Itinerary Details
1 Arrive Mérida, Mexico
Mayan ruins, monuments and museums; colonial haciendas and wide-open avenues lined with mansions in shades of buttercup and bubblegum; trendy taquerias and traditional street food. Built on the site of Maya city T’hó, modern-day Mérida is a mash-up of old and new — plus old and older. Buildings like the 16th-century Catedral de San Ildefonso used stone from the Maya’s original pyramids, its limestone features lending it the nickname ‘The White City'. Often overlooked for the Yucatán’s coast, Mérida is a city with a strong sense of identity found in its cuisine, music and craft. Leave space in your suitcase for locally made hammocks and guayaberas, and time in your itinerary for a day trip to the cathedrals and cenotes of Valladolid just to the east.
Meals:
2 Mérida – The Mayan City Of Uxmal
Drive to the ancient Mayan city of Uxmal (meaning “built three times”) for an exploration of the ruins. Considered one of the most significant archaeological sites of Mayan culture, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers one of the best examples of the Puuc architectural style. Walk the courtyards lined with low-slung palaces adorned with rich sculptural elements. The central structure is the massive Pyramid of the Magician, built between the seventh and 11th centuries. Also view the façade of the impressive Governor’s Palace, its intricately carved details resembling a slithering snake.
Meals:
3 Mérida – Yucatán Boom Town
Discover the colonial and contemporary wonders of Mérida. Founded by the Spanish in 1542, it was built over an ancient Maya city. In its heyday, it was a center for the production of henequen, a kind of sisal used to make rope. With the boom in the sisal trade in the early 20th century, Mérida became tremendously wealthy. The benefactors of this boom built extravagant grand haciendas in the surrounding area. Tour the historic city center, viewing the well-preserved colonial architecture, churches and monuments of this thriving Yucatán community. Conclude your visit with a short calesa (horse-drawn carriage) ride.
Meals:
4 Riviera Maya – Vibrant ValladolidOn your way to the Riviera Maya, stop in the enchanting Yucatán town of Valladolid. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this “pueblo mágico” as you wander through its colonial heart, where the majestic San Gervasio Cathedral and serene Convent of San Bernardino de Siena stand as timeless testaments to the city’s heritage. Next, pause for a refreshing dive into one of the Yucatán’s secluded cenotes, water sinkholes formed by subterranean freshwater rivers. Cenotes were sacred to the Maya, who believed they represented an entrance to the underworld. Many valuable artifacts have been found in them over the years.
Meals:
5 Riviera Maya – Barefoot-Chic Coastal EscapeThere’s a reason the world’s top hoteliers compete over space on this stretch of Caribbean coastline. The oh-so-inviting ocean is warm and clear, the beaches sandy, the climate tropical, and the coastal towns punch above their weight with superb restaurants and beach bars. Take up scuba diving, snorkeling or simply make a splash on this cool stretch of coastline framed by bright blue skies and dense jungle and check into beach-view bedrooms and low-fi wellness retreats at some of the country’s most interesting design-led hotels.
Meals:
6 Riviera Maya – Snorkeling The Reefs Of AkumalEmbark on a private snorkeling adventure in Akumal’s crystal-clear waters. Begin with a scenic drive to Akumal Bay, known for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. Guided by an expert, snorkel alongside graceful sea turtles and explore the colorful underwater world. Afterward, travel to a nearby cenote for a freshwater swim, then refuel with lunch on the beach.
Meals:
7 Riviera Maya – Time To UnwindToday, unwind at your resort with a lazy beach day or a soak in your casita’s plunge pool.
Meals:
8 Depart Riviera MayaMeals:
