Highlights Dig deep into ancient Mayan history at the Uxmal, Chichén Itzá and Tulúm ruins, delve into Mexican culture though the food, markets and artisans of Merida and explore the wilds in underground sinkholes and at the UNESCO world heritage site of Sian Ka'an Biosphere with a naturalist

Mexico Civilizations


Mexico Civilizations - CMMCD

Last Updated: April 21, 2012
9 days: Mexico
Print Print  |  

What's Included

Welcome gift - Orientation walk around Merida and local markets - 1 hour group Spanish lesson - Tour of Uxmal ruins and Hacienda Sotuta de Peon - Visit a cenote (underground sinkhole) for a swim - Horse drawn carriage tour of Paseo Montejo district - Visit the Anthropology Museum - Tour of Chichen Itza ruins and Balankanche caves - Tour of Tulum ruins - Canal tour in Sian Ka'an Biosphere - Arrival and departure transfers

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012.


Trip Style

Discovery Adventures: Bring to life the awe-inspiring destinations featured on the Discovery Channel. Engage colourful cultures, wildlife and landscapes through exhilarating, educational and immersive activities and arrive at a greater understanding of our incredible planet.

Service Level

Comfort:


  • All the adventure with a softer landing
  • Upgraded transportation (private vehicles, trains and planes)
  • More inclusions (transfers, more meals and activities are generally included)
  • Hand-picked accommodations with additional amenities and services

Physical Grading

2: Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.

Itinerary

Route map for Mexico Civilizations (CMMCD)

Day 1 Arrive Cancún

Arrive in Cancún and transfer to the hotel. A G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our joining point hotel. Check into the hotel and enjoy the city. Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members.

A long-time destination for sun-worshipers and spring breakers, we only stay here long enough to meet and get primed for our adventure. The famous resort of Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancún than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city.

In an attempt to capture more tourism dollars, the Mexican government financed the development of the city of Cancún in 1970, when there were only 3 residents on the island. The city grew rapidly and now has more than a half million residents and approximately 150 hotels. Famous for its white-sand beaches and nightlife, millions of tourists flock to the zone annually.

Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available everywhere) as the heat and humidity of Cancún may cause dehydration.

Day 2 Mérida (B,L)

Head to the capital of the Yucatán, Mérida, where we'll explore the city’s museums, plazas, architecture, open markets and outdoor cafés. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where our guide will walk us through the menu, explaining the local specialties that cause some to claim that the Yucatan cuisine is Mexican's best food.

Following lunch, hit the bustling and colorful market on a brief orientation walk through downtown Merida. Known as la ciudad blanca, the white city, Merida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexico’s fascinating mix of cultural influences. The group will also receive a 1-hour Spanish lesson to assist you to better communicate with the locals during your exploration of Mexico.

Mérida, the capital of Yucatán State, was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor, or zocalo, is green and shady and surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and the Casa Montejo. There are several 16th and 17th century churches scattered about the city, as well as some interesting museums. We can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. We can also try out new and wonderful food items, such as the delicious cochinita pibil, a local specialty. Hot sauce fans will also want to try El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers.

Sundays in Merida are a fun experience, as around the main plaza, streets are closed, stands are set up, and an outdoor party begins. A handicraft market and food festival are on the main plaza, and nearby streets have live music and dancing. Take in the festivities side-by-side with Mexicans, and maybe even try a couple of twirls dancing salsa.

Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 200 miles (320 km)

Day 3 Mérida (B,L)

Merida is the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation. One of the Yucatán’s many ancient treasures from the Late Classic period, we enjoy an included guided tour here today. Afterwards, we visit a local Hacienda and cenote.

From the late 1600s to the early 1900s, Mexico was once covered in haciendas (equivalent to American plantations) in agricultural and manufacturing centers throughout the country. The primary focus of the Yucatan haciendas was based around henequen, or sisal fiber, used to make rope, cord, and twine. Many of the mansions found in Merida were built from this "green gold". During our time in Merida, tour a once fully-functioning hacienda a bit outside of town before taking a dip in the crystalline waters of a nearby on-site cenote, or underground sinkhole.

Day 4 Merida (B)

On our final day in Merida, we'll be treated to a horse-drawn carriage ride down the beautiful boulevard of Paseo de Montejo on our way to a guided tour of the anthropology museum. Along the Paseo de Montejo, together with many shops and restaurants, we will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Nearby, is the main shopping street, Calle 65. We'll be sure to find Mérida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot during our leisure time.

Day 5 Chichen Itza / Valladolid (B,L)

En route to Valladolid, we stop for a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and a visit to the caves of Balankanché.

The ancient Mayan city, estimated to be founded in 432, houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo, with a balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand and towering walls. The attention to detail, and fusion of architecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning, will no doubt impress all who see it.

