Ponant: Mayan Treasure of the Yucatan

• 8 days

DAY 1: Embarkation in Puerto Morelos

Embarkation is scheduled between 4 and 5PM with departure scheduled for 10PM .

North of the Mexican Riviera Maya that runs along the Yucatán Peninsula, Puerto Morelos is a charming fishing village with an authentic atmosphere, its white sandy beaches scattered with thatched huts and colourful boats. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea shelter a marine park that protects part of the Mesoamerican reef, considered the second-biggest barrier reef in the world. A few kilometres south, you’ll be able to discover the Maya site of Tulum. Overlooking idyllic beaches of white sand fringed with palm trees, it is the only Maya site erected on the Caribbean Sea coast.

DAY 2: At Sea

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

DAY 3: Seybaplaya

Seybaplaya is a small commercial port located in the western part of the Yucatán Peninsula, 30 km south of the state capital, Campeche. This wild coastline is carved out by clear rocks that plunge into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico; the road that connects this small port to the port of Campeche crosses the virtually uninhabited expanses of vegetation of this sparsely populated state. This stop off the beaten path will let you discover the charms of this former colonial fortified town with pastel-coloured, partially pedestrianised, little streets.

DAY 4: Dos Bocas

During your voyage to Mexico to discover Maya sites, your stop in Dos Bocas will open the doors of the ancient city of Palenque, one of the country’s most beautiful sites. The highlight of your cruise, this ancient Maya city is famous for its magnificent sculpted bas-reliefs. It is located on the road leading to the Chiapas mountains, which are covered by tropical jungle.

DAY 5: Progreso - Days 5 & 6

On the Yucatan Peninsula, the charming seaside town of Progreso will delight visitors seeking authenticity. In addition to its magnificent sandy beaches and pleasant seafront promenade, the town offers ideal access to the former Mayan cities of Chichen Itza and Uxmal. UNESCO World Heritage sites, they allow visitors to be truly immersed in Pre-Columbian Mexico, discovering one of the world’s most mysterious civilisations. In the surroundings, be sure to visit Mérida, capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán. Called “the White City” due to the colour of the limestone used to build its dwellings, this old colonial city, built on the ruins of a Mayan site, offers a mix of tradition and modernity, colonial architecture and Mayan heritage.

DAY 7: Puerto Morelos

Day of leisure at Puerto Morelos. Enjoy white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters of the Carribean.

DAY 8: Disembarkation in Puerto Morelos

Disembarkation is scheduled for approximately 8AM. Take this time to say farewell to your crew and fellow passengers, reflecting on the incredible memories you have made together and gathering inspiration for the adventures to come.

• Amend your itinerary to include the incredible wonders of  Mexico. This amazing 8-day will allow you to see the best of Mexico. Explore Mexico City, full of historic landmarks, visit World Heritage listed ancient cities and ruins including Chichen Itza.  End the trip on the stunning beaches of Cancun. Find out more.

• Why not add on a beach escape at the end of your voyage, spending 7 days  relaxing on the Mexico Riviera.  Explore the seaside resorts of Cancun, Playa de Carmen and the historic ruins of Tulum. Find out more

• Explore some of the highlights of Central America visiting Mexico, Belize and Guatemala on a 21 day journey.   Visit legendary Mayan ruins, colonial towns, pristine lakes and towering volcanoes. Conclude the journey on the Riviera Maya before boarding your cruise.  Find out more.

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.

Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.

We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.

While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore whilst remaining culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE