Mini Wonders of the Maya with the Maya Train

Beyond her beautiful beaches, Yucatan boasts an impressive cultural and historical heritage as the repository of treasures of Maya civilization, such as Chichén Itza and Uxmal. Journey back in time to appreciate the greatness of these ancient cities clawed back from the jungle and discover the beauty of the colourful colonial cities of Izamal and Conclude your adventure with a scenic ride aboard the Maya Train, travelling from Merida to Cancun Airport through the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. Conclude your adventure with a scenic ride aboard the Maya Train, travelling from Merida to Cancun Airport through the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Río Lagartos:  Explore a vibrant biosphere reserve home to over 390 bird species, including iconic pink flamingos and crocodiles gliding through the mangroves.

Chichen Itza: Step into the world of ancient Maya civilisation at this legendary archaeological site, crowned by the majestic Temple of Kukulkán.

Izamal: Discover the charm of the “Yellow City,” a Pueblo Mágico built atop ancient pyramids and known for its colonial beauty and spiritual legacy.

Uxmal: Admire the Pyramid of the Magician at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where ornate architecture rises dramatically above the jungle.

Merida: Wander the elegant 19th-century boulevards of Yucatán’s lively capital, rich in history, culture, and colonial charm.

Maya Train: Travel in comfort through the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula aboard the Maya Train, connecting ancient wonders with modern adventure.

Day 1: ARRIVAL CANCUN

After landing at Cancun International Airport, you will be met by a tour representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Cancun. Then you can spend the rest of the day at leisure, getting to know the area at your own rhythm. Make the most of the services available at the hotel, or hit the streets and start exploring the wonders of Cancun. 

Overnight in Cancun.

Day 2: CANCUN – RÍO LAGARTOS – CENOTE – VALLADOLID (360 km – 5 hrs)

Today’s adventure begins with a visit to the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, home to Mexico’s largest flocks of pink flamingos, along with nearly 400 identified bird species. Enjoy a two-hour boat trip through the reserve’s mangrove estuary to observe flamingos, crocodiles, and other wildlife. The trip includes visits to feeding areas, a Maya mud bath with mineral-rich white mud, and a dip in the salt-rich waters of the lagoon. Next, visit a cenote – a natural sinkhole – for a refreshing swim. Afterward, continue to your hotel in Valladolid. Following check-in, there will be time to freshen up before heading out on a walking tour of the city. Valladolid preserves Maya traditions in every corner, and its historical legacy is truly unique. As you stroll through its streets, discover the city’s story from pre-Hispanic times to the present.

Overnight in Valladolid.

Day 3: VALLADOLID – CHICHEN ITZA – IZAMAL – MERIDA (190 km – 3 hrs)

Enjoy your morning breakfast before departing to Chichén Itzá, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Maya. Learn about the Maya and this ancient city reclaimed from the jungle. Behold the Temple of Kukulkán, popularly known as El Castillo ("The Castle"), built both as a representation of the mystical Maya calendar and to reflect the optical illusion of a serpent slithering up and down the pyramid during the spring and autumn equinoxes. Admire the Great Ball Court, the haunting Skull Platform where the heads of human sacrifice victims and prisoners of war were impaled, and the Sacred Cenote, where sacrifice victims were dumped. Other extremely well-preserved areas include the Temple of the Warriors, the Ossuary, the Nunnery and adjacent Church, and the large observatory known as the Snail. Next, we make our way to the Maya town of Izamal, which combines remnants of its pre-Hispanic past, the colonial period, and the present. Visit the Convent of St. Anthony of Padua, which stands on a former Maya pyramid. After lunch (not included), continue to the “White City” of Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, to enjoy a tour of the historical downtown. See the 19th-century villas and palaces that line the Paseo de Montejo, and continue to the splendid Plaza Grande, home to the cathedral and the 16th-century Casa de los Montejo. Also visit the Government Palace and City Hall, before enjoying some free time to discover the city on your own.
Overnight in Merida.

Day 4: MERIDA – UXMAL – CACAO MUSEUM – UXMAL (84 km – 1.5 hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning exploring the ruins of another former Maya city clawed back from the vegetation. Arrive at Uxmal and enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site that rises into view above the jungle canopy. Unlike other Maya cities, Uxmal was devoured by the rainforest after the Spaniards had arrived. The most famous structure is the 35-metre-tall Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle with its ornately carved interior and exterior walls. Across the central plaza, just beyond the ballgame court, is the Governor’s Palace. At the southern end of the main complex is the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated with the other three still unclaimed from the bush. Next, visit a Cocoa Museum where the plant and its importance to the ancient Mayans will be explained.

Overnight in Uxmal.

Day 5: UXMAL – MERIDA TEYA – CANCUN AIRPORT (90 km – 1 hr/ 3.5 hrs by train)

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Merida Teya station to board “the Tren Maya”. Travel in comfort aboard the Maya Train to Cancún Airport, passing through the scenic heart of the Yucatán Peninsula. Enjoy panoramic views of jungles, cenotes, and traditional villages as you relax in a modern, air-conditioned train. This smooth and scenic ride offers a memorable and stress-free way to conclude your journey through the land of the Maya.

Note: Late arrival in Cancun. If you are booking onward flights, it is recommended not to book a flight for the same day.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Mexico. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.