Meet your private English-speaking driver for an airport transfer.

Step into the soul of the Yucatan as you explore Merida on a privately guided walking journey that reveals layers of history, elegance, and enduring cultural pride. Begin in the heart of Merida at Plaza de la Independencia, where the city’s rich heritage is reflected in grand facades and stately architecture. Admire the soaring Cathedral of Merida—one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas—crafted from stones of ancient Mayan temples. Just nearby, the pristine white Iglesia de la Tercera Orden captures the eye with its serene beauty. Wander into Hidalgo Square, where colonial treasures like Montejo House and the Governor’s Palace stand as testaments to the city’s storied past. Stroll along the leafy Paseo de Montejo, soaking in the rhythm of local life. Your guide shares captivating stories that bring Merida’s charm and cultural significance to life at every turn. Conclude with a private transfer to your accommodation.

Alongside your private driver and guide, travel west of Merida through open countryside and swaying palms, arriving in the quiet coastal town of Celestun—gateway to one of the Yucatan’s most ecologically rich and visually stunning natural reserves. Board a small boat and drift through the shimmering saltwater estuary that flows into the Celestun Biosphere Reserve—a protected habitat renowned for its rich biodiversity. Depending on the season, witness flocks of elegant pink flamingos wading through the shallows, their brilliant hue the result of a steady diet of saltwater shrimp. Alongside them, herons, storks, and pelicans complete the vibrant tableau of coastal life. Navigate through narrow channels flanked by emerald mangroves, where freshwater springs create glassy pools and bird calls echo through the trees. After your exploration, be treated to a relaxed lunch at a local seafood restaurant, savoring regional flavors with a view of the coast. Return to your accommodation in the afternoon, refreshed by nature’s quiet grandeur and the gentle rhythm of the sea.

Make your way from Merida to Playa del Carmen with a private driver and guide, stopping en route to explore Chichen Itza and swim in a sacred cenote. Begin with a guided visit to Chichen ItzÁ, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a thriving center of Mayan civilization, this ancient city continues to awe with its monumental architecture from the towering El Castillo pyramid to the Great Ball Court and celestial observatory. As you walk through the complex, your expert guide reveals stories etched into stone, offering a vivid window into the city’s ceremonial and astronomical significance. From ruins to refreshment, your next stop is a cenote, a natural limestone sinkhole filled with clear, cool groundwater. Take a dip in its crystalline waters or simply relax amid this subterranean sanctuary. Midday, be treated to traditional Yucatecan lunch before continuing on your journey. Conclude your day upon arrival to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen.

Explore the beautiful Riviera Maya, a stunning stretch of Caribbean coastline in Mexico known for its pristine beaches, ancient ruins, underwater rivers, vibrant culture, and lush natural parks. Relax on white sandy beaches, visit Mayan archaeological sites, explore charming towns, or enjoy water sports and local cuisine.

Enjoy some time at leisure and indulge yourself in the beautiful location and amenities of Banyan Tree Mayakoba. The resort’s world-class dining and wellness program makes it a true sanctuary for the senses; a place for relaxation, rejuvenation, and romance. A Five-Star Forbes and AAA Five Diamond resort, Banyan Tree Mayakoba is nestled within a private gated community linked by canal waterways, offering complete privacy. Immersed in a unique tropical landscape of lush mangroves, tranquil waterways, and pristine coastlines, Banyan Tree Mayakoba grants the luxury of connecting with nature.

With a wide variety of culinary options, discover Banyan Tree's various restaurants where you can try local, national, and international dishes in different environments and concepts. From barbecue and private dinners in your villa, to fresh seafood dishes and authentic Thai flavors, there are different options to cater to all palates:

• Sands Beach Club - Paying tribute to local ingredients of the Yucatan Peninsula, Sands Beach Club greets its guests in a warm and chic atmosphere with the panoramic views over the resort.
• Saffron - Offering a vibrant and intimate atmosphere with wonderful views of Mayakoba's mangrove, Saffron delivers the most iconic dishes of Thailand.
• Cello - Cello is a cozy and bright space that offers you a great variety of authentic dishes from the northern region of Italy, which you can accompany with a great selection of wines.
• Oriente - Oriente offers you an unbeatable buffet breakfast composed of Mexican and international specialties or a la carte food. Its diverse menu, service and view of the Reflections pool, will get your day started on the right foot.
• Tomahawk Open Fire Latin Grill - At Tomahawk, Open Fire Latin Grill, the star dish is the Tomahawk, a steak cutlet that maintains the rib bone. With a wide variety of prime steak and accompaniments to further frame the unique flavors of its dishes, the Tomahawk Den has everything to please the most demanding palates.
• La Copa - La Copa is the perfect spot to taste Mexican flavors. Here, you can taste avant-garde cocktails, as well as a great variety of tequilas and mezcals. High-quality handmade cigars elevate the experience while you enjoy magical sunsets and starry nights.
• Reflections Pool Bar - Enjoy sunny days at the Reflections Pool Bar while enjoying refreshing drinks and midday snacks.
• The Burger Shop - The Burger Shop is a gourmet burger restaurant using high-quality ingredients and offers full customization of your burger the way you prefer it.

