Ruta Maya, Living Culture - Tourist Category

Early in the morning departure from Cancun towards the Ek Balam Archaeological Zone, located 30 minutes from Valladolid

In the morning, we will go to the archaeological site of Ek Balam, an area characterized by its size and quality of its constructions, it was a political entity of great wealth and prosperity. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the cenotes in the area. 

We will continue with a panoramic tour of the colonial city of Valladolid; it was founded on May 28, 1543 on the remains of the ancient Mayan settlement of Zací. It is the second most important city in Yucatán. 

We will head to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, its name means “the mouth of the well of the water sorcerers” an enigmatic place. In 1988, the site was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco and recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the modern world. 

At the end of the tour in Chichén Itzá, we drive to Mérida, capital of Yucatán, to rest. Free night and overnight.

In the morning, we begin our tour, visiting the heart of the Yucatecan Capital. Panoramic tour of the Plaza Mayor, the Casa Montejo, the Cathedral of San Idelfonso, the Government Palace, the Episcopal Palace, among others. We will continue along the legendary Calle 60, until we reach the famous Paseo Montejo, an example of the splendor of Yucatán's Golden Age.

We will continue our day to the spectacular archaeological site of Uxmal. This beautiful Mayan city, belonging to the Classic period (250-950 A.D.), was the capital of the ancient Xiu Kingdom, which exercised rigid control over the communities of the northern Maya, until it became the political and economic capital of the Puuc region. Among its constructions, of the architectural style also known as Puuc, stand out the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Ball Court, the Dovecote, the House of the Old Woman, the House of the Turtles, and the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, the most outstanding, for its singular elliptical structure and its 35 meters of height. The Governor's House is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Mesoamerica; its façade was exquisitely decorated with very detailed mosaic-like sculptures. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since December 7, 1996.

Transfer to San Francisco de Campeche and check-in at the hotel, and free night. Accommodation.

Arrival in Campeche, free afternoon and overnight. Free time offers the opportunity to taste the delights of Campeche's gastronomy, for example the famous “pan de cazón” (dogfish bread) and take a rest at the hotel.

We will begin our panoramic tour of the historic center of San Francisco de Campeche, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. We will visit the main attractions of the city: Colonial mansions, museums, San Miguel Fort, San José, the Cathedral, Independence Square, San Carlos Bastion, Puerta de Tierra, San Román Church, among others. At the end of the tour, we will continue along the coast of Campeche until we reach Palenque.

Having arrived in Palenque the afternoon is free and we will spend the night in a hotel in Palenque.

Located in the heart of the high jungle of Chiapas, Palenque was the capital of the ancient Kingdom of B'aakal, developed one of the most powerful dynasties of the Mayan World. Initially known as Lakam Hó, "place of the great waters", it was later changed to Otulun, which means "fortified houses". After the first visit of Fray Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada in 1567, the site was renamed Palenque, which means "fortification" in Catalan. It reached its splendor in the Late Classic period (550-830 A.D.), was the seat of the powerful dynasty to which King Pakal belonged, and rivaled other great capitals such as Calakmul, Tikal, Copán and Toniná. In its main structures, we can observe the Palace, which contains the Observatory; the Aqueduct; the Temple of the Inscriptions, the tomb of the great lord Pakal; the Ball Court; and the temples of the Cross, the Foliated Cross, the Sun, the Jaguar and the Count. The National Park and archaeological zone of Palenque were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1987.

After the visit we will enter the jungle to discover one of the most beautiful natural sanctuaries: Misol ha, a waterfall of approximately 25 meters high, natural scenery. 

 At the end of the day we will return to the town of Palenque to have the night off, rest and spend the night at the hotel.

Departure to the border between Mexico and Guatemala, to the area of El Ceibo. After immigration formalities, we continue to the jungle of the Petén in Guatemala. A 148 km across the border at El Ceibo. 

Arrival at the hotel in the Petén jungle, free night and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast. We will visit the Mayan city of Tikal, the jewel of the classical Mayan world. Picnic lunch inside the archaeological site. Transfer to Flores airport to take a flight to Guatemala City. Transfer to the hotel for check-in.

With all the comforts of a city we will stay in one of the best located chain hotels.

Breakfast. Departure to the Guatemalan highlands to the town of Chichicastenango, where we will visit one of the most famous indigenous markets in Latin America. After the visit, we will continue to Lake Atitlan to have a panoramic view of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, with its three volcanoes and its twelve indigenous villages. Mid-afternoon return to Guatemala City. Check-in at the hotel. 

Return to Guatemala City. Overnight at your hotel.

Here we will have the day at leisure to enjoy La Antigua, strolling through its cobblestone streets, appreciating its architectural styles of yesteryear or resting in the hotel facilities. As an optional activity, during the morning, we can make a cultural visit to this city declared a World Heritage Site and then return to the hotel.

Transfer to Guatemala City airport and end of services.