Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Mexico

Chiapas & the Yucatan Peninsula: Highlights & Hidden Sites

Program No. 25253RJ
Gain an overview of Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula while delving into Mayan history and modern culture at archaeological sites, villages and cities.
WishlistShare
Start
  • 25253_MX_YU_Chichenitza-lghoz.jpg
  • 25253-MX_Chiapas_SumideroCanyon-2c.jpg
  • 25253-MX_Chiapas_San-Cristobal-de-las-Casas-3c.jpg
  • 25253-MX_PalenqueCity-4c.jpg
  • 25253-MX_Chiapas_Misol-Ha-waterfall-5c.jpg
  • 25253-MX_Merida_FlagMonument-6c.jpg
  • 25253-MX-Aldea-cooking-class-c.jpg
  • 25253-MX_YU_Valladolid-7c.jpg
  • 25253-MX_YU_Valladolid-8c.jpg
  • 25253_MX_YU_Chichenitza-9c.jpg
Small GroupNature & EnvironmentNew
Length
13 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
4,999
Special Offer

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
29 meals ( 12B, 10L, 7D )
23 expert-led lectures
27 expert-led field trips
3 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Tuxtla Gutierrez is the capital of Chiapas. Despite its substandard economy, Chiapas is one of Mexico’s culturally richest states, often considered isolated and distant from the rest of the country both socially and geographically. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room assignment, meet your Group Leader at the Road Scholar hospitality table. You will be greeted with a welcome beverage, an information packet, and the schedule for the following morning.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 55 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking approximately 1.5 miles throughout the day. Getting on/off a small boat from a pier. Riding in calm waters along a river. Standing and walking at a slow pace for up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We’ll review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our Group Leader will also serve as our Study Leader for most field trips and deliver educational content unless specified otherwise. Transportation will be via private motorcoach with a small portion by train on the recently constructed Tren Maya. For meals that offer a choice of dishes, we’ll circulate a form in advance to note each person’s preferences and save time ordering. While in Mexico, purified water will always be available on the motorcoach, at the hotels, and in restaurants. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll check out of the hotel, board the private motorcoach, and drive to Zoomat, a unique park-zoo located in a lush tropical forest in the Zapotal Ecological Reserve. Since its founding in 1942, the zoo exhibits, studies, protects and preserves Chiapas’ native species, some running freely. On an expert-led visit, we will get acquainted with its “inhabitants” and learn about the challenges of conserving the varied species and their environment. We will then continue by motorcoach to Chiapa de Corzo, a small town with a rich cultural heritage.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Chiapa de Corzo.
Afternoon:
Led by our Group Leader, we will walk briefly through town; a red brick Arabic-inspired Fuente de la Pila highlights the plaza. The Spanish originally founded Chiapa de Coerzo but abandoned it in favor of higher altitudes. The site was thus left to the original Zoques indigenous population becoming known as “Chiapa de los Indios,” in contrast to “Chiapa de los Españoles,” the nickname of the new site, today’s San Christobal de las Casas. The impressive Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico’s iconic geological formations, is our next destination. We will board a boat from a pier and ride along the Grijalva River, responsible for carving the canyon as a consequence of a tectonic fault. While admiring its steep walls of up to 3,300 feet in height, we will learn about the canyon’s important ecosystem as a refuge for numerous species of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and endangered, crocodiles are particularly abundant. Among the many legends tied to the canyon, it is said that an entire Mayan tribe committed suicide to avoid Spanish domination. We will then venture into the Chiapas highlands to reach San Christobal de las Casas located at an altitude of 7,200 feet. As the road climbs through a pine oak forest the climate becomes cooler. Considered a colonial jewel, the charming city of cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, red tiled roofs and wrought iron balconies is Chiapa’s cultural capital.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. You may wish to begin exploring the city on your own from our centrally located hotel.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time on mountain roads. Short walks throughout the day, standing for up to 1 hour at each site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
