Mexico

Out door Adv e n tu re s

8 Days | Departs Saturday, returns Saturday | Limited to 20 Passengers

The Mayan landmark of Chichen Itza

Visit Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive • Explore the archaeological sites of Ek Balam and Uxmal, once inhabited by
Maya • Join a Mayan family who invite you into their traditional homestead • Spend time at Sian Ka’an, a biosphere reserve
that provides a habitat for flora and fauna, birds and other wildlife • Cruise the Caribbean on a privately chartered boat

DAY 1: Cancun, Mexico/Riviera Maya
Arrive in Cancun and transfer to your luxurious resort on the
Riviera Maya. Your day is at leisure until this evening’s welcome
cocktail reception and dinner. Fairmont Mayakoba D
DAY 2: Riviera Maya/Chichen Itza
Your first stop today is at the little-known Mayan archaeological site
of Ek Balam, where you learn to differentiate a pile of rocks from
the remnants of Mayan ceremonial sites. Continue to Valladolid,
the first Spanish capital of the Yucatan, for lunch and a stroll
around the central square. The Yucatan Peninsula is a limestone
shelf, and due to the lack of elevation and the porosity of the soil,
there are no rivers. As water drains easily through the limestone,
it forms a vast network of underground rivers and sink holes that
feature crystal clear water, eyeless fish and intriguing stalagmites
and stalactites. Enter the cenote (a natural sink hole often used by
the Mayans as a well) in one of these underground caverns for a
swimming adventure. After dinner, attend the Sound and Light
show, an experience reminiscent of Chichen Itza at its apex. Sleep in
jungle bungalows that feature access to the famous archaeological
site. The Mayaland Bungalows at Chichen Itza B L D
DAY 3: Chichen Itza/Merida
Centuries after the fall of the Mayans who built it, Chichen
Itza still maintains its grandeur. It is dominated by El Castillo
(“The Castle”), otherwise known as the Temple of Kukulkan, a
steep pyramid nearly 80 feet high; its 365 steps are believed to
intentionally mirror the number of days in the Mayan calendar.
Visit this and other impressive structures before the crowds arrive,
learning about its grand plazas, imposing ball courts and temples,
as well as the Maya’s engineering, agricultural and astronomical
achievements. After lunch and an optional dip in a cenote, continue
to Izamal, the magical “Yellow City.” Ride in a calesa (horse-
drawn carriage) before travelling to the traditional Mayan village
of Tixkokob to see how local families still practice the age-old
tradition of hammock weaving. Hacienda Temozon B L

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A goal in Uxmal’s ball court Frolicking in the Mexican Caribbean

DAY 4: Merida
After breakfast, head to the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, recognized
by UNESCO as a key wetlands habitat. Ride a speedy launch through
the canals to the vast colony of pink flamingo — generally between
ten and fifteen thousand birds — that make their winter home here.
Some observers think that the plumage of Celestun’s flamingos is
noticeably more pink than any other flamingo population. Return
to the town of Celestun for a seafood lunch at a restaurant near the
Gulf of Mexico. Following lunch, take a brief historic tour of Merida,
noting its colonial architecture and monuments. Finish the tour with
a ride in a calesa. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You
may wish to play tennis, swim, mountain bike, ride horses or relax in
the Hacienda’s spa. Hacienda Temozon B L
DAY 5: Merida
This morning, you are among the first to enter the famed Maya ball
courts and temples of Uxmal. Although extremely well constructed
and preserved, Uxmal has yet to be comprehensively studied, and
much of our knowledge of it is speculative. Marvel at the achievements
and mysterious demise of the Maya, including the Pyramid of the
Magician. Enjoy a lunch of pollo (chicken) or cochinita (pork) pibil,
wherein the meat is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an
earthen oven. Preparing this traditional-style meal takes more than
two hours; you are on hand to observe part of the process. After lunch,
meet a local family and learn about their daily life, in which age-old
traditions are still maintained. Return to the Hacienda, divide into
teams and set out on a scavenger hunt. Hacienda Temozon B L D
DAY 6: Merida/Riviera Maya
Board for a private flight to Playa del Carmen and continue
on to Sian Ka’an (meaning “where the sky is born” in Maya), a
UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing more than 20 Mayan
archaeological sites. Set out with your local Mayan naturalist guide
for a boat trip, floating through peaceful mangrove and wetland
estuaries. After a beachside lunch, continue along the coast to your
seaside hotel. Fairmont Mayakoba B L
DAY 7: Riviera Maya
Transfer to the marina to board your own private boat to explore
the exquisite reefs and crystalline water of the Mexican Caribbean.
Lunch is on your own, but tonight you’re in store for a farewell
fiesta that includes a beach barbecue (weather permitting).
Fairmont Mayakoba B D
DAY 8: Riviera Maya/Cancun/Depart
Board your homebound flight. B

PRICE PER PERSON

Land arrangements Jun–Jul Mar–Apr, Dec
Double occupancy $ 5,600 $ 5,950
Single supplement $ 1,360 $ 1,660
Child (under 12 sharing with 2 adults) $ 4,240 $ 4,580
Internal airfare  Merida/Playa del Carmen
Private charter from $ 590

Please check with A&K for our special international airfares.

DEPARTURE DATES
2009 Mar 14 – 21 Jul 11 – 18 Dec 19 – 26*
Mar 21 – 28 Jul 18 – 25 Dec 26 – Jan 02*
Mar 28 – Apr 04

2010 Mar 06 – 13 Mar 13 – 20

New dates and prices may apply in 2010.
* Holiday surcharge and special terms and conditions will apply.

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