Yucatan & Chiapas in 11 days
Yucatan & Chiapas in 11 days
Yucatan & Chiapas in 11 days
11 Days Starting and ending in Cancún
Visiting: Cancun, Valladolid, Tulum, Río Lagartos, Mérida, Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Uxmal, Campeche, Palenque, Sabancuy, Xpujil, Calakmul, Bacalar, Playa Del Carmen
Tour operator:
Tour code:
15955
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the beauty of Yucatan and Palenque in a small group accompanied by an English speaking guide
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bienvenuti In Messico!
Location: Cancun
Accommodation Name: Ambiance Suites
Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Cancun airport, your driver will take you to your hotel where you can settle in and rest after a long journey.
Cancun Airport - Cancun 20km (30min)
Transfers are scheduled according to arrival times and grouped together. If your flight arrives late, you will have to take a cab on your own
Day 2 : Tulum And Valladolid
Location: Valladolid, Tulum
Accommodation Name: Meson Del Marques
You will depart for Tulum, which means “wall” in the Mayan language, and indeed it does, as it boasts one of the finest remains of this civilization. You will discover this ancient city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea like an ancient fortress, offering breathtaking views of the Paraíso and Mayan beaches, as much for its contrasting colors as for its proximity to the jungle, the sea and the city.
Then you will head to Valladolid, a charming, typically Yucatecan town that proudly boasts the title of "Mexico's Magic Village" because of its unique characteristics: its historical richness, culture and gastronomy, as well as its pre-Hispanic and colonial buildings, customs and ancient traditions, and its inhabitants. Visit the "Zocalo" and its white cathedral. You can stroll through the colonial streets of the city center, passing the municipal bazaar and the San Bernardino Convent.
Cancún - Cobá 150 km (2h10)
Cobá - Valladolid 60 km (55 min)
Day 3 : Rio Lagartos
Location: Valladolid, Río Lagartos
Accommodation Name: Meson Del Marques
Depart for Rio Lagartos, a true paradise for nature lovers. About 100 km north of Valladolid, this small fishing village is the gateway to the national park of the same name. It is an ideal place to discover Yucatán "in a different way." You can board a "lancha," a small motor boat, and take a ride through the mangrove.
Valladolid - Rio Lagartos 110 km (1h30)
Day 4 : Chichen Itza And Cenote
Location: Mérida, Chichén Itzá, Izamal
Accommodation Name: Maison del Embajador
Today you will discover the marvelous archaeological site of Chichen Itza at the opening to avoid the crowds, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and considered one of the "New Wonders of the World" since 2007. You will be immersed in the majesty of this site and echoes of its past glory.
Continue to the Tsukan cenote for a refreshing swim in its clear waters.
After lunch, you will head to the "magical village" of Izamal. You will visit the Franciscan convent of St. Anthony of Padua, whose atrium is second in size only to that of the Vatican. You can also climb the Pyramid of Kinich for breathtaking views of this yellow city.
End of the day in Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán. A city of one million inhabitants, it is famous for its cathedral and its paseo Montejo lined by the sumptuous residences of the old henequen masters. Strolling through the white city's colonial streets, there is a romantic, provincial atmosphere, evidence of a past rich in history and legends.
Valladolid - Chichen Itza 45 km (30 min)
Chichen Itza - Tsukan 25km (25min)
Tsukan- Izamal 55km (55min)
Izamal - Merida 70km (1h10)
Day 5 : Uxmal E Haciendas
Location: Uxmal, Campeche
Accommodation Name: Mision Campeche
After breakfast, depart for Yaxcopoil to see a very prosperous ancient hacienda famous throughout the peninsula.
In the afternoon, depart for Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage city since 1996. Located in the heart of the Yucateco jungle, Uxmal means "thrice built" in Mayan. The architecture of this site is particularly true to the "Puuc" style with its geometric shapes, mosaics and representations of the god Chaac, god of rain and thunder.
Continue on to Campeche, capital of the state of the same name. Discover at the end of the day this port city overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, where there reigns a tranquility and ease typical of the warmth and rhythm of its inhabitants. The historic center gives the impression of a small Cuban town with the typical architecture of its colorful houses, its San Miguel fort, its "malecón" (waterfront) and its colonial port, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
Mérida - Yaxcopoil 35km (40min)
Hacienda Yaxcopoil - Uxmal 45km (35min)
Uxmal - Campeche 160km (2h)
Day 6 : Palenque "The Lost City"
Location: Palenque, Sabancuy
Accommodation Name: La Aldea
After a final stroll through the city of Campeche, you will head to Palenque, an oasis in the Chiapanca jungle. You will follow the coast and take a swimming break at Sabancuy, in the calm waters of the Gulf.
Stop for lunch in Escarcega.
