Alumni Campus Abroad: Mayan Riviera

From $2490.00, per person, plus airfare, based on double occupancy

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

ITINERARY

Day 1

Depart your gateway city for Cancún, Mexico. (Flight provided for Air Program participants only.)

Upon arrival, transfer by motorcoach to Puerto Morelos and the Hotel Marina El Cid. (Transfer provided for Air Program participants only.)
This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 2

Cultural Connection: ¿Se Habla Español? Attend a Spanish lesson.

Educational Focus: The Unique History of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Excursion: The Seaside Fortress of Tulum and Xel-Ha, the Place Where Water Was Born. One of the last cities abandoned by the Maya, Tulum’s temples stand atop rugged cliffs overlooking the sea. The largest is El Castillo, the Castle, 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. Xel-Ha was once used by the Maya as a port. Its name reflects the importance to the Maya; Xel means source, and Ha means water. 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 or enjoy one of the many activities on land.

Educational Focus: Dolphins and the Ecology of the Yucatán.

Day 3

Educational Focus: Colonial Mexico and New Spain.

Excursion: Famous Beaches of the Yucatán. Tour the 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 at Palancar Reef.

Independent Exploration: Enjoy time at leisure.

Cultural Connection: ¡Buenos Tardes! Continue with your Spanish lessons.

Day 4

Educational Focus: The Golden Age of the Mayan Civilization.

Excursion: Temples in the Sun. Travel to Chichén Itzá (pronounced chee-CHEN eet-ZAH), a site steeped in mystery and legend. This pre-Columbian archaeological site was a political, religious and military power that thrived between 700 and 1200. Today, the impressive profiles of these stone temples and palaces are dramatic reminders of the ancient Maya and Toltec civilizations. Explore this temple complex, the most famous collection of Mayan ruins, including the iconic Kukulcán pyramid, the Great Ball Court, the Group of a Thousand Columns and the Temple of the Jaguar.

Day 5

Educational Focus: Contemporary Mayan Life.

Excursion: Adopt a Mayan Village Program. For centuries, the Mayan culture contributed so much to civilization. Now, we have a chance to give something back. Join us as we immerse ourselves in the Mayan culture of today and yesterday. We will visit a modern-day Mayan village to learn more about their lives, interact with local residents and their children. We will also have the opportunity to provide some badly needed support to assist these proud people in bettering their lives.

Local Flavor: During the visit to this Mayan village, we will prepare a barbeque lunch to enjoy with the people of the village.

Day 6

Cultural Connection: Mexican Cuisine. Join a cooking class led by the hotel chef. Then, savor your creations.

Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure to pursue individual interests. You may wish to swim with dolphins, snorkel, fish, play golf or tennis, enjoy the hotel’s spa services or return to Playa del Carmen for last-minute shopping or simply relax on the beach.

Tonight, gather with fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception and Graduation Dinner followed by a Farewell Dinner with fresh lobster served at the hotel.

Day 7

Transfer to the Cancún airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Provided for Air Program participants only.)