9 Days December 19 - 27, 1996
Explore the incredible ruins of the Maya-Toltec center, Chichén Itzá
INCLUDED MEALS
Arrive Cancún, Mexico
Thursday Dec. 19 D
Arrive in Cancún, Mexico's beautiful beach resort and gateway to the Mayan temples and palaces of the Yucatdn Peninsula. Transfer from the airport is provided. Join your tour manager and fellow travelers for an evening getacquainted reception and dinner. MARRIOTT CASAMAGNA CANCÚN.
Cancún Ruins of Tulum
Friday Dec. 20 B
Cancún is the Mayan word for "pot of gold." This morning you begin your adventure exploring the treasures of Mayan ruins. Follow the coast to the ruins of Tulum which sit high on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean. One of the few walled Mayan settlements, Tulum served as an important port of trade among the Mayas. Its Temple of the Frescoes, the impressive Castillo and the Temple of the Descending God offer examples of classical Maya architecture. Return to Cancún where you have the afternoon free to explore on your own. MARRIOTT CASAMAGNA CANCÚN.
Chichén ltzá
Saturday Dec. 21 BLD
Drive through picturesque Valladolid, second largest city in the State of Yucatdn to Chich6n Itzd. This afternoon visit the best-known Mayan ruin. This Maya-Toltec center was the most important city in YucatAn from the 10th to the 12th century. The site is believed to have been settled first in A.D. 432, rediscovered by the Itzds in 964 and given its name meaning "the mouth of the well of the Itzds." Abandoned by the Itzds, it was rediscovered by the centralMexican Toltecs in the 10th. The 98-foottall pyramid, El Castillo, dominates the site and sports a temple dedicated to legendary Kukulcdn, Mayan for Quetzalc6atl, who was incarnated by the plumed serpent. An evening Sound and Light Show highlights the architectural details of this great city. HOTEL MAYALAND.
Izamal Uxmal
Sunday Dec. 22 BLD e
Today's sightseeing drive takes you past Izamal, nicknamed Ciudad Amarillo, Yellow City, for the painted earth-tone-yellow buildings. In the center of town is the enormous 16th-century Franciscan monastery built on the remains of a Maya pyramid. Continue to the Hacienda Kankabchen for lunch. Dating back to 1903, the hacienda was a working plantation during the colonial period. Today it continues as a beautiful plantation and used by its owners as a weekend retreat. Enjoy a tour of the hacienda and the wildlife zoo. Arrive in Uxmal for dinner at HACIENDA UXMAL.
Uxmal Pyramid of the Magician
Monday Dec. 23 BLD
Visit the ruins at Uxmal, thought to be the most beautiful as well as the finest and largest example of Puuc architecture with ornate stone mosaics, cornices, columns and arches. The Pyramid of the Magician has a strange elliptical design and a stairway that leads through a giant mask of the rain god, Chac, with its mouth open to the two summit temples. Near Uxmal, pass through hilly jungles to Kabah, to view the Palace of the Masks. The afternoon is at leisure. After dinner at the hotel, enjoy the Sound and Light Show.HACIENDA UXMAL.
Campeche Edzna
Tuesday Dec. 24 BLD
The city of Campeche lives up to the Spanish adjective campechano, meaning easygoing and genial. Since 1676 the city has been walled to protect against ransacking pirates and today Campeche history is contained within only several blocks. See the drawbridge of Fort San Miguel and Baluparte San Carlos. Visit the Regional Museum, the Casa Delteniente Del Rey, with combined exhibits of archaeology and anthropology. The Cathedral Concepcion in Campeche's main square is considered the oldest Christian church on the Yucatán Peninsula. See the Governor's Palace and city hall, the Carvajal Mansion, known for its rich history and Moorish-style architecture. Edzna is a Mayan archaeological site from the Classic period of which only a small part has been excavated. Return to Uxmal for Christmas Eve dinner at the hotel. Your tour manager can make arrangements for those who wish to attend church services in Muna or Santa Elena. HACIENDA UXMAL.
Celestún Merida Christmas day
Wednesday Dec. 25 BLD
Feliz Navidad! The fishing town of
Celestún is the entry point to the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano, a 147,500-acre wildlife reserve home to one of North America's largest colonies of flamingos. The sight of clouds of pink wings against the pale blue of the estuary is breathtaking. Continue to the coastal city of Merida, established in 1542 and known as the "City of Windmills" for the thousands of veletas that pump well water. This state capital boasts a small-town atmosphere and charming horse-drawn carriages reminiscent of the city's glory days as the wealthiest capital in Mexico. Enjoy a delicious Christmas dinner at the HYATT HOTEL.
Mérida Dzibichaltun
Thursday Dec. 26 B
This morning's excursion takes you to Dzibichaltun, "the place where there is writing on flat stones," established around 2000 B.C. and believed to be the oldest Mayan ruin in the area and once the capital of the Maya states. Now surrounded by a national preserve, the site abounds with thousands of mounds, piles of rubble, low platforms and plazas. The Temple of the Seven Dolls is the only structure that has been excavated so far and dates to A.D. 500. Return to M6rida for an orientation tour of the city including the Plaza de Independencia, site of a great Mayan temple and pyramid, and the Anthropology Museum which displays some of the jade and gold artifacts found at Chichén Itzá. Rejoin your tour manager and fellow travelers for this evening's farewell dinner at the hotel. HYATT HOTEL.
Return home
Friday Dec. 27 B
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. We hope you've enjoyed your Mayan adventure. Travel with us again soon. Muchas gracias, buena suerta!
LAND / AIR RATE per person is $2325 twin and $2735 single basis and includes:
AIRFARE is subject to change until ticketed.
TAXES of $37 per person are additional and paid directly to Maupintour.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT per person is $350 plus (optional) $100 per person fee for Tour Cancellation Protection.
FULL REFUND when you participate in the Tour Cancellation Protection Plan.
Please see the For Your Information section.
Average temperature: Hi 82, Low 64
TOUR NUMBER: YHX-389