Mexico · UNESCO Heritage Sites

6-Day Yucatan Adventure from Cancún with Mérida, Uxmal and Chichen Itza

6 Days Round trip from Cancún Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Izamal, the "City of Three Cultures," with its Maya origins and Spanish colonial heritage
  • 02 Visit Mérida's vibrant market with a local chef and join a hands-on Yucatecan cooking class
  • 03 Discover Mayapan's ancient ruins and swim in the sacred cenotes of Hacienda Mucuyché
  • 04 Experience a private Mayan ceremony and ride in a classic Land Rover Defender at Uxmal
  • 05 Tour Chichen Itza and see the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan and other major Maya structures
  • 06 Extend your journey to Isla Holbox for serene beaches, flamingos, and optional whale shark swimming

Embark on a captivating 6-day journey through the Yucatan Peninsula, beginning in Izamal, the enchanting "Yellow City," before discovering Mérida's rich cultural tapestry and culinary delights. Enjoy a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, savour gourmet dining at the renowned Ku'uk, and explore the ancient Maya capital of Mayapan before relaxing in the crystalline cenotes of Hacienda Mucuyché. Continue to Uxmal for a private Mayan ceremony and a classic Land Rover Defender experience, then marvel at Chichen Itza's iconic monuments before ending in the Riviera Maya. You can also extend your adventure to Isla Holbox for serene beaches, flamingos, and optional whale shark encounters.

Swim, snorkel, or relax in the crystal-clear cenote waters that were sacred to the Maya.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Cancun, Merida, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Riviera Maya, Isla Holbox, Izamal
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Cancún to Izamal and Mérida

  • Pick-up by our tour representative at your hotel or the airport.
  • Enjoy comfortable private transportation to Izamal, approximately 3.5 hours' drive from the Riviera Maya.
  • Get a brief overview of Izamal, known as the "City of Three Cultures" and the "Yellow City." Founded in the 4th century by the Maya priest Zamná, it was once a significant Maya ceremonial centre that was later transformed by Spanish colonialists.
  • Enjoy traditional Yucatecan cuisine at one of the best local eateries, renowned for authentic dishes prepared in the villages.
  • After lunch, begin a tour around the colourful centre of Izamal, including a visit to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua and its atrium, a huge arcaded courtyard and one of the world's most prominent of its kind.
  • If you wish to rest your feet, you can do part of this tour by horse carriage.
  • Then continue to Mérida.
  • Arrive at your chosen hotel in Mérida.
2
Day 02

Mérida City Tour and Yucatecan Flavours

  • Pick-up from your hotel at 10 am.
  • Visit Mérida's iconic landmarks and admire its colonial architecture.
  • Learn about the rich history and culture of the Yucatan region as you explore the city.
  • Enjoy a delicious Yucatecan lunch at MUGY, renowned for its authentic cuisine.
  • Savour cochinita pibil, slow-roasted pork with spices and citrus, served with tortillas and pickled onions.
  • Walk through the vibrant downtown area or use available transportation.
  • Discover colonial buildings, charming parks, and bustling markets at your leisure.
  • Return to your hotel with a deeper appreciation of Mérida's history, culture, and cuisine.
3
Day 03

Mérida Market Visit and Cooking Experience

  • A light breakfast is recommended before pick-up from your hotel.
  • Visit Mérida's vibrant market and explore a variety of local ingredients, from chile habanero to exotic fruits and traditional items.
  • Accompanied by a local chef, learn about essential regional ingredients and sample authentic local snacks such as panuchos and cochinita pibil.
  • The chef will purchase ingredients for the cooking class during the market visit.
  • Head to a local kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience. Learn to prepare Yucatecan dishes with guidance from your chef, adapted to ingredients available in your home country.
  • Enjoy the dishes you have prepared during the class.
  • Explore Mérida at your leisure or visit galleries with the driver at your disposal.
  • Reservation at Ku'uk, Mérida's premier fine-dining venue, is subject to availability. Enjoy an 8-course tasting menu with drink pairings, showcasing local ingredients with a modern twist by chef Pedro Evia.

Notes:

The cooking class starts at the market around 11 am, and the chef will lead the activity from there. The cooking experience is for a maximum of 10 participants for you to consider. We recommend choosing a good hotel since this activity ends around 4 pm. However, you will have a driver at your disposal, and we can take you to galleries or wherever you need to go.

For reservations at the Ku'uk restaurant, they sometimes ask for a credit card and a deposit. We will inform you accordingly, as this depends on their availability.