Known as the place of great waters, Palenque is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Palenque is a destination that enchants its visitors. The city was founded in 1567 by Fray Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada, who in 1573 donated three bells to the community as a symbol of the founding of the people. Today, only the most important bell remains in the town's church, a testament to its founding. Relax and rest at the hotel.
Campeche - Sabancuy 130km (1h50)
Sabancuy - Palenque 255km (3h30)
Day 7 : Palenque Archeological Site And Its Famous Waterfalls
Location: Palenque
Accommodation Name: La Aldea
Early in the morning visit the ruins of Palenque, one of the most striking sites of Mayan culture bounded by its lush jungle. The ancient city's name in the Mayan language is "Lakamha," meaning "the place of great waters." The city, along with Tikal (Guatemala) and Calakmul, was one of the most important of the Classic Maya period, the seat of the dynasty erected by King Pakal from 615 to 683 AD. It reached its peak between the years 600 and 800 A.D. J.-C. Palenque has been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
Next, you will travel to the foothills of the Chiapas Mountains. You will make an initial stop at Misol Ha. The waterfall is enormous: about 25 meters high, it is fed by the waters of the Tzaconeja River.
Later you will reach the Agua Azul Biosphere Reserve. Known as the most beautiful and impressive waterfalls in the country, they are formed by the Otolun, Shamuljia and Tulija rivers. You can follow the watercourse on foot and in some places you will see natural pools where visitors can stop and swim in the spectacular turquoise waters
Palenque - Misol Ha 30 km (40 min)
Misol Ha - Agua Azul 45 km (1h15)
Agua Azul - Palenque 75 km (1h40)
Day 8 : Towards The Natual Site Of Calakmul
Location: Xpujil
Accommodation Name: Casa Maran
The morning is free for sleeping in and enjoying the surrondings
In the afternoon we depart for Xpujil.
Palenque - Xpujil 370 km (5h)
Day 9 : Calakmul And The "7 Colors Lagoon"
Location: Calakmul, Bacalar
Accommodation Name: Villas Bakalar
Early departure for the archaeological site of Calakmul. Located in the Campeche region, just a few kilometers from the Guatemalan border, Calakmul is a must-see destination for all history and nature lovers. Surrounded by lush jungle, the site is classified by UNESCO as Mexico's only Mixed World Heritage Site for its biosphere and Mayan remains.
You will set off along paths leading from temple to temple, gradually making your way through the jungle to the sound of howler monkeys. This pre-Hispanic city was one of the largest metropolises in the southeast during the Classic period (250-700 AD). With more than 720,000 hectares of forest, the biosphere is home to a large number of animal and plant species, some of which are endangered. With its hot and humid climate, Calakmul is a pristine area that offers a wealth of hidden structures to discover.
Continuation to Bacalar.
Renowned for its seven-colored lagoon, Bacalar is a pearl of the Caribbean, near the border with Belize, in the south of the Yucatán Peninsula. This small town is renowned for its history and natural riches. The lagoon is composed of seven different cenotes, which gave it its name, and is about 42 km long and 2 km wide.
Bacalar was an important trading crossroads for the Maya, a true trading point between Central America and the Yucatán Peninsula. Stroll through the town center and visit Fort San Felipe, built in 1729 as an example of New Spain's military architecture, which was the scene of many battles and conflicts.
Xpujil - Ruins of Calakmul 116km (2h)
Ruins of Calakmul - Bacalar 235km (3h40)
Day 10 : The Carabbean Ocean
Location: Playa Del Carmen
Accommodation Name: Casa de las flores
To start the day, visit the lagoon by boat.
Then a free moment to enjoy the lagoon and its charms.
In the afternoon you will return to Playa del Carmen. You are now free to relax or party on Fifth Avenue.
Bacalar- Playa del Carmen 285 km (3h40)
Day 11 : Hasta Luego Mexico !
Location: Cancun
Perhaps the time has come to say goodbye to Mexico and its beaches?
Your stay is coming to an end. Leave the hotel to reach the Cancun airport for your return flight
Playa del Carmen - Cancun aéroport 60km (50min)
Transfers are scheduled according to your return schedule and are grouped together. If you continue your itinerary via another hotel in the beach resort and the scheduled time does not suit you, you can pay for a private transfer.
What's Included
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Private Airport-Hotel Transfer
1 private airport-hotel transfer on day 1 for all participants (morning and afternoon).
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Private Hotel-Airport Transfer
1 private hotel-airport transfer on day 9 for all participants (at noon depending on flight schedules).
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Private Transportation
Private air-conditioned transportation with Spanish-speaking driver and English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour from day 2 to day 10.
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Accommodation
Accommodation listed below or similar category from day 1 to day 11 breakfast included.
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Activities
All of the following activities: Cenote - Tulum site - Rio Lagartos tour - Cenote Tsukan - Chichen Itza site - Hacienda Yaxcopoil - site of Uxmal - Palenque site - Calakmul - boat to Bacalar.
