Mayaland
Ecotrail
A 15 days driving adventure
1st Day CANCUN
Arrival at the airport and transfer to the HOLIDAY INN Hotel.
2nd Day CANCÚN - TULUM
- BACALAR
After breakfast pick up your car and begin this delightful journey visiting
the archaeological site of TULUM, where you should park your car. A guide
service is available for a fee at the entrance.
TULUM offers a marvelous
view of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean white sand beach.
TULUM is the only fortified mayan city with toltec influence, built on a small
cliff. You may swim in the sea but there aren't any cloakrooms.
On the road between Cancún and Tulum there are some interesting places to
visit: Crococún, a crocodile farm situated to 18 km south of Cancún, 76 km
further, the "cenotes" of fresh water in the area of Kantunin Chi, provide
a nice spot to cool off.
After you leave Tulum drive to the beautiful lagoon of BACALAR, surrounded
by luscious vegetation. Every year there are several international water sport
tournaments held on the lagoon.
In Bacalar, you might like to visit EL FUERTE, a fortress that shelters a
small museum. By the lagoon is an excellent restaurant for seafood in front
of the very beautiful and deep CENOTE AZUL, where you can bathe in the crystalline
and cool waters.
Overnight at the hotel LAGUNA BACALAR.
3rd Day BACALAR - KOHUNLICH
- CHICANNA
In the morning after breakfast visit Bacalar if you did not have time the
day before and drive to CHETUMAL. In CHETUMAL, we recommend a visit to the
museum "Museo of the Cultura Maya".
After this visit take the road back towards Bacalar and turn left at Escárcega-Villahermosa
turnpike to reach the archaological site of KOHUNLICH.
This archaeological zone presents a very interesting collection of structures,
the main pyramid being decorated with gigantic masks of stone, in excellent
state of preservation.
A bit further on the main road from Kohunlich are two more archaeological
sitesyou might like to visit: KINICHNA and DZIBANCHE.
After having visited Kinichná and Dzibanché return to the main road towards
CHICANNA, visiting XPUJIL, an archaeological site that merits a visit. It's
very characteristic of the Rio Bec style, and its central structure is adorned
with three ornamental towers.
Continue to CHICANNA. Here you will spend the night in the heart of the jungle,
surrounded of crickets and birds, in a marvelous atmosphere.
Take the time to admire the starlit sky and let your thoughts wander.
Overnight at CHICANNA ECOVILLAGE.
4th Day CHICANNA -
CALAKMUL - CHICANNA
The themes of the
day will be nature and prehispanic culture. We suggest a short visit after
breakfast to the site of CHICANNA, another site of the Rio Bec region, reknown
for its main building depicting the face of Chac Mool.
The surrounding jungle gives it a mystical aura. Later, take the time to visit
the archaeological zone of BECAN. Surrounded of a ditch, there are seven entrances
to this ceremonnial center. From the nature of its' structures it is obvious
that Becan was once an important city.
Not to be missed are the ball game, the observatory and numerous other buildings.
Drive to the entrance of the ecological reserve of CALAKMUL.
From the entrance to the archaeological site you will travel along a dirt
road to reach CALAKMUL, one of the most extensive sites of Central America
and surrounded by luscious jungle and a wide variety of fauna. Many buildings
are covered with this abundant vegetation. Not long ago, the archaeologists
discovered on the site what is considered probably the oldest mummy in the
Mayan World.
The biosphere of Calakmul is the largest protected tropical forest in Mexico.
It spreads over more than 723 185 hectares.
Return to CHICANNA to relax and overnight. Overnight at CHICANNA ECOVILLAGE.
5th Day CHICANNA -
PALENQUE
After breakfast depart in direction of Escarcega and of PALENQUE. Check in
to the Ciudad Real Hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town, where
you will find many little handricraft shops.
Overnight at CIUDAD REAL HOTEL.
6th Day PALENQUE -
AGUA AZUL - MISOL HA - PALENQUE
Enjoy an early breakfast before going to the archaeological site of PALENQUE.
Situated in the Lacandon jungle, covered by a mantle of mysticism and witness
to centuries of history, this site includes such awe inspiring structures
such as the Palace, the Temple of Inscriptions, the Shrine of the Jaguar and
the Temple of the Cross among others.