4
Day 04

Mayapan and Hacienda Mucuyché

  • Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a historical and natural journey.
  • Explore Mayapan, the ancient Maya capital, and discover well-preserved ruins, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan.
  • Learn about the Maya civilisation's daily life, history, and culture through its impressive structures and temples.
  • Head to the beautiful Hacienda Mucuyché, known for its cenotes.
  • Swim, snorkel, or relax in the crystal-clear cenote waters that were sacred to the Maya.
  • Enjoy lunch at the Hacienda Mucuyché restaurant (not included).
  • Visit Tekit, known for its artisanal guayaberas, if time permits. Tour a workshop and shop for unique Yucatan-style garments.
  • Return to Mérida.
  • Experience a traditional cantina with live salsa music (dinner not included). Enjoy local beverages such as mezcal, tequila, or Xtabentún.
  • Our driver will take you back to your hotel.

Notes:

Hacienda Mucuyché will offer your clients an excellent experience, and the restaurant inside the hacienda is outstanding.

For this day, clients will need comfortable clothes and swimsuits, and we will remind them to bring a towel from the hotel.

If you want to avoid having lunch at the hacienda, we can offer to go to the next town, where the restaurant is quite an experience. You will have transportation at your disposal, and you can choose where to have lunch or what to do after the activity at the hacienda.

5
Day 05

Uxmal and the Puuc Route Experience

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel.
  • Depart for Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant ancient Maya cities.
  • Explore the historic Hacienda Uxmal, a former residence of influential figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and Jacqueline Kennedy.
  • Experience a private ceremony with a traditional Mayan priest.
  • Embark on a nostalgic adventure in a classic Land Rover Defender, reminiscent of past expeditions.
  • Discover Uxmal's key attractions, including the Magician Pyramid, Quadrangle of the Nuns, Governor's Palace, and the ballgame court, with a knowledgeable guide.
  • Return to Hacienda Uxmal for a delicious included lunch.
  • Explore the historic hacienda grounds and its plantations, featuring organic fruits and vegetables.
  • Learn about the history of chocolate at the Chocolate Museum and see cacao trees up close (optional).
  • Drive back to Mérida.
  • Book a room at Hacienda Uxmal to enjoy the jungle pool and stay overnight. Consider an early wake-up for the next day's activities.
6
Day 06

Chichen Itza and Transfer to Riviera Maya

  • Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then begin your journey to Chichen Itza to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
  • Discover the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan.
  • Learn about the fascinating history and culture of the Maya civilisation through detailed explanations of the site's impressive structures and temples.
  • After visiting Chichen Itza, head directly to your hotel in the Riviera Maya.
  • Check in and enjoy the luxury and comfort of your accommodation.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool or strolling along the white sandy beaches.
  • Explore the vibrant surroundings with options such as snorkelling, scuba diving, or experiencing local culture and cuisine.
  • Extend your trip with a stay at Isla Holbox, a paradisiacal island off the Yucatan coast. Enjoy its serene beaches, spot flamingos, and, if visiting between May and August, take the opportunity to swim with whale sharks (optional).
Convento de San Antonio de Padua, Hacienda Uxmal, Pyramid of Kukulcan

Where this trip takes you

Convento de San Antonio de Padua, Hacienda Uxmal, Pyramid of Kukulcan

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Cancún 7 cities · 6 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Five nights' accommodation in a standard room at the hotels mentioned above or similar
  • Daily breakfast and lunch when mentioned; drinks are not included
  • All transfers and excursions as specified in the plan, operating on a private basis in the standard category
  • Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bilingual guide during the program (English-Spanish speaking)
  • Tips for bellboys and chambermaids
  • Service charge on included meals
  • All taxes (VAT and hotel taxes)

What's Not Included

  • Airfares (domestic and international)
  • All services, meals, or items not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls, laundry, beverages, etc.
  • Tips for drivers and guides

Know before you go

  • Rates are subject to change without previous notice.
  • Our experience is operated by a bilingual guide (English-Spanish).
  • The program operates on a private basis on the dates above, with a minimum of 2 persons.
  • Standard transportation includes an English-speaking guide throughout the program, plus a driver. English for the driver is not guaranteed.
  • Hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking. If we cannot provide the selected hotel, we will offer a similar one and inform you before booking.
  • All costs are based on the regular season, and holiday supplements apply. Please ask your executive for high-season rates, availability, and supplements (Easter, Formula 1, Day of the Dead, holidays, etc.).
  • All prices are net per person in USD, with taxes included.
  • Children from 2 years to 10 years and 11 months old are considered adults.
  • Triple rooms include two double beds only. Three beds are not guaranteed.
  • The child rate applies if children share a room with their parents and does not include food and drinks.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Cancún, Q.R., México
Tour start
Cancún, Q.R., México
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 days finish where they began, in Cancún.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 2,308.70 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room $2,308.70 — $4,013.89
Double Sharing $2,308.70 — $4,013.89

When

Travellers

Total