The Colours and Culture of Yucatan
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of southeastern Mexico, where ancient heritage, vibrant traditions and tropical beauty come together. Experience the rich cultural character, warm hospitality and distinctive flavours of the region while enjoying a wonderful balance of discovery and relaxation
Format
Trip Highlights
Destinations that include planned activities and/or overnight stays.
- Mexico
- Mérida
- Homún
- Pisté
- Valladolid
- Cancún & Riviera Maya
- Tulum
- Isla Mujeres
- Cathedral of San Ildefonso, Mérida, Mexico
- Archaeological Zone of Uxmal, Santa Elena, Mexico
- Chichén Itzá Archaeological Site, Tinúm, Mexico
- Tulum Archaeological Site, Tulum, Mexico
- Coba Archaeological Site, Tulum, Mexico
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Mérida (if flight & hotel option is chosen)
- Shared airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers, unless otherwise noted
- One-way Economy Class train ticket from Cancún to Mérida
- 7 nights in Superior accommodations (4 nights in Mérida, 3 nights in Cancún)
- Daily breakfast
- Other meals as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions as per itinerary
- More Moments inclusions:
- Mérida guided walking tour
- Archaeological Zone of Uxmal tour with Cenote Experience Escape
- The Magic of Santa Bárbara’s cenotes tour
- Shared full-day guided Chichén Itzá tour, featuring a refreshing swim in a cenote
- Valladolid guided city tour
- Discover Tulum & Cobá – Secrets of the Mayan World tour
- Caribbean Breeze: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Experience
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges
- Service of an English-speaking local guide
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Welcome to Mérida!
Daytime flight to Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport in Mérida.
Upon arrival, clear customs and immigration, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit. A local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name and will assist you with your transfer to the hotel for check-in.
After settling in, meet your local tour guide and embark on a guided walking tour of Mérida. Following the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Mérida guided walking tour
Discover iconic landmarks like the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, as well as the vibrant Zócalo and the beautifully preserved colonial buildings that bring Mérida’s past to life.
Day 2
Mérida – Uxmal – Mérida
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a full-day journey through the Yucatán Peninsula, exploring remarkable archaeological treasures and the rich history, culture and traditions of the ancient Maya.
Continue to a refreshing cenote for a swim in its crystal-clear waters before returning to your hotel and enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Archaeological Zone of Uxmal tour with cenote experience
Explore one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cities of the ancient Maya. Wander through the majestic Pyramid of the Magician, the grand Governor’s Palace and the elegant Nunnery Quadrangle, each revealing the remarkable artistry, astronomy and ceremonial life of this once-thriving civilization.
To end your day, cool off with a swim in a cenote, a sacred natural pool nestled in the jungle. These crystal-clear waters were once revered by the Maya and continue to offer peace, refreshment and a touch of magic.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Mérida – Homún – Mérida
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and set off on a scenic drive to the charming village of Homún, gateway to some of Yucatán’s most spectacular natural wonders. Spend the day exploring the region’s legendary cenotes, where crystal-clear waters, lush jungle landscapes and hidden underground caverns create an unforgettable adventure.
Following an included lunch, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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The Magic of Santa Bárbara’s cenotes tour
Ride through peaceful jungle trails by bicycle or aboard a charming horse-drawn cart, discovering three or four distinct cenotes along the way. Some are open to the sky, shimmering under sunlight; others are hidden in caverns, echoing like natural cathedrals carved by water and time.
Whether you take a refreshing swim, float in silence or simply admire the rock formations and crystal-clear water, the experience is pure, grounding and unforgettable. This is not just a swim; it’s a connection to nature, to history and to yourself.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Mérida – Pisté – Valladolid – Cancún
After an early breakfast, meet your local guide and embark on a full-day excursion to the Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most iconic landmarks.
Continue to a cenote for a refreshing swim before visiting Valladolid, a charming colonial town known for its colourful façades.
