6 Days: Chicanna, Palenque, Campeche & Mérida

Tour Overview:Join SITA as we travel around the Yucatan Peninsula. See the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”, the Bacalar Lagoon. Visit Chicanná, the “House of the Serpent’s Mouth” with its doors marked with animal shaped masks. Explore the largest biosphere, Calakmul with its wildcats, 230 bird species and beautiful flora. Travel to the ancient town of Campeche surrounded by fort walls built to protect this city from pirates. Discover the Mayan ruins of Palenque, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza.

Day 1, Friday – Cancun / Bacalar / Chicanna (470 km)
Arrive in Cancun and transfer to the hotel (meeting point) from where the tour leaves for Chicanna. En route, stop at the Bacalar lagoon, also known as the “Lagoon of the Seven Colors” thanks to its water that reflects several hues, such as turquoise and jade, throughout its 50-kilometer extension. Lunch and continue to Chicanná, located in the amazing area of the Bec River, which received its name from the particular Mayan architectural style and where visitors can see recently discovered archaeological sites surrounded by an amazing Mayan jungle. Visit Chicanná, which means “House of the Serpent’s Mouth”. This site was only discovered in 1967 and stands out thanks to its doors marked with animal shaped masks; the Structure II is quite special due to its huge zoomorphic mask that probably represents Itzamná, God of the Sun. (L)
Accommodation: Eco Village Chicanná hotel

(Pre night at Aloft hotel, Cancun is an optional)

Day 2, Saturday – Chicanná / Calakmul / Palenque (480 km)
After a one-hour trip on the main highway, visitors will arrive at the drift that crosses the reserve of the country’s largest biosphere Calakmul, which is the only real high jungle of the Yucatán peninsula. It hosts five of the six species of American wildcats as well as over 230 bird species and a great variety of flora. It is possible to see an incredible diversity of flora and fauna while traveling along this route. After one and a half-hour on a narrow road, you will arrive at the Calakmul archaeological site, considered one of the most important sites, located approximately 25 kilometers from the border to Guatemala. Hundreds of stelas (monoliths) surround this region, which clearly show its Mayan heritage. At the top of one of its largest monuments, visitors can admire the “green sea” of the huge Mayan biosphere. The visit ends with a break for packed lunch. Afterwards depart to Palenque. (BL)
Accommodation: Villa Mercedes Palenque hotel

Day 3, Sunday – Palenque / Campeche (362 km)
Visit of the Palenque archaeological site. The area displays beautiful Mayan work made in stone and stucco; this area is frequently recognized as one of Mexico’s most beautiful places due to its ruins enclosed in the Chiapanecan jungle. Its most important temple is called Templo de las Inscripciones (Temple of the Inscriptions), and here the explorers discovered Pakal’s tomb with his famous jade mask. Then continue to Campeche, which is the capital of the Campeche State. Lunch at a local restaurant. Upon arrival to Campeche, a short visit to the ancient town, surrounded by fort walls and towers built to protect this city from the pirates. Campeche keeps a Colonial flavor thanks to its gorgeous houses and austere churches. (BL)
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Campeche

Day 4, Monday – Campeche / Uxmal / Mérida (169 km)
Depart to Mérida with a visit of the Uxmal archaeological site on route. Uxmal means “built in three stages” and it is a typical example of the classic and post-classic Mayan period; its main constructions are: Pirámide del Adivino (The Fortuneteller’s Pyramid), Palacio de los Gobernadores (Governor’s Palace) and the Cuadrángulo de las Monjas (Quadrangle of the Nuns). Lunch at a local restaurant. The tour continues to Mérida, also known as the “White City”, which has Colonial houses as well as houses that date from the beginning of the century in Arabic, French and Italian styles. Those houses have witnessed all the old wealth that was generated thanks to the sisal culture. Stop at Mérida’s Zócalo, where visitors can admire the city’s main monuments: the Cathedral, the Government’s Palace, the Municipal Palace and the Francisco Montejo’s House. (BL)
Accommodation: NH Collection Merida Paseo Montejo.

Day 5, Tuesday – Mérida / Sotuta de Peón / Mérida (80 km)
Depart to Hacienda Sotuta de Peon, where you can see the transformation process of the henequen thread, Yucatan´s old green gold. Hacienda Sotuta de Peon was built in the late 19th century in Tecoh. Walking through the Hacienda you will make a true journey back in time on board small wooden wagons named “Trucks” pulled by mules over old rails shipped from France in the late 19th century. At the end of the tour, submerge yourself in the crystal clear water of a wonderful Cenote on site. Lunch at the Hacienda. Return to Merida in the afternoon. (BL)

Day 6, Wednesday – Mérida / Chichen Itza / Riviera Maya (309 km)
Depart to visit Chichén Itzá archaeological site. Chichén Itzá was the Mayan capital of Yucatán and flourished between the 5th and 10th centuries AD. Visitors can admire the impressive buildings of the northern and central archaeological sites, such as: the Kukulcán Temple, the Ball Game, the Observatory, the Warrior’s Temple, the Convent of the Nuns and the Sacred Cenote. Lunch at Chichén Itzá. Later continue to Riviera Maya, where the tour will arrive after approximately 2 hours. Arrival and transfer to the airport or chosen hotel for extended stay. (BL)

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