Dive into the mysteries, the magic and the magnificence of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico – birthplace of the Mayan civilization and home to some of the most beautiful cenotes on the planet.

Estimated from around 2,600 B.C., the Mayan Empire originated in this small peninsula in the southeastern part of Mexico that is often eclipsed by the raucous neighboring city of Cancun. West of the chaos of Mexico’s most famous destination is a region filled with Mayan ruins, pretty Colonial-Mexican cities and spectacular cenotes – caves and open-air sinkholes that served as the freshwater lifeblood of Mayans for thousands of years.

Timed perfectly, on this trip we will celebrate Hanal Pixan, the Mayan version of the famous Day of the Dead in the Mexican culture. Unlike the spooky ghosts and goblins of the United States version of Halloween, el Dia de los Muertos (the day of the dead) on November 1 and 2 is a beautiful tribute from families to their departed. Alters, ceremonies, parades and loving remembrances create a magical aura for this holiday in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the addition of traditional costumes in Yucatan cities like Merida and Valladolid make it an intriguing exploration of a centuries-old culture.

We will soak it all in – off the beaten track and as close to the local experience as outsiders can get. This trip is capped at a maximum of eight guests. 

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Yucatan Peninsula Hanal Pixan & Cenote Tour

Join this small Things I Wander group as we dive into the mysteries, the magic and the magnificence of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico – birthplace of the Mayan civilization and home to some of the most beautiful cenotes on the planet. 

Estimated from around 2,600 B.C., the Mayan Empire originated in this small peninsula in the southeastern part of Mexico that is often eclipsed by the raucous neighboring city of Cancun. West of the chaos of Mexico’s most famous destination is a region filled with Mayan ruins, pretty Colonial-Mexican cities and spectacular cenotes – caves and open-air sinkholes that served as the freshwater lifeblood of Mayans for thousands of years.

Timed perfectly, on this trip we will celebrate Hanal Pixan, the Mayan version of the infamous Day of the Dead in the Mexican culture. Unlike the spooky ghosts and goblins of the United States version of Halloween, el Dia de los Muertos (the day of the dead) is a beautiful tribute from families to their departed. Alters, ceremonies, parades and loving remembrances create a magical aura for this holiday in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the addition of traditional costumes in Yucatan cities like Merida and Valladolid make it an intriguing exploration of a centuries-old culture.

We will soak it all in – off the beaten track and as close to the local experience as outsiders can get.

Itineraries

Day 1

Date : October 26, 2024

Arrive in Cancun

We will arrange all transfers from the airport to our meeting spot. At 5 p.m, we will depart using private transportation, heading for the colonial city of Valladolid.

If arriving by 3 p.m. on Saturday is problematic, you can add on Friday night lodging and I will meet you at the airport to bring you there, as I will be staying Friday night too.

Days 1-4

Date : October 26, 2024

Valladolid

Graced by well-preserved Spanish Colonial architecture and lovely people - and barely on the tourism map - Valladolid is the perfect basecamp for exploring the Yucatan.
Between Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, we will visit the famed Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Ek’ Balam, and at least a half-dozen cenotes that will make you gasp out loud at how beautiful they are.
In Valladolid, truly local cantinas, authentic food, local shops and the rich heritage of Valladolid will immerse you in a non-tourism experience that allows you to feel the heartbeat of one of Mexico’s oldest cities. Our accommodations are a four-star hotel in the center of town – the perfect place for indulging the senses and jumping off to explore the region.

Days 4-8

Date : October 30, 2024

Merida

On Wednesday, October 27, we will depart via private transportation for Merida, a beautiful Mexican-Colonial city that is the capital of the Yucatan and the ancestral home of some of the oldest Mayan traditions. It was named by Conde Nast readers as the best small city in the world. 

Our lodging will be a four-star hotel in the heart of the historic district, and our time will be divided between local excursions and experiential events plus free time to shop and wander this gorgeous city.

On tap will be a walking tour of street food, a guided trip through a Mexican market and then a home cooking lesson in a Merida home. We will also learn how to dance the salsa from local professionals and visit places where we can practice it on the dance floor!

There, besides exploring this incredibly beautiful city, we will participate in Hanal Pixan, a sacred Mayan holiday celebrating the deceased with a parade, altars and ceremonies. We will have the opportunity to dress in the typical Catrina sugar-skull fashion if you want to, as well as accompany a parade of locals from the cemetery to altars in the center of town. Our guide will introduce us to local dishes and traditions as well as Merida locals who are willing to open their family celebrations to us.

Days 8 - 11

Date : November 1, 2024

Progreso

Depart Merida for Progreso, a stunning beach community on the Gulf of Mexico about 30 minutes from Merida. Here, it’s time to decompress and relax – our luxurious lodging will feature a swimming pool plus access to a famed beach on the Yucatan Peninsula where you will experience breathtaking sunsets. A morning yoga session on the beach, a little unstructured beach bumming and a few more meals together will round out the end of our trip. Half party, half pastoral, Progreso is the perfect spot for a few days of relaxing before we head home.

Day 11

Date : November 4, 2024

Fly Home

On this morning, we will head back to Cancun first thing in the morning via private transport for flights home.

Inclusions:

• Non-alcohol beverages at those meals plus a handful of cocktails at key locations during the trip

• Luxury accommodations at four-star and historic lodging properties

• All transportation except for international flights to Merida or Cancun plus personal excursions away from the group

• Transportation from Merida or Cancun airports

• All admissions, passes, tastings and experiences including:

  • Cenote admissions
  • Street tasting tour
  • Cooking class
  • Authentic Mayan meal
  • Admission to Chichen Itza
  • Admission to Ek Balam
  • Mayan blessing
  • Catarina makeup (optional)
  • Tour guides and Things I Wander leader, Cynthya
• Not included:
  • Most alcoholic beverages
  • Trip insurance (required)
  • Data or cellular charges in excess of that provided by lodging partners
  • Airfare to Merida
  • Transportation for late arrivals/early departures
  •  Additional lodging for early arrivals or late departure