Yucatán

UNESCO Sites

Enjoy one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico with a variety of architectural styles. Discover how this large pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan civilization from around 600 to 1200 AD, and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. Even today, it is still considered sacred by the Mayan people of the Yucatan peninsula. Like many of the cities of ancient Mexico, the site was abandoned, and its ruins were hidden in the jungle. Experience its rich history and stunning ruins.

Journey to the sacred archeological sites of Cobá and Chichén Itzá on this action-packed trip through the jungles of the Yucatan peninsula. Leave bright and early from your ideal starting point in Riviera Maya, and beat the crowds to truly take in the majesty of each landmark. Head to Cobá first, whose ruins date back to 100-300 B.C. Learn about the significance of the 5 nearby lakes, and appreciate the striking architecture of the vast stone structures. Trek to the top of Nohoch Mul to be rewarded with beautiful jungle views. Venture deeper into the jungle to relax at the mystical Cenote Saamal, the perfect place for a swim and some dazzling photos. Savor a delicious buffet lunch during your adventure. Save the best for last by visiting Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Feel lost in time in the lovingly-kept pyramids, and discover the genius of the city’s unique structures. Take time to rest and reminisce on your drive back home.

Chichen Itza, founded in the year 514 AD, was once the capital of the ancient Mayan civilization. Now you can visit the ancient ruins on a full-day trip from Cancún. Spend your day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, also declared one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Your day begins with a drive that stops at an underwater grotto, Cenote Ik Kil, where you will be able to admire the unique formation and go swimming in its clear waters. After that, stop for a buffet lunch with fresh salads, soups, rice, chicken, fish, vegetables, and regional dishes. During lunch, you will be treated to a festive show where regional people perform traditional dances to folk music. After lunch, continue on to visit the archaeological site. Once inside, you will be taken on a 1.5-hour tour with a certified guide who will introduce you to the secrets of the Mayans. Your guide will explain the historical significance of all the most important sites before leaving you to enjoy the ruins on your own.

Take a self-guided walking tour through the iconic archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Use your tour guide app for navigation and audio narration to uncover the site's buried secrets. Begin your tour at the entrance of the site. As you enter, admire the ancient wall that once surrounded this place. Next, see the iconic Temple of Kukulcán. Find out about its construction and how it was built to honor the equinox. Continue along to reach another amazing sight, the Great Ball Court. Here, Mayans once played an intense, elaborate game somewhere between soccer and basketball—but with a 20-pound ball. Learn not just about the game, but also the peculiar way the court was built. Then, pass the ominously titled Wall of Skulls, where the heads of sacrificial victims ended up. Arrive at the Platform of the Eagle and Jaguar Warriors. Find numerous intricate carvings and sculptures depicting the exploits of these highly trained, lethally effective warriors. After this is the Platform of Venus, which once held offerings to the stars. You’ll learn about the Mayans’ complex belief system as well as how they used this platform. Soon, arrive at The White Road, a white stone road that is one of the largest and most intact of its kind in existence. Find yourself at the Sacred Cenote, where ancient Mayans sacrificed people to appease their rain god. Up next is the awe-inspiring Temple of Warriors, a multi-tiered temple with a dark secret hidden inside. Follow the route to the Hall of a Thousand Columns, where people once shared meals together. Visit the Ossuary, home to the grave of a High Priest. Then it’s on to the Observatory to understand how the Mayans viewed the heavens, and what they believed the stars told them about their future. Finally, arrive at the imposing Nunnery and the Church. These 2 ancient structures are some of the most frequently photographed spots in the entire city, so keep your camera ready.

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.

Visit the sacred Mayan city of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of the World. Your bilingual guide will take you on a tour of the archeological site, showing you the main pyramids before leaving you to explore the area on your own, and to enjoy the views. On this full-day tour, you’ll also travel to the ancient Xcajum cenote, formed by the collapse of a cave. You’ll reach the cenote by descending 25 meters below the surface on a stairway carved into the limestone rock. Enjoy a swim in the deep natural pit that’s open to the sky! You’ll also enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the site (drinks at extra cost).

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.

After convenient pick-up from your hotel, you will head into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula to discover a sparkling, picturesque cenote cavern pond at Hubiku. Dive into the cool, clear water and chat with your guide about how these jungle-surrounded pools are formed from underground freshwater streams. Afterwards, recharge with a tasty buffet lunch of Yucatecan specialties, before heading to the region's main historic attraction. Upon arrival at Chichen Itza, embark on a comprehensive guided tour that immerses you in the archaeological site's most breathtaking landmarks. Marvel at the mysterious Kukulkan Pyramid, learning about its role in pre-Columbian Maya civilization from your engaging guide. Nearby, take a look at the largest ball court in the Americas and imagine ancient players involved in a rousing game of pok ta pok, a ritual that was practiced throughout the Maya Empire. Catch your reflection in the Cenote Sagrado sacrificial pond, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Observatory, which dates back over 1,000 years. On your way back, make a stop at the main square of Valladolid and admire its colonial architecture and the 16th-century San Gervasio Church before being dropped off back at your hotel.

Experience the wonders of 2 of Guatemala’s most important Mayan archaeological sites. On this 2-day tour you’ll explore ruins and learn about the more than 100 wildlife species that live in and around the parks. Day 1: Tikal morning tour You’ll be met at your hotel in Flores by an expert guide and head out on an hour’s drive to the Tikal archaeological site. You’ll explore the site on a 3-hour guided tour and learn about the temples and ruins you encounter, dating from the Mayan Classic period. At the end of the tour you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. Day 2: Yaxha sunset experience Today your driver will meet you at your hotel at noon to take you on a tour of the Yaxha archaeological site. See the ruins and explore jungle in the park. After sunset you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Flores. Please note that the price of the tour does not include a local guide at Yaxha, or the entrance fees to the 2 parks.