THE STEPHEN'S ROUTE

Day 1: Cancun – Chichen Itza – Merida (320 km)

- Pick-up at your Cancun resort's lobby and transportation and tour of the ancient Mayan site of Chichen Itza. Granted status as one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world, this important ceremonial center is a place full of magic and mysticism. Be impressed by the genius architecture of the Kukulkan’s Pyramid also referred as El Castillo, The Observatory, The Temple of the Warriors and the Great ball court with its monumental 12 meters high walls.

- Transportation to Merida and hotel registration.

- Free afternoon to explore this enchanting colonial gem also known as the White City. Visit the plazas market stalls, colonial churches and mansions or enjoy the city’s lively entertainment.

Day 2: Merida

- Tour of the historical downtown of Merida, founded in 1542, with a mixture of colonial architecture and features of the French wealthy past of the peak of the Henequen époque that can be found in buildings facades. Stroll down the famous Montejo Avenue and visit “El Palacio Canton”, currently headquarter of the Anthropology and History museum of the Mayan culture, the Governors Palace, the Montejo House and the University. Take some free time to find some more exciting places on your own, relax on some of the sidewalks cafes and enjoy the peace and hospitality of the city.

- Overnight.

Day 3: Merida –Puuc Route – Uxmal (80 km)

- Journey through the Puuc Route, an archaeological zone full of the splendor of the Puuc architectural style. Explore ancient Mayan ruins surrounded by the impressive flora and fauna of this region.

-Our first stop will be Kabah a stunning Mayan site well known for its Palace of Chaac masks, with hundreds of carved mask of the rain god in its façade.

-Continue the Puuc Route and tour of Sayil, a small very well preserved archaeological site amongst hills. Here you can see one of the most beautiful Mayan structures, El Palacio, with 85 meter long façade and three stories tall. All the buildings of this amazing city display a very detailed construction.

- Transportation and overnight at Uxmal. You have the option of attending the Light and Sound Show of Uxmal, considered as one of the best spectacles in the world.

Day 4: Uxmal – Campeche (154 km)

-Tour of the city of Uxmal, admire breathtaking constructions of the Puuc architecture like the Nunnery, the House of the Turtles and the Governor’s palace, with exquisite facades carved in calcareous stone that overwhelms us with their splendor. The development of this site was on the early Classic period from (ad 200 to 600).

- Near Uxmal there is a small village where you will find a Parish and Monastery built from stones of the pre-Colombian Mayan ruins.

-Transportation to the city of Campeche, check in and overnight. Enjoy the free evening to get acquainted with this charming fortified city with baroque colonial architecture.

Day 5: Campeche – Palenque (180 km)

-Tour of the City of Campeche, where the Conquest of Yucatan began. Walk the streets, and fortified center that remind us of the constant attacks suffered in the Seventeenth Century by pirates, corsairs and filibusters. The city conserves a magic touch, of its glorious and colonial past in its facades and architecture.

- Transportation and overnight in Palenque, Chiapas. You will enjoy the beautiful changing scenery along the way.

Day 6: Palenque – San Cristobal de Las Casas (191 km)

- Guided tour of the archaeological site of Palenque. This site is one of the most visited by travelers from around the world because of the beauty of its edifications and breathtaking scenery that surrounds them. Admire the architectural inventiveness of structures such as The Temple of the Cross covered with beautiful friezes, the Pyramid of the Inscriptions where you can contemplate the Great tomb of the king Pakal, and the Palace.

- Transportation and overnight at San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 7: San Cristobal de las Casas

- Tour of San Cristobal de las Casas, a magic town that is better to explore walking as you will have the opportunity to get to know its people closely.

The city displays the great ethnic and cultural variety through its people culture and traditions. Travel down San Cristobal’s streets to see the markets, churches and its quaint houses with baroque facades, flower gardens, tile roofs and balconies. Visit the indigenous towns of Zinancantan and San Juan Chamula to have direct contact with the communities and learn about their traditions and way of life.

- Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas

- Free day to explore more of San Cristobal de las Casas. Delight with the exquisite gastronomy, festive folklore and ancient legends and do some obligated shopping in the market full of colorful handicrafts.

- Overnight in San Cristobal de las Casas.

Day 9: San Cristobal – Tuxtla Gutierrez (68 km)

- Transportation and visit of the El Cañon del Sumidero ecopark. This wonderful place has perhaps one of the most interesting scenery of the region, admire its vertical walls that rise 3,500 feet at their highest point and take part of wonderful outdoor activities in an atmosphere of total communion and respect for the environment.

- Depart to the airport.