Yucatán: The Maya Ring Expedition with Wandering Wolf and Pillars of the Past
Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
History
$2,749 USD
BOOK WITH $500 DEPOSIT
Yucatán: The Maya Ring Expedition with Wandering Wolf and Pillars of the Past
Oct 25, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$2,749 USD
BOOK WITH $500 DEPOSIT
Hosted by Michael Collins from Wandering Wolf and Raul Bilecky from Pillars of the Past, experts in ancient sites and discoveries, this seven day expedition follows a carefully designed loop through the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, supported by experienced local guides who know these landscapes intimately. Beginning in the vibrant gateway of Cancún and finishing on the Caribbean coastline of Tulum, the journey is shaped around a symbolic “ring” of Maya cities, offering insight into how different centres rose, evolved, and influenced one another over time.
By focusing on both iconic and lesser visited sites, the route reveals a striking range of Maya architectural styles. From the jungle framed heights of Ek Balam and Cobá to the refined stone mosaics of Uxmal and the world renowned presence of Chichén Itzá, each stop adds another layer to the story. Rather than presenting the past as fixed, the experience leans into what archaeologists and historians suggest, inviting curiosity, discussion, and a deeper sense of connection to place.
Beyond the ruins, the expedition is balanced with moments that ground the journey in the living Yucatán. Cenote swims offer refreshment in landscapes long considered sacred, colonial towns like Valladolid and Mérida showcase centuries of cultural layering, and the monochrome streets of Izamal provide a striking visual pause. Together, these elements create a journey that feels cohesive and immersive, where ancient sites, modern life, and thoughtful storytelling come together as one continuous narrative.
Trip Start: Cancún, Mexico - Sunday October 25th 2026
Trip Finish: Tulum, Mexico - Saturday October 31st 2026
Trip Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Accommodation: 6 Nights Hand-picked Hotels (Twin Share - Single/Private Upgrades TBC)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Dinner x 2
Group Size: Up to 40 Guests
Inclusions
Accommodation: 6 Nights Hand-picked Hotels (Twin Share - Single/Private Upgrades TBC)
Included Meals: Breakfast Daily, Dinner x 2
Hosted by Mike Collins aka Wandering Wolf and Raul Bilecky from Pillars of the Past
Experienced Local Guides Throughout
All Ground Transport Throughout the Itinerary
Welcome Briefing & Safety Orientation
Welcome Dinner in Cancún
Guided Visit to Ek Balam
Cenote Swim at Xcanché
Time to Explore Valladolid
Early Guided Visit to Chichén Itzá
Visit to Izamal
Guided Visit to Uxmal
Visit to Kabah Along the Ruta Puuc
Light and Sound Show at Uxmal
Guided Visit to Mayapán
Cenote Hopping Experience in Homún
Farewell Dinner in Mérida
Bicycle Exploration of Cobá
Visit to the Tulum Coast
Exclusions
Arrival/Departure Flights
Airport Transfers
Visa/Entry Requirements
Meals Not Mentioned in Inclusions
Personal Expenses incl Tips
Travel Insurance (Required)
Local & Tourist Taxes
Your Host
Michael Collins Wandering Wolf
My name is Michael Collins, and since 2016 I have been traveling around the world documenting ancient sites for my YouTube channel, Wandering Wolf.
Featured on Netflix, History, Discovery and shows like Ancient Aliens. I also promote conferences, am a published author and have a love for sharing my experiences traveling to these incredible sites around the world with others.
I hope you will join me, ask your own questions and explore this big beautiful world!
Raul Bilecky Pillars of the Past
Raul Bilecky is a researcher, explorer, filmmaker, and the creator of Pillars of the Past. Raul blends cinematic storytelling with rigorous field exploration, specializing in ‘boots-on-the-ground’ documentation of little-known and unknown archaeological sites in Peru. For many of these sacred spaces, his expeditions have resulted in providing the only modern media that exists of them. Raul has discovered pyramids, geoglyphs and megalithic sites yet to be added to the Ministry of Culture registry. His dedication to enduring arduous journeys, fueled by the spirit of adventure and a passion for history, Raul’s work serves as a vital record of sites threatened by looting and time, bringing the mysteries of the ancient Andean world to a global audience. The Pillars of the Past mission is to document, investigate, and preserve these intangible pieces of our past, and draw connections to a forgotten history that may lay beyond our current understanding.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Cancún & Welcome Evening
Arrive at Cancún International Airport and make your own way to the joining hotel, with detailed instructions provided closer to departure. Once checked in, take time to settle, refresh, and ease into the tropical pace after your journey.
In the evening, gather for a welcome briefing where your guide introduces the group, outlines the flow of the week, and shares key safety information. Over a relaxed welcome dinner, conversation begins to unfold as the first stories of the Yucatán are shared, creating an easy sense of connection and anticipation for what lies ahead.