“Ciudad Real de Chiapa,” as San Cristobal de las Casas was originally called, was founded by the Spanish on top of an indigenous settlement. The town eventually became the administrative and religious center for the region. Today, the city and its outlying region maintain a mosaic of indigenous and mestizo populations with a rich cultural identity. We will set out for an immersion into the Indigenous communities on the outskirts of San Cristobal. The Tzotzil people of San Juan Chamula, descendants of the Mayas, have been able to preserve their culture and ancestral traditions by resisting Spanish colonization. They conserved pre-Hispanic rituals, speak Tzotzil, dress in beautiful traditional clothing and practice a different version of Catholicism based on pre-Hispanic Maya beliefs. Visiting the church is a magical mystical experience. The saints represented are Mayan gods, people sit on the floor covered by pine needles among sacrificial offerings, candles, mirrors, water and more while shamans cleanse the bodies and souls of the faithful, sacrifice chickens and drink posh (a corn beverage). The self-ruled autonomous municipality does not permit Mexican police nor military to enter. We will then drive to the nearby town of Zinacantan, another Tzotzil community, where a feast of colorful embroideries awaits. The village is also organized in a community system, maintaining their identity through the centuries. We will return to San Cristobal for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Afternoon:
With our Group Leader, we will explore the city during a walking field trip. We will stroll along quaint cobblestone streets, admire the yellow emblematic Baroque Cathedral dominating the zocalo, see the neo-classical Palacio de Gobierno, Government Palace, the two-story wrought iron Kiosk, enter the exquisite baroque Santo Domingo Monastery and Church, the city’s finest displaying a mix of classical and Indigenous elements, and walk through el Arco del Carmen at the entrance of the historical center. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the city on your own. The San Christobal handicraft market is a treat to visit both for the diversity of its merchandise and of the local people buying and selling. The city boasts excellent museums, among them an ambar museum, a textile center and the Na Balom center displaying the Lacandon Indigenous Culture. If energetic, you may climb 80 plus steps to the small Guadalupe Church for a view of the city.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 140 miles, approximately 5.5 hours riding time on mountain roads. Short walks on slightly uphill uneven paths with steps, may be slippery; one elective set of steep steps; standing and slow walking up to 1 hour at each site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we depart the highlands to enter the rainforest of majestic vegetation and higher temperatures. We will drive across fields of corn and bananas and amid forested mountains where colorfully dressed Mayan girls and women sell drinks and local products at roadside stands. Our first stop is at Agua Azul waterfalls, a true gift of nature, designated as a Natural Biosphere Reserve in 1980. Set in exuberant nature, the magnificent bright turquoise blue limestone-rich falls form a series of cascades and pools along the Xanil river. We will slowly walk on an uphill path along the falls stopping to take in the breathtaking views. Deep blue pools and islands enhance the beauty of the scenery. The falls gradually become smaller and the calmer river is then sided by simple homes of local Indigenous people where children hold on to lianas to jump in the river. Our Group Leader will lecture on the falls, the vegetation, and help spot wildlife as we rest and admire the surroundings. We will have some independent time to enjoy the falls and, if desired, swim in the pools.
Lunch:
At a small restaurant at the falls.
Afternoon:
We will continue the drive to Palenque with a second stop to admire Misol-Ha, a 120-foot-high horsetail waterfall with a single cascade that falls into a circular pool apt for swimming. The bowl-shaped setting amid jungle vegetation is stunning. Different from Agua Azul, Misol Ha offers the opportunity to walk behind the fall, a refreshing respite from the heat rewarding the short but steep walk. Monkeys may be sighted leaping on tree branches and tropical birds may be flying overhead. Arriving in Palenque we will settle in the hotel set amid the rainforest. The vegetation is overwhelming. Giant ceibas, considered sacred by the Indigenous people, dominate above the canopy. After checking in, we’ll have time to settle in at the hotel. Before dinner, take advantage of the hotel location and facilities to relax at the pool and delight at nature.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Tonight, or any night when appropriate, enjoy the “sobremesa”—lingering at the table to chat after dinner—as is customary in Mexico.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; minimal driving. Walking about 3.5 miles in a variety of terrain: some wide relatively flat and even paths at site, downhill on rustic uneven path with steps that may be slippery in the rainforest; some elective steep high steps at pyramids; slow walking and standing up to 2 hours at site and museum. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Early risers may be rewarded with sightings of wildlife within the hotel grounds especially birds and Howler monkeys. The sights and sounds can be a memorable experience. We will take the short drive to Palenque Archeological Site located within the Palenque National Park, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. With our Group Leader, we will explore the site containing some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture, sculptures, and carvings in an unmatched jungle setting. Characteristic of Palenque are the mansard-like roofs and finely crafted reliefs of the temples and the well-preserved hieroglyphic inscriptions which reveal ample information on Mayan culture, daily life, beliefs, and history. The city achieved its splendor in the 600s CE during the reign of Pakal the Great and his dynasty. Pakal’s tomb inside the Temple of the Inscriptions, contained a rich collection of jade including a mask and a complete suit, each piece hand-carved and held together by gold wires. The famous mask of the Red Queen was found in another tomb. The Palace, a building complex for the aristocracy, includes a four-story tower and an aqueduct to bring fresh water to the baths and saunas. Three tall pyramids topped by dentelles comprise the Temples of the Cross. The city began to decay after the Pakal dynasty and was eventually abandoned; it was rapidly covered by the dense jungle, protecting it from destruction and looting. Restoration began in the 1940s, although the majority of the 1,400 buildings are still covered by the jungle and protected within the Palenque National Park, established to conserve the ruins and the perennial rainforest of the Lacandon Jungle. Beginning at the archeological site, we will set out along a trail through the thick lush forest passing by waterfalls, spotting unrestored temples and learning about jungle ecosystems and biodiversity. The walk ends at the entrance of the site with free time to freshen up and visit the museum.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a train and a motorcoach; train ride is approximately 5 hours; driving 100 miles, 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles on flat city sidewalks with some uneven stones; climb high steps in city walls; standing up to 1/2 hour per site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Early risers will have a second opportunity to view wildlife and awe at the rainforest before breakfast. Checking out of the hotel, we will set out by motorcoach for the Palenque train station located next to the archeological site where we will hop onto our designated seats. Mexico recently inaugurated the Tren Maya, a train line servicing the Yucatan Peninsula. We will take advantage of the comfortable new train cars for the longer transfer between Palenque and Campeche. The train services small communities otherwise lacking in adequate transportation. Along the way, our Group Leader will discuss today’s Mayas in their adaptation to modern lifestyles. Arrival in Campeche is scheduled for midday. We will rejoin our motorcoach at the train station and transfer to the city center for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Campeche is proud to be Mexico’s only walled city. The walls and forts that enclose the city center were built in the 17th century because of frequent attacks by pirates. In addition to its fortifications, the city is known for its exquisite, well-preserved colonial architecture of the historic center. Led by our Group Leader, we will stroll along the cobblestone pedestrian streets past the pastel-colored buildings, climb on the ramparts of the fortifications, cross the city gates, and continue to the broad waterfront promenade overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. We will reboard our motorcoach and continue the drive to Uxmal making a couple of stops along the way. An unforgettable experience is a visit to the Pomuch Cemetery where Mayans have conserved a unique tradition of connecting with their loved ones. Three years after a dear person passes away, the body is exhumed, and the bones are carefully cleaned and placed in open boxes. The bone cleansing ceremony is repeated on the Day of the Dead every year thereafter. We will walk through the cemetery to view the open boxes neatly arranged on shelves, then continue by motorcoach to our next stop in the town of Becal. Famous for its production of Jipi Japa (Panama) hats, we will see artisans at work and learn about the process of hat making which is generally completed inside damp caves. The day ends in Uxmal where we will check in at our next hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the tranquility of the hotel’s surroundings.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; short drives. Walking about 2 miles on mostly flat but uneven terrain, including an evening walk on graded paths at the archeological site: some steep high steps; standing up to 1 hour per site; slow walking and standing at chocolate-story museum and at the Sound and Light Show.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll depart by motorcoach with our Group Leader to explore Uxmal, one of the most important Maya Archeological sites. Dating to the Maya classical period, Uxmal reached its splendor in the 800s-900s CE, becoming the capital of the Puuc region. The site boasts massive palaces with smooth walls and highly ornate bas-relief friezes. Outstanding structures are the Governor’s Palace, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Ball Game, and the monumental emblematic Pyramid of the Magician which soars above the tropical vegetation. Mayan gods with many representations of the big-nosed rain god Chaac decorate the palaces. Snakes are equally recurrent as well as macaws, doves, and turtles. We will see remains of the stone roads called Sacbe that connected the cities of the Puuc Region. At the end of our visit led by our Group Leader, we will drive to nearby Muna, a Mayan village with a towering church ex-convent, where we will have a traditional Yucatec lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Muna.
