Description

You'll head into the jungle to visit what's left of the ancient Mayan city of Ek' Balam This trip includes a swim stop at a cenote, a kind of natural freshwater pool unique to Mexico Chocolate-making, obsidian-crafting and mezcal-tasting are all part of the agenda The tour wraps up in Valladolid, a small, colourful town that's one of the Yucatan's prettiest parts You'll follow an expert local guide around this patch of Mexico, so they'll give you the lowdown WHAT TO EXPECT Get a close-up look at Maya history and traditions on this off-the-beaten-track tour. You'll visit the ancient Maya city of Ek' Balam – the most recent to be opened to the public – as well as Yalcoba to swim in the cenote and a stop in Valladolid. We'll start the adventure with a guided visit of Ek' Balam, which translates as ‘Black Jaguar.' The site has more than 40 structures and its walls formed a maze, while the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, has a well-preserved entrance surrounded by the open jaws and fangs of a jaguar. It's bigger than even El Castillo at Chichen Itzá. Best of all, you can climb to the top – which few Maya sites allow. Afterwards, we'll head to Yalcoba where you can try your hand at chocolate-making and learn how to craft obsidian at a workshop. After a tequila and mezcal tasting you'll have time to enjoy the crystalline cenote, then tuck into a tasty buffet lunch of typical regional dishes. Lastly, we'll have a quick stop in central Valladolid, a city known for its art and architecture and a picture-perfect medley of colourful colonial buildings and historic churches.