The Balam Tour

Day 1

Fly to Cancun, transfer to Valladolid

Fly from London Gatwick direct to Cancun. On arrival you will be met and taken to the colonial city of Valladolid, where we stay for 1 night. 

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Day 2

Travel to a rural colonial Hacienda

Explore colonial Valladolid this morning. Afternoon transfer north to Ek Balam ruins, whose main temple has superb stuccos. We continue through rural Mayan towns to a colonial Hacienda, now converted to a character hotel, where we stay for 3 nights. As part of your accommodation you have included bicycles for you to explore the grounds. There is also superb birdwatching in the grounds of the Hacienda.

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Day 3

San Cristano and Izamal

Today we visit the coastal town of San Cristano and take a boat trip exploring the mangroves in the nature reserve. We also visit the ancient settlement of Izamal and the beautifully preserved convent of San Antonio de Padula.

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Day 4

At leisure

Relax and enjoy the charms of your rural Hacienda.

Day 5

Drive along the coast

Enjoy a scenic drive this morning along the coastal road with the Gulf on one side and lagoons with flamingos on the other. We visit Xambo, an important trading centre with impressive Mayan temples, and Progresso where you can take a stroll and have lunch. Continue to Merida where we stay for 4 nights.

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Day 6

The Franciscan Route 

Today we join our guide on a full day excursion exploring what is known as the Franciscan route visiting the church of Mani, with its open-air chapel built to evangelise the natives peoples. We also visit the Mayan market village of Oxkutzcab.

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Day 7

At leisure in Merida

Explore Merida at your leisure today, perhaps stopping at one of the many local cafes to watch the world go by and enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.

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Day 8

Uxmal and Kabah

Enjoy a full day guided visit to the magnificent archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah, with intricate, incomparable Puuc stonework.

Day 9

Travel to Celestun

Transfer to your chosen hotel or lodge located near to Celestun Nature Reserve, where we stay for 2 nights.

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Day 10

Explore Celestun Nature Reserve

A full day to visit the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a vast wetland reserve that is home to over 200 species of birds including pink flamingos, herons, pelicans and sea turtles. We travel on foot and by local boat exploring the mangroves and lakes getting as close as possible to photograph pink flamingos in their natural habitat. We also visit the town on Celestun, a sleepy coastal fishing town full of character.

Day 11

Travel to Chichen Itza

Travel to the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza, staying at your chosen hotel located close the site for 2 nights. 

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Day 12

Visit Chichen Itza without the crowds

You have a full day to explore the extensive and impressive site on your own. We suggest visiting in the early morning and afternoon, avoiding the midday heat and crowds of day-trippers.

Day 13

Coba and a Caribbean beach

Today we drive to Coba, where we explore the great pyramids set amidst dense forest. We then continue along the Caribbean coast staying for 2 nights at your chosen hotel in Tulum. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.

 

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Day 14

Tulum

This morning we visit the famous archaeological site of Tulum, a well preserved ancient Mayan port city. The main building is a castle (El Castillo), built in stone and positioned on a rocky cliff looking out over an idyllic white sandy beach and the turquoise sea. We return to your hotel to relax and enjoy your last evening in what is, for many, a touch of paradise.

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Day 15

Transfer for flight back to UK

Transfer to Cancun Airport for your direct overnight flight to London.