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A large stone step-pyramid at a Mayan archaeological site in Mexico under a partly cloudy blue sky.
Mexico

Chiapas & the Yucatan Peninsula: Highlights & Hidden Sites

Program No. 25253RJ
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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
14 days
13 nights
What's Included
33 meals ( 13B, 12L, 8D )
22 expert-led lectures
25 expert-led field trips
3 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
13 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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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. For afternoon and evening arrivals, your Group Leader will greet you at the hotel, help you with checking in, suggest dinner options and point out the private meeting room 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. 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 1.5 hour riding time. Standing and walking at a slow pace for up to 1.5 hour. Getting on/off a small boat from a pier. Riding in calm waters along a river. 1 flight of stairs without handrails
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. 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 Corzo but abandoned it in favor of higher altitudes. The site was thus left to the original Zoque indigenous population and became known as “Chiapa de los Indios,” in contrast to “Chiapa de los Españoles,” the name given to the new settlement, 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. As large buses cannot enter the city center, we will be dropped off near the hotel and walk the short remaining distance. Luggage will be transferred separately by private vans.
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, partially on cobblestones, slight uphills. Slow walking and standing for up to 1 hour at each site. 1 flight of stairs
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 the city. 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 pox (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 Zinacantán, another Tzotzil community now devoted to flower cultivation while preserving its tradition of colorful embroidery. We will visit the home of a family of skilled artisans and admire their fine workmanship. We will also step into their simple kitchen to make and sample freshly grilled tortillas and enjoy a tasting of pox. The village is organized around a strong community system that has preserved its identity for centuries. We will then return to San Cristóbal for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in San Cristobal de las Casas.
Afternoon:
Accompanied by our Group Leader, we will explore the city on a walking tour. We will stroll along quaint cobblestone streets, admire the iconic yellow Baroque Cathedral overlooking the zócalo, and see the neoclassical Palacio de Gobierno facing the two-story wrought-iron kiosk. We will also visit the exquisite Santo Domingo Monastery and Church—one of the city’s finest examples of Baroque architecture—featuring a blend of classical and indigenous elements, and walk through El Arco del Carmen at the entrance to the historic center. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the city on your own. In addition to a craft market, the city offers a variety of museums, including an ambar museum, a textile center and the Na Balom museum 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; 1 flight of stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today we depart the highlands and descend into the rainforest, where lush vegetation and warmer temperatures await. The scenic mountain road winds through forested hills offering panoramic views as we make a dramatic 7,000-foot descent into the tropical lowlands. Along the way, scattered homes and small cornfields line the roadside, with coffee beans and chiles laid out on mats to dry. 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. Our Group Leader will share information on the falls and the vegetation, as we admire the surroundings followed by some independent time.
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 plunges into a circular pool. 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 into our hotel set in the rainforest. The vegetation is overwhelming. Towering ceiba trees, considered sacred by the Indigenous People, rise above the canopy. After checking in, we’ll have time to freshen up before dinner.
