Marks the spot for your next adventure!
An exciting journey through Mexico
Your next trips starts here... Welcome to your Yucatan adventure and the many treasures of the Caribbean. This journey immerses the spiritually minded traveler through the mysterious history of the Mayan culture. Visiting the ruins and sacred sites through lush tropical jungles and white-sandy beaches, experiencing a timeless era of Mayan civilization.
Mayan Civilization
The Mayan civilization was among the original cultures and spanned more than 3,000 years. They lived mainly on the Yucatan Peninsula in the eastern part of Mesoamerica. During this peak of history, the Mayan had one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies of the world. Maya culture is known for its beautiful art, incredible architecture, and very sophisticated mathematical and astronomical systems - all ahead of their time. Now enter through the gateway of time and join Laurie & Bob (your hosts) on a fun filled journey back to this civilization.
Our schedule on this 10 day tour:
Day 1
Arrive in Cancun Airport - settling in at Oscar & Lalo Restaurant, a different kind of eatery, for a welcoming party including a detox and hydrating meal. (www.oscarandlalo.com)
Day 2
A relaxing day at the beach and a trip to the jungle cenote. After dinner at 7pm a Mayan Temazcal and natural sacred mineral pool cleansing.
The Mayan Temazcal is basically a sweat or steam lodge used by the Mayans to purify and harmonize themselves. The word itself means "house of heat" or "sweat house". You guide will explain the entire process and steps behind the practice of Tamazcal.
Day 3
Situated along the Caribbean coastline, a day trip to Sian Ka'an Reserve, an important protected nature reserve protected due to its diversity in bird and animal species. This includes a boat ride through the reserve and snorkeling in the Tulum Coral Reef next to the reserve. We'll explore the Muyil Ruins and enjoy a great 4 course meal and a beautiful sunset at this natural lagoon. After the sunset, we'll engage in a sacred shamanic journey. All meals, drinks and transportation are included.
Day 4
The Tulum Ruins expedition where we'll explore an ancient castle, beach, jungle, Blue Cenote, Caribbean sea and a coral reef. This includes zip lining, canoeing, and snorkeling in Jungle Lake. We'll visit the Tulum Beach club and take a boat ride on the sea, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system or snorkel off the beach - visit to this location is contingent on having favorable weather and ocean conditions.
For dinner, you may eat at Oscar & Lola's Restaurant or dine in the quaint town of Akulum. There are plenty of places to explore and many treasures such as copies of artifacts, Mexican artisan pieces, and delicious food. A great place to spend an evening under the stars.
Day 5
A trip to Chichen Itza
After breakfast we'll head out to have an ultimate Yucatan experience - a visit to the most important archaeological zone in this peninsula and the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire - the ruins of Chichen Itza. It is the most famous of all the Mayan sites estimated to be founded in 432, with a lot of energy of time past. Lunch is provided.
It is always a warm and long day of exploring.
In the afternoon there will be time to relax before dinner. Following dinner there will be a shamanic journey.
Day 6
Heading to Sacbe (Mayan for White road)
We'll tour a true Mayan village and school, gaining a new level of knowledge of the Mayan world and their mythology. This is also a good place to buy hand-made Mayan replicas, some made by the young school children - headed by our interpreter and dear friend Jimi Chimal, a Mayan nutritionist. There will be an opportunity to spend time with a local shaman and learn the teachings of indigenous plant medicine. Enjoying some true old world cooking in the village - truly a unique day, you'll feel you've stepped back in time.
Day 7
We invite you on a journey through Mexico, a charming tour of traditions and nature at Xcaret eco-archaeological Park. Come and enjoy an unforgettable experience that includes entertainment, exquisite food and the joy of a country that welcomes you with open arms!
Delve into the trails of Xcaret to discover how the Mayan jungle and culture of Mexico combine in more than 40 exciting attractions. Located at the seashore, in the Riviera Maya and near Cancun, Xcaret has attractions for everyone, enjoy a traditional Fiesta Charra and the Mayan Ball Game, or if you are a nature lover visit the Jaguar Island and the colorful Butterfly Pavillion.
You can also enjoy the Caribbean Sea! Take a snorkeling tour, swim in underground rivers and have fun with the Dolphin Swim. When night falls, you will enjoy the presentation "Xcaret Mexico Espectacular", a celebration of light and color with 300 artists that will take you through the history of Mexico.
It is a full day of walking, so bring comfortable shoes and a bathing suit if you're swimming. You can do as much or as little as you choose to.
Day 8 & 9
We'll be leaving for Isla Mujeres, a short trip off the coast of Cancun (30 minute ferry ride). Isla Mujeres beaches were recently awarded among "The Top 24 Beaches in the World" according to Trip Advisor '2011 Traveler Choice Awards'. The beaches are some of the best I've ever been to (after living in Hawaii) with soft white sand and crystal clear/turquoise waters. The most popular beach in town, and the best for swimming, is Playa Norte. It's a long stretch of beach extending the northern tip of the island.
We'll spend 2 nights at the Na Balam Hotel, a boutique hotel set in a wide and spacious privilege beachfront location in Isla Mujeres. The resort features only 31 expansive rooms and suites in a very clean and minimalistic decor; a beachfront restaurant with excellent Mexican specialties, a full-service "Lotus Spa" with beachfront and pool-side treatment facilities, a small and relaxing pool with hot jacuzzi for 8, and an on-site Yoga studio and school.
These two days are for rest, relaxation and time to process what you may need before returning. As an ending to a wonderful trip, you may want to swim with dolphins. They're friendly, fun and totally irresistible. If you want to be in a controlled environment or want the "wild" exertion, Isla Mujeres offers both adventures.
You may also want to swim out to Garrafon Reef Park, which was built opposite the main stretch of the island's coral reef. Snorkelers have the choice of either exploring the reef independently or with a guide. Garrafon is a gorgeous natural park highlighted by reefs, cliffs and beautiful ocean landscapes. You can enjoy water activities like kayaking and snorkeling, adventure activities like hiking, biking and flying over the turquoise waters on a zip line. You'll want to visit the tip of the island where the statue of Ixchel, (the only female Mayan goddess) moon goddess of love and young medicine resides. The island offers a great selection of restaurants and streets of shops and nightlife to explore.
Day 10
Departure to Cancun airport. Total travel time approximately is 1 hours from the island to airport. Ferries run from 6am through 1am daily.
Mexico Tour includes:
Excursions for Days 1 - 7
Food within meal plan & Accommodations.(if you have special food or health needs, please let us know in advance)
Mexico Tour does not include:
Excursions for Day 8 & 9 - Additional $775
Airfare
USD $3450 Single occupancy, $3100 Double occupancy(subject to change - depending on time of year due to varying hotel room rental costs)
The final itinerary is subject to change according to time of year and availability.
Cancellation policy:
The depost of $ is nonrefunable after the reservation is received and processed.
Cancellations received after and by are subject to a 50% refund.
Cancellations received on or after are subject to no refund (however, if your spot is filled with another participant, a partial refund will be considered at the discretion of the owners).