Nearby, we'll find the caves of Balankanché which contain beautiful natural stone formations and caverns that were once used for Mayan ceremonies.

We will overnight in Valladolid, a bustling Mayan city with a colonial flair. Many of the residents still dress in typical Mayan clothing. Historically-speaking, this city is very important in the Mayan world, as the Caste War began here in 1847 with the execution of three Maya who planned an uprising.

To Chichen Itza:
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 75 miles (120 km)

To Valladolid:
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 30 miles (50 km)

Day 6-7 Tulúm / Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (2B, 1L)

Travel the short distance to the lazy town of Tulúm and enjoy a guided tour of the small seaside ruins.

Free of large scale hotel development and with turquoise water and white sand beaches, Tulúm is one of the most peaceful and relaxing areas on the Mayan Riviera. We'll have some free time to enjoy the beach while we're here.

On Day 7, travel a short distance south to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in the Mexian Caribbean. This UNESCO World Heritage site is know for its unique geography including wetlands and fauna of over 100 mammal species and over 300 birds. One of the greatest challenges faced in the reserve is to integrate human activities without compromising other life forms within its boundaries. Sian Ka'an is Mayan for "where the sky is born" or "gift from the sky". We will have the opportunity to explore with a local Naturalist on an educational boat tour. We will learn about the coastal flora and fauna while boating through lagoons and canals. After a snack, kick back and relax as we float in our lifejackets downstream of a lazy freshwater river.

Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 60 Km

Day 8 Playa del Carmen (B)

Head up the coast to Playa del Carmen in the center of the Mayan Riviera for one last day to enjoy the coast. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has steadily grown in size since the passenger ferry to Cozumel has been running from its docks and is seen as a more relaxed pueblo than its neighbor to the north, Cancún. The same white sand beaches and turquoise waters lap at its shore, but Playa del Carmen is lacking the massive crowds found in Cancun.

While here, our time is at leisure - relax on the beach, buy the last of our souvenirs along "La Quinta", Playa's pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants, or spend some time in the water snorkeling or scuba diving.

Day 9 Depart Playa del Carmen (B)

We will be transferred to the Cancun airport for our outbound flight at any time, though remember that check out at the hotel is at approximately 12pm midday.


Important Notes

1) Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with G Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, G Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. G Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations.

2) Please note that Playa del Carmen is a short 45-minute ride from the Cancún airport.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels (8 nts)

About Accommodation

The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventure tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, etc. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodation and amenities can vary by Country and region and please remember that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your trip details for more information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops on tour.

Transport

Van, boat, horse-drawn carriage, walking

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 8.

Local Flights

There are no flights included on this tour.

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 4 lunches

Meals

Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Group Leader Description

All Discovery Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our expert group tour leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Group leaders are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Joining Hotel

Radisson Hotel Hacienda Cancun
Avenida Nader 1 S.M. 2
Cancun, Mexico
Telephone: + 52 (998) 881-6500

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour and our driver will be waiting for you with a Discovery Adventures Sign with your name on it.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Finishing Point Instructions

Please note that on the last day of the tour (Day 9), a departure transfer is included from Playa del Carmen to the Cancun airport.

What to Take

We recommend the use of a medium sized soft suitcase, duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office in San José, Costa Rica. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G Adventures San José, Costa Rica,
Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm local time (GMT –6).
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +506 2224-5560.

Costa Rica Emergency Cell Phone: +506 8322 9140 (after office hours).

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office in Costa Rica, we have a toll-free line within North America (or our regular direct line), which will connect you directly with our Toronto office.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0844 272 0000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Checklist

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•Cash and traveler's cheques
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•Discovery Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Suggested Items:
•Camera and extra memory card/film
•Extra batteries (recommended)
•Electricity Plug Adapter
•Flashlight or Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
•Binoculars
•Cover for backpacks
•Concealable money belt
•Fleece top
•Windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swim wear
•6 shirts/t-shirts
•Sun hat
•2 pair of shorts
•2 pairs of long trousers
•1 pair hiking pants/track pants
•hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
•Hiking boots/ sturdy walking shoes, and 3 pairs of socks
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Insect Repellent
•Pocketknife
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).

Optional Items: reading/writing material, Maps, guidebooks

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION.

Money Exchange

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards with travellers cheques as backup is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than $100 USD (or equivalent).

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your Discovery Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

All prices are per person, in USD amounts and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.

Mérida (Mexico):
City tour $10 USD
Celestún Bird Sanctuary $35 USD
Dzibilchaltun Ruins tour $10 USD
Cenotes Tour $15 USD via public transport, $30 USD via private transport

Playa del Carmen:
Snorkel rental $5 USD
Ferry to Cozumel (return) $22 USD
Tulum $10-40 USD
Bicycle rental $16 USD/day

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.