Afterward, head to your hotel in Cancún and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Shared full-day guided Chichén Itzá tour, featuring a refreshing swim in a cenote
Explore the legendary Mayan city of Chichén Itzá, including the iconic Temple of Kukulkán, Sacred Cenote and Great Ball Court. Continue to a cenote for a refreshing swim. These remarkable natural formations were once believed to be portals to the gods.
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Valladolid guided city tour
Discover the timeless charm of Valladolid on a guided journey through its rich history, vibrant traditions and distinctive colonial character. Accompanied by a local guide, gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural heritage and authentic atmosphere while experiencing the warm spirit that makes Valladolid a memorable destination.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 5
Cancún – Tulum – Cobá – Cancún
After breakfast, meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a fascinating full-day journey through history, visiting two of the Yucatán Peninsula’s most impressive archaeological treasures, Tulum and Cobá.
After the tour, return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your own pace.
More Moments Activities Included
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Discover Tulum & Cobá - Secrets of the Mayan World tour
Begin your day in Tulum, where ancient Mayan temples overlook the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Discover the stories of the astronomers, warriors and rulers who once called this dramatic clifftop city home while taking in its unforgettable coastal views.
Continue into the jungle to Cobá, a vast archaeological site surrounded by tropical forest. Here you’ll encounter Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatán Peninsula. While climbing is no longer permitted, its sheer scale offers a powerful glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Maya, while the surrounding jungle adds to the site’s timeless and mystical atmosphere.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Cancún – Isla Mujeres – Cancún
After breakfast, meet your local guide and set off on a full-day island escape to Isla Mujeres, a beautiful tropical paradise in the Mexican Caribbean. You will be transferred to a Cancún marina to board your catamaran and sail across the crystal-clear waters to this stunning island destination.
At the end of your excursion, return to the Cancún marina, where a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign with your name will greet you and assist you with your transfer back to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Caribbean Breeze: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Experience
This day invites you to experience the coast of Cancún from the water. Board a stylish catamaran and cruise toward the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres, sipping drinks from the open bar. Snorkel above colourful coral reefs, then dock on the island where you’ll have time to explore its charming streets, relax on the beach or grab a tropical cocktail in a local café.
Meal(s): Breakfast and light lunch
Day 7
Cancún – Mérida
After breakfast and check-out, meet a local representative in the lobby of your hotel. They will assist you with your transfer to the train station in Cancún for your train ride to Mérida.
Upon arrival, proceed to the exit, where a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign bearing your name and will assist you with your transfer to the hotel.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Mérida – Canada
After breakfast, meet a local representative in the lobby of your hotel. They will assist you with your transfer to Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): King, queen or twin beds
Room occupancy: Max. 3 guests, any combination
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Ideal for
Guided tours
Let us show you around. Tour packages include (varies by tour):
- Round-trip flight with Air Canada
- Private airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Train transportation
- Motorcoach transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel luggage service
- Experienced guide throughout
- Aeroplan® points
Earn more with Aeroplan
In addition to accumulating points on the flight portion of your trip, you’ll earn up to 4,000 extra Aeroplan points on select tour packages.
- Members ages 2 to 12 will receive extra points equivalent to 50% of the points granted to members ages 13 and up.
- Travel completion by December 31, 2026.
Important Information
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Dates of operation: Jan. 1, 2027 - Apr. 12, 2027
Frequency: Mondays and Saturdays
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Not included:
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Additional hotel services (laundry, minibar, room service, etc.)
- Transfers for optional activities, or any additional transfers outside those listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to attractions not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
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- Van/car for all airport-hotel-airport, sightseeing and intercity transfers
- Train from Cancún to Mérida
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- The tour duration indicated in your itinerary may vary depending on local conditions and operational constraints.
- Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
- Some drives on this itinerary may involve winding roads. If you are sensitive to motion sickness, we recommend planning accordingly.
- The sequence of the itinerary may be altered for reasons beyond the supplier’s control, such as accommodation availability, weather, national events, strikes, etc.