Valladolid, Mexico

Nature & Adventure

Travel back in time as you explore the Mayan  archeological ruins of Chichén Itzá on a guided tour. Connect with nature as you swim in the azure waters of the cenote of Saamal. Eat a mouth-watering buffet lunch and take a guided walking tour of Valladolid. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, or a nearby meeting point, and then journey to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula.   Upon arrival at Chichén Itzá, look at the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending.   Go to the ancient cenote of Saamal and experience one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience.

Start your journey by getting picked up in Tulum. Discover Chichen Itza, a spectacular archaeological site and a must-see for those interested in history and culture.  See renowned structures with your guide such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court. Get a glimpse of the achievements of the Mayan civilization.  After Chichen Itza, head to Valladolid, a city where past and present come together. Be amazed by the colorful architecture and the local food culture.  Have lunch in the courtyard of a restored colonial mansion and wander the square and nearby streets. Take photos and enjoy shopping as you get a taste of the slow-paced Mexican life. To finish the day, go to a local community-run cenote, the perfect spot to get away from the crowds and cool down in the refreshing blue waters.

Head into the dense jungles of the Yucatán as you begin this 12-hour program. Stop at the Hubiku cenote, a cavernous freshwater pool in a light-filled limestone cave and enjoy a swim. Dry off over a buffet lunch of typical Mayan dishes and then hop back on the bus for the last leg of the drive to Chichén Itzá. This dense and sprawling archaeological site features excavated ruins and well-preserved temples. The final stop is the quiet colonial city of Valladolid, where the pastel walls of shops and restaurants provide a colorful backdrop for photos.

Discover one of the "New Wonders of the Modern World" on a full-day trip back in time to the unique Mayan temples of Chichen Itza. Traveling by air-conditioned coach, you will drive down the coast of the Maya Riviera, enjoying a breakfast en route. Upon arrival, a local guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological remains to reveal the vision of the world as viewed by the Mayans. Learn about Mexico’s pre-Hispanic history at landmark monuments, such as the Kukulcan Pyramid and Temple of a Thousand Columns. You will have some free time to explore this magical place on your own, before heading to the cenote (sinkhole) of Saamal. Swim in the cold and mysterious underground waters, and learn why they were sacred to the Mayans. Taste the flavors of the Yucatan and Mexico at a local restaurant. Then, re-board the coach to drive back to Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Complimentary water, soda, and beer will be served on board throughout the tour, and before your drop off you will take a panoramic circuit of the colonial city of Valladolid, built over the Maya town of Zaci-Val in 1545.

Spend 2.5 thrilling and adventure-filled hours at the Cenote Maya Native Park. Descend into the region’s most impressive cenote which reaches 60 m (196 feet) in diameter with an almost perfect circular shape. Admire the stunning crystal-clear waters and geological formations which make this swimming hole a great natural jewel. Ascend from the underworld through a tunnel or use the large wooden staircase. Take part in optional included adventure activities including swimming, diving, traversing "trepachanga" (ropes),  swinging on Tarzan-style vines, and rappeling down 26 m (85 feet) into the water.  After that, participate in an authentic Mayan ritual. Delve into the natural world and witness a blessing ceremony carried out by a Mayan shaman of the community and scented by copal, a tree resin used for incense. Finally, enjoy a traditional meal made with organic orchard supplies and handmade tortillas.

Discover the culture and heritage of Yucatecan on a day trip from Mérida to the cities of Izamal and Valladolid. Benefit from round-trip hotel transfers, and savor a delicious buffet meal during the tour. After pickup at your hotel, the experience begins with a panoramic visit to the colonial city of Valladolid. Pass through beautiful neighborhoods, and admire the architecture of monuments such as the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, and the Cathedral of San Gervasio. Following the tour, you'll enjoy some free time to explore these sites at your own pace. Continue to a buffet restaurant for a delicious lunch of local Yucatecan dishes. After your meal, take a dip in the cool waters of a cenote by the restaurant. Head towards Izamal, and soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque place. Admire the yellow-painted houses, and learn why this city is known the city of the three cultures. See its pyramids and visit the Franciscan convent, before returning to your hotel in Mérida.

Depart from Cancún in the morning and be one of the first to arrive at Chichén Itzá, the complex of Mayan ruins on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Beating the crowds and the heat, enjoy a tour with a specialized guide and learn all about the incredible civilization that once dominated this area.   Before making your way back to Cancún, stop for a quick visit to the colonial town of Valladolid, known for its medieval religious sites with a history dating from the 1400s.