Maya Yucatan Adventure
April 14-22, 2011 - 9 Days/8 Nights
Isla Mujeres, Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam & More
Note: Final pricing will not be determined until January 1, 2011
All arrangements made by DancingOnTheEdgeTravel.com

Day 1 – Thurs, Apr 14^th, 2011 – Arrival in Cancun – You will need to get to the hotel on your own as people may be arriving at different times. Suggestions will be provided. You are on your own for breakfast, lunch and dinner – We will me meeting at the hotel for a briefing at 8:00 PM.

Day 2 – Fri, Apr 15^th – Cancun – Isla Mujeres – We will be taking the ferry to the island of Isla Mujeres where we will visit the Temple of Ixchel. Ixchel was the Maya goddess of love, fertility and the moon. You will enjoy amazing views of the Caribbean Sea. After lunch you we will be going to Dolphin Discovery Aquatic Park and you will have an amazing opportunity to swim with the dolphins. Before returning to the mainland you can visit the Turtle Farm or go shopping on the island, your choice. Isla Mujeres is the ancestral hatching ground for the giant sea turtles who lay their eggs in the soft sand every May through September. Now federally protected the eggs are placed in pens to keep them safe from predators and the newly hatched turtles are placed in tanks until they are released into the wild by the local school children. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 3 – Sat, Apr 16^th – Cancun – Tulum – Coba – Chichen Itza - First, we’ll visit the beachfront ruins of Tulum. This stunning 12^th-century site, once in habited by the Mayas and Toltecs, is set atop coastal cliffs overlooking the Caribbean. From here it is a short drive to Coba, an important Mayan city during the 8^th and 9^th centuries. Although it had an estimated population of 50,000, it was abandoned for unknown reasons. The present-day village straddles Lago Coba and is surrounded by dense jungle. In the late afternoon, arrive at Chichen Itza, where the renowned Mayaland Hotel is your home for the next two nights. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 4 – Sun, Apr 17^th – Chichen Itza – A full day to explore this most important and strategic ancient city. Chichen Itza was built by the Maya between 600 and 900 CE, abandoned by the end of the 10^th century, and re-established in the 11^th and 12^th centuries possibly by the Toltecs. This site sits amid 3 miles of cleared forest scrub. Visit the ball court, site of many human sacrifices; El Castillo, a formidable building dedicated to the high priest; and the Cenote Sagrado, the sacred well once filled with priceless treasures offered to the gods. This evening enjoy the Sound and Light Show at Chichen Itza. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Note: We are hoping to do a special ceremony either this evening or tomorrow night – Maya Itza Activation Ceremony with Humbatz Men local Itza shaman. If we do the ceremony, you may not be able to attend the Sound and Light Show this evening, but will be able to attend tomorrow night. If Hunbatz is unable to join us in Chichen Itza, we will be doing ceremony in Merida.

Day 5 – Mon, Apr 18^th – Chichen Itza – Izamal – Uxmal – Today we drive to Uzamal, a charming town that was once a classic Maya religious site and later a center of the Spanish attempt to Christianize the Maya. Tour the Convent, built between 1549 and 1562, and visit the local market before enjoying lunch at an area restaurant. This evening, enjoy an exciting Sound and Light Show. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 6 – Tue, Apr 19^th – Uxmal – Kabah – Merida – This morning we visit Uxmal. Built during the Classic Period, Uxmal is the most famous of the ruins in the Puuc region. Its architecture is considered one of the masterpieces of the old civilization. Later, visit Kabah, a small but interesting archeological site famous for its Palace of Masks. Journey on to Merida, capital of the Yucatan state and its colonial heart. This evening, take a stroll around this friendly town and explore some of the interesting shops and restaurants. You will be given suggestions for the best way to spend your evening. Breakfast and lunch provided. Note: Possible ceremony by Leonide Martin, local Maya Priestess, Solar Initiate or lecture by Hunbatz Men, local Itza shaman in the evening.

Day 7 – Wed, Apr 20^th – Merida – Conquered in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo, Merida remained under Spanish control for the next 300 years. This morning’s city tour showcases a variety of European architectural styles by visiting the Cathedral, the zocalo (main square), and the elegant Paseo Montejo boulevard. Later, visit the Museum of Anthropology and History with its excellent displays of Mayan artifacts from various sites in the Yucatan. Enjoy leisure time this afternoon to relax in your centrally located hotel, shop for local wares, or maybe visit nearby museums such as the Museum of Popular Art, showcasing Mayan art, handicrafts, and clothing. Breakfast and lunch provided. Note: Possible ceremony by Leonide Martin, local Maya Priestess, Solar Initiate or lecture by Hunbatz Men, local Itza shaman in the evening.  

Day 8 – Thurs, Apr 21^st – Merida – Ek Balam – Valladolid – Cancun – Today we visit the enormous Acropolis pyramid inside the Mayan site of Ek Balam. Meaning black jaguar. Ek Balam was at the height of its importance as a Mayan city during the Late Classic Period (600-900 CE). When the Mayas abandoned the site, it went under cover as the dense low-lying jungle of the Yucatan engulfed it. Found by archeologists and adventurers, its restoration has been ongoing since 1997. Next we visit the charming town of Valladolid before making our way back to Cancun. This evening you will be attending a festive farewell dinner. Breakfast and dinner provided.

Day 9 – Fri, Apr 22^nd – Cancun – The vacation ends this morning with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Cancun International Airport. Breakfast is provided.