A journey through the traditional Mayan towns of northern Campeche. Ancient lined-stones road where the Mayan language still remains and sounds very loud. Centuries-old traditions that survive on the hands and creativity of the Mayan soul: men and women of maize show us their ancient heritage and its undeniable and irreplaceable presence in the multicolored and multicultural landscape of Campeche.
We will visit the Mayan towns of Hecelchakán, Calkiní, Bécal and Pomuch. In Hecelchakán we will witness the daily life of a Mayan village, if you want you will taste the traditional cochinita pibil and finally, we will see a seventeenth century church. Calkini is a very interesting place with a beautiful sixteenth-century Franciscan church where we will learn about the mixture of pre-Columbian and Christian beliefs that define modern Mayan religion. In Becal we will visit a family of artisans with several generations in the making of the famous Panama hats. Pomuch is the last town to visit, there we'll go to a traditional bakery to taste their famous bread and finally see a very special cemetery like no other in Mexico.
A trip to discover Mayan temples rather than visit them, to look into the eyes of eternity. The Río Bec architectonic style was named after the Mayan word Bec meaning oak and Río the Spanish word for river. It is one of the least explored and most enigmatic Mayan regions. Three Mayan cities lost in the lush jungle:
Xpujil and the beautiful Temple of the three towers. Becan, the fortified. Chicanná, Itzamná´s house. Fabulous sites showing architectural grandeur and revealing the mysteries of splendor and fall of the Mayan civilization.
Visit to Chicanná an archaeological site. It is a small but very interesting archaeological site with one of the best preserved buildings of this área. Its main temple represents the face of a huge jaguar, symbol of the night, sacrifice and the power of ancient Mayan kings.
Arrival to Becán an archaeological site. Becan is a very large with many buildings in magnificent condition Mayan city. It was the great capital of this region and was protected by a moat. Despite being little known it is a Mayan site that should not be missed.
Visit to Xpujil archaeological site to see the impressive Temple of the three towers, a unique example of Mayan Rio Bec architecture.
The ancient Mayan city and the great forest. In Calakmul lie stones that tell stories of forgotten kings, builders of the largest city in the Classic Maya period. Dreams of power and glory hidden in the jungle.
Calakmul, the legendary city, is a spectacular site for its huge extension and for being in the heart of the Biosphere Reserve of the same name, home to countless species of flora and fauna.
Few places gather the magic that offers Calakmul when, from the top of the temple-mountain gaze is lost in the immense forest while the wind whispers ancient secrets.
Enjoy free time for breakfast at Escárcega befor you the visit the Calakmul archaeological site. You will walk through the jungle to discover the ancient palaces and temples of this huge city. You will know the history of one of the most powerful dynasties of the Classic Maya period. Finally you will see two of the largest pyramids in Mexico, ascend to them and contemplate the vast jungle that is one of the most important biosphere reserves in Americas.
Arrival to Balamkú and visit to the archaeological site. BalamkúIt (Temple of the Jaguar) is a small but very important site because its well-preserved frieze which summarizes the ancient Mayan worldview and religion.
As a backbone the chain of hills called Puuc in mayan crosses the Yucatan Peninsula. There, on the red and fertile land, the Maya built many of their cities and flourished for centuries.
In Uxmal, the largest and most impressive, the ancient Maya architectural reached sublime levels in an effort to communicate with the gods. In Kabah, a prayer in stone, a temple dedicated to Chaak, the god of rain and sustainer of life, rises as a silent witness of a time of splendor.
On arrival we visit to Kabah archaeological site. Kabah is a Maya city dedicated to the cult of the God of Water. Its main temple is composed of numerous faces of this god as a kind of prayer in stone. Chaak the god of water was the most revered in this region where water is scarce and the only way to get it was through the rain.
Next we visit Uxmal archaeological site. Uxmal is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Mexico. Many of its buildings are unique examples of architectural refinement: the Quadrangle of the nuns, the Governor's palace, the Temple of the magician. To visit Uxmal is something that cannot missed in a trip to the Mayan world.
For many years men and dolphins have shared the calm waters caressing the coast of Isla Aguada. Sailing this liquid sky is possible to follow the trail of swimming birds, flying dolphins ... and then discover in them the smile of the sea.
This tour begins with a panoramic view of Champoton, a small fishing village. Then we continue to the Terminos Lagoon, an area of protection for flora and fauna. The lagoon is a very important ecosystem because it is the most important breeding site for dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico and home to numerous species of local and migratory birds. Here we will take a two-hours boat tour to see dolphins and sea birds and a time to swim in the calm waters of the lagoon.
Finally, a few hours for lunch and relax in a very beautiful beach.
The Yucatan peninsula is made of limestone that over millions of years has eroded and formed flooded caves that we call cenotes. Some of the most impressive cenotes are south of Campeche in a town called Miguel Colorado.
On this tour we visit two of them: the Aguazul and Los patos cenotes. On the cenote Aguazul you can swim, kayak, zip line and snorkel. It is also possible to go into the jungle with a local guide for trekking and observation of animals and flora. It is certainly an unforgettable and enriching experience. Then we go to Champotón, a picturesque fisher's town famous for its cuisine, for lunch.