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. You may also wish to take a refreshing dip in the inviting pool.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; minimal driving. Walking about 3.5 miles in a variety of terrain: wide relatively flat and even paths at site; rustic uneven paths with steps and sometimes downhills 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. 1 flight of stairs 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, particularly birds and howler monkeys. We will take the short drive to Palenque Archeological Site located within the Palenque National Park, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1981. Led by a local guide, we will follow a trail through the dense lush forest spotting unrestored temples and learning about jungle ecosystems and biodiversity Afterwards, with our Group Leader, we will explore the site, home to some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture, sculptures, and carvings in an unparalleled 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, now displayed in the on-site museum. The Palace complex, once home to the aristocracy, includes a four-story tower and an aqueduct that supplied fresh water to the baths and saunas. Three tall pyramids topped by distinctive dentelles comprise the Temples of the Cross. The city began to decay after the fall of 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 remain hidden beneath the jungle and protected within the Palenque National Park, established to conserve the ruins and the perennial rainforest of the Lacandon Jungle. We will conclude our visit with a scenic downhill walk to re-board our bus and continue to the town of Palenque for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
If the museum visit is not possible in the morning, it will be scheduled after lunch before continuing to the hotel. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to enjoy the hotel and its facilities—relax, stroll along the paths while spotting wildlife, or take a swim in the pools. In the late afternoon, we will regroup on the poolside patio for Tequila and Mezcal 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 is on your own to enjoy what you like. Please note that the scheduled free time may be adjusted 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 cobblestones; standing up to 1/2 hour per site, uneven steps to enter the cave. Few stone steps at hotel with no handrail
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today marks an early departure. We will have coffee and rolls in the hotel reception before transferring to the Palenque train station to board the train to Campeche; breakfast will be on board. Recently inaugurated, Mexico’s Tren Maya serves the Yucatán Peninsula. We will take advantage of its comfortable, modern cars for this longer journey between Palenque and Campeche. The line also serves small communities that otherwise lack adequate transportation. Our bus will transport our luggage separately and meet us at the Campeche station upon our scheduled midday arrival. We will then transfer to the city center for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Campeche is proud to be Mexico’s only walled city. Its encircling walls and forts were built in the 17th century to defend against frequent pirate attacks. In addition, the city is renowned for the beautifully preserved colonial architecture of its enclosed historic center. Led by our Group Leader, we will stroll along cobblestone pedestrian streets from Puerta del Mar (“Sea Gate”) to Puerta de la Tierra (“Land Gate”), passing pastel-colored buildings as we hear stories of wealth and piracy that highlight the history of this unique city. We will then reboard our motorcoach and continue toward Uxmal, making a couple of memorable stops along the way. One highlight is a visit to the cemetery in Pomuch, where Maya communities maintain a distinctive tradition of honoring their loved ones. Three years after burial, remains are exhumed, carefully cleaned, and placed in open boxes; this ritual is repeated annually during Day of the Dead celebrations. We will walk through the cemetery to observe the boxes arranged on shelves before continuing on. Our next stop is the town of Becal, known for its finely crafted jipi japa (Panama) hats. Here, we will see artisans at work and learn about the intricate process of hat-making, often carried out inside cool, damp caves. The day concludes in Uxmal, where we will check in at our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the tranquility of the hotel’s surroundings.
Activity Note
Getting on and off a motorcoach; short drives. Walking about 2 miles on mostly flat but uneven, graded terrain at the archaeological site, with some steep, high steps. Standing for up to 1 hour per site; slow walking and standing at the chocolate-story museum. Few stone steps at hotel with no handrail
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Located just across from the hotel, we will set out on foot with our Group Leader to explore Uxmal, one of the most important Maya archaeological sites. Dating to the Classic period, Uxmal reached its peak in the 8th–10th centuries CE, when it became the capital of the Puuc region. The site is distinguished by its massive palaces with smooth façades and intricately carved bas-relief friezes. Among its most remarkable structures are the Governor’s Palace, the Nunnery Quadrangle, the Ball Court, and the monumental Pyramid of the Magician, which rises dramatically above the surrounding tropical vegetation. The palaces are richly decorated with representations of Maya deities, especially the long-nosed rain god Chaac, as well as recurring motifs of snakes, macaws, doves, and turtles. We will also see remnants of the sacbéob—ancient stone roads that once connected the cities of the Puuc region. At the end of our visit, we will board our bus and drive to nearby Muna, a Maya village known for its impressive church and former convent, where we will enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch at a family-run restaurant.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Muna.
