Yucatan Peninsula Explorer

Board your flight from the UK bound for Cancun. Arriving in the afternoon, you will be met and driven (approximately two hours) to your hotel next to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. With an inviting swimming pool, lush tropical gardens and traditional Mayan style bungalows, this will be your base to relax and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza. 

Today enter the Chichen Itza archaeological site from the hotel’s private entrance. We recommend visiting either at sunrise or sunset, avoiding the heat of the sun and the crowds. Considered one of the most important ancient cities of the Mayan Culture, the 1500-year-old site is made up of towering pyramids, enormous ball courts, temples and sculptures.

Today you will be driven to the Spanish colonial city of Merida, which carries a small-town vibe that boasts rich culture, art, history and traditions. Enjoy a tour to discover the historic centre dotted with brightly painted walls, picturesque plazas and leafy parks. Famed for regional cuisine, don’t forget to try the cochinita pibil, escabeche and poc chuuc in one of Merida’s many restaurants or street food markets. 

Today is at leisure. We recommend a visit to the ancient site of Uxmal, the most important representative of the ancient Puuc architectural style, characterised by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards and decorated with symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the rain god Chaac. Marvel at the Pyramid of the Magician standing at approximately 38 metres, where once many human sacrifices took place.

Transfer by road to the Mayan Riviera and spend the next four nights at the Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. This luxurious, adults only resort sits on its own private beach and is considered one of Mexico’s most exceptional boutique resorts. The next few days are at leisure. For adventure seekers, popular day trips include visits to the clifftop Mayan ruins of Tulum or the jungle-clad ruins of Coba.

A unique experience is snorkelling or diving in a cenote (underground sink hole). This limestone peninsula sits upon an enormous network of turquoise pools of mineral-rich waters in magical caves or under a jungle-framed sky. Formed by the collapse of porous rock, a subterranean world is revealed. They were used as water wells by the Mayans, who also considered them to be portals to speak with the gods. 

For those keen on wildlife, the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve makes for a fantastic full day. Abundant with wildlife, its inhabitants include monkeys, tapir, ocelots, jaguar and many bird species. The area embraces a mangrove, tropical forest and an offshore marine reserve. Also, visits to Playa Akumal allow for those lucky snorkelers to share the water with many sea turtles. 

At the resort, there is a variety of activities on offer, including yoga, tai-chi, sailing, snorkelling and windsurfing to keep you busy. Alternatively, for the sun worshippers, relax by the stunning pool or on the isolated stretch of white sand overlooking the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. A luxurious haven for relaxation and wellbeing, the Zoetry Paraiso boasts an award winning Thalasso Spa.

This morning is at leisure, before taking an afternoon transfer to the airport for your return overnight flight back to the UK.