When travelling to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, it is well worth taking the time to go beyond the beautiful beaches and explore the area’s incredibly rich history and culture. There are a whole host of amazing Mayan archaeological sites within easy reach of Cancún which allow visitors to get a closer look at one of the most advanced and influential civilizations in pre-Columbian America, from the world-famous Chichen Itza to the lesser known but just as fascinating Yaxunah. On our immersive day trip, you will have the chance to compare and contrast both sites, get unique insights about Mayan culture and engage with the local community dedicated to preserving their ancient traditions to this day.
On this private full-day trip , you will:
- Journey to some of the Yucatan’s most intriguing sights in comfortable private transportation;
- Enjoy the convenience of a hotel pick-up and the personalized attention of a professional local driver-guide;
- Visit the legendary archaeological site of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World;
- Get a detailed look at the key features of this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a guided tour;
- Admire the Pyramid of Kukulkan and learn about the "shadow of the serpent" effect that occurs during the spring and autumn equinoxes;
- Uncover the ceremonial games of the Maya as you take in the Great Ball Court;
- Marvel at the intricate carvings on display at the Temple of the Warriors;
- Travel to Yaxunah to visit the ancient Maya village and nearby archaeological site;
- Meet a local guide from the Mayan community who will give you an insider look at the history and architecture of the Yaxunah ruins;
- Discover the secrets of the Sacbeob, the ancient stone roads built to connect the Mayan cities;
- Sample a variety of Yucatecan dishes with a Mexican buffet lunch;
- Indulge in a tantalizing Tequila tasting;
- Gaze upon the clear blue waters of a cenote and have a relaxing swim before your return to Cancún.
Our fascinating full-day tour blends history, gastronomy and a unique opportunity to engage with local Maya culture while exploring two extraordinary archaeological sites. With the comfort of private transportation, hotel pick-up, and a professional driver-guide, you’ll enjoy a seamless and engaging expedition into the monumental and cultural heart of the Yucatán peninsula.
Your tour begins at your hotel in Cancún, where you will meet your guide bright and early and set out on a scenic drive inland to Chichen Itza. One of the largest Pre-Columbian archaeological cities in the Yucatán, it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988 and more recently selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. On a guided tour of this remarkable site, you will marvel at the iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan, and find out about the fascinating “shadow of the serpent” phenomenon that appears during the equinoxes. You’ll step into the mystical past of the Maya as you visit structures like the Great Ball Court, once home to ceremonial games, and the Temple of the Warriors, famous for its intricate stone carvings that reveal the artistry and power of this ancient civilization.
Your journey will continue to the lesser-known but equally enchanting village of Yaxunah. Once there, you will be connected with a local Maya guide from the Yaxunah community who will introduce you to the site’s fascinating history and architecture. As you wander these unspoiled ruins that are still being excavated, you will learn about Mayan constructions such as the sacbeob, ancient stone causeways that connected Maya cities like Yaxunah and Cobá, and gain insight into the daily life and traditions of the Maya.
Following your deep dive into the past and present of Yaxunah, it will be time to enjoy a rich Mexican buffet lunch featuring a range of local Yucatecan dishes. You will also have the chance to partake in Tequila tasting to further luxuriate in the vibrant flavours of Mexico. Your day continues with a refreshing stop at a nearby cenote for a swim in the crystal-clear waters. These picturesque limestone pools are an emblematic feature of the Yucatán landscape and have been considered sacred by the Maya people for centuries.
After your serene cenote swim, your driver-guide will be on hand to take you back to Cancún no doubt enriched with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the Yucatán’s Maya heritage.