10-Day Yucatan Archaeology & Maya History Tour

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10-Day Yucatan Archaeology & Maya History: The Grand Expedition

Guaranteed Available Packages
Saturday
October 24, 2026

Monday
November 2, 2026
$3,195 USD
Available
Guaranteed Available Packages
Saturday
November 14, 2026

Monday
November 23, 2026
$3,195 USD
Available
Guaranteed Available Packages
Saturday
November 28, 2026

Monday
December 7, 2026
$3,195 USD
Available
Guaranteed Available Packages
Saturday
December 5, 2026

Monday
December 14, 2026
$3,195 USD
Available

Are you a culture lover? And are you fascinated by archaeology and history? Then you found the ideal tour for you!

Embark on the definitive 10-day Maya history journey, a masterclass expedition designed for true archaeology enthusiasts. Led by expert guides with advanced studies, this tour traverses the entire Yucatán Peninsula, from the coastal fortresses of Tulum to the monumental pyramids of Calakmul hidden deep in the biosphere reserve.

Explore the rise and fall of the powerful Kan Dynasty in Dzibanché, marvel at the intricate Río Bec and Puuc architectural styles, and discover rarely visited gems like Santa Rosa Xtampak. Beyond the stones, we dive into the living history of the Caste War and the colonial elegance of Campeche and Valladolid. This is not just a tour; it’s an academic and sensory odyssey through the evolution of the Maya world.

Along this amazing journey, get to know breathtaking places: Chichen Itza Archaeological Zone is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, other majestic archaeological sites as Coba, Ek Balam, and Tulum

In addition, get to know the beautiful colonial city of Valladolid, founded in 1545, and declared a Magic Town of Mexico in 2012 by the federal government, and recently won North America’s 2019 Travel Lemming Reader Choice Award.

Ages
All ages
Duration
10 days
Tour type
Multi Day Tour
Best season
All Year

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Dates

FAQs

10-Day Yucatan Archaeology & Maya History Expedition: The Grand Journey

Embark on the definitive 10-day Maya history expedition, a masterclass journey designed specifically for archaeology enthusiasts and cultural explorers. Led by expert guides with advanced historical studies, this tour traverses the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, offering exclusive access to both world-famous wonders and rarely visited ancient cities. Explore the coastal fortress of Tulum, the monumental pyramids of Calakmul hidden deep in the biosphere, and the early capital of the powerful Kan Dynasty at Dzibanché.

Throughout this immersive odyssey, you will discover the intricate Río Bec and Puuc architectural styles in sites like Chicanná, Becán, and Uxmal, and marvel at the stucco masks of Kohunlich. Beyond the archaeology, we delve into the colonial elegance of UNESCO-listed Campeche, the living history of the Caste War, and the folk art of Valladolid. This is more than a tour; it is a deep academic and sensory dive into the evolution, myths, and engineering of the ancient Maya world.

Day 1 :

Arrival in Cancún – Welcome to the Yucatán

Arrive at Cancún International Airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and settle into your tropical surroundings.
Overnight: Hotel Rey del Caribe or similar, Cancún.

Day 2 :

Tulum, Muyil & Carrillo Puerto – Coastal Ruins and Sacred Forests

After breakfast, enjoy early access to the iconic Tulum archaeological site, perched above the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Continue to Muyil, nestled in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, and explore its mystical jungle ruins.
Enjoy lunch at the traditional Faisán & Venado restaurant in Carrillo Puerto. In the afternoon, visit the Church of Balam Na, an important site in the history of the Caste War.
Overnight: Hotel Laguna Bacalar or similar, Bacalar.

Day 3 :

Dzibanché, Kinichná & Kohunlich – Cities of the Kan Dynasty

Depart early to Dzibanché, believed to be the early capital of the powerful Kan (or Kaan) dynasty. Continue with a guided visit to Kinichná, followed by the impressive jungle-shrouded temples of Kohunlich, famous for its stucco masks.
Overnight: Chicanná Ecovillage Resort or similar.

Day 4 :

Chicanná, Becán & Xpujil – Mysteries of the Río Bec Style

Begin the day with early access to the beautifully detailed Chicanná ruins, then continue to Becán, a once-fortified ceremonial center with deep moats. End the day with a visit to Xpujil, another fine example of Río Bec architecture.
Overnight: Chicanná Ecovillage Resort or similar.

Day 5 :

Calakmul & El Hormiguero – The Great Mayan Metropolis

Embark on a morning expedition to Calakmul, one of the largest and most powerful ancient Mayan cities, deep in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Later, explore the lesser-known but captivating ruins of El Hormiguero.
Overnight: Chicanná Ecovillage Resort or similar.

Day 6 :

Balamkú & Campeche – From Jungle to the Coast

Begin with an early visit to the stunning friezes of Balamkú, then travel to the coastal colonial city of Campeche. Enjoy lunch upon arrival and visit the Museo Baluarte de la Soledad, showcasing regional history and culture.
In the evening, take a guided city tour through the pastel-colored streets and historical walls of UNESCO-listed Campeche.
Overnight: Best Western Hotel Del Mar or similar, Campeche.

