Yucatán Adventure

Ek-Balam is an ancient city that was founded around 100 BC and thought to have once been the most powerful pre-colonial Mayan city in Mexico. Explore its impressive ruins and see examples of Mayan masks, hieroglyphics and figurines. Then travel to the Xk-Ken Cenote, an unbelievable underwater cave, and dive into its cool turquoise water to cool off after a hot day of exploring.

Follow your guide into the cool depths of the Yucatán to explore a cave that once served as a sacred ceremonial alter for the Mayans. See the 20 foot tall stalagmite formation that resembles a Ceiba Tree, the sacred tree of the Mayans, and the ancient ceremonial objects that surround it.

Tropical flowers in fuchsia, yellow and orange. The dark green leaves of almond and tamarind trees. Couples dressed all in white, sitting on ornate stone benches ringing the central plaza or "xocolo". The capital of the state of Yucatán, this sunny city is also the perfect base for excursions to the ancient Mayan Empire. But check out the city's sights first with your Tour Director.

Glide through the tranquil lagoons, winding mangrove avenues and cool deep cenotes of this lush and beautiful nature reserve.

Clip clop through the Yucatán capital on a horse-drawn carriage or as the local call it, a “calesa.” Built on land that was once the center of Mayan culture and activity for centuries, Mérida is now commonly referred to as the “Paris of Mexico.” A ride up Paseo de Montejo’s tree-lined avenue might remind you of the Champs Elysees with a Spanish colonial accent.

Get a real taste of a classic Yucatecan eatery in downtown Mérida. Fill your plate with panuchos and salbutes, two kinds of Mexican stuffed tortillas. Sip a specialty soup made from native lime. And sink your teeth into a regional specialty made from marinated slow-roasted pork. One bite and you’ll understand why food in the Yucatan is a distant cousin from other South-of-the-Border flavors.

This wildlife and nature reserve is a winter home for American flamingos, a nesting ground for sea turtles and the perfect refuge for the endangered American crocodile. Explore the lush vegetation and thick mangrove forests while you keep an eye out for the colorful and exotic wildlife that make their homes there.

Hop on a river boat and set out to see some American flamingos –as many as 18,000 to be exact! These bright pink birds, which make the Celestun Nature Reserve their winter home, make for a very colorful, and noisy, sight!

Ruins, ruins everywhere. Join a licensed, local guide for a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the country's most famous Mayan sites. The city dates from around the 7th century AD (though there is evidence of farmers living here as early as the 4th century BC). A major trade and ceremonial center, Chichén Itzá is known for its huge, 365-stepped, four-sided, pyramid El Castillo, as well as other buildings, sculptures and carved murals.

Relax like a king. Ik-Kil was a Mayan retreat, where kings and their court would come to relax and swim in the sacred blue waters. Now an eco-archaeological park, the area is preserved just as it was so that you can swim, soak, and splash in style.

Hop on your bike and explore the extended maze of ancient roads and walkways and see the great pyramid of Coba, Nohoc Mul, that are all surrounded by the thick lush Mexican jungle.

Listen for the distinctive howl of the howler monkey and watch as the nimble spider monkeys swing from tree to tree in their natural monkey sanctuary.

See the Mayan idea of a beach town. Tulum is the largest Mayan coastal city and one of Cancún’s favorite daytrips. Survey the limestone ruins, the surrounding lush jungle, and the super-blue ocean with your Tour Director.

Spend an afternoon soaking up some vitamin D on the fine white sands of Playa del Carmen, named for the patron saint of Cancún. The turquoise waters offer ample opportunity to explore the marine life and reefs in the Caribbean Sea. So pack your snorkel and fins!