At the end of your visit, continue along the same route until you reach the
waterfalls of AGUA AZUL. AGUA AZUL is a long series of glittering cascades
coursing over kilometers of lush valleys in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas Mountains.
With sparkling turquoise waters set against a deep green jungle background,
the falls are probably one of the spectacular natural attractions in Mexico.
After AGUA AZUL drive back towards PALENQUE and stop at the MISOL HA waterfalls.
Over 35 meters high, the stunning "Sweeping Water" empties into a calm pool
at he base of the jungle covered cliffs. Overnight at the CIUDAD REAL HOTEL
IN PALENQUE.
7th Day PALENQUE -
ESCARCEGA - CAMPECHE
After breakfast your travels take you in direction of CAMPECHE, passing by
Champoton. The city of CAMPECHE maintains its colonnial charm. Every street
is bordered with majestic houses, churches and fountains.The "Alameda" is
the most well-known park of the city. Bastions and fortresses were constructed
to protect the city from pirate attacks; today they shelter administration
offices and museums which enable one to discover the traditions of the past.
While strolling down the streets, you will certainly notice the many different
churches and it is always nice to enjoy the cool breeze off the Gulf of Mexico
while walking down the "malecon" (seaside avenue). Overnight at the hotel
RAMADA CAMPECHE.
8th Day CAMPECHE -
KABAH - UXMAL
This day is dedicated to the visit of very important archaeological sites,
and of a very different style than what you have seen so far.
After your breakfast take the direction of KABAH, your first stop. Here you
will find an archaeological site representative of the Puuc style.
The Codz Pop constitutes the main attraction of the site and is decorated
with masks of Chac Mool. On the same road, you may want to visit these other
sites: SAYIL, a city where the majestic palace is a great example of Mayan
construction and a jewel of Puuc architecture.
LABNA, another archaeological site of contrasts. The famous arch, decorations,
bas-reliefs, arcades and mosaics of the facade are quite remarkable.
XLAPAK, the smallest place of this tour but certainly not least interesting.
Return towards past Kabah until you reach UXMAL where you will overnight at
the beautiful LODGE AT UXMAL in the very heart of the archaeological zone.
In the evening, you will be able to enjoy the Sound and Light Show of UXMAL.
Overnight at THE LODGE AT UXMAL.
9th Day UXMAL - MERIDA
Start off this day of adventure after your breakfast by immersing yourself
in the mystical aura of the ceremonial site of UXMAL. The Governors Palace,
Sorcerer's Pyramid and the House of Turtles, set among the rolling hills,
are but a few of the many constructions that will capture your curiosity.
The entrance to the site is but a minute away on foot from your hotel. Don't
miss the view from of the top the the Sorcerer's pyramid.
After your visit to Uxmal, take the road to MERIDA, stopping on the way to
visit the typical village of MUNA, followed by a visit to the HACIENDA YAXCOPOIL,
formerly one of the largest Haciendas in the area and presently transformed
into a museum.
Here you will learn about the sisal manufacture, once the main industry and
source of employment of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Once in MERIDA make your way to the center of the city where you will find
the HOTEL LOS ALUXES where you will stay for the night.
10th DAY MERIDA - IZAMAL
- CHICHEN ITZA
Founded in 1542 on the site of a Mayan city named T'Ho by Francisco de Montejo,
MERIDA is today the capital of the State of Yucatan and boasts of a delightful
and animated colonial center.
The center of the city was built with the stones of Mayan temples. The main
building of the "zocalo" is the 16th century Cathedral, one of the oldest
cathedrals in the country. Most buildings date back to the 16th century.
Use the rest of the morning to explore Merida. You will be able walk to other
buildings of historic and cultural interest. Don't forget to make a visit
to the handicraft market and to the local market, that is between streets
65 and 56.
On the Paseo of Montejo, you can view the exterior of beautiful French style
residences, and you will find the Museum of Archeology (closed on Mondays),
with an impressive collection of Mayan art.
You will have plenty of time to visit the city center, browse around the shops
or enjoy the renown Yucatan cuisine in any restaurant of your choice.
