Ancient Maya Cities
of the Yucatan
Peninsula
November 8 – 17, 2024
9 days exploring the sacred Maya world — from Chichén Itzá's towering pyramids to the flamingo sanctuary of Celestún, led by Cliff Dunning and local expert Memo Gonzalez.
Reserve Your SpotAn Epic Adventure Awaits in México
Earth Ancients' Cliff Dunning invites you to uncover the mysteries of the Maya civilization. This 9-day tour begins and ends in Mérida, the cultural heart of Yucatán. We'll journey through majestic archaeological zones — Uxmal, Mayapán, Ek Balam — and witness the celestial alignment of Chichén Itzá. Immerse yourself in colonial history, artisan workshops, and the wild beauty of Celestún's flamingo reserve.
From the serene courtyards of Izamal to the powerful acoustics of Kabah, you'll experience Mexico's rich heritage with exceptional lodging, expert guides, and carefully curated meals. This is more than a tour; it's a pilgrimage into the land of the ancient Maya.
9-Day Maya Journey
Day One
Arrival in Mérida
Friday, November 8, 2024
- Arrivals to Mérida International Airport
- Transfer to Hotel La Mision de Fray Diego
- 7:00 PM: Orientation meeting at hotel
- Welcome & free evening in colonial Mérida
Day Two
Mérida & Gran Museo Maya
Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Breakfast at hotel
- Walking tour of historic city center
- Visit the Gran Museo Maya (world-class Maya artifacts)
- Lunch break & free time in Mérida
- Overnight at Hotel La Mision de Fray Diego
Day Three
Izamal & Chichén Itzá
Sunday, November 10, 2024
- Explore Izamal's pyramid & convent
- Transport to Chichén Itzá
- Evening lecture by Cliff Dunning
- Overnight at Mayaland Hotel (inside the ruins)
Day Four
Chichén Itzá & Cenote Ik'Il
Monday, November 11, 2024
- Full guided tour of Chichén Itzá
- Buffet lunch at Cenote Ik'Il & swimming
- Evening talk on Maya cosmology
- Overnight at Mayaland Hotel
Day Five
Ek Balam & Valladolid
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
- Tour of Ek Balam ruins & acropolis
- Lunch & free time in Valladolid
- Return to Chichén Itzá for overnight
Day Six
Mayapán & Uxmal
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
- Explore Mayapán (late Maya capital)
- Visit Mani – church where Bishop Landa burned Maya codices
- Lunch at Principe Tutul Xiu
- Overnight at Hacienda Uxmal
Day Seven
Uxmal & Choco-Story
Thursday, November 14, 2024
- Morning tour of Uxmal (masterpiece of Puuc style)
- Choco-Story Museum – cacao ritual
- Uxmal Sound and Light Show (night)
- Overnight at Hacienda Uxmal
Day Eight
Kabah, Muna & Return to Mérida
Friday, November 15, 2024
- Kabah – Palace of the Masks
- Pottery demonstration with Patricia Martin
- Traditional Yucatec lunch
- Evening free in Mérida
- Overnight Mérida
Day Nine
Celestún Flamingo Sanctuary
Saturday, November 16, 2024
- Morning boat trip to see flamingos & mangroves
- Lunch on the beach at Celestún
- Return to Mérida
- Final dinner: Museo Gastronomía Yucateca
Day Ten
Departure
Sunday, November 17, 2024
- Breakfast at hotel
- Airport taxis arranged
- End of tour – Hasta luego!
Yucatán Tour Packages
Shared Room
Per person, double occupancy
Deposit: $500
What's Included
Not Included
Single Room (Private)
Single occupancy supplement
Deposit: $500
What's Included
Not Included
Your Hosts
Cliff Dunning
Cliff is the host and producer of the "Earth Ancients" podcast. A former Program Director for major conferences, he blends a deep understanding of ancient wisdom traditions and anomalous archaeology. An author and researcher, Cliff brings provocative insight into lost civilizations, from Göbekli Tepe to the Maya world.
Memo Gonzalez
Guillermo "Memo" Gonzalez is a specialist guide of the Chichén Itzá region known for his deep knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. His clients praise his ability to bring Maya history to life. Memo will escort the group, offering insights into sacred cenotes, Puuc architecture, and local Yucatec traditions.
Secure Your Journey to the Maya Realm
Reserve your place — limited spots available for this exclusive Earth Ancients expedition.
Reserve Your Spot Now