Yucatan is one of three states on the Yucatan Peninsula. The other two are Campeche and Quintana Roo. Merida is the capital of Yucatan and the cultural hub of the Peninsula. Everything thrives here, including the vibrant sounds of numerous rythms, including the son, salsa, merenge and other tropical sounds. The Yucatecan Maya are among the friendliest and most welcoming people in all of Mexico. They preserve their customs which is evident in their housing, diet and language. The finest hammocks, woven hats and "guayaberas" can be found here. Topographically, Yucatan is a big limestone shelf with massive underground rivers. This combination results in the extensive network of "cenotes" or sink holes and caves that were and are sacred spaces for the Maya, as they represent the portals or entry ways into the underworld. Join us to visit this vibrant world of culture and nature as we explore the land of the Yucatecan Maya.

• Explore Ancient Maya Ruins, Chichen-Itza, Uxmal
• Visit Flamingo Feeding grounds at Celestun
• Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Colonial Merida
• Swim in Cenotes (sink holes/quarries)
• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage City: Campeche
• Explore the spectacular Maya site: Edzna

• Day 1: Arrive, Merida: Today, we arrive in the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula: Merida. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a walking, city orientation tour in order for us to get an overview of this vibrant, tropical, colonial capital city. Tropical, latin music is heard everywhere, from the tropical “son”, to the sounds of salsa, often heard in other tropical cities, such as Havana. In the evening, we will have the opportunity to learn some salsa moves and have our own “Dancing with the Stars” competition. Overnight Merida (D)
• Day 2: Tropical Island of Celestun: Flamingo Feeding Grounds: After breakfast, we travel to Celestun to see one of the world’s natural marvels: one of the largest flamingo feeding grounds in the world. The Greater Flamingo feeds off of tiny shrimp, making its feathers turn pink. In fact, the sea is awash in the color pink, as there are flamingos as far as the eye can see. Boarding our “lancha” boat, we tour the mangroves to see these majestic birds. We are careful not to come too close, in order not to disrupt their feeding habits. We too will have the opportunity to each shrimp and fresh seafood under a “palapa” thatched roof restaurant on the beach. Bring your bathing suits, as of course we will enjoy cooling off in the waters off the Gulf of Mexico. Overnight Merida (B, L)
• Day 3: Post-Classic Maya City: Chichen-Itza: Today we travel to the great post-classic city of Chichen-Itza, where, with the aid of an expert guide, we will explore the ancient world of the Maya. At this monumental archeological site, we will see impressive palaces, temples and altars, as well as the largest ball court of the Mayan world. Returning home, we stop in the Golden City of Izama. Overnight Merida (B)
• Day 4: Cenotes of Cuzama: We explore the natural landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula, which consists of a flat limestone shelf, sitting atop an underground river. Where the shelf has caved in, there are deep blue, crystal clear sink holes called “cenotes” that we will explore and swim in! These cenotes and caves were sacred spaces for the Maya people. They represented “portals” or entryways into the underworld. The Maya believed (and still do) in three planes or levels of existence; the celestial or overworld, the present, or material world, and the underworld. Overnight Merida (B, L)
• Day 5: Uxmal, Archeological site of the Classic Maya Era: Uxmal is one of the finest examples of the classic Puuc architectural style. As we will be staying overnight, we have the amazing opportunity to see the spectacular Light and Sound show, where Chaac, the rain god is admonished to bring rain and fertility to the soil for the corn crops to be bountiful. Overnight in Uxmal (B, L)
• Day 6: Campeche City and Pirate Life: Campechanos are known for their hospitality, and today we venture further south, to this colorful UNESCO World Heritage city. The colonial capital of Campeche, it is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, in the state that shares its name. En route to our destination, we stop in Becal to see how artisans weave fine hats from “jipijapa” a vegetable fiber. The artisans sit in damp caves as they shape the otherwise brittle fibers in order to weave hats and other accessories. Upon arrival in Campeche, we enjoy a city walking tour, followed by a light snack of typical food from Campeche at Los Portales. Overnight in Campeche (B, L)
• Day 7: Our morning is free to explore the back roads of Campeche City, where the morning light casts a lovely soft hue on the pastel colored buildings of this tropical, colonial city. We have time to visit the charming craft mall, where artisans from the State of Campeche display and sell their charming textiles, straw hats, hammocks and other items from the region. In the afternoon, we will make a special visit to the Fuerte de San Miguel, which houses a spectacular museum of Mayan art. (B)
• Day 8: Edzna and Return to Merida: On our final day, we venture out to the spectacular Maya site of Edzna that was occupied for many centuries. After our guided tour, we return to Merida to relax and once again enjoy the sites and sounds of this enchanting tropical city. Overnight Merida (B, D)
• Day 9: Depart or Extend your stay