Mayan Adventure

Day 1 – Mexico City

Journey to México City, where your private bus and driver will escort you to your hotel to unpack, relax and prepare for an exciting week, beginning here in the world’s largest metropolis.

Day 2 – Mexico City

Discover the city on a guided México City Tour. See the Zócalo, the main plaza which was the former site of the Aztec capital; the National Palace, built by Hernan Cortes in 1523 and the current home of the President; and the Grand Courtyard with the fantastic frescoes by Diego Rivera, depicting events in Mexican history. The murals cover over 4,850 square feet! Continue to Chapultepec Park to see Chapultepec Castle and the botanical gardens. Visit the National Museum of Anthropology to view its treasures of Indian art, including the huge, intricately carved Aztec Calendar Stone.

Day 3 – Mexico City

Explore the ruins of Teotihuacán by climbing to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun, see the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and Temple of the Moon. Later visit the Basilica and Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared before an Indian boy in 1531.

Day 4 – Merida

Shop in the colorful local markets of México City before boarding your flight to colonial Mérida on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Day 5 – Merida

Your Mérida City Tour includes a visit to the unique Park of the Americas, local museums, the Monument of the Father and the murals in Government Palace. This afternoon you have the option of traveling into the jungle to Uxmal and its remarkable Mayan ruins, followed by a magnificent Sound and Light performance.

Day 6 – Cancun

En route to Cancún, stop at Chichén-Itzá, believed to have been founded by the Mayans in A.D. 450. Climb to the top of El Castillo, see the Temple of Kukulkan. Visit the Temple of the Warriors and the Group of the Thousand Columns. At the Well of Sacrifice, see where humans and precious objects were offered to the gods. Explore the Great Ball Court where ritual games were played in honor of the gods. In the afternoon you will take a swim in a Cenote, swimming hole of Mexico’s royal rulers. Arrive in the Caribbean resort of Cancún, gateway to the richest archaeological region in the western hemisphere.

Day 7 – Cancun

Cancún features turquoise water, white sand beaches and excellent shopping. Today is a free day. Soak up the sun, swim, snorkel, pick up a few souvenirs, or practice your Spanish language skills in the markets. If you have chosen the meal plan, you will dine at Cancún’s lively Planet Hollywood.

Day 8 – Depart

Board your flight home with new knowledge of magical Mexico and special memories of your Mayan Adventure!