Afternoon:
Before departing the town, we will visit a shop where local families elaborate ceramics maintaining traditional Mayan techniques. Back in Uxmal, we will be treated to a chocolate experience. In a chocolate museum, we will gain knowledge of the history of cacao, one of Mexico’s important gifts to the world. We will see and learn about the cocoa tree, assist in a Mayan ceremony to bless the chocolate and take part in a chocolate workshop where we taste chocolate beverages prepared in the Mayan tradition. We’ll then have some time to freshen up at the hotel, relax, or stroll through the many paths in the forest and get ready for the evening event.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
We’ll gather again after dinner to re-enter Uxmal Archeological Site for a Sound and Light show, a recent production in which buildings come to life as we walk through the site. Returning to the hotel, prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and on/off a small boat from the shore; driving 240 miles, approximately 3.5 hours riding time. Getting on/off a small boat; riding for approximately 2.5 hours with stops. Walking up to 1 mile on flat uneven trails; standing up to ½ hour per site.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart Uxmal in our motorcoach headed for Yucatan’s western coast to explore Ria Celestúm Biosphere Reserve, “ria” meaning a long narrow inlet. As we drive, our Group Leader will discuss ecosystems and biodiversity of the Yucatan peninsula. Declared a biosphere in the year 2000, the reserve is a natural wetland in which fresh water from emerging aquafers mixes with salt water from the sea, creating an ideal habitat for over 400 species of birds and mammals, the famed pink flamingos among them. The Celestúm flamingos are noted for their intense pink color caused by the high concentration of carotene contained in the water and by certain crustaceans found in their local food supply. We will board small boats and ride along the “ria,” through marshes, mangroves and lagoons. We will learn to distinguish between white, red, and black mangles, swim in a freshwater lagoon, and spot the fauna, especially the flamingos. Back at the pier, we will have lunch in a beach palapa restaurant.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant on a beach in Celestum.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will enjoy some free time to stroll along the palm-lined beach, swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or sit back and enjoy. We will then board our motorcoach for the short drive to Merida, the capital of the State of Yucatan. As we drive, the Group Leader will discuss the history and cultural importance of Merida, designated a UNESCO Global Network of Learning City committed to preserving its multicultural identity. Haciendas multiplied and prospered in the Yucatan Peninsula during the henequen boom. The Cast War and synthetic fibers ended the industry and haciendas were abandoned. Today, some haciendas have been restored as hotels providing a unique experience; we will stay in one of them, located on the outskirts of Merida. Arriving at the hacienda, we’ll settle in with time to freshen up. We’ll gather before dinner in the garden for a Tequila event. In a presentation by our Group Leader, we will learn about the history and process of agave-based Mexican beverages such as Tequila and Mezcal, then taste them to distinguish flavors. Salud!
Dinner:
At the hacienda.