Take home long-lasting memories as you indulge yourself in the wide array of experiences that Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers for couples and families:

• Ixchel - A traditional boat dining experience. Treat yourself to a magnificent fusion of local and international cuisines as you explore the canals and mangroves of Mayakoba. This outstanding experience is available twice daily, for both breakfast and dinner departures, and must be booked in advance. An excellent idea for proposals.
• Golf - Tee off at El Camaleon, a course designed by the legendary Greg Norman. Located near the vibrant downtown of Playa del Carmen, the 18-hole course arches and falls amid lush greenery, across freshwater canals surrounded by mangrove and limestone walls, and along the seaside, offering challenging landscapes and stunning views.
• Hydrothermal - A signature innovation by Banyan Tree Spa, 'The Rainforest' is a complete hydrothermal experience combing the best of European spa and hydrothermal therapy with the essence of Asian wellness philosophy to create a haven of serenity, warmth and comfort.
• Summer Camp - During the summer months, kids will be able to sign up for the activities offered which include: treasure hunts, cooking Classes, sleepovers, movie nights, board games, and more.
• Culinary Classes - Learn to make gourmet cuisine with help from the resorts experienced chefs.
• Kayaking - Navigate the canals of Mayakoba as you set off from the El Camaleon dock and into the wild.
• Archery - A guided class that lasts 45 minutes with a maximum of 4 participants. This activity takes place at the end of the driving range of the El Camaleon Golf Course.
• Turtle Release - An immersive life experience happening twice a year during which children and their parents release baby turtles, ensuring they safely reach the sea.

Please speak to your Destination Expert to include any of these optional experiences on your itinerary.

Meet your English-speaking driver for a private transfer to Cancun. Approximate travel time is 1 hour.

Nestled in the heart of historic Merida, Casa Lecanda offers an enchanting retreat that seamlessly blends traditional elegance with modern comforts. Housed within a meticulously restored 19th-century mansion, this boutique hotel captures the essence of Yucatan's rich heritage while providing a serene sanctuary for its guests. Each of the 10 meticulously appointed guestrooms and suites exudes a timeless charm, featuring handcrafted furnishings, local artwork, and a harmonious fusion of modern amenities and colonial accents. With its vibrant color palette, exquisite craftsmanship, and lush tropical gardens, Casa Lecanda transports you to a bygone era of refined elegance where attention to detail and dedication to comfort create an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. Indulge your palate at the hotel's charming courtyard restaurant, where you can savor the flavors of Yucatecan cuisine prepared with a contemporary twist. Unwind and rejuvenate in the inviting outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of a trickling fountain. For ultimate relaxation, pamper yourself with a rejuvenating spa treatment that combines ancient Mayan rituals with modern wellness techniques. Whether you choose to wander through the charming city streets or embark on an adventure to nearby archaeological sites, Casa Lecanda provides a luxurious and captivating haven for those seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Please note: The onsite restaurant is only available for breakfast. There are a variety of dining options available within walking distance.

Nestled within Playa del Carmen's private gated development of Mayakoba, the Banyan Tree Mayakoba resort invites you to immerse yourself in untouched nature, surrounded by a carefully maintained ecosystem. This incredible resort features 123 all-pool villas, each showcasing the best the resort has to offer. Experience the essence of an Asian wellness philosophy, as you pamper yourself with holistic beauty treatments and century-old massage therapies at the spa center. Golf enthusiasts can access the world-class El Camaleon Golf Club, an impressive 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary Greg Norman. With a focus on offering a wide variety of culinary experiences, the resort features several restaurants that showcase local, national, and international cuisines within unique environments and concepts. Dance to the Caribbean breeze and be swept away by pristine coastlines in this bounty of fresh water lagoons and mangroves, natural dunes, and intricate coral reefs. The luxurious Banyan Tree Mayakoba offers a true blend of Asian hospitality with the idyllic passion of Mexico.