Colonial Valladolid & Mayan Culture - 6 days - March 14 - 20, 2027
Valladolid is a stunning Mexican Colonial city established by a Spanish Conqueror in 1545. This beautiful town was built atop the Mayan town of Zaci-Val, with its stones repurposed to create the structures of Colonial Valladolid.
You will enjoy an overnight stay in a historic hotel dating back to the 17th century. Your visit will include other historic buildings, such as the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, constructed by Franciscan missionaries in 1560, and the Cathedral of San Servacio located in the main square. After dinner, you can dance in the square with the locals!
The Mayan culture has thrived long before the Aztecs and the European discovery of the ‘New World’. This journey offers unique Mayan culture experiences, providing insights into their relationships with humans, fauna, and flora.
Your adventure begins in the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos, known for its vibrant local community, where you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a Michelin Mention restaurant. You will be staying in a new 5-star boutique resort situated right on the beach.
The tour includes the fascinating ruins of Coba, a Mayan city that was notable for being led by women rulers. Coba flourished between 500 to 900 AD and is estimated to have housed 50,000 inhabitants. The site features a collection of large temple pyramids and several Selae—stone slab monuments that provide insight into their culture and the roles of both men and women in ceremonial and political activities.
Engage in traditional Mayan ceremonies, participate in a craft workshop, swim in natural pools and cenotes, and partake in wellness activities. You will also visit a Mayan Nature Reserve which is home to many native animals and plants. This reserve is operated by, and directly benefits, local Maya people via the Najil Tucha Cooperative which is collectively run by approximately 30 families.
Additionally, you will learn about initiatives aimed at restoring dying coral reefs and the Reef Rescue School, which teaches local children to care for the sea, its inhabitants, and flora to ensure their protection and growth. This trip promises to be one of the most enriching women's travel adventures filled with cultural immersion.
Host: Sandra Simpson
Guide: Geneviève Marion
Itinerary
DAY 1 - MAYAN WELCOME
- Meet and Great at The Fives Oceanview Hotel
- Welcome Dinner at a Michelin Mention Restaurant in Puerto Morelos
DAY 2 - TEMAZCAL & MAYAN THERAPY
- Breakfast
- Yoga & Meditation with Fruit
- Temazcal with Abuela Monikan (Mayan Priestess)
- Bath in the Natural Pool
- Lunch by Elda
- Relaxation
- Mayan Cacao Ceremony
- Return to Hotel for Dinner
DAY 3 - COBA, MAYAN TEMPLES & WOMEN LEADERS
- Breakfast
- Travel to Coba
- Visit of the Coba Archaeological Site
- Lunch
- Departure for Valladolid
- Arrival at Hotel Meson del Marquez in Valladolid
- Dinner at Hotel
DAY 4 - YALLADOLID TOUR & CENOTE SAC AUA
- Breakfast
- Departure for Cenote Sac Aua
- Meditation (Mayan 4 permissions ritual) & Mantra Om Sisning
- Return to Valladolid for Lunch
- Visit Convent/Park/Sisal/Calzado del Fraile
- Return to The Fives Oceanview
- Dinner on your own
DAY 5 - MAYAN NATURE RESERVE
- Beach Yoga & Meditation for those who wish to join
- Breakfast
- Departure for Punta Laguna
- Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Guided Tour
- Return to Hotel for Rest, Swimming and Journaling
- Dinner in Puerto Morelos and walking tour of the neighbourhood - live entertainment!
DAY 6 - WELLNESS CLOSURE
- Breakfast
- Meditation (Mayan 4 permissions ritual), Mantra Om Sisning
- Vision Craft Workshop
- Guided group visit to Puerto Morelos to shop for souvenirs for those who are interested (transport and lunch are not included)
- Closing Circle - Including a presentation about the Reef Rescue School for Children with a Ecstatic Danse finale!
- Sunset Yoga on the Rooftop
- Private Farewell Dinner on the Beach at The Fives
DAY 7- HOMEWARD BOUND
- Breakfast
- Check-out
- Transfer to Cancun Airport