wine/beer, coffee, tea, water. Other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Return to the hotel and time at leisure. Prepare for departure in the morning. If you plan to use the hotel's complimentary airport shuttle, consider stopping by the front desk to double-check the hours of service and where to meet the shuttle.

Day 9
Program Concludes, In Transit from Program
In Flight B
Activity note: Check out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: At the hotel (dependent on flight times); juice, coffee, tea, and water included.

Morning: Transfer to the airport via hotel shuttle for flights returning to North America. This concludes the program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1 Mexico City

Welcome to Mexico! Your adventure begins in Mexico City, the vibrant beating heart of the country. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet the rest of your group and local leader for a 6pm welcome meeting. Your hotel in Mexico City is housed in a beautiful building from the 1890s and the location is truly one of the city’s best. The buzzing Zocalo Plaza and spectacular National Cathedral are right on your doorstep; views of which can be admired from your hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar. After your meeting, head out for dinner with your leader and small group. Tonight you will have the chance to sample a tempting array of local dishes, sampling your way across Mexico by trying different taco specialties. The city’s authentic food scene and lively atmosphere will surprise and delight even seasoned travellers. End the evening with some sweet treats at the city’s oldest churreria.

Day 2 Mexico City

Today will be spent getting to know Mexico City on a tour with your knowledgeable leader. From cosmopolitan glamour to ancient and colonial history, there’s a lot to see, so rise early and head out to the National Museum of Anthropology where your leader will indicate the most interesting rooms so you can walk through the different stages of the country’s past. Continue to the Zocalo Plaza, the lively main square of the city. Visit the National Cathedral to hear its story and marvel at its impressive Baroque architecture, then stop at Diego Riviera Museo Mural where you can appreciate one of his most famous works. This spot first held a palace built by an Aztec emperor in the early 16th century, and now houses the offices of Mexico’s president. Enjoy an evening at leisure. There’s no doubt that the food here is best experienced like a local, so be sure to ask your leader for some excellent dinner recommendations this evening.

Day 3 Puebla

Depart Mexico City and travel to Teotihuacan. Here you'll discover the extraordinary ruins known as the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the skyline. This was once one of the country's biggest ancient cities and the Aztec capital. Join an expert local guide and stroll down The Avenue of the Dead to see fascinating clues as to what life here was like nearly 2000 years ago. After lunch continue to Puebla. Stop off on the way to visit a local family who produce beautiful stonework carved form obsidian, a naturally occurring volcanic glasslike rock. Take some time to admire their striking pieces and speak to the family about their craft. Arrive in Puebla, a charming city that has retained its colonial heritage despite rapid growth and development. Set out for a walk around town and visit Calle de los Dulces (Candy street) and the El Parian handicraft market, as well as the impressive Rosary Chapel and Town Hall Palace. Mexican food is deliciously diverse and Puebla is no exception. Enjoy dinner at an award-winning restaurant this evening, where a local chef serves up local specialties in an elegant setting – the mole here comes highly recommended.

Day 4 Puebla

After breakfast, drive out to the fascinating Cholula archaeological site. Meet with an expert local guide and tour the complex, including the Great Pyramid of Cholula – if you include its basement, this is the largest pyramid in the world. Explore the excavated areas around the pyramid and learn how the structure was built to honour the the great Popocatépetl volcano. For lunch today, stop off at a wonderful restaurant serving up organic dishes made with locally sourced produce to minimise their impact on the environment. The rest of the day is free for your own explorations – you may like to join your leader for a visit to a local artisan to discover more about the Talavera pottery tradition.

Day 5 Oaxaca

Today you will make the journey to Oaxaca, a colourful and captivating city rich with history and culture. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle in to your hotel for the next three nights – a beautiful property converted from a 19th-century colonial mansion, traditional charm emanates from every corner of this hotel, from its ivy-clad courtyard to original frescoes and stone fountain. Just a stone’s throw away from the city’s main Zocalo, bursting with interesting cafes, musicians and artisans, there’s no better base for your time in Oaxaca. Head out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city, stopping by the delightful local markets of Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre, then enjoy a free evening for further explorations. The best way to get to the heart of Oaxaca’s culture is to taste its food, so your leader will be happy to offer up some great local recommendations for dinner.

