Tour Details

Join Travelian for an in-depth tour of Estado de Yucatan, a peaceful place with friendly people in the northwestern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. 

Absorb the beauty and grandeur of the remarkable, ruins of Uxmal, the Puucs, Dzibilchaltun, Chichen Itza, and other lesser known, yet important sites with an expert local guide. Yucatan’s strong Mayan influence permeates every aspect of daily life. Mayans live both in small villages as well as in the city of Merida. They are welcoming and proud of their heritage. Enjoy getting to know their remarkable culture personally. Yucatecan food has its own unique style, and is different from what most people consider “Mexican” food. It includes influences from the local Mayan culture, as well as Caribbean, Mexican, European and Middle Eastern cultures.

Take in the essence of Merida, the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatan. Today it’s a modern, cosmopolitan city with museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops and boutiques. Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo. The Spaniards built Merida on the site of the ancient Maya city T’ho, meaning “City of five hills,” a center of Mayan culture and activity in the northwestern Yucatan region. After the arrival of the Spanish, the ancient city’s five main pyramids were destroyed, and their ruins used to construct Merida’s cathedral and other colonial buildings.

Explore a rich example of one of the area’s 19th century sisal haciendas and learn about the economic boom of this natural, regional agave plant. The hacienda/sisal factories were immensely important, and due to the high demand for this product, brought abundant wealth for its owners. The era of the henequen boom from the late 1800s into the early 1900s was known as the time of "green gold." However, sisal prices declined after the stock market crash of 1929 and never recovered.

The historical dichotomy between Yucatan’s ancient Mayan ruins and its 19th century haciendas and urban mansions will be presented by our expert guide during a stimulating journey, offering first hand encounters and expansive information. 

Travel in comfort and safety and delve into Yucatan’s rich history and natural beauty with Travelian’s expert friendly guides on this comprehensive adventure!

Itinerary - 9 Days

DAY 1 – TRAVEL DAY TO MERIDA
Fly to Merida - Travelers flying from US/CAN/Europe, can meet us at Merida Airport or at our hotel in Merida..

Check into hotel. Meet Travelian guides in hotel lobby 6:00 pm for orientation about the tour and then have drinks* and dinner* at the restaurant of our hotel.

DAY 2 – DOWNTOWN WALKING TOUR

Breakfast at hotel. Meet in lobby and join our local guide. Begin downtown walking tour. Driving tour of Merida’s mansions. Visit Mansion Museum. Drive to lunch*. Return to hotel. Free time to explore and shop on own or relax at hotel. Meet in hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

DAY 3 – uXMAL ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE AND MORE
Breakfast at hotel. Check out of hotel and meet in lobby. Depart for Uxmal with our guide. Arrive and explore site with guide. Walk to restaurant across from the site to enjoy lunch*. Walk to hotel and check in. Visit Santa Elena with our guide for a special surprise. Evening cocktails* and dinner* at the hotel.

DAY 4 – PUUC ROUTE AND HACIENDAS
Breakfast at hotel. Check out of hotel and meet in lobby. Depart for Puucs with our guide. Drive to Hacienda for lunch*. Visit nearby Museum Henequen Museum. Drive to hotel in Merida. Check into hotel. That evening walk to dinner*.

DAY 5 – DZIBICHALTUN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE, MUSEO MAYA Breakfast at hotel. Depart for Dzibichaltun. Tour site with our guide. Drive to hacienda for lunch*. Depart for Museo Maya in Merida. Drive to hotel. Free time to relax or explore downtown. Meet in hotel lobby and drive to dinner*.

DAY 6 – IZAMAL, CHICHEN ITZA
Breakfast at hotel. Check out of hotel and meet in lobby. Drive to Izamal. Visit Izamal and have lunch* at a typical Mayan restaurant. Drive to Chichen Itza and check into hotel. Relax and enjoy hotel grounds. Meet for dinner* at the hotel that evening.

DAY 7 – TOUR OF CHICHEN ITZA SITE, DRIVE TO MERIDA
Breakfast at hotel. Walk in back entrance for an early visit of the site with our local expert guide. Return to hotel. Freshen up and Pack. Check out of hotel and meet in lobby. Drive to lunch* at a nearby hacienda. After lunch Visit Cenote Ik Kil and swim for those who would enjoy a refreshing deep dip. Depart for Merida. Arrive and check into hotel. Meet in hotel lobby and walk to dinner*.

DAY 8 – FREE DAY TO ENJOY MERIDA
Breakfast at hotel. Walk to Merida’s Downtown Market with Travelian Guides. Visit other shops and museums and enjoy your day in Merida. Lunch* on your own with recommendations. Meet in the lobby that evening and walk to our Farewell Dinner*
Some of you may be joining the Travelian Yucatan Birding Tour. The Birding Tour group will arrive this evening, be staying at the same hotel, and will join us for dinner.

DAY 9 – TRAVEL DAY
Breakfast at hotel depending on each traveler’s plans for departure.
Travelers may choose to stay longer in Merida, or join our Yucatan Birding Tour. Others may wish to return to San Miguel de Allende with our guides. We will do our best help you with your travel connections.

* Meals marked with an asterisk are not included in the tour's fee.

WHAT TO TAKE           Official ID your current Passport, Mexican residency ID (copies are fine)   Original INAPAM ID (if you have one)   Credit Cards, Debit card, Cash in Pesos for the first day (Cash machines are available)   Active Cell Phone with recharger   Bring sufficient funds for meals and beverages not included in trip cost   Money Belt   Water Bottle   Binoculars   Camera   Travel Flashlight   Hat   Sunblock   Sunglasses   Insect Repellent   Day Pack   Swim Suit and Flip Flops for the pool   Light-weight Walking Shoes   Light-weight covered clothing to protect yourself from the sun and insects   A fleece garment or light jacket can be useful in case of chilly mornings or evenings   Simple comfortable clothing for day and evening wear   Pack your binoculars, toiletries and travel documents in your day pack, a supply of ziplock plastic storage bags can be handy for storing food items from the breakfast, to be used as mid-morning snacks   Be sure to bring your own Kleenex and small change for bathroom fees   Personal prescription drugs   First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder)