Itinerary

1. Day 1: Cancun - Izamal - Merida

   • Picked up by our tour representative at your hotel or the airport.
   • Comfortable private transportation to Izamal (approx. 3.5 hours drive from Riviera Maya).
   • Get a brief overview of Izamal, known as the "City of Three Cultures" and "Yellow City." Founded in the 4th century by Maya priest Zamná, a significant Maya ceremonial center was later transformed by Spanish colonialists.
   • Enjoy traditional Yucatec cuisine at one of the best local eateries, renowned for authentic dishes prepared in the villages.
   • After lunch, we will start a tour around the colourful center of Izamal, including a visit to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua and its Atrium, a huge arcaded courtyard, one of the World´s most prominent of its kind.
   • If you wish to rest your feet, you can do part of this tour by horse carriage.
   • Then we will continue to Merida.
   • Arrive at your chosen hotel in Merida.

2. Day 2 - Merida City Tour

   • Pick-up from your hotel at 10 am.
   • Visit Merida’s iconic landmarks and colonial architecture.
   • Learn about the rich history and culture of the Yucatan region as you explore the city.
   • Enjoy a delicious Yucatecan lunch at MUGY, renowned for its authentic cuisine.
   • Savour Cochinita Pibil, slow-roasted pork with spices and citrus, served with tortillas and pickled onions.
   • Walk through the vibrant downtown area or use available transportation.
   • Discover colonial buildings, charming parks, and bustling markets at your leisure.
   • Return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation of Merida's history, culture, and cuisine.

3. Day 3: Merida Gastronomic Experience

   • Light breakfast is recommended before pick-up from your hotel.
   • Visit Mérida’s vibrant market, exploring a variety of local ingredients, from chile habanero to exotic fruits and traditional items. 
   • Accompanied by a local chef, learn about essential regional ingredients and sample authentic local snacks, such as panuchos and cochinita pibil.
   • The chef will purchase ingredients for the cooking class during the market visit.
   • Head to a local kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn to prepare Yucatecan dishes with guidance from your chef, adaptable to ingredients available in your home country.
   • Enjoy the dishes you have prepared during the class.
   • Explore Mérida at your leisure or visit galleries with the driver at your disposal.
   • Reservation at Ku'uk, Mérida’s premier fine-dining venue (subject to availability). Enjoy an 8-course tasting menu with drink pairings, showcasing local ingredients with a modern twist by chef Pedro Evia.

   Notes: The cooking class starts at the Market around 11 am, and the chef will lead the activity from there. The cooking Experience is for a maximum of 10 participants for you to consider. We recommend choosing a good hotel since this activity ends around 4 p.m. But again, they have a driver at their disposal, and we can take them to galleries or wherever they need to go.

   For reservations at the Ku´uk restaurant, they sometimes ask for a credit card and a deposit. We will inform you accordingly, as this depends on their availability.

4. Day 4: Mayapan

   • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a historical and natural journey.
   • Explore Mayapan, the ancient Maya capital. Discover well-preserved ruins, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan.
   • Learn about the Maya civilisation's daily life, history, and culture through impressive structures and temples.
   • Head to the beautiful Hacienda Mucuyché, known for its cenotes.
   • Swim, snorkel, or relax in crystal-clear cenote waters sacred to the Maya.
   • Enjoy lunch at the Hacienda Mucuyché restaurant (not included).
   • Visit Tekit, known for artisanal guayaberas (time permitting). Tour a workshop and shop for unique Yucatan-style garments.
   • Return to Merida.
   • Experience a traditional cantina with live salsa music (dinner not included). Enjoy local beverages like mezcal, tequila, or Xtabentún.
   • Our driver will take you back to your hotel.

   Notes:

   Hacienda Muycuche will offer your clients the best experience, and the restaurant inside the hacienda is at the top.

   For this day clients will need comfortable clothes and swimsuits and we will remind them to bring a towel from the hotel.

   If you want to avoid having lunch at the Hacienda, we can offer to go to the next town where the restaurant is quite an experience. You will have transportation at your disposal, and you can choose where to have lunch or what to do after the activity at the Hacienda.

5. Day 5: Uxmal Puuc Route Expedition

   • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
   • Depart for Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant ancient Maya cities.
   • Explore the historic Hacienda Uxmal, a former residence of influential figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Jacqueline Kennedy. 
   • Experience a private ceremony with a traditional Mayan priest.
   • Embark on a nostalgic adventure in a classic Land Rover Defender, reminiscent of past expeditions.
   • Discover Uxmal’s key attractions, including the Magician Pyramid, Quadrangle of the Nuns, Governor’s Palace, and the ballgame court with a knowledgeable guide.
   • Return to Hacienda Uxmal for a delicious included lunch.
   • Explore the historic hacienda grounds and its plantations, featuring organic fruits and vegetables.
   • Learn about the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum and see cacao trees up close (optional).
   • Drive back to Merida.
   • Book a room at Hacienda Uxmal to enjoy the jungle pool and stay overnight. (Consider an early wake-up for the next day’s activities.)

6. Day 6 – Chichen Itza - Transfer to Riviera Maya

   • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Then, begin your journey to Chichen Itza to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
   • Discover the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage site, including the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan.
   • Learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Maya civilization through detailed explanations of the site’s impressive structures and temples.
   • After visiting Chichen Itza, head directly to your hotel in the Riviera Maya.
   • Check-in and enjoy the luxury and comfort of your accommodation.
   • Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or strolling the white sandy beaches.
   • Explore the vibrant surroundings with options such as snorkelling, scuba diving, or experiencing local culture and cuisine.
   • Extend your trip with a stay at Isla Holbox, a paradisiacal island off the Yucatan coast. Enjoy its serene beaches, spot flamingos, and, if visiting between May and August, take the opportunity to swim with whale sharks (optional).