To go to CHICHEN ITZA we recommend you take the toll road ("cuota") that begins
65 kilometers after Merida at Kantunil, instead of the secondary road ("libre").
Along the way you might want to visit IZAMAL, which boasts of a monastery
with one of the largest open air atriums in Mexico.
Return to the toll road to the archaeological site of CHICHEN ITZA where you
will find the MAYALAND RESORT.
This hotel is situated in the very heart of the archaeological site. Visit
the archeaological park of CHICHEN ITZA, the main ceremonial site of the Itzae
dynasty, covering an area of more than 3,5km. There, amid the impressive structures
of "el Castillo", the Ball Court and the Observatory, just to name a few,
you will understand why Chichen Itza was considered for many centuries - and
still is - a sacred place. We suggest you start with the old section with
the observatory, the church and the nunnery, return to the newer section to
visit the Kukulcan pyramid, the temple of warriors, the market place with
a thousand columns, the ball game and the sacred well "cenote."
At the end we suggest you to spend a little time at the museum at the entrance.
Enjoy the Sound and Light show usually held at 07.00pm / 08.00pm in the summer
time.
Overnight at the hotel MAYALAND.
11th DAY CHICHEN ITZA
- EK BALAM - RIO LAGARTOS
Depart from CHICHEN ITZA via the secondary road in direction of VALLADOLID.
We recommend you visit VALLADOLID tomorrow.
From VALLADOLID take the road to TIZIMIN stopping on the way to visit the
archaeological site of EK BALAM.
This relatively "new" site is in the process of being restored so you may
see the restored pyramids, plus the impressive mounds of unearthed ones.
After TIZIMIN you will reach the village of RIO LAGARTOS, to enjoy a boat
trip through the mangroves to visit the feeding grounds of the magnificent
pink flamingos and the salt flats.
After the boat ride a delicious seafood restaurant can be had.
Return to CHICHEN ITZA for a relaxing evening at the MAYALAND HOTEL where
you will overnight.
12th Day CHICHEN ITZA
- BALANCANCHE - VALLADOLID - CANCUN
Depart from CHICHEN ITZA in direction of VALLADOLID, visiting the caves of
BALANCANCHE on your way. These great caves served as ceremonial centers and
many prehispanic ceramic objects have been found here.
Drop the car off in CANCUN, where we will then transfer you to your hotel
in PLAYA DEL CARMEN to relax and enjoy the white sand beaches and turquoise
waters of the Caribbean.
Overnight at hotel VILLA AMANECER in PLAYA DEL CARMEN. A unique stylish hotel,
located a block away from the beach, in one of the most romantic spots of
PLAYA DEL CARMEN about 5 minutes away by bike from the center of town.
13th and 14th Day PLAYA
DEL CARMEN
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. You may want to try out some snorkelling
or diving as the Riviera Maya boasts the second largest coral reef in the
world.
15TH Day PLAYA DEL
CARMEN
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport
Includes:
Car rental as specified, CDW insurance, unlimited mileage, hotel accommodation
as specified, american breakfast daily.
Does not include: PAI
and extra driver insurance, meals not mentionned in the itinerary, drinks,
gratuities, petrol and items of a personal nature
Please note that you must be over 25 years of age and have a valid driver's
licence and credit card.
There is a deductible of USD$1'000.00 in case of damage or theft of the car
RATES per person in US Dollars - Valid until December 20th 2001
| SINGLE | DOUBLE | TRIPLE | |
| VW SEDAN | $1,788.00 | $ 1,127.00 | $1,017.00 |
| TSURU A/C or similar | $2,203.00 | $1,269.00 | $ 1,111.00 |
RATES per person in US Dollars - Valid From 21st Dec 2001 to April 30th 2002
| SINGLE | DOUBLE | TRIPLE | |
| VW SEDAN | $2,214.00 | $1,281.00 | $1,149.00 |
| TSURU A/C or similar | $2,364.00 | $1,357.00 | $1,199.00 |
Rates per person in
USD subject to 15% Value Added Tax
NB: For Carnaval, Holy and Easter week, please check availability Rates do
not apply for the period of Dec 06th to Jan 02nd. Available on request.
DEPARTURES: DAILY