Evening:
At leisure. You may wander through the hacienda and take advantage of its amenities.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a motorcoach and in/out of a horse-drawn carriage; driving 70 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking about 2 miles on mostly flat but uneven terrain and city sidewalks with cobblestones; slow walking and standing up to 1/2 hour in some sites.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will ride on the motorcoach to Sotuta de Peón, a working henequen hacienda that has been restored as a historical monument. Henequen is a type of agave from which a fiber is extracted from the leaves, spun into a resistant thread then used to produce sturdy ropes, sacks, mats, and other products that were in high demand mainly at the turn of the 19th century. Mayas cultivated henequen and used it since pre-Hispanic times, but it was with the colony that henequen production boomed in the Yucatan and the fiber became known as “green gold.” Today its demand is very limited, and the era of the majestic haciendas remained in the past. Sotuta de Peon is still actively working in producing ropes. On a field trip led by local workers, we will step back in time as we witness the process of converting the henequen into fibers and ropes using hand processes and machinery. We will walk through the restored house-museum and learn about the complex self-sufficient lifestyle of a hacienda. Lastly, we will ride on a wagon though the agave fields to reach a cenote and delight on a refreshing swim in the cool, clear, fresh water. A layer of limestone rock covers the underground water throughout most of the Yucatan peninsula, occasionally creating “cenotes,” sinkholes—some in immense caves—each with a special charm. Several are located within the hacienda.
Lunch:
At the henequen hacienda.
Afternoon:
We will return to Merida in the afternoon. Montejo, the Spanish conqueror of Yucatan, founded the city in 1542 on top of a Mayan city using the carved stones of the Mayan temples for the construction of palaces and edifices. During the colony, the wealth obtained from henequen production promoted growth and prosperity to the city and rich mansions were established. Today the city boasts a historic colonial center with plazas and lively streets, several museums, and a rich Mayan heritage. On a walking field trip led by our Group Leader, we will get to know some of the city’s highlights, among them the monumental San Idelfonso Cathedral, the oldest church in continental America, reminiscent of a fortress. We will also stroll along sumptuous Paseo Montejo, the most important avenue of the city, lined with opulent French style mansions and palaces. We will then have some time for independent exploration before we gather for dinner. You may wish to visit one of Merida’s fine museums, the Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will taste Yucatec cuisine to confirm that Merida deserves the designated title of UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Evening:
We will return to the hacienda after dinner, and the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a motorcoach; driving 130 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking approximately 3 miles on mostly flat but uneven paths with steps, climbing high steps at pyramids if desired; slow walking and standing up to 1/2 hour in some sites.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
oving on from Merida, we will reboard our motorcoach for a brief visit of the small elegant yellow “Magical City” of Izamal, known as the town of the Three Cultures due to its presence of pre-Hispanic, colonial and modern buildings. Founded in 1549 by Fray Diego de Landa, the stunning Franciscan Convent of San Antonio de Padua is one of the most impressive monasteries in Mesoamerica. The adjacent monumental plaza surrounded by arches served to receive the pilgrims as they waited in line to enter the convent. Painted in bright yellow, the not-to-miss site is spectacular. Our Group Leader will offer insight on the history and importance of the convent and the town. We will reboard and continue to Chichen Itza Archeological Site, famous world-wide. As stated by the UNESCO: “The monuments of Chichen-Itza, particularly … the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Kukulkan and the Temple of the Warriors, are among the undisputed masterpieces of Mesoamerican architecture because of the beauty of their proportions, the refinement of their construction and the splendor of their sculpted decorations.” The Mayan city began in the 400s CE but it was with the migration of the Toltecs from the Central Mexican Plateau in the 900s CE that the city “reached its splendor becoming the most important example of the fusion of Mayan and Toltec architecture reflecting their vision of the world and the universe.” Led by our Group Leader, we will explore the most outstanding features of the site. We will then have some time on our own to choose what we like for a quick lunch.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We’ll carry on to Valladolid by motorcoach to settle in our hotel, located steps away from the main plaza. Founded in the early years of the colony, the city preserves its colonial style architecture. On a brief stroll, we will get acquainted with the main plaza, view the dominating San Gervasio temple, and admire the Zaci cenote located in the city center before departing for an immersive experience into traditional ancestral Maya cuisine. We will drive briefly to the outskirts of the city to an aldea, a self-sufficient rural settlement, to be greeted by the Cen Canché family. Descendents of the Maya, the family preserves customs, traditions, and ancient techniques to prepare unique dishes. Together with the hosts, we will gather fresh ingredients from the orchard and the chicken pen, then using traditional methods such as grinding stones and open pit fires, we will chop, grind, strain, and cook as we snack on “sikil p’ak” salsa, drink chaya water, and delve into Maya language and customs. We will then have a sit-down dinner that we helped prepare as we share in the life of the family.