Afternoon:
Before leaving the family restaurant, we will visit a shop run by talented family members who create ceramics using traditional Maya techniques, decorating each piece with exquisite reproductions of ancient designs. Back in Uxmal, we will walk though a botanical garden with a chocolate focus for an enjoyable experience. Cacao is one of Mexico’s most celebrated gifts to the world. We will learn about its history and significance to the Maya as well as its importance today. We will see cacao trees, witness a Maya ceremony to bless the chocolate, and sample a traditional chocolate beverage, with the option to try a version flavored with chiles and spices. Afterward, we will return to the hotel with time to freshen up, relax, or take a swim in the pool before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the tranquility of the hotel and prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and in/out of a horse-drawn wagon. Driving 70 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles on flat uneven paths, some gravely. Standing up to 1 hour. 1 flight of stairs
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The next adventure explores the historical importance of henequen fiber (sisal) in the Yucatán Peninsula. Departing from Uxmal, we visit Sotuta de Peón, a restored and still-operating henequen hacienda that stands as a living historical monument. Henequen is a type of agave plant whose leaves are used to make a durable fiber extracted from its leaves, spun into strong thread, and used to produce ropes, sacks, mats, and other goods. While the Maya cultivated and used henequen since pre-Hispanic times, its production expanded dramatically during the colonial period, when the fiber became known as “green gold” and enriched the region’s economy, particularly at the turn of the 19th century. Today, demand has declined, and the grand era of the haciendas has largely passed—though Sotuta de Peón continues to produce rope using traditional methods. Guided by local workers, we step back in time to observe the transformation of agave leaves into fiber, and then into rope, using both hand techniques and rustic machinery. We also explore the beautifully restored hacienda house-museum, gaining insight into the complex, self-sufficient lifestyle of these estates. Our visit concludes with a ride on a horse-drawn rail cart through the agave fields to a cenote, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in its cool, crystal-clear waters. Across much of the Yucatán peninsula, underground freshwater flows beneath a layer of limestone. In places where the surface collapses, “cenotes” are formed—natural sinkholes that may be open-air or hidden within caves, each possessing its own unique beauty. Back on the wagon, we return to the hacienda dining room for lunch.
Lunch:
At the henequen hacienda.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán. When synthetic fibers brought an end to the henequen industry, many haciendas were abandoned. In recent years, however, some have been restored and converted into hotels. We will spend the next two nights at one such hacienda, located on the outskirts of Mérida. Upon arrival, we will have time to settle in and enjoy the grounds, whether strolling through the gardens or taking a swim in the pool, before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel
Evening:
At leisure. Enjoy the company of your fellow travelers at a “sobremesa”.
Activity Note
Getting on/off of a motorcoach and on/off a small boat from the shore; driving 140 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1.5 miles on flat city sidewalks with cobblestones; slow walking and standing up to 1 hour; 1 flight of stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, an exciting excursion into nature awaits as we set out to view flamingos in their natural habitat. Traveling by motorcoach to the western coast of Yucatán, we visit the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve - “ría” meaning a long, narrow inlet. Designated a biosphere reserve in 2000, this unique wetland is where freshwater from underground aquifers mixes with seawater, creating an ideal environment for more than 400 species of birds and other wildlife, including the famed pink flamingos. The flamingos of Celestún are particularly noted for their vivid pink color, a result of the carotene-rich waters and the crustaceans that make up their diet. We will board small boats and ride along the ría, passing through marshes and towering mangroves as we search for wildlife. With luck, we see the flamingos! Gathered together in large groups, they form brilliant pink clusters in the shallow brackish waters—some feeding, others in flight, and many standing gracefully on one leg—an unforgettable sight. After our boat excursion, we return to the pier and continue to a local restaurant for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant on a beach in Celestum.
