Convent of San Bernardino of Siena

Dive into Mayan culture on a guided day trip with optional hotel transfers from Cancún or Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World for being one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and tequila tasting, and stop at Valladolid and a cenote. The fun will just get started with a panoramic visit as no visit to the charming town of Valladolid, famed for the ornate, 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, and the baroque San Gervasio Cathedral. Then, a visit to the area would not be complete without a stop by a cenote, a refreshing, enchanting underground sinkhole, sacred to the Mayan people. Then, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch and a tequila-tasting experience. Finally, once at Chichén Itzá, follow the guide while learning all about the most important buildings. From the awe-inspiring Pyramid of Kukulcan to the ruins that once housed tens of thousands of Mayans, the Pyramid of El Castillo or El Caracol, this visit is filled with rarely heard stories, incredible details, and stunning photo opportunities. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage.

Start your journey by getting picked up in Tulum. Discover Chichen Itza, a spectacular archaeological site and a must-see for those interested in history and culture.  See renowned structures with your guide such as the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court. Get a glimpse of the achievements of the Mayan civilization.  After Chichen Itza, head to Valladolid, a city where past and present come together. Be amazed by the colorful architecture and the local food culture.  Have lunch in the courtyard of a restored colonial mansion and wander the square and nearby streets. Take photos and enjoy shopping as you get a taste of the slow-paced Mexican life. To finish the day, go to a local community-run cenote, the perfect spot to get away from the crowds and cool down in the refreshing blue waters.

If visiting Cancun or Merida, take this tour to fully live the experience of the traditional celebration of the Day of the Dead, without the necessity of waiting until November 1st! The adventure begins with a visit to the historic Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, at Valladolid, a delightful place due to the spiritual energy that emanates from its walls. As the sun descends, is the moment to visit Chichi Kan, a mystical cenote where the Day of the Dead comes alive. Be part of the ancient art of Mayan body painting, a unique experience traditionally used to honor the departed spirits with intricate designs. And to continue with the customs of the Mayan community, try some Tequila, a traditional liquor, that provides a blend between Mayan gastronomy and the Day of the Dead festivity, connecting present and past. Thereafter, once the sun has fully disappeared, understand the magical beauty and spiritual significance of cenotes, mystical sinkholes that are believed to be portals between the living and the dead. The guide will captivate the group with tales and insights into the interwoven connections of life, death, and the afterlife. Afterward, participate in the Hanal Pixán, a fascinating Mayan ceremony to honor ancestors by making offerings to the dead. During the ceremony, be immersed as songs are played, revealing the deep meaning behind this sacred ritual. To end up, seize the opportunity of tasting authentic Mexican food, with a dinner of tacos, together with a tequila tasting.

We start the tour when our guide arrives for you at the lobby of your hotel, we will go to see one of the magical towns and architectural wonders of the Mayan World. First we will visit Valladolid, a picturesque colonial city located 160 km east of the city of Mérida, on the way to Cancun. It was founded on May 28, 1543 by Francisco de Montejo, named after the Spanish city of the same name. It is today a harmonious set of civil and religious architecture, among which its fortified convent of San Bernardino de Siena, from the 16th century, and its cathedral of San Gervasio, a Baroque complex from the early 18th century, and many other monuments stand out. We will also visit the Z A Ek Balam (jaguar star) is a Mayan city that had its maximum development during the late/terminal classic 600 850 900 AD and was possibly the seat of the kingdom of Talol. The first known king of Ek Balam is Ukit Kan Le ´t Tok (the father of the four flint fronts). Finally we will visit the Mayan jungle cenote where we will enjoy its crystal clear turquoise blue waters, and then return to Mérida.

Embark on a captivating 9-hour journey from Mérida, exploring the rich historical and cultural tapestry of Valladolid and Izamal. Begin your adventure with a visit to Uayma, a small town boasting an imposing church, the former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Marvel at its facade crafted from stones extracted from nearby archaeological sites, adorned with stars and rosettes in vibrant colors, showcasing a unique heritage of viceregal architecture. Continue your exploration to Valladolid, aptly named "The Pearl of the East." Founded in 1543, this city is a blend of Mayan tranquility, warm hospitality, and colonial architecture. Wander through the colonial facades along Calzada de los Frailes, leading to the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena. Explore the Sisal neighborhood, the Church of San Servacio, and the House of the Deer, capturing the essence of this charming city. The journey then takes you to Izamal, also known as "The City of Three Cultures" or "The Yellow City." Admire the golden yellow-painted houses, shops, and churches that give Izamal its distinctive charm. Visit the pyramid of Kinich Kakmó, the third-largest in Mexico, offering panoramic views of the city. Stroll through cobblestone streets, colonial houses, and make a stop at the Cultural Center Museum to delve into Izamal's rich history. Explore the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, a colonial masterpiece built on the ruins of a Mayan shrine, featuring the second-largest closed atrium in the world. No visit to Izamal is complete without savoring its gastronomy. Kinich Restaurant offers a culinary journey, integrating colonial and contemporary ingredients with traditional Mayan techniques. As the day concludes, board the private transportation for your return to Mérida, carrying with you the memories of a day filled with history, architecture, and the vibrant flavors of Yucatecan cuisine.