|
|
|
|
|
Mexico & Guatemala Tour
Discover Mexico & Tikal
Private 13 Day / 12 Night itinerary
Cancun - Tulum - Chichen Itza - Merida - Campeche -
Palenque - Tikal - Mayan Riviera
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Tropical Discovery team is happy to provide you with the following suggested itinerary for your 13 day tour of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, Palenque, and Guatemala. We could organize something similar, though perfectly tailored to meet your specific interests and choice of hotels. Please have a look and upon confirmation, we will send you a detailed suggested itinerary with itemized pricing based on your comments as to how many days you would like to spend in each place, desired hotels, room types, number of persons, etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suggested Itinerary & Prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAY & LOCATION
|
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
|
|
Day 1: Cancun Airport - Hotel
|
Arrive into Cancun at the Mayan Riviera at (TBC) and be transferred directly to your airport hotel. All over Mexico history has left a legacy of majestic archaeological zones to mankind, some of which date back 3,000 years to the Mesoamerican civilizations. While touring the Yucatan peninsula you will learn more about the rituals, customs, traditions, architecture, and astronomy of this fascinating civilization and visit some of the most important sites. Take a taxi to Cancun’s hotel zone to explore the beach and the numerous shops and restaurants or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel resting up for your next day's archaeological adventures.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from Cancun Int. Airport by the hotel’s shuttle service and transfer to your hotel (approx. 5 min. drive) - Please look for the driver with the “Courtyard by Marriott Cancun” sign.
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Courtyard by Marriott Cancun
|
|
Day 2: Cancun - Tulum (Ruins Tour) - Chichen Itza
|
You will start your exciting Yucatan tour at 8:00 a.m. with a two-hour-drive along the Mexican coast to the beautiful site of Tulum, one of the main cities that the Mayans built near the ocean. Currently it is a national park with an expanse of 644 hectares (1,590 acres). The ruins stretch 6 km (3.5 mi) along the coast, and the grounds include lodging facilities, a modern mall with Mayan-like architecture and designs, and several restaurants where you can enjoy the region's traditional cuisine. You will have time to have lunch before the drive continues directly to Chichen Itza (approx. 3 hrs away). Spend the afternoon/evening enjoying the tropical landscape surrounding your hotel and the view of the impressive Mayan ruins in the jungle.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from your hotel in Cancun at 8:00 a.m. for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Tulum (approx. 2 hrs) and afterwards to your hotel in Chichen Itza (approx. 3 hrs drive).
TULUM TOUR: At the ruins of Tulum your private bilingual guide will await you to take you on an interesting tour of these Mayan ruins. Entrance fees included.
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Superior Double Room - Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland
|
|
Day 3: Chichen Itza (Ruins Tour) - Merida
|
Today your private guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 am and take you to explore the ruins of Chichen Itza, just steps from your hotel. Considered one of the most important capitals of the Mayan culture, here you can admire spectacular constructions such as El Castillo (The Castle) and the Kukulcan Temple, El Observatorio (The Observatory), the Caracol and the largest ball court discovered in the Mesoamerican region. Return around lunch time to the hotel and depart at 3:00 pm for your 1.5 hour-drive onwards to Merida. Founded upon the ruins of the Mayan city T’ho, which was constructed with white limestone and means "Face of Infinity," Merida is known today as the White City. It has beautiful and solidly built colonial buildings that house the city’s history, art, traditions and culture. Spend the evening enjoying this charming colonial town.
CHICHEN ITZA TOUR: 9:00 am departure from your hotel with expert bilingual guide for a half-day tour including entrance fees.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 3:00 pm pick up from Hotel in Chichen Itza for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Merida (1.5 hour drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Standard Double Room - Hacienda Merida
|
|
Day 4: Merida (Free Day)
|
Free day to enjoy the many attractions Merida has to offer. No matter what day of the week you arrive in Merida, every day hosts an event for locals where you can participate and experience what the locals enjoy every week of the year. We recommend a visit of the Museum of Anthropology and the Street Sculptures on Paseo Montejo or just sit down in a café and soak in the atmosphere. The concierge at your hotel will be happy to make recommendations. You can also take part in one of our recommended day tours from Merida, like a visit to the Celestun National Park, the ruins of Uxmal and Kabah, or a Merida City Tour.
|
|
Day 5: Merida - Campeche
|
Depart from Merida at 10:00 am for a drive south to Campeche (approx. 2.5 hrs). Arrive at Campeche around lunch time. Enjoy a free afternoon/evening taking a walk along the Historic Center’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll see a wide variety of stores, restaurants, bars and cafes, or stroll down the beautiful 3.5 km (2 mi) boardwalk, which leads to a tourist walkway, parks and a bicycle track. Of course you can also take part in one of our optional excursions, please visit our Campeche Day Tours Page for more information. At night, don’t miss the fascinating light and sound show at the Fort of San Jose El Alto (Tue, Fri & Sat only).
