Diving among stalactites and stalagmites of the limestone sink holes and trekking through the jungle to marvel at monumental Mayan ruins may seem at odds with each other. However, a land of unmissable Mayan archaeology comes face to face with the Caribbean Sea in the Riviera Maya. Divers come here for the many species of coral, underwater plants and creatures which make this one of the most popular diving and snorkelling centres in the world and it is here, set back in the jungle that ancient civilisations created their magnificent cities. Spread along the Caribbean Coast throughout Mexico and Belize Mayan ruins confront the warm turquoise sea where fine white sand beaches are fringed by palm groves and life gently passes by.
Recommended accommodation
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Hacienda San Jose
The wild exotic jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula envelopes the Hacienda San Jose and provides a sharp contrast to the sophistication and elegance of this enchanting colonial hideaway.
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Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is a landmark hotel among the smaller luxury resorts in the region, welcoming families with children as well as couples.
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Maroma Resort & Spa
Maroma is a quintessentially Mexican hideaway hotel on the doorstep to the Mayan world. Originally a private hacienda, Maroma has been carved from the Yucatecan jungle.
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Banyan Tree Mayakoba
With great anticipation, Banyan Tree Hotels has arrived in the Western Hemisphere with a sophisticated and rarified offering at Mayakoba.
Sample itinerary
DAYS 1 - 3 Mexico City
Arrive Mexico City & overnight. Enjoy a day touring the former Aztec & colonial capital including the pyramids of Teotihacan. Spend three nights at the Four Seasons.
DAYS 4 - 5 Palenque
Fly to Villhermosa, travel to the Mayan ruins of Palenque which overlook the Chiapas Mountains & the flat Mayan jungles of the Yucatan. Spend two nights at the Chan Kah Resort.
DAYS 6 - 8 Merida
Fly via Mexico City to the 'white city' of Merida, the 450 year old capital of the Yucatan, a colonial gem set in low-lying
tropical rainforest. Nearby haciendas are the perfect base for expeditions to local Mayan sites of Uxmal & Labná. Spend
three nights at the Hacienda San Jose.
DAYS 9 - 14 Riviera Maya
Travel overland via Chichen Itza to the coast & the Riviera Maya. Spend six nights at the charming Hotel Ikal del Mar
overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
DAY 15
Scheduled flight to Mexico City & connect with the flight home.
Prices start from £2,930 excluding flights.
Please call us for a bespoke itinerary and quotation.