🏨 Accommodation
-
Hotel Rey del Caribe or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Dinner
✅ Activities
- Welcome Briefing
- Safety Orientation
- Welcome Dinner
Day 2 Valladolid & Ek Balam
Journey inland to Valladolid, a graceful colonial town where Maya heritage and Spanish influence sit side by side in colourful streets and shaded plazas. After settling into your hotel, enjoy some time to absorb the relaxed rhythm of town life before heading out to your afternoon exploration.
At Ek Balam, many historians believe this was once a powerful regional centre, quietly influential in its time. Climb the main pyramid for sweeping views over dense jungle canopy, then cool off with a swim in the clear, refreshing waters of Cenote Xcanche. Return to Valladolid for an evening stroll, when the town comes alive with locals, music, and softly lit squares.
🏨 Accommodation
-
Hotel Meson del Marques or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Breakfast
✅ Activities
- Guided Visit to Ek Balam
- Swim at Cenote Xcanche
- Evening Walk in Valladolid
Day 3 Chichén Itzá & Izamal
Start early to experience Chichén Itzá at its most atmospheric, before the crowds arrive. Scholars suggest this city functioned as a ceremonial, political, and economic hub, and walking among El Castillo and the Great Ball Court invites quiet reflection on the scale and ambition of Maya society.
From here, continue to Izamal, famously painted in shades of yellow. The immense Franciscan monastery, built atop an ancient Maya platform, reflects layers of belief and power that have shaped the region over centuries. In the afternoon, travel onward to Mérida, where colonial elegance and contemporary culture blend seamlessly.
🏨 Accommodation
-
Hotel Del Gobernador or similar
🍽️ Included Meals
-
Breakfast
✅ Activities
- Early Visit to Chichén Itzá
- Guided Visit to Izamal
Trip Photos
Important Notes
ARRIVAL:
You will need to make sure your travel plans allow you to arrive at the meeting point by the scheduled guest meeting time. More information on this will be provided once the trip is confirmed. Your arrival airport is Cancún International Airport (CUN).
DEPARTURE:
On the final day, you are free to depart at any time. Your departure airport is Tulum International Airport, officially Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Carrillo Puerto (TQO).
AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Airport transfers are not included as part of this trip, so you will need to make your own arrangements. More specific information on transport options for your arrival and departure airports will be available on the airport’s website.
Pre-booked airport transfers are available for most airports via Expedia – please select “Cars” and then “Airport Transportation”: https://bit.ly/expedia-best-in-travel-vip
ADDITIONAL NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION:
We are unable to organise additional nights accommodation on your behalf. Our exact hotels will be finalised and advised roughly 2-3 months prior to the trip starting. We will advise guests once that happens, and we then recommend booking accommodation via our affiliate link at https://bit.ly/booking-com-best-in-travel
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
Be sure to check entry requirements based on the passport that you will be travelling with. It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport meets minimum requirements, and that you have arranged any required visas before arrival. Visa information is available in the destination guide linked below.
DESTINATION GUIDE:
For a detailed destination guide for this trip’s location, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/mexico-destination-guide/
TRIP CONFIRMATION:
A trip is listed as PENDING until the minimum guest numbers are reached, at which point the trip becomes CONFIRMED. Guests will be notified when a trip becomes CONFIRMED.
BOOKING T&Cs:
We recommend you familiarise yourself with our Booking Terms & Conditions for more information about our booking, deposit and cancellation policies.
BOOKING FLIGHTS:
We recommend booking flights as soon as your trip is CONFIRMED, but not before unless you are able to secure flexible tickets.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is required for this trip and must be arranged independently. Please ensure you purchase a policy that suits your personal needs and covers the destination and activities included in your itinerary. We strongly recommend organising your travel insurance as soon as your trip is CONFIRMED.
For more information on travel insurance and to view our recommended travel insurance providers, head to https://bestintravelgroup.com/protect-your-adventure-best-in-travels-guide-to-travel-insurance/
ISSUES & CONTACTS DURING THE TRIP:
If you experience any issues that you need resolved during this trip, please chat to your host or your local driver/guide. Emergency contact details for your local trip operator will be provided prior to the trip starting.
For more information on the correct process for handling issues during a trip, including emergency situations, please read the following guide: https://bestintravelgroup.com/managing-emergencies-other-issues-on-your-best-in-travel-adventure/
INCLUSIVITY:
For information on how Best In Travel creates a welcoming space for all travellers, please head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/everyones-welcome-inclusivity-on-best-in-travel-group-trips/
TRAVELLER CONDUCT & WELLBEING:
For a quick guide on how to enjoy our group trips safely, respectfully, and with the right balance of fun and wellbeing, head to: https://bestintravelgroup.com/group-trips-great-times-how-to-eat-drink-stay-well-on-the-road/
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