Afternoon:
Back in Mérida, we set out to explore the city. Founded in 1542 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Montejo atop the remains of a Maya city, Mérida was built using the carved stones of ancient temples to construct its colonial buildings and palaces. During the colonial period, wealth generated by the henequen industry promoted growth and prosperity and rich mansions were established. Today, Mérida offers a historic center with plazas, lively streets, museums, and a rich Maya heritage. As we enter the city, we will drive along the elegant Paseo de Montejo, where opulent French-style mansions and palaces still stand as reminders of a prosperous past. We will then arrive at the main plaza and continue on a walking exploration led by our Group Leader, visiting some of the city’s highlights. Among them is the impressive San Ildefonso Cathedral, the oldest cathedral on the American mainland, with a fortress-like appearance. We will also visit the Government Palace to view its interesting murals, with insights from our Group Leader into the significance of the muralist movement in Mexico. Some free time will give you the opportunity to explore on your own before we regroup for dinner. You may wish to visit one of Mérida’s museums, stroll along its shop-lined streets, or relax and take in the atmosphere in the lively main square.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
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 110 miles, approximately 2.5 hours riding time. Walking approximately 3 miles on mostly flat but uneven gravely paths with some steps; slow walking and standing up to 3 hour; Walking on flat city sidewalks as desired. One flight of stairs at the Cenote, may be slippery.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Moving on from Merida, we will reboard our motorcoach headed for the world-renowned Chichen Itza Archeological Site. Led by our Group Leader, we will explore the site’s most iconic structures, delving into the history, the architecture, the myths and legends that define this treasured site. Founded in the 5th century CE, the Mayan city flourished centuries later, reaching its height in the 10th century following the arrival of the Toltecs from the Central Mexican Plateau. During this later period 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 of the universe.” As described 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.” Among other structures, we will point out El Caracol, a circular observatory that allowed the Maya to study the heavens, track celestial bodies - especially Venus - and predict astronomical events such as eclipses. Within the site lies the Sacred Cenote, a natural sinkhole believed to be a gateway to the underworld, where offerings to the gods, including human sacrifices, were made. Our visit concludes at the recently opened museum before regrouping for the short transfer to lunch.
Lunch:
In a restaurant near the site
Afternoon:
We reboard the motorcoach and travel to a scenic open-air cenote for a refreshing swim before continuing to Valladolid. Founded in the early colonial period, this charming Pueblo Mágico preserves its elegant colonial architecture, lively central plaza, and a local Mayan ambiance, with inviting shops and restaurants. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, conveniently located just steps from the main square, with some time to relax and freshen up. We then regroup for a walk with our Group Leader to the plaza, dominated by the San Gervasio Church, before continuing along a picturesque alleyway to the San Bernardino Convent. Standing before its impressive façade, our Group Leader will share insights into the role of convents during the colonial era. The remainder of the day is free, return to the plaza or the hotel at your own pace, or choose to explore the convent independently. Dinner is not included, giving you the freedom to choose what you like best.
Dinner:
On your own
Evening:
At leisure. You may want to see the brief light and sound show projected onto Cathedral façade overlooking the plaza at 9:00 pm. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a motorcoach; driving 170 miles, under 4 hours riding time. Minimal walking on uneven terrain in the Aldea; slow walking and standing up to 1.5 hours at sites; climbing one flight of stairs at the hotel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
You may wish to take an early morning stroll through Valladolid to take advantage of late hotel departure. Reaching the outskirts of the city, our motorcoach will detour along a stretch of graded road to reach an aldea where an immersive culinary and cultural experience in ancestral Maya cuisine awaits. In a Mayan Aldea, meaning a self-sufficient rural settlement, we are welcomed by the Cen Canché family. The traditional Maya family is proud to preserve customs, traditions, and ancient techniques to prepare unique dishes. Together with the hosts, we will gather fresh ingredients from the premises while identifying native plants and herbs as we glimpse into the daily life of the family. Everyone helps with the complex preparation of the cochinita pibil until it is placed in a hot underground pit. While the chicken is cooking, using traditional methods such as grinding stones and open pit fires, we continue chopping, grinding, straining, cooking and patting tortillas as we snack on “sikil p’ak” salsa, tamales and more, drink chaya water, and delve into Maya language and customs. We will then un-earth the chicken as a final dish. A hand—made chocolate patty complements the meal. After warm farewells to our hosts, we continue the journey.
