After breakfast, let’s embark on a 1-hour drive to the colonial town of Izamal. Prepare to be enchanted by the visual charm - the uniform color throughout the town. Bathed in a sea of golden yellow, all the churches, houses and shops wear the vibrant hue. Follow the guide to stroll through
Plaza Izamal and stand in awe before the
Convento de San Antonio de Padua, built by the Spanish upon the remnants of an ancient Mayan acropolis when they arrived in the 16th century. Its magnificent yellow facade is a true masterpiece, begging for a photo opportunity. Don your flowy dress and straw hat, capturing the moment with a perfect snapshot. Visit the
Pirámide Kinich Kak Moo, an ancient Mayan wonder dating back to 400 to 600 AD, before continuing the 1-hour drive to Chichen Itza.
Here’s the highlight of the day:
Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and testament to the peak of Mayan civilization. Built around the 5th century AD, this sprawling ancient city holds many mysteries. Our historically-informed guide will expertly navigate you through the most iconic landmarks, including the colossal
Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo) in impressive symmetry,
Temple of the Warriors featuring intricate carvings,
Great Ball Court (Gran Juego de Pelota),
The Observatory (El Caracol), and
The Nunnery (Las Monjas).
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Decoding Mayan Mystery: Ritual Ballgame at Chichen ItzaStanding beside the Great Ball Court, just steps from the Pyramid of Kukulcán, let your imagination transport you back in time. Hear the remote echoes of the ancient Mayan ballgame, known as 'pok-ta-pok'. Similar to the games of the ancient Roman arena, it was a match of life and death. Players of the two teams could only use their elbows, knees, and hips to pass a ball and try to hit it through the stone circles high on the wall. It was believed that the more intense the game, the more likely it was to rain and harvest. Such games took days and nights to determine, while victory meant death. Yes, you read that right, the captain of the winning team would face ritual sacrifice and be beheaded as an offering to the gods. Why these jaw-dropping rules? Who would win if he knew he was going to die? The Mayan beliefs about life and death would surprise you. The rulers preached that becoming a sacrifice was a person’s most glorious moment, and that the winner would be spared the sufferings of hell and get a direct ticket to heaven for eternal glory. The evil done in the name of gods seems atrocious today, but in those days, ordinary people never doubted it. The spiritual stimulation and visual impact brought by human sacrifice to the spectators made them obey the king’s authority from the heart.
Later, we will drive to Valladolid, having fun in the
Cenote Ik Kil on the way. The green cenotes, large and small, are common in the Yucatan, where they were considered sacred in ancient times and provided vital sources of freshwater for the Mayans. A cool-off dip into the Cenote Ik Kil is a must-do experience on any trip to Mexico.
► Insider Tips on Cenote Tour:1. Bring your bathing suit and towel. Better to bring your own snorkeling equipment, as rentals onsite might be older.
2. Slippers are allowed but not recommended, as the cave floor can be slippery and rocky. Fully wrapped diving shoes are highly recommended.
3. Before entering the water, please rinse off sunscreen or perfume to protect the delicate ecosystem.
4. The water is a little cold, so ease into it and let your body gradually adjust to the temperature before diving in.
5. Don’t forget to apply mosquito repellent.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Posada San Juan, Valladolid (4 stars) or similar
