The Mayan Trail + Mayan Riviera
Marvel at the majestic Mayan sites of the Yucatan Peninsula, rich with a history spanning centuries and civilisations. Follow a fascinating trail from colonial cities to quaint villages and colourful markets to gorgeous beaches, taking in forests, mangroves and the pretty Puuc Route on the way.
Why not extend your holiday with a week's resort stay at one of Mexico's most popular beach resorts? The Mayan Riviera on the Yucatan coast has crystal clear waters and pristine beaches of golden sand.
El Castillo Pyramid, Chichen Itza
Xcarat Ecological Reserve, Mayan Riviera
Cancun, Mayan Riviera
Temple of the Warriors, Chichen Itza
Flamingos feeding in Rio Lagartos
White sand beach, Mayan Riviera
Yucatan Peninsula, Mayan Riviera
Tranquil Ek Balam
Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal
Beach, Mayan Riviera
Nunnery Quadrangle, Uxmal
Colourful houses in Campeche
Plaza Principal, Campeche
Palace of the Masks, Kabah
Great Pyramid, Sayil
The impressive archway at Labna
Intricate Mayan carvings
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El Castillo Pyramid, Chichen Itza
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Cancun - Valladolid.
Fly to Cancun where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your Valladolid hotel for two nights. (D)
DAY 2: Valladolid - Chichen Itza - Valladolid.
The most famous Mayan masterpiece on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is a fascinating archaeological site dating back over 1500 years. This morning's visit takes in highlights such as the spectacular step-pyramid El Castillo - dedicated to the god Kukulkan and constructed in nine tiers to represent the Mayan calendar. Also see the Toltec plaza, the elaborately carved Temple of the Warriors and the legendary ball court. The afternoon is free before this evening's sound and light show. (B, L, D)
DAY 3: Valladolid - Rio Lagartos - Ek Balam - Merida.
Journey through richly verdant jungle to Rio Lagartos, a village set on a tiny promontory surrounded by gorgeous mangrove lagoons. Part of the Biosphere Special Reserve, Rio Lagartos is home to a rich variety of flora, fauna and wildlife, particularly birds, turtles and flamingos which you will see on an included boat ride. Later, continue to the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ek Balam. Once a major city, the ancient site contains some of the most beautiful and best-preserved Mayan sculptures. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Merida - Uxmal.
Renowned for its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, charming Merida is the largest city on the peninsula and capital of the Yucatan State. Explore this lovely city on an included sightseeing tour taking in the elegant Paseo de Montejo - a broad, tree-lined boulevard edged by elaborate grand mansions. You will also see the magnificent 16th century colonial architecture of Plaza de la Constitucion, such as the Cathedral de San Ildefonso and Casa de Montejo Palace. Admire the many cosmopolitan plazas, quaint churches, colourful markets and lush, spacious parks before completing your trip with a horse-drawn carriage ride. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Uxmal.
Nestled amidst the Puuc hills, Uxmal archaeological site is a World Heritage Site rich in finely carved stonework and spectacular geometric-patterned mosaics. Today, marvel at the legendary Pyramid of the Magician, the former teaching arena - later renamed The Nunnery Quadrangle by conquistadors who believed it looked European. Admire the serenely beautiful House of Turtles, named after its finely honed sculptures of turtles, an animal thought to represent rain. This afternoon, why not join the optional trip to the remote village of Santa Elena to admire spectacular views from its hilltop church. This evening enjoy a sound and light show, staged inside the Nunnery Quadrangle. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Uxmal - Becal - Campeche.
Drive to the traditional village of Becal, famous for its production of hand-woven straw palm Jipi and Panama hats, before continuing to the beautiful old colonial city of Campeche. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this walled and prosperous port city has a distinctly European influence and was once a prime target for pirates. Elegant 18th and 19th century pastel-shade houses frame the slender, cobbled streets and the pristine plazas offer up plenty of quaint churches and museums. Enter the city through the Puerta de Tierra gate and head to the Plaza Principal, a mesmerising square overlooked by the beautiful Baroque Cathedral of the Conception. Later, visit the impressive Campeche Archaeological Museum to view ancient Mayan artefacts ranging from Jaina figurines to gold, and stunning Jade death masks from the Calakmul tombs. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Campeche - Puuc Route - Chichen Itza.
Follow the delightful Puuc Route on a trail amongst some of the most important archaeological sites on the Yucatan. Start with the famous Palace of Masks in Kabah, one of the most striking Mayan buildings adorned with multiple carvings of the Mayan rain god Chac, before viewing the tranquil Great Palace in Sayil and the former city of Labna's fantastic archway. After a short stop in nearby Ticul to visit a local pottery, see the historical Community of Tekax and the Loltun Caves, once sacred to the Maya. Travel to the market town of Oxkutzcab, where locals still wear traditional huipil dress in the colourful fruit market, before continuing to Chichen Itza for one night. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Chichen Itza - Mayan Riviera.
Transfer to your chosen hotel for the next 7 nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 to 14: Mayan Riviera.
(B, L, D)
DAY 15: Mayan Riviera - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B, L, D)
DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.
Valentin Imperial Maya, Riviera Maya
Valentin Imperial Maya
Suite, Valentin Imperial Maya
Restaurant, Valentin Imperial Maya
Swimming pool, Valentin Imperial Maya
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Valentin Imperial Maya
Facing the white, powder-soft sands of Playa del Secreto, the impressive Valentin Imperial Maya complex is an adults only resort hotel offering an indulgent yet tranquil environment. Styled with traditional Mexican décor in mind, the hotel is nestled amidst luscious, tropical gardens and provides a wealth of amenities including six pools, 7 à la carte restaurants and a luxurious spa.
Location: Set on the Riviera Maya alongside a gorgeous white sand beach and just 25 minutes from Cancun resort centre.
Facilities: 6 swimming pools; sun beds and parasols; buffet restaurant; 7 à la carte restaurants; beach restaurant; 9 bars including 2 pool bars serving snacks, 2 beach bars, lobby bar, terrace bar, sports & music bar, cigar bar and theatre bar; coffee house and library; gym; spa centre offering health and beauty treatments; watersports; diving; 24 hour room service; laundry service.
Price includes: All inclusive in a double room with private facilities; satellite TV; dvd player; minibar; safety deposit box; tea and coffee making facilities; iron & ironing board; hairdryer; balcony or terrace.
Official category: 5 star.
All this included
Meals: Full board with buffet and à la carte meals.
Drinks: Unlimited international and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks by the glass available 24 hours.
Activities: Tennis; non-motorised watersports; daily daytime activities and evening entertainment programmes.
The Mayan Trail + Mayan Riviera 14 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
The Mayan Trail + Mayan Riviera 14 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
The Mayan Trail + Mayan Riviera
Price from £1769.00
Holiday Highlights
- Chichen Itza
- Rio Lagartos Flamingo boat ride
- Ek Balam
- Uxmal Pyramid of the Magician, Nunnery Quadrangle, House of the Turtles, Sound and Light Show
- Becal
- Puuc Route
Departures from
- Edinburgh
- London Gatwick
- Manchester
Departures between
31 Jul 2012 to 20 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
