Historic Hotel Located at Mayan Archaeological Site at Chichen Itza

In 1923, Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows was constructed within walking distance of the Mayan pyramid at Chichen Itza, one of the first hotels in the world to be built inside an ancient archaeological site. This setting has many advantages—today, you can see the famed Mayan stone temples from the main building and visit the site through Mayaland's private park entrance, which allows you to explore one of the world’s greatest wonders before or after most tourists arrive. Adding to the ambiance, butterflies and tropical birds live on Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows’ 100+ acres of lush gardens. The hotel is owned and operated by the descendants of Fernando Barbachano, who is considered Mexico's travel-industry pioneer—his family first introduced Jacqueline Kennedy, the Prince of Monaco, and several other visitors to Mexico to the quiet majesty of Yucatan and its Mayan pyramids.

The entire resort has been built hacienda-style, with airy ceilings, exposed beams, and windows flung open to the gardens outside. The superior rooms are in the main house, with antiques, potted plants, and a picture-perfect view of the Observatory of Chichen Itza to the west. If you’re staying in the separate Mayan bungalows—which are set among the garden’s trees and blossoms—you’ll be able to relax on a private shaded terrace or veranda. Outside, three onsite pools allow guests to lounge in the sun.

Mayaland has four restaurants, including one thatched-palapa-hut restaurant, ranging from authentic Yucatan-style eateries with spiced-turkey and pork dishes to informal snacks at the poolside grill. At some restaurants, you’ll listen to live guitar music at dinnertime. If you'd like to do some after-dinner exploring on one of the resort’s 3 miles (5 km) of paths, feel free to use one of the hotel's golf carts.

Yucatan, Mexico: Ancient Mayan Civilization and Natural Wonders

Located at the very southeast tip of Mexico on the Gulf of Mexico, Yucatan allows an unequaled look into lives of the ancient Mayans, highlighted by the temples at Chichen Itza, which was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Inside Chichen Itza, there's so much to see—the famous Castillo Temple (AKA the Temple of Kukulkan), the intricate carvings of the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball courts at the Temple of the Jaguar, and the columns lining the vast open marketplace. Once a great Mayan city, Chichen Itza has two natural wells within its limits—one provided water for the city's people, and the other was a sacrificial well, where humans and animals were thrown down in rituals.

Yucatan is home to wonders beyond its Mayan temples. Beneath the surface, there's a vast network of caves and interconnected tunnels. The Loltun Cave was used as shelter for the Mayans, as well as a place to create paintings and sculptures. Guided tours are available at most of the well-known caves, which include Balankanche, a ceremonial cave, and Calcehtok, which extends 3 miles (5 km) underground.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.