Luxury Yucatan Beach Break

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your Almaz Journeys driver and English-speaking guide just outside baggage claim for your private transfer to your accommodations in Merida.

Merida is an excellent base to explore the Yucatan Peninsulas lesser known interior, Merida is a stunning colonial city with an international flair. A perfect jumping off point for incredible Mayan ruins, secret cenotes (underground caves), flamingo colonies, and off the beaten path beaches.

Lodging Option: Casa Lecanda 

A stunning restoration project in the heart of Merida, this hotel exudes historic charm and is elegantly designed to bring the tranquility of the Caribbean to your stay in the city. Built around a central courtyard with a beautiful pool, the entire property seems to flow from one space to the next. There are also luscious gardens throughout, an elegant dining space (where breakfast is served), and various hammocks strategically placed throughout where an afternoon siesta can easily be enjoyed.

After breakfast you will travel to the ceramics workshop of Patricia Marin, located in the town of Muna.

You will then continue on to Uxmal, one of the countries most important archaeological sites and some of the areas best examples of terminal classic architecture. You will be driven by private vehicle from your hotel to the site where you and an expert local guide will explore the site at your own pace. You will get the chance to see the Piramide del Adivino (Soothsayer’s Pyramid), the Palacio del Gobernador (Governor’s Palace), the Cuadrángulo de las Monjas (Nuns’ Square) and the Casa de las Tortugas (Tortoises’ House) among other impressive structures.

You will then visit the San Pedro Ochil Hacienda, a beautiful site with a defining amphitheater in the center of the property. You will travel around the property in a truc (an ancient means of traveling when the hacienda was in working order), taking in the expansive grounds. To round out the day you will indulge in traditional Yucatecan delicacies including: lime soup, cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork) and relleno negro (black stuffing). You will then travel back to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day to relax.

Today you will travel to one of Mexico’s ‘pueblos magicos’ towns across the country that have been deemed magical and that possess a unique quality. Izamal is known for being the ‘yellow city’ as most of it’s buildings have been painted a vibrant golden yellow. With a certified historian you will get the chance to stroll through this beautiful town, of course stopping for photos, while learning about the town and its various stories. You will stop at buildings of significance as well as small artisan workshops dotted around town.

You will then visit Xocempich a private cenote, an underground caved systems considered sacred by the Maya. You will be served a private lunch at the cenote and have time to swim or snorkel, enjoying this private oasis.

After enjoying the cenote you will travel on to the Maya Riviera by private transfer, about a 3 hour drive.

Lodging Option: Esencia 

A majestic 50-acre estate located on the Caribbean sea halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Located on Xpu-Ha a private stretch of beach that is tranquil and undeveloped, which can be hard to find in this popular destination. The beach is a nesting ground for turtles and watching them lay eggs or hatch is a true treat when staying here. Each room is spacious and elegantly designed – including opulent features such as private plunge pools, private fitness centers, and space for larger gatherings if you desire. There are three restaurants on site, a coffee bar, and a private beach bar.

Today’s experience includes a visit to two of the Riviera Maya’s most important Mayan historical sites as well as the chance to swim in one or two fresh water cenotes, considered sacred natural sites by the Mayan people.

You will begin with a visit to the site of Tulum. This walled Maya city was occupied during the Postclassperiod, late in the history of the Maya, and is famous for it’s unique architectural style and it’s beautiful setting perched high up on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea. You will have the chance to explore the site with a local expert admiring the well preserved sculptures and intact buildings.

You will then continue on to the sit of Coba, one of the largest Maya sites in the region. You will have the option of either walking or biking through the extensive site. Again your guide will help to unravel the sites incredible history and will point out significant carved stone monuments and important areas of the sites. You will also get the chance to climb the ruin of Ixmoja, which is the second tallest in the Yucatan, it stands tall over the surrounding jungle offering incredible views of the area and the chance to spot some of the areas diverse bird species. You will then enjoy a local lunch at one of Coba’s restaurants.

After taking in the two sites you will have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in a nearby cenote. Cenotes are fresh water pools thats have formed underground in the Yucatan’s impressive cave system. Depending on the time of day you may stop at one or two cenotes enroute back to your hotel.

After breakfast you will drive from your hotel to the Cancun Marina. You day begins aboard a private yacht heading east towards Isla Mujeres. Named “land of the women” this small island is comprised of the areas clearest turquoise blue waters. Keep your eye out for a variety of marine life, including the chance to see both dolphins and sea turtles right from the boat. Upon arriving at the island you will get the chance to swim and snorkel (equipment included) in the Caribbean sea. The four hour long trip will also include an assortment of beverages and a full lunch onboard the yacht.

A private transfer will pick you up from your hotel to bring you to the international airport in Cancun. The transfer time can vary based on traffic, but typically takes around two hours.