Natural sanctuaries & Caribbean encounters

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Cancùn

Meet at Cancùn International Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*.

Day and dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Cancun/Valladolid

After breakfast, board your coach for a two-hour drive to the colonial city of Valladolid, named after a city in Spain and founded in the 16th century. Your guide will bring you to the main cathedral, San Servasio, where you will learn about the history of the city, which was one of the first settlements in the area founded by the Spaniards, as well as the history of the Maya people of the region.

You will then have the opportunity to visit La Casa de los Venados, a private home and national cultural tourism asset. It has the largest museum quality collection of Mexican folk art in private hands. Learn about the history of this house, as well as about the handcrafts and pop art that come from all over Mexico, while touring this amazing home.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

You will then be transferred to your hotel Posada San Juan 4*.
 
Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 3 – Valladolid/Chichen Itza/Bacalar

Depart early in the morning to visit Chichen Itza after a 45-minute drive (breakfast will be served as a lunch box).

You will visit Mexico’s most famous archaeological site, Chichen Itza. Named for the large cenotes (natural wells fed by underground rivers) on the site that provided the otherwise dry landscape with life-giving water, Chichen Itza is an iconic example of the elaborate Mayan architecture. An important city in the Mayan region between 600 CE and about 900 CE, Chichen Itza reflects different periods of architecture as well as different regional influences. Discover why Chichen Itza has held its place in the imaginations of visitors for hundreds of years, helping to answer questions about the life of the ancient Mayans, while having confounded historians for centuries with its seemingly endless mysteries. You will walk through the spectacular ruins with a professional guide, who will share facts about the buildings and their significance to the larger Mayan way of life, as well as explain the legacy of their ingenious culture.

After the visit, board your coach for a two-and-a-half-hour drive to a local restaurant where lunch will be served.

Then, drive to Bacalar (one hour and a half) and check-in at your ecolodge at Habitas Bacalar 5*.

Meet by the laguna at sunset and enjoy a private mezcal tasting.

Dinner will be served at the hotel's restaurant.

Day 4 – Bacalar

During this full day at the hotel Habitas Bacalar, enjoy some time at leisure to take in the peaceful environment and the laguna, on your own.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.

Day 5 – Bacalar/Becan/Kohunlich

Enjoy a tasty local breakfast with a view. After check out, depart for Becan (two-hour drive).

Becan is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The first settlement dates to the middle of the Preclassic Era. Monumental architecture appeared by the late Preclassic Era as the site grew in economic and political importance. Many trade goods from the Mexican cultural and administrative centre of the era, Teotihuacan, have been found here. The name Becan was bestowed on the site by archaeologists who rediscovered the site, and it means "ravine or canyon formed by water" in Yukatek Maya, named after the site's most prominent and unusual feature, its surrounding ditch.

After your visit, drive for one hour to your next stop, Explorean Kohunlich 5*.

Lunch will be served at the hotel.

Meet your guide for a visit to Kohunlinch, a Maya site located a few minutes away from the hotel. The site is best known for its Temple of the Masks, an early Classic pyramid whose central stairway is flanked by huge humanized stucco masks. The Temple was built around 500 A.D. and is one of the oldest structures at Kohunlich. After 700 A.D., this temple was covered over with a late Classic construction, which protected the masks and preserved them in the marvellous state they find themselves in today. The only standing remains of the later temple are some steps in the lower portion of the stairs.

Return to your hotel.

Diner will be served at the hotel.

Day 6 – Kohunlich/Belize City

After check-out, board your bus for one-and-a-half-hour drive to the border of Mexico and Belize.

After finishing the border crossing procedures, enter Belize and drive for two hours to reach the Maya site of Altun Ha.

It is an important archaeological zone from the Classic Period (200-900 A.D.). Many exotic trade items have been discovered here, the most important being the largest jade artifact known to be from the Maya area. The archaeological park contains a large selection of flora and fauna typical of lowland tropical forests.

After the visit, drive an hour to Belize City to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on board your ship.

Your hotels:

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* is a luxury hotel overlooking Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is a three-minute walk from La Isla Entertainment Village which offers many shops and restaurants, and 700 meters from the beach. There is a rooftop terrace with bar and outdoor pool, the hotel also has a restaurant serving American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.