GROUND TRANSPORT: 10:00 am pick up from Hotel in Merida for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Campeche (2.5 hour drive)
LODGING: 1 night - 1 Standard Double Room - Hotel Plaza Campeche
|
|
Day 6: Campeche - Palenque
|
Today your private driver will pick you up at 9:00 am and take you to Mexico’s Chiapas region. You will arrive at your hotel in Palenque at approx. 2:00 pm. Palenque features amazing temples and structures dating back to Mexico’s Classic era (from 400-700 AD). In the ruins’ surrounding areas, you can go hiking amongst dense jungle vegetation while appreciating the abundance of plant and animal species that inhabit the Palenque National Park. Spend the late afternoon relaxing, sun bathing, swimming, hiking and much more... Please visit our Palenque Day Tours Page for some recommendations.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 9:00 am pick up from Hotel in Campeche for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to Palenque (approx. 5 hour drive)
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Deluxe Room - Hotel Villa Mercedes Palenque
|
|
Day 7: Palenque (Ruins & Waterfalls Tour)
|
At 8:00 am in the morning your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel reception to visit the Mayan ruins of Palenque, a significant archaeological site, although to this day only a few of its 500 buildings have been excavated. We will discover some of the marvels left behind by the ancient empire: canalizations, pyramids, and administration buildings. You will stop at a restaurant where you can have lunch before the tour continues along a long and winding road across the tropical jungle of the Chiapas mountains to the Misol-Ha and Agua Azul waterfalls. Because of its abundant vegetation and its impressive waterfalls, which are formed from the water flow of the Tulija River, Agua Azul was declared a national park in 1980. Here you can appreciate an abundance of flora and fauna in a natural habitat full of mahogany, cedar and sapodilla trees, as well as birds, insects and small mammals. Arrive back to your hotel in Palenque around 7:00 pm and spend the evening relaxing to the sounds of the teeming jungle.
PALENQUE RUINS & WATERFALLS TOUR: 8:00 am departure from Hotel in Palenque for an all day Palenque ruins, Misol-Ha & Agua Azul waterfalls tour with expert bilingual guide, entrance fees and transportation. Duration approx. 11 hours.
|
|
Day 8: Palenque - Peten (Guatemala)
|
Pick up at 8:00 am at hotel in private air conditioned mini van for ground transfer to the Mexican/Guatemalan border, where you will cross the River Usumacinta by ferry, to the mystical region of Peten (picturesque 6 hr drive; please note: Your private transporters will change at the border. Your Mexican driver will help with the border crossing formalities.) Be transported directly to your lake side deluxe eco lodge for a relaxing afternoon lake side, swimming, sun bathing, kayaking, etc. You may also opt for an earlier start and use the afternoon for a walk through the charming town of Flores, a tour of the romantic ruins of Yaxha, a hike in the jungle, or one of the many other possible Activities the Peten region has to offer. Please visit our Recommended Tours Page for more details. Spend the evening relaxing to the sounds of the teeming Peten Jungle and Lake Peten Itza. Rest up and get ready for an awe inspiring day of archaeology.
* Still in Mexico a visit to the archaeological site of Yaxchilan or Bonampak can also be arranged along the way. Please inquire for details and prices.
GROUND TRANSPORT: 8:00 am pick up from hotel in Palenque for private ground transfer to the Peten Region in Guatemala (approx. 6 hr drive, including a short boat ride over the River Usumacinta). – Please note your private transporters will change at the border. Your Mexican driver will help with the border crossing formalities. Your new driver will await you on the Guatemalan side with a sign and your name on it.
LODGING: 2 nights - 1 Rainforest Casita with continental breakfast - La Lancha Resort
|
|
Day 9: Peten (Tikal Tour)
|
After breakfast, your private guide and transport will pick you up at your hotel at 9:00 am and take you to explore Tikal, one of the largest and most magnificent Mayan archaeological cities in existence, which in its heyday (c. 700 AD,) was the capital of a vast Mayan empire. Your expert guide will share many insights on this Mayan city and provide a feel for the mysteries of this ancient culture. Have lunch in the midst of Mayan ruins and breathtaking flora and fauna; return in the late afternoon and spend the evening relaxing lake side, or opt for a visit & possibly dinner in the lovely town of Flores, the capital of the Peten region (approx. 45 min. from your hotel).
