MAYAN RIVIERA PHOTO ADVENTURE WITH PULITZER PRIZE WINNER ESSDRAS M SUAREZ |

MAYAN RIVIERA PHOTO ADVENTURE WITH PULITZER PRIZE WINNER ESSDRAS M SUAREZ
Described by many as the “Playground of the gods”, The Mayan Riviera in Mexico is one of the most fascinating destination spots in the world. Tropical beaches, ancient ruins, abundant marine and wildlife abound. Explore all angles of this timeless coast, its people, architecture, nature, sounds and flavors. While staying at the Occidental Flamenco Xcaret, a 5 star, all-inclusive resort located in the middle of a lush natural preserve, explore all the region has to offer.
ITINERARY
DAY 1 - ARRIVALS
Today we welcome you to the Mayan Riviera. Upon arriving you will be transferred to your beautiful hotel adjacent Xcaret, Nature’s Sacred Paradise. In the evening enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by a welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 2 - MUYIL - SIAN KAAN - TULUM
In the early morning, after breakfast depart for Muyil, an old Mayan port located in Sian Ka’an, a Biosphere Reserve, now a UNESCO world heritage site. Muyil is known as a bird watching paradise, for the beauty of its lagoons and the lush landscape in addition to its Mayan archaeological remains, which are considered some of the most important in the region. After a cultural immersion and a beautiful boat ride, float in one of the turquoise water canals that connect the lagoons in the area.
After lunch, visit Tulum, the first Mayan City discovered by the Spaniard conquerors in the 16th century and the only construction built on the seaside of the Caribbean Sea.
Tonight join your fellow travelers for a private dinner in the hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 - XCARET BY DAY
Today, after breakfast, head to Xcaret, Nature’s Sacred Paradise. Xcaret is an ecoarchaeological park filled with the natural beauty of the region. The park boasts some of the most revered traditions and icons of the Mexican culture. Here, you will have the opportunity to discover indigenous people, Mariachis, a graveyard, Mayan ruins, animals, people, and much more. Xcaret is the perfect place to experience some of the most iconic and emblematic aspects of the Mexican culture with a strong emphasis in the Mayan culture. Enjoy the day by floating in underground rivers, swimming with the dolphins, the Manatees or the sharks, visiting the interactive aquarium, walking in a beautiful botanical garden or enjoying a Mexican folk show amongst many other things.
Our Maya adventure continues in the early evening as the Xcaret at night show unfolds with more than 200 actor & actresses giving life to passages of the rich history of this country. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 - CHICHEN-ITZA - VALLADOLID
Depart for Chichen-Itza, one of the new wonders of the world. Chichen is one of the grandest architectural accomplishments of their civilization and dates back to 900 B.C. Your visit takes you to the Temple of Kukulcan, the Observatory and the Sacred Well. Continue to the town of Valladolid, recently designated a “Pueblo Magico” (Magical Town) for its 400 years of history, for its vast colonial architecture, Mayan ruins and its traditions and beauty. After lunch embark on a walking tour of the city led by your award-winning lead photographer. Later return to the Mayan Riviera. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - XPLOR FUEGO
The day will be at leisure until the early evening. Enjoy the hotel, its several swimming pools, the beach or various activities… after lunch, depart for Xplor Park which at opens its doors at night for a very unique experience. Xplor is an underground world where you will enjoy an unparalleled adventure. Fly between trees and bridges; discover amazing caves and extraordinary rock formations, swim in underground rivers filled with million-year old stalactites and stalagmites, drive an all-terrain vehicle through the jungle and across hanging bridges and more. Enjoy dinner in the park as you take a break from your adventure. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 - COBÁ - XELHA
Visit the impressive Cobá archaeological site, an ancient Mayan urban center hidden in the jungle and surrounded by lagoons that once spread over 80 Sq. Km. Bike through the ruins and temples and feel the ancient energy and vibes. Climb up Nohow Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid of the Peninsula with half of it still covered by the jungle and standing at 40m (130 Ft) high. Later, continue to Xel-ha, and enjoy a lunch in a private area of the park exclusively for our group. Xel-ha is one of Mexico’s Natural wonders and today an amazing park. Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the park, doing some of the many activities the park has to offer; Float on the inlet, scuba dive, snorkel, swim with dolphins or ride a cable bike on tope of the trees. Today we will have a group dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 - XENOTES
In the morning, depart on a private tour through the middle of the Mayan jungle and landscapes of indescribable beauty. Today enjoy a different kind of adventure by visiting four different types of cenotes (sink holes). Enjoy activities such as kayaking, snorkeling and rappelling with aided descent, zip lines, inner tubes and swimming along with a period of relaxation to enjoy a picnic, a true moment of adventure in contact with nature. In the evening, rejoin the group for a very special and exclusive dinner in the wine cellars of Xcaret. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 - DEPARTURES
After breakfast be transfered to the airport for your departure flights. (B)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Program Inclusions:
- Award Professional Guide & Group Manager.
- Accomodations: 7 Nights / 8 Days.
- Transportation per itinerary.
- All entrance fees per itinerary.
- Breakfast, lunches and dinners as mentionen (B,L,D).
Program Exclusions:
- Airfares (international and domestic).
- Tips and gratuities.
- Drinks as mentioned.
- Meals not mentioned in the program.
- Airport taxes.
- $3,595per person double occupancy
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- INCLUDES: Award winning professional guide & group manager, accomodations, transportation per itinerary, all entrance fees per itinerary, breakfast, lunches and dinners per itinerary
