¡Bienvenidos a Mexico! Arrive at Cancún International Airport, where you'll be met and transferred to the group's hotel in Playa del Carmen. After settling in and freshening up, get to know your new travel buddies over a festive welcome dinner. 

Today we're off to Tulum for a seaside archaeological adventure! With its white sand beaches spilling from the jungle into the warm blue waters of the Caribbean, Tulum has about as stunning a setting as any archaeological site in the world. We'll explore its incredible ruins, learning how archaeologists uncovered the secrets of this walled city dating back to the 12th century. From Tulum, we continue onward to Merida, a vibrant city known for its mix of colonial and Maya influences. 

Have you ever met a pink flamingo? Well today you'll have your chance! We're heading into Celestún Biosphere Reserve to meet the Yucatan's most colorful critters, from pink flamingos and orange orioles to sea turtles and iguanas. After soaking up the sights and sounds of the reserve, we head back to Merida for a free afternoon to explore the city or hang out at the pool. 

Today we're taking the WOW Machine back in time 66 million years! We'll be learning all about Chicxulub, the enormous crater formed by the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs. With a force of 100 million megatons of TNT (that's 2 million times stronger than the most powerful man-made bomb), the asteroid that struck the earth here created a crater 90 miles wide and 12 miles deep. At the Chicxulub Museum, we'll discover how this cosmic event led to the demise of the dinosaurs and reshaped our planet forever. Afterward, we'll head to El Corchicto Ecological Reserve for a refreshing dip. 

Our archaeological explorations continue with a visit to Chichén Itzá! Wandering amidst the ruins of this ancient Maya metropolis, we'll let our imaginations roam amidst monuments where high priests once made sacred sacrifices. From the soaring El Castillo pyramid to the astronomical observatory, be transported through centuries of Maya mythology and history. Leaving the ancient city behind, we'll cool off with a swim at a nearby cenote, then continue on Valladolid, a gorgeous colonial town hidden deep in the Yucatan jungle. 

This morning we're off to Laguna Chabela, a tiny village in the jungle where the local community continues to carry on ancient Maya traditions. We'll meet families who live here and get to know their daily lives, including making delicious, fresh, warm tortillas the traditional way. Departing the village, we'll make our way back to Playa del Carmen for a festive farewell dinner together. 

Our journey comes to an end today. Should you wish to spend more time exploring Mexico’s myriad wonders, check out the Atlas Obscura Guide to Mexico for itinerary inspiration. Until our next adventure, keep WOWing!