Lunch:
At the cooking event
Afternoon:
A new adventure awaits as we continue our journey across the Yucatán Peninsula, this time into the state of Quintana Roo. Our destination is Bacalar Lagoon, often called the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” for its striking shades of blue. Far from the crowds of the Caribbean beaches, Bacalar offers a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience. During our drive, our Group Leader will introduce the lagoon’s unique geological formation and its delicate ecosystem, including the rare presence of stromatolites—ancient microbial formations among the oldest life forms on Earth. Upon arrival, we will settle into our lagoon-front hotel. After a short time to freshen up, we will gather by the waterfront for a welcome drink accompanied by a ceviche snack. Dinner is on your own this evening to choose what you like.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
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 and in rapids, if desired; climbing one flight of stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Early risers may wish to stroll out onto the private pier to watch the sun rise over the lagoon. Today is designed for relaxation, centered on water activities and the enjoyment of Bacalar’s crystal-clear waters and laid-back atmosphere. We will begin our exploration of the lagoon by private boat, departing from the hotel pier. As we glide across the water, we will identify the cenotes that feed the lagoon while admiring its vivid shades of blue. Passing Bird Island, we will look for native species. At Pirate’s Channel, we will have the opportunity to swim in shallow, electric-blue waters over a soft, white floor formed by stromatolites. As our local expert shares the history of the area, we will learn about the pirates who once navigated these waters in search of valuable logwood, highly prized in European markets for its dye. In the 18th century, they frequently clashed with local inhabitants, and the fortress in the town center, along with Pirate’s Channel, stands as a reminder of those turbulent times. We will then return to the hotel to freshen up before setting out for another of Bacalar’s unique experiences—the rapids.
Lunch:
At the rapids
Afternoon:
After a quick lunch on the shores of the lagoon, we will enjoy a unique floating experience—another highlight of the day. As the lagoon’s waters flow into a narrow channel, a gentle current carries us along effortlessly, allowing us to enjoy the surrounding vegetation, the vibrant hues of the crystal clear water, and the stromatolite formations beneath us. Our final visit of the day is to nearby Cenote Azul. Encircled by lush vegetation and with a depth of over 300 feet, the dark blue waters of the circular cenote emanate an air of mystery. We will then return to the hotel, where there will be time for independent exploration or simply to relax before regrouping for a private, leisurely dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. With luck, we may see the moonlight reflecting on the lagoon’s surface. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting in/out of a motorcoach; driving 220 miles, approximately 4 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 site. Climbing some uneven stone steps.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
On our way to the program’s final destination, we will visit the Tulum archaeological site. Leaving the tranquility of Bacalar behind, we travel to the shores of the Caribbean Sea to explore one of the region’s most scenic sites—Tulum. Set within Tulum National Park, this remarkable site overlooks the turquoise waters of the Caribbean from atop a 40-foot cliff. Built during the Late Postclassic period (1200–1520 CE), Tulum was among the last Maya cities before the arrival of the Spanish and served as both a port and a vital trading hub. Its heavily fortified walls reflect the need for protection, as valuable goods such as obsidian, copper, and salt were traded along both land and sea routes. The iconic Castillo (Castle Pyramid) dominates the site, while the Temple of the Descending God features notable sculptural details visible from the exterior, as entry into the buildings is not permitted. Accompanied by our Group Leader, we will walk along the site’s pathways, learn about its history, take in the spectacular coastal views, and spot the many iguanas that roam freely throughout the ruins.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant
Afternoon:
We continue to Cancun on our motorcoach where we settle-in our convenient airport hotel to facilitate departures the following day. After taking a moment to freshen up, we’ll head out for our farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant and toast farewell to Mexico and to travel companions, until we meet again.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant
Evening:
Return to the hotel to get ready for independent departure the following day.
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 International Cancun 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!
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