¡Bienvenidos, welcome to Playa Del Carmen! On arrival, take a transfer from the airport to your beachfront hotel. Enjoy a memorable welcome dinner at a unique restaurant in a vast underground cave. As we tuck in, we can chat with our guides and fellow travelers, discussing the adventures that await us!

Today is all about immersion into the living heritage of the Maya. First, pay a visit to the Yaxunah community, chatting with locals as you wander the milpas (corn fields) that have sustained life here for centuries, then take a refreshing plunge into the crystalline Cenote Lol-há. Afterward, join the nearby Piste community for a midday feast, indulging in some traditional Yucatecan cuisine prepared by the village's best cooks. This afternoon, visit golden-hued Izamal, a captivating archaeological site, uncovering layers of history at the ancient Kinich Kak Mo pyramid, once a sacred Maya sun temple, later repurposed by Spanish friars. Wander around the 16th-century St. Antony's Monastery, which boasts the second-largest monastic court in the world after the Vatican. As dusk falls, vibrant Merida awakens for an evening of solo exploration.

Enjoy a truly cosmic experience today as you delve into the cataclysmic event that reshaped life on Earth, the Chicxulub Crater. Buried deep beneath the Yucatán's limestone lies evidence of an asteroid impact so colossal, it led to the demise of the dinosaurs and over half of all species 66 million years ago. Though the 93-mile-wide, 12-mile-deep crater itself lies submerged in the Gulf, its presence reverberates through millennia. At the mind-bending meteorite museum, observe millions of years of planetary history. Then take a tour of Chicxulub town’s indelible Maya roots, stopping for lunch and a margarita at the lively market. Head back to Merida for the afternoon to relax or explore on your own. As the sun dips below the horizon, an astral delight awaits: join local astronomers for a stargazing tour (weather permitting) to witness the mysteries of the universe through powerful telescopes. 

Today, prepare to experience the magic of Chichén Itzá in a spellbinding double act. By day, wander amid the iconic ruins as your guide unveils the ancient secrets of this sophisticated Maya metropolis. Let your imagination roam as you explore monuments where high priests once made sacred sacrifices. But the true enchantment unfolds after sunset, when the ruins are illuminated for a different perspective on this fascinating archaeological site. From the soaring El Castillo pyramid to the astronomical observatory, be transported through centuries of Maya mythology and history. Over the course of the evening, we'll hear tales of love, war, life, and death originating from one of humanity's most fascinating civilizations. 

Lose yourself amid the well-preserved ruins of Uxmal, marveling at the impressive Pyramid of the Magician and the intricate carvings adorning the Governor's Palace. Climb atop these towering pyramids for views over vast, emerald-green jungle canopies. Then, gain insight into Mayan spiritual beliefs at the extraordinary Pomuch Cemetery, as you learn how death is celebrated through the ritual of rebirth (ka’a put siijil). Reward your curiosity with the town's famous pan de pueblos, freshly baked breads infused with centuries of Maya culinary heritage. As sunset paints Campeche in warm, golden hues, wander its photogenic web of streets lined with colorful colonial-era facades. When night falls, follow your nose to lively Portales de San Martin, where bustling cantinas and low-key family-run restaurants await with sizzling seafood platters and the best fish tacos in the Caribbean.

Venture off the beaten path into the verdant heart of the Yucatán jungle, where an ancient Maya metropolis slumbered undisturbed for centuries. Deep within the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve lies the monumental city of Calakmul. Once a major center of power in the Maya lowlands from 250 BC to 700 AD, with a population of 65,000, Calakmul's plazas, palaces, and pyramids lay abandoned to the encroaching jungle after its mysterious demise. It wasn't until 1993 that this "lost city" was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its resurrection unveiled exquisite murals depicting daily life to rival the more famous frescoes of Bonampak. Explore the evocative ruins and let your imagination roam, channeling your inner Indiana Jones amid the crumbling edifices consumed by strangler figs and cheeky spider monkeys. In the evening, enjoy some relaxation time at your hotel on the idyllic Costa Maya.

Immerse yourself in the living Mayan culture at the enchanting Aldea Xunan Kab today. At this family-owned cultural preservation project, you’ll learn about the melipona bee's revered medicinal honey before sampling botanicals like tongue-numbing pepita peppers on a walk around the grounds. Meet a shaman healer for an intimate blessing ceremony, then explore a museum housing archaeological treasures unearthed on this very land. Later, travel to the striking coastal ruins of Tulum, with its regal monuments overlooking the azure seas of the Caribbean. Tonight, gather one last time in Playa del Carmen for a delicious farewell feast. 

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