Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza and Dzibilchaltun

March 18: We will pick you up at any hotel between Cancun and Tulum at 8-9 am (depending on where your hotel is). Our first stop of the day will be the exquisite ruins of Ek Balam. This is one of the latest finds, only recently opened to the public and not yet discovered by tour buses. In terms of art and architecture, not enough can be said when comparing and contrasting this unique site with others seen in the area. Ek Balam has amazingly well preserved art. Noteworthy attractions include the mouth of the Witz Monster (entry to the underworld) and full figure sculptures. With its well-preserved, majestic palace and grounds, Ek Balam seems untouched by time. This is a site sure to change your fundamental concepts of the ancient Maya.

We'll stop for lunch in the charming colonial city of Valladolid, where one can experience the best in traditional Yucatecan dishes. We´ll also take time out to shop in the plaza, where authentic Mayan goods are sold. Then we continue on to Uxmal to check into the Villas Archeologicas Hotel adjacent to the archeological site where you can enjoy the restaurant, bar, beautiful grounds and pool. Uxmal is our base for the next three days as we discover the famous architecture of the Maya Puuc Route.

March 19: We start the day with a guided tour of the elegant ruins of Uxmal. Then you will have time to explore at your own pace or just relax under the ceiba trees. Uxmal is one of the finest examples of the Puuc architectural style. Graced with two of the largest pyramids in the Yucatan and a multitude of incredibly preserved frescos paying homage to the rain god Chac and the serpent god Kukulkan, it is a site that inspires both awe and mystery.

In the afternoon we visit nearby Kabah. Although only a small part of this site has been excavated the Palace of Masks, with its 250 masks of the Mayan rain god Chac, is one of the most impressive in Mayan architecture. Kabah also has a large and remarkably preserved arch with a sacbe leading to Uxmal.

In the evening we will attend the entertaining light and sound show at the Uxmal ruins and overnight again at the Villas Archeologicas Hotel in Uxmal.

March 20: Today we explore more sites on the ¨Puuc Maya Route¨. We start at Labna, also home to many Chac masks and a beautiful corbeled arch. One of its interesting features is a carving of a Vision Serpent with a human head emerging from its outstretched mouth.

Then we´ll visit the fascinating Loltun Caves. These prehistoric caves were inhabited by the Maya for over 10,000 years. You will see Neolithic cave paintings alongside early Maya sculptures. During the underground tour, guides will show us why the caves are named Loltun -- a musical harmonic not to be missed.

Then we'll stop at the interesting ruins of Mayapan - the "mini-Chichen Itza". At the end of the day we´ll go to the bustling colonial city of Merida, where we will spend the night. Stroll the avenues, take an evening horse-drawn carriage tour of the city monuments, shop, enjoy regional music and food in this beautiful historic city. You'll overnight at the historic Gran Hotel in Merida.

March 21: Today we witness first-hand the incredible accuracy of Mayan astronomy as it was integrated into architecture. We depart early to see the Equinox sunrise in alignment with the Temple of the Seven Dolls at Dzibilchaltun. This ancient Maya city dates back to 300 B.C. and may have been one of the mother cities of the Maya. After the sunrise event we will enjoy a guided tour there before we journey on to Chichen Itza.

At Chichen Itza we will witness the magical bi-yearly event that attracts people from all over the globe. On the late afternoon of the Equinox the Feathered Serpent descends in a glory of shadow and light down the great pyramid, signaling the most auspicious time to plant the essential and most revered food staple of the Maya, corn. This event is the most dramatic display of Mayan astronomical knowledge encoded into architecture of any Mayan site yet discovered. You'll have plenty of time for an extensive guided visit of this extensive site. With its careful preservation, powerful frescoes, shocking sacrificial imagery and grand pyramid, Chichen Itza is sure to impress you. At the end of the day we leave the crowds at Chichen Itza and go to peaceful Coba. You'll spend the night at the beautiful Villas Archeologicas Hotel Coba on a lovely lake and lagoon.

March 22: We begin with a morning visit of Coba. Cobá is situated in a lush natural setting filled with many species of animals, birds and butterflies and is a real nature lover´s delight. It is also home to the tallest Maya pyramid in the Yucatan. From its top you can see above the jungle canopy for miles in each direction.

In the afternoon we stop for a visit at the spectacular coastal ruins of Tulum. This site, perched atop cliffs overlooking the blue Caribbean, is the most visited of the ancient Mayan archeological sites. Graceful and elegant Mayan temples and art adorn this place blessed with incredible natural beauty. Turquoise waters lap onto pristine white sand while enigmatic iguanas accept tokens of fruit from curious tourists. Every angle is a photographer´s dream come true.

We end our journey at the end of the day with transport to your hotel on the coast.