THE CLASSICAL MAYAN TOUR OF THE YUCATAN PENINSULA
5 Days • 4 Nights
Tour of Tulum, Cobá, Chichen Itzá, Uxmal, Labna, Kabah, Loltun Caves, Mayapan, Acanceh, Ek Balam, and colonial Valladolid and Merida

Day 1: Morning pick up at the hotel. The day’s journey begins with a visit to the spectacular Mayan ruins of TULUM. This site, perched atop cliffs overlooking the blue Caribbean, is the most visited of the ancient Mayan archeological sites. Graceful and elegant Mayan temples and art adorn this place. Every angle is a photographer dream come true. After the guided tour free time to visit the beach below. Take a swim, or for shoppers there is a market where you can browse for local Mayan art and textiles.
After lunch visit the archeological site at COBA. Coba is unique in that it has been minimally restored. Visit these extensive jungle ruins by foot, bicycle or by tricycle. Coba is situated in a lush natural environment filled with many species of animals, birds and butterflies, home to the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan. The vista from the top is spectacular viewing above the jungle canopy for miles in each direction. Coba is a startling example of how the Maya created structures that have stood the test of time.
The evening will be spent at the Villas Archeologicas Hotel with excellent restaurant, pool & bar located near the archeological site in Chichen Itzá.

Day 2: This morning visit CHICHEN ITZA the most majestic of the Mayan ruins.   This mysterious city was an important Mayan Centre, without a doubt, the most famous Mayan archeological site today. The ruins carefully preserved posses’ powerful frescoes, shocking sacrificial imagery and grand pyramid of Kululcan. Learn about this fascinating civilization and its tremendous political influence in the Terminal Classic and Post Classic Mayan world. 
After a lunch option to return to the ruins with the guide or visit the nearby caves or a cenote (natural limestone filtered pool) for a refreshing afternoon swim.
In the late afternoon journey to Uxmal, to overnight at the Villas Archeologicas Hotel which is adjacent to the archeological site with excellent restaurant, pool and bar.

Day 3: After breakfast visit the magnificent Maya ruins of UXMAL. Uxmal is one of the finest examples of the "Puuc Maya" architectural style. Graced with two of the largest pyramids in the Yucatan and a multitude of incredibly preserved frescos paying homage to the rain god Chac and the serpent god Quetzecoatal, it is a site that inspires both awe and mystery.
After a lunch visit KABAH.  Although only a small part of this site has been excavated, the Palace of Masks, with its 250 masks of the Mayan rain god Chac, is one of the most impressive in Mayan architecture. Kabah also has a large and remarkably preserved arch with a sacbe (ancient Maya road) leading to Uxmal. The overnight will be at the Villas Archeologicas Uxmal. In the evening attend the entertaining light show at the Uxmal ruins.

Day 4: This morning visit more sites on the "Puuc Maya Route", beginning with LABNA, home to many Chac masks and a beautiful corbelled arch. One of its interesting features is a carving of a Vision Serpent with a human head emerging from its outstretched mouth.
Afterwards visit the fascinating Loltun Caves. The Maya inhabited these prehistoric caves for over 10,000 years. You will see Neolithic cave paintings alongside early Maya sculptures. During the underground tour, guides will show why the caves are named Loltun.
After the lunch stop in the interesting modern Maya city of Ticul journey to the ruins of Mayapan. Mayapan has a distinctive history in that it was one of the last functional cities of the ancient Maya. Modeled after the buildings of Chichen Itza it is a very well preserved mini-version of that ancient city.
In the late afternoon continue to the historic Colonial Merida. Overnight at the restored Gran Hotel located 2 blocks from the main square in Merida. In the evening stroll the main square, enjoy live traditional music, and take a horse drawn carriage on a tour of the local monuments.

Day 5: Today journey back to the Mayan Riviera. On the way make a stop at the interesting ancient Mayan site of Acanceh. Acanceh has some of the largest and best-preserved ancient masks in the northern Yucatan. Later stop for lunch in the lovely colonial city of Valladolid. This is a modern Mayan city with an important history where one can experience the best in traditional Yucatecan dishes. Afterwards some free time to shop in the plaza, where authentic Mayan goods are sold. In the late afternoon continue the journey to the exquisite ruins of EK BALAM. Ek Balam is one of the latest finds, only recently opened to the public and not yet discovered by tour buses. In terms of art and architecture, not enough can be said when comparing and contrasting this unique site with other Mayan ruins seen in the area. Ek Balam has amazingly well preserved art and attractions which include the mouth of the Witz Monster (entry to the underworld) and full figure sculptures with its well-preserved, majestic palace and grounds, Ek Balam seems untouched by time. This is a site sure to change your fundamental concepts of the ancient Mayans. At the end of the day Journey back to the hotel anywhere between Cancun and Tulum.