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Meals
Lunches from day 2 to day 10 and dinner on day 8.
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1 private airport-hotel transfer on day 1 for all participants (morning and afternoon)
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1 private hotel-airport transfer on day 9 for all participants (at noon depending on flight schedules)
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Private air-conditioned transportation with Spanish-speaking driver and English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour from day 2 to day 10
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Accommodation listed below or similar category from day 1 to day 11 breakfast included
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
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Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are not included.
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Individual Equipment
Individual equipment is not provided.
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Insurance
Compulsory repatriation/hospitalization insurance is not included.
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Unconfirmed Meals
Meals (if not confirmed) are not included.
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Drinks
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees (if not confirmed) are not included.
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Environmental Taxes
Environmental taxes in Riviera Maya hotels are not included.
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Tips
Tips in restaurants or with guides are not included.
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Personal Purchases
Personal purchases are not included.
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Unspecified Items
Anything not included in the 'What the price includes' section is not included.
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Waterfall Access
Access to waterfalls (approximately €10 per person) is not included.
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International flights
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Domestic flights
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Individual equipment
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Compulsory repatriation/hospitalization insurance
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Meals (if not confirmed)
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Entrance fees (if not confirmed)
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Environmental taxes in Riviera Maya hotels
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Tips in restaurants or with guides
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Personal purchases
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Anything not included in the "What the price includes" section
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Access to waterfalls (approximately €10 per person).
Mode of Transport
Enjoy private air-conditioned transportation with a Spanish-speaking driver and an English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour from day 2 to day 10, including private airport-hotel transfers on day 1 and hotel-airport transfers on day 9.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including Ambiance Suites in Cancun, Meson Del Marques in Valladolid, Maison del Embajador in Mérida, Mision Campeche in Campeche, La Aldea in Palenque, Casa Maran in Xpujil, Villas Bakalar in Bacalar, and Casa de las flores in Playa del Carmen.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
Private air-conditioned transportation with a Spanish-speaking driver and an English-speaking guide is provided for the duration of the tour from day 2 to day 10.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, a private airport-hotel transfer is provided on day 1 for all participants, and a private hotel-airport transfer is provided on day 9 at noon, depending on flight schedules.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Breakfast is included from day 1 to day 11. Lunches are provided from day 2 to day 10, and dinner is included on day 8.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes activities such as visiting a cenote, the Tulum site, a Rio Lagartos tour, Cenote Tsukan, Chichen Itza site, Hacienda Yaxcopoil, the site of Uxmal, Palenque site, Calakmul, and a boat trip to Bacalar.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are international and domestic flights, individual equipment, compulsory repatriation/hospitalization insurance, meals not confirmed, drinks, entrance fees not confirmed, environmental taxes in Riviera Maya hotels, tips in restaurants or with guides, personal purchases, and access to waterfalls (approximately €10 per person).
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What should I do if my flight arrives late on the first day?
If your flight arrives late on the first day, you will have to take a cab on your own to the hotel.
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What can I expect to see in Tulum?
In Tulum, you will discover an ancient city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offering breathtaking views of the Paraíso and Mayan beaches, as well as its proximity to the jungle, the sea, and the city.
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What is special about Valladolid?
Valladolid is a charming, typically Yucatecan town known as 'Mexico's Magic Village' due to its historical richness, culture, gastronomy, pre-Hispanic and colonial buildings, customs, ancient traditions, and its inhabitants.
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What can I do in Rio Lagartos?
In Rio Lagartos, you can board a 'lancha,' a small motor boat, and take a ride through the mangrove, which is ideal for nature lovers.
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What is unique about Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and considered one of the 'New Wonders of the World' since 2007. It is known for its majestic archaeological site and echoes of its past glory.
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What can I expect to see in Uxmal?
Uxmal is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its 'Puuc' style architecture with geometric shapes, mosaics, and representations of the god Chaac, god of rain and thunder.
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What is special about Palenque?
Palenque is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It is known for its lush jungle and historical significance.
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What can I do at the Agua Azul Biosphere Reserve?
At the Agua Azul Biosphere Reserve, you can follow the watercourse on foot and see natural pools where visitors can stop and swim in the spectacular turquoise waters.
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What is unique about Calakmul?
Calakmul is a UNESCO Mixed World Heritage Site for its biosphere and Mayan remains. It is surrounded by lush jungle and offers a wealth of hidden structures to discover.
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What can I expect to see in Bacalar?
Bacalar is renowned for its seven-colored lagoon, composed of seven different cenotes. It is a small town known for its history and natural riches, including Fort San Felipe.
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What activities are available in Playa del Carmen?
In Playa del Carmen, you are free to relax or party on Fifth Avenue.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Saturday - Tuesday
Jan 25, 2025 - Feb 04, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.