Depending on arrival time, get out and begin exploring some of the city. Rest of the day at leisure.

Go on a local treasure hunt today! Start by exploring the local food market and find foods that are on your treasure checklist. Then, cook and enjoy a meal together. Later, explore local craft markets and share your finds with each other. Enjoy watching (or join in on) a possible salsa experience (depending on performance schedules available closer to the trip date).

Today begins with a visit to Mayapan, an incredible archeological site located in central Yucatan where you’ll explore and learn about the architecture of the Maya in the Late Post-Classic period. The Maya were masters of math, astronomy, and architecture. Visit the Temple of Kukulcan and the Observatory, which are similar to Chichen-Itza, but on a smaller scale and much less visited. From here, hop on your bikes and ride 3 miles towards the amazing cenote Nomozon to refresh in its crystal clear waters. Here, begin a special expedition, much like in the days of Stevens and Catherwood, who explored Yucatan in the 1840’s. Become explorers for the day, learning about ancient Maya rituals and meanings in nature. Returning to Merida, the evening is at your leisure. There are wonderful music and dance events in the streets of Merida to enjoy!

Today, experience nature at its finest by visiting the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a large coastal wetland and wildlife refuge. Join locals belonging to a local cooperative who will take you in canoes and kayaks to explore ecosystems including mangroves, coastal areas, lagoons, and beaches. During the winter months, this region attracts the second-largest greater flamingo population in America. In addition to the flamingos, this is an ideal region for bird watching in general. After your boat and nature excursion, head to the beach to have a seafood lunch in a small palapa on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. The evening in Merida is free; a great option is to watch the “Vaqueria,” a traditional and colorful dance of Yucatan, in the central plaza!

Say goodbye to Merida and begin your journey to the Puuc Hills, land of the Classic Era Maya. Settle into the Lodge at Uxmal and enjoy a pollo pibil lunch in a Maya hut before relaxing and swimming in the hotel pool. In the late afternoon, visit the Cacao Museum to learn about the ancient Maya and their ceremonial use of the plant. At night, experience the Uxmal Light and Sound show.

Visit the site of Uxmal this morning, when it is cool and less crowded. Explore some of the nooks and crannies of this ancient Maya ruin before departing to visit a modern Maya community where you’ll spend the afternoon with families. Return to Merida in the late afternoon.

Begin the day with a journey to explore a living plantation where sisal fiber is stripped from the agave plant to make twine and rope. These plantations in Yucatan supplied the entire rope industry, particularly important in shipbuilding, until the early 1900s. Try your hand at making a rope to see how it was done “back in the day.” Ride a mule cart, the traditional mode for transporting the fibers and ropes. The mule cart will carry you to a refreshing cenote, where you’ll enjoy a swim in a cave. These water-filled sinkholes carry special significance to the Maya.

Later, visit the Golden City of Izamal to learn about its history and tour this charming town. See how the Spanish built directly on top of the former Mayan cities. It is a strong visual of one of the greatest clashes of culture in world history. After touring, settle into a favorite traditional Yucatecan restaurant, Kinich, to eat some of the best traditional Yucatecan cuisines on the Peninsula. Cochinita pibil, queso relleno, and papadzules are some famed dishes. Return to Merida, where your last evening is free to explore and to say goodbye to your favorite places.

Say goodbye to Merida and the Yucatan. Transfer to the airport and depart for home.