Cancún / Valladolid / Ek Balam / Chichen Itza

08:00 Am. Breakfast briefing of expedition with Maya World Staff and Senior Tour Guide. After breakfast we will depart to Explore the magnificent ruins of Ek'Balam (Maya for Jaguar Star). Dating from 900 A.D., this wealthy city-state was known for its rich carved stone, molded stucco ornamentation, stelae, a sophisticated network of roads, and numerous hieroglyphic texts.

Next, spend time at the colonial city of Valladolid, known as "The Pearl of the East." Valladolid is Yucatan's oldest city and second largest. It has preserved its colonial character of the mid 1500s. Enjoy exploring the plaza and life along the cobblestone streets. Visit the main plaza, La calzada de los frailes and the San Bernardino Convent. Continue to Chichen Itza for lodging at the Cenote and Ecological Bungalows at Ik Kil. An Eco-archeological Park.

Ik Kil, just 3 kms. east of Chichen Itza and Pisté. Called the "Sacred Blue Cenote," it´s a perfectly round well-type cenote with exuberant vegetation and waterfalls. This is an ideal place for swimming in its crystal clear blue water. 196 feet wide and about 130 feet deep, it´s an open cenote about 85 feet from the surface. A grand stairway leads you down the steps into the water?

Late lunch, then departure to the site of Chichen Itza to admire the Light & Sound spectacle.

You will see how technology brings the main structures of the site to colorful life, accompanied by a charming historical narration. Dinner. Overnight. (B-L).

Chichen Itza / Izamal / Mérida

Early breakfast in the restaurant corridors. Departure to Chichen Itza early to explore the Maya site. An expert guide will open your eyes to the wonders of the Maya culture, as you explore the magnificent ruins of Chichen Itza. In Chichen Itza is the most preserved and rebuilt pyramid of the Maya World, the famous El Castillo. Visit the sacred cenote where the ancient Mayas made sacrifices to their gods. Visit the ruins and form your own theories of what could have taken place. Ample time available to walk around and discover the marvels of the site.

Afterward, board our transportation to Izamal, one of Mexico's designated "magical towns." A colonial jewel were bright yellow buildings, iron lampposts, and cobbled stone streets reveal both Pre-Columbian and Spanish influences. This town represents the conflict between the Maya and Spanish cultures. It was originally The Royal Court of the Itzá Mayas and it later became the center for Father Diego de Landa's Spanish Inquisition. The Yucatan´s view is that the Franciscan´s built a covenant on the site of an ancient pyramid. Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch at Kinich Kakmo Restaurant.

Continue to Merida for lodging at the Caribe Hotel, a superb 4 star hotel in the Centro Historico of Mérida, It occupies a beautiful 17th century colonial building, once a catholic convent of San Idelfonso, now totally refurbished

After returning to Merida, the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B-L).