Overview
Features
Itinerary
Overview (Return to top)
Clear cerulean blue waters of the Caribbean Sea caress the white sandy beaches along the northeast corner of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Just like the waves that softly wash ashore, the pace of life in the tranquil stat of Quintana Roo is slower and drenched in sunshine. Set out each day from the charming village of Puerto Morelos to stroll on the main plaza of Playa Del Carmen, where colorful kiosks sell woven textiles and baskets, and to peruse the silver shops on the island of Cozumel. Discover a breathtaking landscape steeped in history and walk in the footsteps of the Mayan and Spanish conquistadors. Admire the ruins of Tulum, embellished with spiky yucca plants and lazy iguanas. Marvel at the stepped temples of Chichén Itzá. Swim with indigenous marine life in Xel-Ha and see cultural exhibits at Xcaret. Best of all, make a difference in the region by participating in a local community service project. Immerse yourself in this in-depth exploration of the Mayan Riviera, where every sunrise brings a buenos días!
Priced from $2,195 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.
For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402
Features (Return to top)
Exclusive Highlights:
• Journey to the sacred cities of Tulum and Chichén Itzá, both important Mayan architectural masterpieces
• Tour the village of Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel
• Explore the ecological and cultural parks of Xel-Ha and Xcaret
• Attend a Mexican cooking class
• Learn basic lessons in Spanish
• Make a difference in the lives of local students when you meet the children and assist with the needs of a Quintana Roo regional school
• Choose from optional activities that allow you to customize your experience with individual interest during scheduled free times: swim with dolphins, snorkel, golf, fish, or shop
Transportation:
• Round-trip, scheduled jet service to Cancun Mexico.*
• Round-trip motorcoach transfers between the airport and the village of Puerto Morelos, including baggage handling at the hotel.*
• Six nights in Puerto Morelos at the first-class Hotel Marina El Cid
• Enjoy all-inclusive meal program, including six breakfasts, five lunches, and six dinners, in addition to in-flight dining service; tea or coffee is included with all meals, plus beer or wine with dinner
• Take advantage of leisure time to try local cuisine independently
• Attend a special welcome reception
• Gather for a farewell reception and graduation ceremony, followed by a farewell lobster dinner at the hotel
• Informative educational programs, presented by local experts, will enhance your insight into the region
• All excursions
• Consultation services of a passenger service representative prior to departure
• Services of a professional campus director and expert English-speaking local guides throughout your stay
*Provided for air package participants only.
Itinerary (Return to top)
Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Cancun, Mexico, aboard scheduled jet service. (Provided for air package participants only.) Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to the Hotel Marina El Cid near the small fishing village of Puerto Morelos, located 22 miles from Cancun and 22 miles from Playa del Carmen. (Transfer provided for air package participants only.) This evening, attend a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2
Cultural Connection: ¿Se Habla Español? Attend a lesson in basic Spanish.
Educational Focus: The unique history of the Yucatán Peninsula
Excursion: Tulum and Xel-Ha. One of the last cities abandoned by the Mayans, Tulum’s temples stand atop rugged cliffs overlooking the sea. The largest is El Castillo, and the temple of frescoes displays remnants of ancient murals. Xel-Ha (pronounced Shell-HA) is an ecological park where underground rivers flow into a large lagoon. Experience an active aquatic adventure by snorkeling in the warm water for a close view of the colorful marine life swimming freely in this natural aquarium.
Educational Focus: Dolphins and the Yucatán ecology
Day 3
Educational Focus: Colonial Mexico and New Spain
Excursion: Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Tour the sleeping seaside resort of Playa del Carmen. Board a ferry to Cozumel. Its secluded coves once concealed notorious Caribbean pirates. Today, the largest of Mexico’s islands is famous for shopping, beaches, and scuba diving amid colorful coral and Palancar Reef.
Independent Exploration: The afternoon is free for your own plans.
Cultural Connection: ¡Buenos Dias! Continue with your Spanish lessons.
Day 4
Educational Focus: The Golden Age of the Mayan Civilization
Excursion: Chichén Itzá. No other Mayan site has been as extensively studied and restored as Chichén Itzá. Steeped in mystery and legend, it was a hub of political, religious, and military power that thrived between 700-1200 A.D. Today, the impressive profiles of these stone temples and palaces evoke dramatic notions of the ancient Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec customs.
Day 5
Educational Focus: Contemporary Mayan Life
Lend a Hand: Community Project. Today, you have the rewarding opportunity to interact with local schoolchildren while repairing and/or enhancing their learning environs on a project organized by the Friends of the Maya Foundation
Excursion: Xcaret. Explore this unique eco-archeological park (pronounced ish-ca-RET) that celebrates Mexico’s indigenous culture and creatures. Visit a recreated Mayan village and watch a demonstration of ulama, a ball game that dates back 3,500 years. Admire beautiful jaguars, parrots, butterflies, and gentle manatees.
Local Flavor: A special dinner is served at the park’s La Isla Restaurant. Afterward, see a private folklore show, complete with traditional music and dancing.
Day 6
Cultural Connection: Mexican Cuisine. Join a cooking class led by the hotel chef. Then, savor your creations.
Independent Exploration: The day is at leisure to pursue individual interest.
Optional Activities: Choose to swim with dolphins, snorkel, fish, play golf, return to Playa de Carmen for last-minute shopping, or simply relax on the beach.
Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a farewell reception and graduation ceremony followed by a farewell dinner with fresh lobster served at the hotel.
Day 7
Transfer to the Cancun airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Provided for air package participants only.)
