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Hidden Villages & Backroads

Journey the backroads to discover seldom visited corners of the Yucatan. History unfolds in the colonial splendour of the cities and the half-forgotten pyramids of ancient civilisations. Meanwhile, dense forests and coastal mangoves provide habitats for wildlife and birdwatching.

Travel Highlights

  • Journey the back roads to discover the Yucatan's seldom visited side
  • Discover colonial cities, half-forgotten pyramids and coastal habitats for birds
  • Stay three nights in a traditional hacienda, full of colonial charm
  • Compare lesser-known Mayan ruins with the famed Puuc style ruins at Uxmal
  • Watch pink flamingos and exotic bird life at the coastal Celestun Nature Reserve
  • Avoid the midday sun and day-trippers at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
  • Admire the cliff-top ruins of Tulum, perched over an idyllic beach

Journey Breakdown

Route Map

Click on a marker to read about each location.

The Balam Tour
Travel Itinerary

Rural Mayan town's Haciendas
Days 2-4

Day 1 - Arrive to Cancun

Day 2-4 - Explore rural Mayan towns and surrounds

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 1 - Arrive to Cancun

Departure flight from Gatwick direct, non-stop to Cancun. On arrival you will be met and taken to the colonial city of Valladolid, staying for 2 nights, with one full day to explore the town.

Day 2-4 - Explore rural Mayan towns and surrounds

Transfer north to Ek Balam, whose main temple has superb stuccos. Continue to the rural Mayan town for three nights in a colonial Hacienda, converted to a character hotel. As part of your accommodation you have included bicycles for you to explore the grounds and to enjoy some birdwatching. Visit the coastal town of San Cristano and take a boat trip to explore the mangroves of the nature reserve. Visit the ancient settlement of Izamal and the beautifully preserved convent of San Antonio de Padula.

Merida
Days 5-8

Day 5-8 Drive along the coast

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day - 5-8 Drive along the coast

Morning drive along the coastal road with the Gulf on one side and lagoons with flamingos on the other, visiting Xambo, an important trading centre with impressive Mayan temples, and Progresso where you can stroll and have lunch. Continue to Merida staying for four nights. One day is at leisure to explore the colonial city. One full day excursion on the Franciscan route visiting the church of Mani, with its open-air chapel built to avangelise natives, the Mayan market village of Oxkutzcab, and one day to the magnificent archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah, with intricate, incomparable Puuc stonework.

Celestun Nature Reserve
Days 9-12

Day 9-10 - Celestun Nature Reservere

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 9-10 - Celestun Nature Reserve

Transfer to Celestun Nature Reserve staying for 2 nights. One day to view wildlife and flamingos.

 

Days 11-12 Visit ancient pyramids

Departure to the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza staying for two nights. Explore the extensive site on your own, morning and afternoon, avoiding the midday heat and daytrippers.

Chichen Itza
Days 11-12

Day 11-12 - Visit ancient pyramids

View Description

Itinerary Description

Days 11-12 Visit ancient pyramids

Departure to the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza staying for two nights. Explore the extensive site on your own, morning and afternoon, avoiding the midday heat and daytrippers.

Tulum
Days 13-16

Day 13-14 - Visit Tulum

Day 15 - Transfer for flight back to UK

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day - 13-14 Visit Tulum and transfer flight back to UK

Drive to Coba, explore the great pyramids set amidst dense forest and onto the coast staying for three nights at Tulum on the Caribbean coast, with one full day to visit the archaeological site on the coast and relax by the beach.

Transfer to Cancun on Day 15 for our direct flight non-stop to London, arriving the following Day 16.

Travel Details
Balam

What's Included

  • Excursions with English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation and breakfast
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast every day and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
  • Excursions with English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation and breakfast
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast every day and meals as described in the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
  • Excursions with English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation and breakfast
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

Price Breakdown

Prices are per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 25 Dec-21 Jun, 17 Aug - 12 Dec 22 Jun-16 Aug, 13 Dec - 24 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £2,562 £3,022 - £3,005 £3,464 -
Multiple Travellers - Own Room + £762 + £1,102 - + £762 + £1,103 -
Single Traveller - Own Room + £1,521 + £1,796 - + £1,521 + £1,797 -
Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 25 Dec-21 Jun, 17 Aug - 12 Dec 22 Jun-16 Aug, 13 Dec - 24 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room €2,174 €2,726 - €2,706 €3,503 -
Multiple Travellers - Own Room + €915 + €1,322 - + €915 + €1,077 -
Single Traveller - Own Room + €1,826 + €2,156 - + €1,826 + €1,910 -
Season Low Season High Season
Travel Dates 25 Dec-21 Jun, 17 Aug - 12 Dec 22 Jun-16 Aug, 13 Dec - 24 Dec
Room Arrangement Tourist First Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room $2,330 $2,928 - $2,906 $3,503 -
Multiple Travellers - Own Room + $992 + $1,433 - + $992 + $1,434 -
Single Traveller - Own Room + $1,979 + $2,335 - + $1,978 + $2,336 -

Booking Term's & Conditions

Travel
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