Itinerary
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Day 1
Merida Mérida - The capital of Yucatan State is Mérida, the ‘White City’, founded in 1542 on the site of an ancient Mayan town. It has an air of elegant, faded grandeur, a legacy of its once worldwide importance as a center of henequén (sisal used in the manufacture of rope) production. It is still reckoned to be one of the best places in Latin America to buy fine quality cotton hammocks. There is much to keep the tourist here, including a fine cathedral, the Casa de Montejo, and a Museum of Anthropology, but above all it is a good base for excursions. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle. Pick up from the airport in Merida and transfer to your hotel in Merida. Quaint, charming, and retaining a Mexican Art Deco charm, Casa del Balam sits wise and strong in the Yucatan Peninsula town of Merida. The hotel is well-maintained, with gleaming surfaces and 52 spacious rooms. Bright and airy, each room offers modern comforts such as air conditioning, TV, and radio. Feast on traditional Yucatecan specialties at the Casa del Balam restaurant, where an elegant setting adds to the romance of each dish. Later, take a short walk into the historical part of town. The plaza is just a few steps away, where one may catch sight of salsa dancing in the park. Overnight at Casa del Balam. |
 Merida |
 Casa del Balam, Merida |
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Day 2
Merida Uxmal is one of the greatest Mayan ceremonial centers. All of the buildings are beautifully carved and decorated. You will have the opportunity to admire the Pyramid of the Magician, Quadrangle of the Nuns and the Governor’s Palace. Uxmal is considered one of the most beautiful pre-Hispanic archaeological sites on the American Continent, due to the proportion of its majestic constructions decorated with fine relief’s, whose precision and elegance astonish us today. A private guided visit to the Mayan site of Kabah is also scheduled as this site is near Uxmal and also belongs to the Puuc route. There you will see the temple with the 250 Chaac masks. Lunch will be enjoyed in the Mision Uxmal hotel. When the tour is completed you will be returned to your hotel. Overnight at Casa del Balam. |
 Uxmal |
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Day 3
Merida City Tour-Merida is a city full of color, culture and history. Merida is known as Ciudad Blanca or White City, because of the large use of white limestone and white paint you may see all over the place. This traditional city depicts much of the splendor of the Colonial Mexico. Nowadays it is one of the most tranquil and safe cities in Mexico. Here remote Mayan roots, superb Colonial monuments and charm have made Merida a captivating mixture of cultural influences. Houses with corridors and arcades are perfect spots where you can take a break enjoying a sherbet of tropical fruits or drinking a Yucatecan beer or spirit! Overnight at Casa del Balam. |
 Ciudad Blanca |
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Day 4
Chichen Itza The famous archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichén-Itzá, 120km (75 miles) south of Mérida, contains the Pyramid of Kukulcan where one can find the ‘Red tiger with jade eyes’. During the spring and autumn equinoxes (21-22 March and 21-22 September), huge crowds gather to see a unique spectacle, when shadows create the illusion of a serpent descending the northern staircase. Of interest are also the snaking columns of the Temple of the Warriors, a ball court in perfect condition, El Caracol (the observatory), the Caves of Balankanche and the Sacred Cenote (where bejewelled young girls were thrown into the well as sacrifices to the rain god Chac). Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Pick up from your hotel in Merida and transfer to your hotel in Chichen. The Lodge at Chichen Itza is as much a landmark as El Castillo, the towering pyramid of Equinox fame. The bungalows are clustered around trees, swimming pools and nature. The rooms are individual masterpieces whose appointments are handpicked from the work of local artisans. The generous use of rich, aged mahogany is enhanced by the addition of ethnic ceramics, textiles and artwork. Doors are intricately carved with Mayan motifs; stained glass windows set the rooms aglow with understated colors. All accommodations have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, servibars and satellite color TV. Overnight at The Lodge at Chichen Itza. |
 Chichen |
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Day 5
Cancun The Isla de Cancún, made up of some of Mexico’s most expensive beachfronts occupies the northeast tip of the Yucatán. The Punta, or point of the island, is nestled between the Bahía de Mujeres (Bay of Women) and the Caribbean Sea and boasts some of the best areas for sunbathing on the Peninsula. Although the beaches of Cancún are known for their powder white sand and exquisite beauty, the waters along the east edge of the island are subject to strong undertow and should be treated with caution. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Pick up from your hotel in Merida and transfer to Chichen Itza for a private tour of the ruins. You will be picked up for a private tour and transferred to the ruins at Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza was a major regional center in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic through the Terminal Classic and into the early portion of the Early Postclassic period. The site exhibits a multitude of architectural styles, from what is called “Mexicanized” and reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico to the Puuc style found among the Puuc Maya of the northern lowlands. Following the decline of Chichen Itza's hegemony, regional power in the Yucatán shifted to a new center at Mayapan. The ruins of Chichen Itza are federal property, and the site’s stewardship is maintained by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History. Transfer back to your hotel in Merida. Includes lunch. Pick up from your hotel in Chichen and transfer to your hotel in Cancun. Ambiance Villas are highly regarded as some of the best accommodations in Cancun. Calm and peaceful, yet holding a convenient location in the center of town, the hotel promises 150 units. Choose from 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites for the comfort of staying close to the family or a group of friends. Enjoy the view from private terraces and patios. Take in the beach while dining outdoors. Indoors, one may be seated in a more elegant atmosphere. Talented chefs whip up local and continental specialties throughout the day into the night. Ambiance Villas is known to have the best beach in town, for its privacy and cleanliness. Large, refreshing swimming pools are excellent for cooling off. Overnight at Beachscape Kin-Ha Villas. |
 Cancun |
 Chichen Itza |
 Ambiance Villas, Cancun |
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Day 6
Cancun Overnight at Beachscape Kin-Ha Villas. |
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Day 7
Cancun Leisure time in Cancun. Be sure to pre-book your local excursions to ensure that you make the most of your time in Mexico. Options include: Chichen Itza Tour, Coba and Mayan Villages Tour, Tulum Ruins Tour and more! Overnight at Beachscape Kin-Ha Villas. |
 Tulum Ruins |
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Day 8
Cancun Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver. Depart from international airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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