Day 6 Oaxaca

Today, venture out of the city and take a tour of the Oaxaca region. Visit the Mitla ruins archaeological site – once the religious centre for Zapotec communities – and the Tule Tree, considered the world’s widest tree at over 11 metres in diameter. The Montezuma cypress’ gnarled trunk is over 1500 years old, roughly the same as the ruins. Stop off to try some Mexican ice cream – an important part of Mexico’s culinary history, this hand-churned ice cream is up there with the best. Perhaps try some traditional Beso Oaxaqueño, a fresh fruit sorbet, or even a scoop seasoned with chili. Continue to a beeswax candle-making workshop, learning age-old processes passed down for generations and the intricate designs that are created. Later, take part in a Zapotec weaving demonstration, which uses only traditional techniques, tools, patterns and organic dyes. Watch as local families meticulously craft folk clothing and rugs, some taking months to complete. You will learn the whole process from preparing and dyeing the yarn to traditional weaving methods. Here, enjoy a mostly plant-based lunch of regional Zapotec specialities. On your way back to Oaxaca, stop by an agave mezcal factory for a tasting before returning to the city in the late afternoon.

Day 7 Oaxaca

Enjoy a free day to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Oaxaca. There’s something here to suit every interest – speak to your leader about arranging a visit to the Monte Alban archaeological site, a local cooking class or a street art cycling tour. You may like to head to one of the city’s many markets to browse stalls of coffee, spices and crafts made by local artisans. In the evening, it’s time for a send-off in style as you head to a special dining experience. Your venue for this evening presents an amazing menu of traditional Oaxacan dishes, curated and cooked by the restaurant’s award-winning female owner and inspired by the recipes of her mother and grandmother. Let the dishes take you on a trip around the state of Oaxaca as you enjoy a multi-course meal. This final dinner will certainly be one to remember.

Day 8 Playa Del Carmen

Today you will catch a flight from Oaxaca to Cancun, transferring on arrival to Playa del Carmen, a charming seaside town on the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning turquoise waters. You will be collected on your arrival at Cancun International Airport and transferred to your hotel. A meeting will take place here at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next part of your adventure. The Yucatan’s bountiful Caribbean coastline means it is home to some of the freshest seafood in the country, and after your meeting you will head to a favorite local restaurant to sample some yourself. Here you can enjoy a traditional feast of fresh fish, mussels, shrimp and clams.

Day 9 Valladolid

After breakfast, depart Playa del Carmen and head to the secluded Laguna Chabela. Here you will have a truly special experience as you meet a local Maya family who have lived here for generations. Gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you walk through the low jungle full of medicinal plants, see what they grow and learn how they live off the land. Enjoy a demonstration on how to make delicious tortillas in the Coba style with the family matriarch then sit down to a traditional lunch, prepared by hand using a mortar and pestle found in the nearby ruins, still used after 1,000 years. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time, with stones from ancient Maya structures emerging from the jungle and the sounds of birds as your backdrop. In the afternoon, continue to the city of Valladolid, known for its delightful pastel coloured colonial buildings. On arrival, settle in to your hotel. Set on the city’s main square, the charming hotel was converted from a 16th century colonial house and offers a perfect base for your explorations. The main square is flanked by excellent local restaurants serving up classic Yucatan cuisine – you may like to try one out for dinner this evening.