Dinner:
At the cooking event
Evening:
At leisure. Steps away from the hotel is the plaza, colorful and lively in the evenings, a favorite gathering place for the locals. If desired, you may assist at a light and sound show at San Bernardino Convent, a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a motorcoach; driving 220 miles, approximately 4.5 hours riding time. Walking approximately 2 miles on mostly flat but uneven terrain, slight uphills; slow walking and standing up to 1.5 hours at sites. Climbing some high stone steps. Walking on mainly flat city sidewalks as desired.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will reach the last destination in the Yucatan peninsula by exploring the state of Quintana Roo. On our first stop, we will search for wildlife, especially spider monkeys, in the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve. The reserve was founded and is managed as a cooperative of approximately 30 local Mayan families. A shaman will perform a traditional ceremony before we begin an interpretive walk led by a local Mayan resident to learn about the vegetation while searching for monkeys and more. We will continue the drive in our motorcoach to reach the shores of the Caribbean Sea as we visit the most scenic archeological site – Tulúm.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Located within the Tulum National Park, the panoramic site overlooks the turquoise waters from atop of a 40-foot cliff. Built in the late Postclassic (1200-1520 CE), one of the last Mayan cities before the arrival of the Spanish, the site was a port and trading center. Protection against invasions was important in the heavily fortified walled city as it traded precious products such as obsidian, copper, and salt on routes both by land and by sea. The Castle Pyramid, Tulum’s emblematic building, dominates the ruins. Frescos are preserved in the pyramid, as well as in the Temple of the Frescos, and sculptures dominate the temple of the Descending God. Led by our Group Leader, we will walk along the paths, enter the buildings, admire the spectacular view, and be amused by the numerous iguanas running throughout. We will then continue for the last driving stretch of the program. Known as the lagoon of the seven colors, Bacalar Lagoon is still an off-the-beaten-path experience. Designated a “magical town”, the small Mexican town of Bacalar located on its shores gives us an insight into Mexican life. As we drive, the Group Leader will delve into the interesting formation of the freshwater lagoon, the causes of its colorful waters, and its ecosystems including the rare presence of stromatolites – microbial reefs. We will settle in our lagoon-front hotel before we take our motorcoach for the short drive into town. We will have some time to explore the plaza on our own and to choose a restaurant for the independent dinner. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
We will regather with the Group Leader and drive back to the hotel. Enjoy the tranquility and get a good night’s rest.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting in/out of a small boat from a pier and from the shore; boat ride is approximately 3 hours with stops. Swimming in calm waters. Swimming in rapids, if desired.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today is relaxed, focusing on water activities and delighting in the beauty of the crystal-clear lagoon and the laid-back lifestyle of the local town. We will begin to explore the lagoon by private boat, admiring its seven shades of blue and identifying the cenotes that created the lagoon. We will be making stops to take in the isolation and the scenery. We will search for birds as we cruise along Bird Island and swim in the unique electric-blue water and shimmering white sand of Pirate’s Channel. As our local expert narrates, pirates are associated with the lagoon. In the 1700s, pirates searching mainly for logwood trees in demand in Spain, navigated in the lagoon often clashing with the local population. The fortress standing in the city center and Pirate’s Channel are reminders of those struggles. We will return to the hotel to freshen up before lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
We will set out for another of Bacalar’s adventures, floating along a crystal-clear river within the lagoon. The lagoon water enters a channel forming a current that will move us along effortlessly and smoothly while we enjoy the vegetation, the vibrant colors of the water, and the stromatolite reefs below us. We will continue to the last stop of the day to view the adjacent Cenote Azul, the water appearing dark blue due to its depth of over 300 feet. We will then return to the hotel and have some time for independent exploration or simply to relax before regrouping for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Toast farewell to Mexico and to travel companions, until we meet again. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A box breakfast is provided for early departures. Our Group Leader will be present for farewells and to help us with our scheduled transfer from the hotel to the Chetumal Airport. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.





Recommended For You