Mexico’s Legacy of the Maya
March 8, 2027 thru March 15, 2027
Journey through the rich cultural landscapes and natural beauty of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, beginning along the Caribbean coast in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Discover the region’s deep Maya heritage while exploring ancient jungle cities such as Zona Arqueológica de Cobá, the dramatic seaside ruins of Tulum Archaeological Zone, and the iconic temples of Chichén Itzá. Along the way, experience the natural wonders of the peninsula with a visit to the beautiful Cenote Ik Kil, where crystal-clear waters lie beneath cascading vines and limestone walls.
Continue to the elegant colonial capital of Mérida, where grand boulevards, historic plazas, and vibrant markets reveal the region’s Spanish and Maya influences. Enjoy authentic cultural experiences including a traditional Yucatán cooking class and visits to charming towns such as Valladolid. Your journey concludes with the exploration of the beautifully preserved Maya city of Ek Balam before returning to the Caribbean shores of Cancún for a memorable farewell by the sea.
Transportation
Roundtrip Economy Air Transportation Included
Transportation
Deluxe Motorcoach
Duration
8 days, 7 nights

Activity Level 4
Active
Meals
17 meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Gratuities
Tour Director, Driver & Local Guide tips included
Documents Required
Passport
Tour Highlights
- Explore the legendary Maya city of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Discover the dramatic seaside ruins of Tulum Archaeological Zone, perched above the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
- Wander jungle pathways at the ancient Maya city of Zona Arqueológica de Cobá.
- Visit the beautifully preserved temples and carvings of Ek Balam, one of the Yucatán’s most fascinating archaeological sites.
- Swim or relax at the stunning Cenote Ik Kil, a natural limestone sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Experience the vibrant cultural performances and nature exhibits at Xcaret Park, including the spectacular evening show Xcaret México Espectacular.
- Enjoy a hands-on Yucatán cooking class in Mérida, discovering the region’s distinctive culinary traditions.
- Explore the historic plazas, cathedral, and grand boulevards of colonial Mérida.
- Stroll the colorful streets and charming plazas of the colonial town Valladolid.
- Relax along the beautiful Caribbean coastline in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancún.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ(not including airline baggage and in-flight charges)
- Transfers & motorcoach transportation
- 7 nights lodging in excellent hotels
- 17 meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
- Admission and guided tours as described
- Baggage handling for one bag
- Services of a bilingual Mexican Tour Director
- Your Sun Tours escort (with 15 or more passengers)
- Taxes & gratuities for included items
Day 1 - Arrival in Playa del Carmen
Depart home and arrive on Mexico’s Caribbean coast and transfer to the lively seaside town of Playa del Carmen, once a quiet fishing village and now one of the Riviera Maya’s most vibrant destinations.
Settle into your beachfront accommodations at Mahekal Beach Resort, where thatched palapas and lush tropical gardens create a relaxed coastal retreat.
This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a welcome reception followed by a festive dinner introducing the distinctive flavors of the Yucatán.
Overnight: Mahekal Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals included: (D)
Day 2 - Xcaret Cultural Experience
Day 3 - Cobá & Arrival in Tulum
Travel inland into the jungle to explore Zona Arqueológica de Cobá, an ancient Maya city once connected by stone causeways through the forest. Wander shaded paths past temples and plazas while learning about the legacy of the Maya civilization.
After lunch, continue south along the coast to Tulum. Enjoy time to relax on the beach before dinner at your resort.
Overnight: La Zebra Hotel Tulum (or similar)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 4 - Tulum Archaeological Site
This morning visit the spectacular Tulum Archaeological Zone, dramatically set atop limestone cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Once a fortified Maya trading port, the site offers remarkable ocean views and fascinating insight into coastal Maya life.
After lunch, return to the resort for a leisurely afternoon to enjoy the beach or pool. Those wishing to explore further may visit nearby Tulum town, known for its eclectic cafés, galleries, and artisan shops.
Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: La Zebra Hotel Tulum (or similar)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Tulum to Mérida
Depart the Riviera Maya this morning and journey across the Yucatán Peninsula toward the colonial capital of Mérida, often called the “White City” for its elegant limestone architecture and storied past.
Along the way, stop to experience one of the region’s iconic cenotes—natural limestone sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater and revered by the ancient Maya civilization as sacred gateways to the underworld. Enjoy time to swim or simply admire these remarkable geological formations before continuing your journey.