Day 10 Merida - Chichen Itza

This morning will be spent exploring the fascinating complex of Chichen Itza. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is considered the most important archaeological vestige of the Maya-Toltec civilization in Yucatan by UNESCO. Meet with a local guide for a tour to uncover the secrets of what is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. After your visit, you will be treated to a special lunch with a local family in the town of Piste. Here you will enjoy a traditional Pibil feast, a Maya style of cooking that involves barbecuing underground, which the family have perfected over generations. After lunch, visit a beautiful cenote for a swim. These limestone sinkholes were viewed by the Maya as doorways to the underworld. You’ll feel transported to another world as you float in the delightfully cool water as tropical birds flit through the dappled sunlight and dangling vines. Next, continue to Merida. Founded in 1542, the city is the Yucatan capital and retains much of its old-world charm. Your Feature Stay accommodation for the next three evenings is the historic Hotel Casa Lucia. Spacious rooms feature colonial decor with traditional touches, surrounding a glowing courtyard with a wonderful swimming pool. Enjoy the peaceful garden and a privileged location in the heart of the city.

Day 11 Merida

This morning you will join your leader on a walking tour of downtown Merida to take in the splendour of its many colonial buildings and learn more about the Maya heritage of the town. Visit the market for a look at local life, and stop by the city museum, Montejo's House and the cathedral. Step inside the Palacio del Gobierno to admire the murals by Fernando Castro Pacheco, a famous Mexican artist from Merida. The paintings depict the history of the city and interactions between the Maya and the Spanish. The afternoon is free for further discoveries – you may like to relax in the green and shady Plaza Grande, or browse the outdoor market selling Maya replicas. Regroup for dinner at a fantastic local restaurant serving up Yucatan specialties – the sopa da lima (lime soup) is especially delicious here.

Day 12 Merida

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy another Exclusive Experience at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve. One of the first places migratory birds arrive for the winter, the reserve offers a birdwatching experience like no other. Here you will tour the area by small boat while you learn about its unique flora and fauna. Look out for the Yucatan woodpecker, Mexican sheartail, tropical mockingbird and depending on the season (usually December–March), you may be lucky enough to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. Hop off the boat for a quick walk to view bubbling turquoise springs before cruising back through the mangrove canals. Stop in a fishing town for the freshest seafood lunch (lunch on own) and a refreshing margarita, all while seated beachside under a canopy of coconut palms, with your toes in the sand. Take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico before returning to Merida for an afternoon at leisure. For a taste of Merida's 19th-century glory, you may like to take a walk along the mansion-lined Paseo de Montejo. Be sure to ask your leader for some great local recommendations for dinner this evening.

Day 13 Tulum

Depart Merida this morning and head towards Muyil, stopping off for lunch in the quaint village of Coba along the way. Look closely, and you’ll be able to see the tops of Mayan ruins from the nearby archaeological site peaking through the trees as you dine. Continue to today’s highlight: the virtually-unkown Muyil archaeologic site. This ancient Maya trading post is one of the oldest once-inhabited sites in the country, with a history stretching back to 350BC. Explore the ruins with your leader who will explain what life here once looked like. Next, head to the banks of the Maya River and board a small boat, from which you’ll explore the canals and lagoons of the Sian Ka'an biosphere. One of the largest protected areas in Mexico, this UNESCO heritage site covers more than 400,000 hectares of land, lagoon, and marine areas, including countless flora and fauna. You will be joined by guides from the local community who will help you get the most out of this tranquil experience. Admire Maya ruins on the riverbanks before disembarking in the crystal-clear waters of the ancient Mayan mangrove canals, where you’ll experience an adventure like no other: a natural “lazy river” where you will float through the peaceful canals in a slow but steady current. After 45 minutes of floating in the tranquil waters, carry on to Tulum, home to pristine beaches and ancient Maya history.

Day 14 Tulum

In the morning, head to the Tulum archaeological site for a visit, allowing you to appreciate the incredible history of the ruins and their gorgeous views of the ocean. One of the last cities built by the Maya, your leader will paint a picture of how life played out here as you explore the complex against a spectacular ocean backdrop. Spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at a beach club, where you can enjoy a swim in the Caribbean Sea, or nap in a comfortable lounge chair. This evening you will dine at one of Tulum’s delicious restaurants. With laid back vibes and inspired by the freshest local produce and seafood, this final dinner with your newfound friends will certainly be one to remember.

Day 15 Tulum

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Tulum, additional accommodation can be booked ahead of time (subject to availability).