The Mayan Trail

Visit the Mayan town of Santa Elena and spend time with a local family in their home.

Explore Uxmal, one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the continent. Hidden deep in the jungle is the great Cuadrangulo de las Monjas, the Palace of the Governor, and the Templo del Adivino.

A licensed, local guide will take you to the Cathedral of San Il defonso, located on the central Plaza de Armas. Begun in 1563, the Cathedral is the oldest on the American mainland, with the oldest true dome in Mexico. See what many consider Mexico's most "dignified" church interior, complete with thick Tuscan columns, a coffered nave and high altar. Step back outside and walk across the sunny plaza to the Government Palace to see huge murals depicting scenes of the Spanish conquest of the Yucatán Peninsula and aspects of the Mayan culture that still flourish. Continue to Progreso Beach, a favorite seaside resort lined with turn-of-the-century mansions.

LEAP Activity | Baila Jarana

Dance the Jarana! Local folk dancers teach you this regional Yucatecan dance and explain its culture significance.

LEAP Activity | Mexican School Visit!

Journey to a Mexican school; learn about the culture and teach them about yours, as you practice your Spanish with the local students and teachers.

Join a licensed, local guide for a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the country's most famous Mayan sites. The city dates from around the 7th century AD (though there is evidence of farmers living here as early as the 4th century BC). A major trade and ceremonial center, Chichén Itzá is known for its huge, 365-stepped, four-sided, pyramid El Castillo, as well as other buildings, sculptures, and carved murals.

Relax like a king. Ik-Kil was a Mayan retreat, where kings and their court would come to relax and swim in the sacred blue waters. Now an eco-archaeological park, the area is preserved just as it was so that you can swim, soak, and splash in style.

Learn more about the Mayan culture with a sound and light show - a visual blast from the past.

Spend an afternoon soaking up some vitamin D on the fine white sands of Playa del Carmen, named for the patron saint of Cancún. The turquoise waters offer ample opportunity to explore the marine life and reefs in the Caribbean Sea. So pack your snorkel and fins!

A walled Mayan "City of the Dawn," the ceremonial center of Tulum boasts a temple, a funeral platform, and a castle. Continue to Xel-ha, a beautiful pool located over a cave connected to the sea. Enjoy viewing sea life in this natural aquarium, which is almost 6 feet deep.

Board your flight home or extend your travel with a 2 night extension in Cozumel.

Extend your stay | 2 Nights in Cozumel

Head off to the island of Cozumel, known for its snorkeling and scuba diving. Spend your time exploring the main town of San Miguel de Cozumel or relaxing on the beach.