Arrive in Mérida in the afternoon and settle into your elegant accommodations.
Overnight: Villa Mercedes Mérida
Meals included: (B, L)
Day 6 - Chichén Itzá
Today explore one of the most celebrated archaeological sites in the Americas, Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former ceremonial center of the Maya world.
Walk among grand temples and plazas as your guide reveals the astronomical knowledge, engineering skill, and spiritual traditions that shaped this ancient city. Highlights include the iconic pyramid El Castillo, designed with remarkable precision to mark the solar equinoxes, as well as the Great Ball Court and sacred cenote.
After time to explore the site, enjoy lunch at a nearby hacienda before returning to Mérida.
This evening is yours to relax or stroll through Mérida’s historic center.
Overnight: Villa Mercedes Mérida (or similar)
Meals included: (B, L)
Day 7 - Colonial Mérida
Discover the cultural heart of the Yucatán during a guided exploration of Mérida. Founded in 1542 atop an ancient Maya settlement, the city blends Spanish colonial elegance with vibrant local traditions.
Begin in the grand Plaza Grande, surrounded by architectural landmarks including the imposing Mérida Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Continue along the stately boulevard Paseo de Montejo, lined with opulent mansions built during the region’s 19th-century henequen boom.
Enjoy lunch featuring regional Yucatecan specialties before an afternoon at leisure to browse artisan markets, galleries, or cafés.
This evening gather for a memorable farewell dinner celebrating the flavors of the Yucatán.
Overnight: Hotel Emporio Cancún (or similar)
Meals included: (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, departing with lasting memories of the Yucatán’s ancient civilizations, vibrant culture, and extraordinary landscapes.
Meals included: (B)
Itinerary subject to change. Passport required.
Fun Facts
Sacred Natural Pools
The Yucatán Peninsula has over 6,000 cenotes. These natural limestone sinkholes, like Cenote Ik Kil, were sacred to the ancient Maya civilization and served as important freshwater sources.
The World’s Oldest Ballgame
At Chichén Itzá, you’ll see the largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica, where teams played a ritual game more than 1,000 years ago.
Mérida’s Avenue of Mansions
The grand boulevard Paseo de Montejo was inspired by Paris’s Champs-Élysées and lined with opulent mansions built during the region’s 19th-century henequen boom.
Hotel Information
Mahekal Beach Resort (or similar)
Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico
La Zebra Hotel Tulum (or similar)
Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Villa Mercedes Mérida
Mérida, Yuc., Mexico
Hotel Emporio Cancún
Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
Package Pricing
$5,285 per person
Double Occupancy
Deposit: $250
$6,635 per person
Single Occupancy
Deposit: $250
Final Payment Due:
December 2, 2026
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
Transfers
7 nights lodging in excellent hotels
17 meals (7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners)
Admission and guided tours as described
Baggage handling for one bag
Services of a bilingual Mexican Tour Director
Your Sun Tours escort (with 15 or more passengers)
Taxes & gratuities for included items
Booking Policy
**PASSPORT REQUIRED**
Cancellation Fees
- None – through December 2, 2026
- $250 – December 3 – 16, 2026
- 60%* – December 17, 2026 – January 3, 2027
- 100%* – after January 3, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION IS ENCOURAGED. Please click here for more information.
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 4: Active
Expectations: The tour includes well-paced walking tours with regular breaks. Up to 3-5 hours of walking each day. To fully take advantage of all this tour has to offer, guests need to be able to walk longer distances, climb several flights of stairs and navigate steps and uneven terrain walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators). Your itinerary can include significant changes in temperature and altitude and may require a higher number of longer travel days with morning and/or evening activities. Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Excursions require standing and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited.
Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, expect a vigorous pace and enjoy participating in two to three hours of physical activity per day without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Sunport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a Global Entry or TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
AIRPORT SECURITY
Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A passport is required. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
All hotel baggage handling fees are included. We also include basic gratuities for the Tour Director, Coach Driver, and local Tour Guides. If someone has truly gone above and beyond additional tipping is permitted, but never required.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
Afternoon temperatures are usually around 25°C/77°F. Most days have a fine, clear sky. It gets mild at night with minimum temperatures around 14°C/57°F. We advise you bring a light jacket and hat just in case of inclement weather and to wear layers for best insulation. Shoes should be comfortable and sturdy for walking in small towns. There are no dress codes to places we visit on this tour.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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