Day 7 :

Edzná, Santa Rosa Xtampak & Uxmal – Mayan Majesty in the Hills

After breakfast, depart for a guided visit to Edzná, known for its grand main plaza and five-story temple. Continue to Santa Rosa Xtampak, an ancient site of the Chenes region rarely visited by tourists.
Lunch will be either a boxed meal or at a local restaurant in Hopelchén. Then travel to the Puuc hills and settle into Uxmal.
Overnight: Uxmal Resort Maya or similar.
Optional: Evening light and sound show at Uxmal.

Day 8 :

Uxmal & Chichén Itzá – Timeless Temples

Begin with early access and a guided tour of Uxmal, renowned for its graceful architecture and the Pyramid of the Magician. Enjoy a special lunch at Hacienda Uxmal.
In the afternoon, travel to Chichén Itzá, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Overnight: Hotel Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itzá or similar.
Optional: Attend the Kukulcán Night Show.

Day 9 :

Chichén Itzá, Cenote Swim & Valladolid – Echoes of the Past

Early morning visit to Chichén Itzá, where you’ll explore the Temple of Kukulkán, the Observatory, and the Sacred Cenote before the crowds arrive. Lunch at Mayaland Restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy an optional swim in the beautiful Cenote Dzitnup, surrounded by vines and filtered sunlight.
Arrive in Valladolid, a charming colonial town. Evening walking tour of its lively squares and hidden gems.
Overnight: Hotel EcoHotel Quinta Regia or similar, Valladolid.

Day 10 :

Valladolid & Departure – A Fond Farewell

After breakfast, visit the Casa de los Venados, a private home and museum featuring one of Mexico’s finest collections of folk art. The tour begins at 9:00 AM (Valladolid time – 10:00 AM Cancún time) and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Transfer to Cancún International Airport for your departure.

FAQs

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What to Bring for Your Adventure

To ensure your comfort and enjoyment throughout the journey, we recommend packing the following essentials:

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes – Ideal for exploring archaeological sites, nature reserves, and colonial towns.
Eco-friendly sunscreen and insect repellent – Protect your skin and help preserve the environment.
Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses – For sun protection during outdoor excursions.
Swimsuit and towel – Perfect for cenote swims, beach visits, and hotel pools.
Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirt – Helps protect against the sun and insects while staying breathable.
Waterproof or windproof jacket – Useful for sudden changes in weather, especially in forested or coastal areas.
Personal hygiene items – Preferably biodegradable to minimize environmental impact.
Camera or smartphone – To capture the unforgettable landscapes, wildlife, and cultural moments.

Optional but helpful: A daypack for day trips, reusable water bottle, and a light scarf or bandana for dusty trails or sun protection.

What makes this 10-day tour different from standard Yucatan trips?

Unlike standard tours that only visit Chichén Itzá, our 10-day Grand Expedition focuses on the deep history of the Maya. We specialize in the Snake King (Kan) Dynasty ruins and the unique Río Bec and Puuc architectural styles. Led by guides with higher academic studies, this journey offers a scientific and historical depth that connects ancient metropolises like Calakmul with the modern Maya culture.

Who are the guides for the Yucatan Archaeology & History tour?

At EcoColors, we pride ourselves on having expert naturalist and historical guides, all of whom have higher education in archaeology, biology, or history. This ensures that the information provided is academically accurate and covers complex topics like Maya epigraphy, the Caste War, and the sophisticated engineering of sites like Uxmal and Edzná.

Will we have early access to sites like Chichén Itzá and Uxmal?

Yes. To provide a truly immersive experience, our itinerary is designed to grant early morning access to the most iconic sites. This allows you to explore the Temple of Kukulcan and the Pyramid of the Magician before the large tourist crowds arrive from the coast, offering better opportunities for professional photography and tranquil contemplation.

How physically demanding is the exploration of Calakmul and the southern ruins?

This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven jungle terrain and climbing some allowed structures for panoramic views. Exploring the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve requires a spirit of adventure, as we dive deep into the rainforest to reach the ancient pyramids. We recommend comfortable hiking shoes and a good level of mobility.

What is the significance of the Kan Dynasty sites included in the tour?

The Kan (or Snake) Dynasty was one of the most powerful political entities in Maya history. On this tour, you will visit their early capital, Dzibanché, and their greatest metropolis, Calakmul. Understanding this “Snake Kingdom” is key to grasping the geopolitics of the Classic Maya period, a unique narrative thread we follow throughout the 10 days.

10-Day Yucatan Archaeology & Maya History: The Grand Expedition

Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Dates

FAQs

10-Day Yucatan Archaeology & Maya History Expedition: The Grand Journey

Additional Information

What's Included

Not Included

Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date

10-Day Yucatan Archaeology & Maya History Expedition: The Grand Journey

Additional Information

What's Included

Not Included

Join Our Fixed Trip Starting Date

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Featured Trips

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