TIKAL TOUR: 9:00 am departure from Hotel in Peten for Tikal ruins with expert guide for an all day guided tour, complete with lunch (without beverages), entrance fees and transportation.
|
|
Day 10: Peten - Cancun - Xcalacoco Beach
|
Today your hotel transporters will take you around 8:30 am to Flores Airport for your 11:25 am flight to Cancun. Your private driver will pick you up from Cancun Airport at 2:15 pm to take you to Mexico’s Mayan Riviera on Yucatan’s Caribbean Coast where turquoise-blue water and white-sand beaches await. During your stay in this tropical paradise, you can do water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, and sailing, or other activities. Enjoy your free afternoon at the beach and prepare for a spectacular sunset with a fresh fruit juice or a cocktail in your hand.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Your hotel transporters will take you around 8:30 am to Flores Airport; approx. 45 min drive. Please confirm time at the reception. $45 (1-4 pers.) + 12% tax to be paid directly at the hotel.
AIR TRANSPORT: Take the 11:25 am TACA flight from Flores to Cancun; approx. 1:50 hr flight time
GROUND TRANSPORT: Pick up from Cancun Airport at 2:15 pm for private transfer in deluxe air conditioned mini van or SUV to the Mayan Riviera; approx. 1 hr drive
LODGING: 3 nights - 1 Horizon Suite with continental breakfast - Hotel Le Rêve
|
|
Day 11: Xcalacoco Beach (Free Day)
|
Hotel Le Rêve is a luxury “adults only” property located on the tranquil Xcalacoco Beach, ten kilometers north of Playa del Carmen. Xcalacoco is known to locals as one of the most peaceful beaches in the area, so just kick back, relax and enjoy the hotel pool and long walks at the beach. Warm, semi-tropical weather with an annual average temperature of 26ºC is one of the features that has made the Riviera Maya one of the most famous destinations worldwide. The well-known village of Playa del Carmen is just a short taxi ride away from your hotel and has all the services one can expect from a Caribbean destination: Gourmet restaurants offering local and international cuisine, cultural activities, shopping, and first-class sports facilities. La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), the main pedestrian walkway, provides an abundance of dining and fun options, making it a favorite spot for meeting, after you've enjoyed the beach and jungle trips, with a nightlife that goes on until dawn.
|
|
Day 12: Xcalacoco Beach (Free Day)
|
Another free day to enjoy the Mayan Riviera with its splendid beaches and the pool and amenities of your deluxe hotel. The friendly and knowledgeable staff of your hotel can help you organize a variety of water sports or excursions, for example to one of the incredible natural aquatic theme parks this region offers its visitors, like Xel-Ha. Meaning "place where water is born," Xel-Ha is one of the most magical spots of the Riviera Maya. It is an incredible "natural aquarium" where the ocean combines with the freshwater currents of springs and underground rivers, forming a fascinating ecosystem. This stunning creation of nature is surrounded by thick jungle, caves, cenotes, and even a couple of small archaeological sites, a snorkeling paradise. The park is the perfect habitat for all forms of flora, fauna, and marine life.
|
|
Day 13: Xcalacoco Beach - Cancun Airport
|
Last free morning to enjoy the many wonders of this region or buy some presents for the beloved ones at home. Your private driver will pick you up at (TBC) for your 1-hour-drive to Cancun International Airport for your departure flight home.
GROUND TRANSPORT: Your private driver will pick you up at (TBC) and take you to Cancun International Airport (1 hr drive approx.).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 pers
|
4 pers
|
6 pers
|
8 pers
|
|
$US 2995
est. per person
|
$US 2358
est. per person
|
$US 2102
est. per person
|
$US 2020
est. per person
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price Includes:
|
• Hotel taxes • Private ground transport in air-conditioned mini van or SUV
• Lodging in deluxe accommodations • One-way flight Flores - Cancun
• Bilingual guide and entrance fees at Tulum • Bilingual guide and entrance fees at Chichen Itza • Bilingual guide and entrance fees at Palenque, Agua Azul and Misol-Ha • Bilingual guide, entrance fees, and lunch (without beverages) at Tikal • Continental Breakfast at Hotel La Lancha and Le Reve
|
|
Price Excludes:
|
• International airfare • Meals, beverages, tours or transportation not specifically shown as included in package • Passport and visa fees
• Arrival/departure tax • Tips for drivers (10% suggested) • Phone calls
• Laundry Service • All items of personal nature • Travel & Cancellation Insurance (for more information please click here.)
|
|
Options Upon Request:
|
• Helicopter or private plane transport
• Upgrades to suites at select hotels
• Optional regional tours
|
|
Payment Terms:
|
• Prices nor availability guaranteed until payment is received
• Payments accepted via Wire Transfer, Bank Check or Credit Card
• A deposit of 50% is required at the time of booking. The balance is due 45 days before departure.
