Yucatan Explorer - Reefs to Rockies

Yucatan Explorer

Trip Highlights: Swim alongside
sea turtles in Akumal Bay, search
for bat-eating hanging snakes in
Kantemo Cave, glide past
flamingos at Rio Lagartos, all
while immersing yourself in the
rich traditions of the Maya, past
and present.

When: Year-round (Whale shark
extension available from JuneAugust)

Trip length: 8 days
Yucatan Peninsula ~
cradle and living
legacy of one of the
greatest civilizations
of the world – The
Maya. Mexico's
Yucatan Peninsula
possesses
breathtaking
archaeological zones,
colonial cities and
natural reserves, as
well as grand
traditions,
traditions, gastronomy, and cultural
heritage
rich in myths and legends. gastronomy, and
cultural heritage rich
in in
myths
and legends.
Akumal ~ “place of the turtles”
the Mayan
language and it remains an important site for
three species of sea turtles (green, loggerhead,
and hawksbill).
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve ~ third largest
natural reserve in Mexico protecting more than
1.2 million acres of tropical ecosystems. It also
contains a portion of the Mesoamerican Barrier
Reef, second in size only to Australia's Great
Barrier Reef.
Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve ~ covers close
to 150,000 acres and is home to 580 species of
animals, including Mexico's largest congregation
of flamingos.
A portion of the proceeds of this itinerary
will help fund local conservation efforts for
sea turtles and community-based
environmental education projects.
Day 1 – Arrival/ Akumal
Upon arrival to Cancun International Airport, you’ll be met by your guide who will be
traveling with you for the duration of the trip. Transfer to peaceful Akumal located in the
heart of Mexico's Riviera Maya. You have the rest of the day to enjoy Akumal's white sand
beaches and calm bay. Overnight at Akumal Caribe.
Day 2 – Akumal/ Tulum
Two species of sea turtles, loggerhead and green, nest on Akumal's sandy beaches and
hawksbill sea turtles can be found in the coral reefs further offshore. You'll have the
opportunity to snorkel with juvenile green turtles this morning as they feed on sea grass
beds in Akumal Bay. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour at Tulum archaeological site and
finish your day with a refreshing swim at a nearby cenote. Overnight at Akumal Caribe.
(B,L)
Day 3 – Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve/ Kantemo
Start your day with a guided hiking and boat tour at Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. The
name Sian Ka'an comes from the Mayan expression that means “place where the sky is
born”. It's an ideal place for nature lovers. Continue on to Kantemo where another
wildlife adventure waits. Bike through the forest in late afternoon arriving to Kantemo,
the cave of hanging snakes, at dusk. Kantemo is home to thousands of bats and speciallyadapted constrictor snakes hanging in wait for a bat to fly by. Continue exploring after
dark with a boat tour in search of crocodiles. Overnight in a rustic cabin at Kantemo. (B)
Day 4 – Kantemo/ Ek Balam/ Valladolid
This morning, enjoy a guided nature walk in search of resident birds and mammals at
Kantemo before continuing on to Ek Balam Archaeological Site. Located about an hour
from Valladolid and off the main tourist track, Ek Balam has a feel all its own when
compared to other Mayan sites in the Yucatan. The main temple is impressive and
amazingly well-preserved sculptures delight visitors. Overnight in Valladolid at Meson de
Marques. (B)
Day 5 – Chichen Itza/ Hacienda San Jose
Chichen Itza is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico and for good reason.
Start early so you have plenty of time to explore this magnificent Mayan metropolis before
the crowds arrive. Enjoy a private lunch at Samula Cenote before continuing on to
Hacienda San Jose, a historic plantation house that exudes elements of its historical past.
Overnight at Hacienda San Jose. (B,L)
Day 6 – Hacienda San Jose
Maya culture did not disappear with the arrival of the Spanish. Today's Maya are direct descendants of the people who inhabited the area 500
years ago. They're the same people who built the cities and ceremonial centers that still inspire awe in today's visitors to the region. Their
language, culture, rituals, and traditions are still very much alive. Enjoy a full day immersed in the local Maya way of life while learning about the
art of making handicrafts and cooking a traditional Yucatecan meal. Overnight at Hacienda San Jose. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Rio Lagartos/ Las Coloradas Salt Dunes/ Valladolid
Morning departure to Rio Lagartos, home to Mexico's largest congregation of flamingos. Enjoy a guided boat tour to learn about the ecological
importance of this reserve. The Maya have been extracting salt from coastal lagoons in the Yucatan for centuries. This salt is distinctively different
from mined salt and according to some, far superior. Visit Las Coloradas Salt Dunes this afternoon on your way back to Valladolid. Overnight at
Meson de Marques. (B)
Day 8 – Valladolid/ Cancun/ Departure
Enjoy a final morning in Valladolid before returning to Cancun in time for your flight home. (B)
Whale Shark Extension: Between the months of May and September, whale sharks, the largest fish on the planet, congregate off the coast of
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. If your trip coincides with whale shark season (June-August recommended for greatest numbers of sharks), an
extension to swim with whale sharks can be added at the beginning or end of your trip.
Meals: B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner
Package price from $2365 per person. Package includes airport meet and greet upon arrival, private guide and transportation Days 1-8,
accommodations, tours and meals as listed. A donation to support local conservation efforts and environmental education programs will be made
on your behalf.
Exclusions: international airfare, passport/visa fees, alcohol, additional optional activities, gratuities, items of a personal nature, and travel
insurance.