 

Located in the historic centre of Valladolid, the Hotel Posada San Juan 4* is a small charming hotel distributed in two beautifully preserved colonial houses. There is an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by beautiful gardens and terraces. The restaurant offers local specialties made with fresh produce, the rooms have wooden furniture, ceiling fans and a hammock.

The Habitas Bacalar 5* is a luxury retreat that allows you reconnect with nature, with a private lagoon access and a gourmet restaurant. The lodges are spread across the property, in between the Mayan jungle and the Bacalar Lagoon. Each room features air conditioning and an outdoor rain shower.

The Explorean Kohunlich 4* is an all-inclusive jungle Resort offering a nature experience. It features an infinity pool, and all rooms are bungalow-style and feature air-conditioning, a private patio, and a hammock.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Classic room at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        1-night accommodation in Standard room at the Posada San Juan Hotel 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        2-night accommodation in Partial Sea view Bungalow at Habitas Bacalar 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        1-night accommodation in Standard Bungalow at Kohunlich Explorean Resort 4* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 1.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        This programme involves a great amount of walking and hiking in the jungle. It requires good physical condition and is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

·        This programme involves long drives on certain days and is not suitable for people with back issues.

·        This tour involves overnight stays in or near the jungle, therefore you might encounter a few local, harmless bugs.

·        Tap water is not drinkable in Mexico and Belize. Plastic bottles will be available, a few hotels offer glass bottles in the room. We recommend you bring a water bottle to fill and avoid the use of plastic.

·        It is highly recommended you pack a separate luggage for your pre-tour. We suggest you pack suitable clothing for hiking in the jungle. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, mosquito repellent, a hat and sunglasses.

·        Crossing the border between Mexico and Belize will involve a change of bus and driver, a customs check and about 50 meters to cross on foot. A tax of 20 dollars per person will be requested on site (to be paid in cash).

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotels :

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*
Blvd. Kukulcan S N-Km. 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera

77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Telephone : +52 998 689 1193

 

Posada San Juan Hotel 4*
C. 40 231B, entre 49 y 51, San Juan,

97784 Valladolid, Yuc., Mexico

Telephone : +52 985 856 0129

Habitas Bacalar 5*
Carretera Federal 307 Xul Ha
Bacalar, 77963, Mexico
Telephone number: +52 983 980 1388

Explorean Kohunlich 4*
Km 5.6 Carretera Chetumal Escárcega
Chetumal, 77981, Mexico
Telephone number: +52 983 689 0042

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a night in Cancun.

 

Day 1 : Cancun

 

Meet & greet at Cancun International airport by our local English-speaking representative.

You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*.

 

Check-in.

Dinner at leisure and overnight.

 

Day 2

 

Breakfast and check out.

 

Transfer to Cancun International airport in time for check-in of flight Cancun/Belize City selected by PONANT.

 

Your hotel :

 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* is a luxury hotel overlooking Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is a three-minute walk from La Isla Entertainment Village which offers many shops and restaurants, and 700 meters from the beach. There is a rooftop terrace with bar and outdoor pool, the hotel also has a restaurant serving American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.

 

Your programme includes:

 

·        1-night accommodation in Sunrise view room at the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*. (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking assistance.

 

Your programme does not include:

 

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Meals and other services not mentioned in the programme.

 

Please note:

 

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.

·        Hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel :

 

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*
Blvd. Kukulcan S N-Km. 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera

77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Telephone : +52 998 689 1193

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

 

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a night close in Cancun.

Day 1 – Cancùn

You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT (Belize City – Cancùn).

You will be transferred to the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*.

Check-in.

Dinner included at the hotel.

Day 2 – Cancùn

After breakfast, time and meals at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

Option - Late check out at Canopy by Hilton Cancun la Ilsa between 12:00 to 19:00 : With extra fees, in case of late flight departure, you can book on request the optionnal late check-out until 19:00.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel :

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4* is a luxury hotel overlooking Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is a three-minute walk from La Isla Entertainment Village which offers many shops and restaurants, and 700 meters from the beach. There is a rooftop terrace with bar and outdoor pool, the hotel also has a restaurant serving American, Caribbean and Mexican cuisine.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Classic room at the hotel Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*. (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking assistance.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Meals and other services not mentioned in the programme.

·        The late check out on day 2, unless you booked the late check out optional service.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m. 

·        Hotel check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

- A minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

 

Contact of your hotel :

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla 4*
Blvd. Kukulcan S N-Km. 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera

77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Telephone : +52 998 689 1193

 

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.