• Please Note: By payment of invoice you agree to our Travel Terms & Conditions. To view a copy, please click here.
|
|
Please Note:
|
• Prices based on low season hotel 2009 rates. Final pricing details provided upon booking.
• All our tours are private and a la carte meaning you choose where to stay, what to visit, when to go and what to do. We simply provide expert advise and do all the booking for you, charging cost (or less, never more guaranteed) + a small service fee if any. Tour may be as deluxe or economical as your budget permits.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Regional & Hotel Information
Please find below extensive information on the areas you will be visiting on this tour and the proposed accommodations. By clicking on each of the links or the images, you will arrive at a new page with loads of additional information to help you familiarize yourself with the area, its amenities and the proposed accommodations.
Day 1 – CANCUN / RIVIERA MAYA
The Mayan Riviera, located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, offers the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea, top-notch tourist resorts, white-sand beaches, marvelous ecological reserves and ancient Mayan ruins, e.g. Tulum. During your stay, you can do water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, or sailing, or you can visit one of the main tourist destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen for some shopping and nightlife.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 2 - TULUM & CHICHEN ITZA
Considered one of the most important capitals of Mayan culture, at Chichen Itza you can admire spectacular constructions such as El Castillo (The Castle) and the Kukulcan Temple, El Observatorio (The Observatory), the Caracol and the largest ball court discovered in the Mesoamerican region. There is also the Sagrado sinkhole, which is 30 meters (100 feet) wide in diameter. Most Chichen Itza hotels are just steps away from the archaeological site and make it easy to imagine what life must have been like for the first discoverers coming to this breathtaking region.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 3 & 4 - MERIDA
Founded upon the ruins of the Mayan city T’ho, which was constructed with white limestone and means "Face of Infinity," Merida is known today as the White City. It has beautiful and solidly built colonial buildings that house the city’s history, art, traditions, and culture. With Merida as your base you can also explore the natural beauty of the Celestun National Park or visit one of the amazing archaeological sites of the Mayas not far away.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 5 - CAMPECHE
Surrounded by major archaeological zones and colonial villages Campeche is an excellent destination to discover history, traditions and exciting adventures. The city itself offers its visitors vivid reminders of its history, like a giant wall that once protected the city from pirate attacks in the 17th and 18th centuries and nine bulwarks and fortifications, as well as some interesting museums. You can take a walk along the Historic Center’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll see a wide variety of stores, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 6 & 7 - PALENQUE
The ruins at Palenque were explored during the 19th century. Among the most important structures at the site are: The Palace, which has a notable tower that rises above the complex; The Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Cross and Temple of the Foliated Cross, which surround the Plaza del Sol; and the Temple of the Inscriptions. Not far away from Palenque you can visit the waterfalls of Agua Azul and Misol-Ha, two important natural tourist attractions. There are also a couple of other archaeological sites just a few hours away, hidden in the evergreen jungle.
Images & Additional Info.:
Palenque: Archaeology & Nature Palenque is one of the most important Mayan archaeological zones and a must-see destination on your visit to Mexico’s southern region. Located in the southern s... >> |  |
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 8 & 9 - TIKAL RUINS & LAKE PETEN ITZA
Here you will experience the greatest of Mayan archaeological wonders at the Tikal National Park, nestled deep in the Peten jungle. This region also boasts the largest protected tropical forest area in Central America, whose area's amazing fauna and flora, lakes, rivers, lagoons and caves, will absolutely amaze you.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
Day 10 to 13 – RIVIERA MAYA
The Mayan Riviera, located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, offers the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Sea, top-notch tourist resorts, white-sand beaches, marvelous ecological reserves and ancient Mayan ruins, e.g. Tulum and Coba. During your stay, you can do water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting, or sailing, or you can visit one of the main tourist destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen for some shopping and nightlife.
Images & Additional Info.:
Accommodations:
Optional:
What to Bring
Mexico & Peten Region:
These regions are characterized by tropical fauna and flora at its best, but this also means warm and humid, so dress accordingly. June to October are considered to be the rainy season, but even during these months the rain is usually short-lived and gives way to the Central American sun within a few hours. Tropical flora and fauna can be enjoyed all year long and temperatures are usually in the 80s (high 20's Celsius).
Please make sure to bring the following: Mosquito repellent - Sunscreen - Hiking boots or good pair of tennis shoes - Rain gear - Bathing Suites - Rash guard for the water-sports people - Sun glasses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| | |
| |
English
Deutsch
Español