Group Expedition · Winter Solstice 2027
Maya Mysteries
Yucatan 2027
with Aaron Hynes, David Hatcher Childress & Robert Dakota
8 days through the Yucatan Peninsula's greatest Maya sites — Chichen Itza on the December 21 Winter Solstice, the Puuc Route's architectural masterpieces, the climbable pyramid at Cobá, and Tulum overlooking the Caribbean.
- Dates
- Dec 15–22, 2027
- Length
- 8 days
- Early Bird
- $2,795
- List Price
- $3,495
★ The Main Event
December 21: Winter Solstice at Chichen Itza
Every year on the solstices and equinoxes, the ancient Maya's astronomical precision becomes visible. On December 21, the winter solstice, the afternoon sun creates a distinctive light pattern on the north stairway of El Castillo — a serpent of light and shadow descending the pyramid.
We time the entire tour around this singular event. While tour buses cycle through on their 90-minute itineraries, we'll have the full day — morning exploration of the site with Alberto, our licensed Maya archaeologist, and afternoon position for the light effect.
This is what makes this tour different from every other Yucatan package: we're here for the astronomy, not the selfie.
Your Guides
Three guides. One local archaeologist. One expedition.
Aaron Hynes
Tour Lead
Host of The Megalithic Mystery podcast. Years of fieldwork at Maya sites throughout Central America. Focused on astronomical alignments and megalithic construction techniques.
David Hatcher Childress
Expert Guide
Author of over 20 books on ancient mysteries. Star of Ancient Aliens. Decades of expeditions across Mesoamerica investigating lost technology and ancient engineering.
Robert Dakota
Expert Guide
Independent researcher specializing in archaeoastronomy and ancient cosmology. Brings a sharp eye for subtle alignments the casual visitor misses.
Alberto
Local Maya Archaeologist
Licensed guide with deep knowledge of Maya history, language, and culture. Born in the Yucatan with family roots in the region for generations.
What You'll See
The Greatest Hits of Maya Civilization
Uxmal — Pyramid of the Magician, Governor's Palace
Kabah — Palace of Masks (Codz Poop)
Labná — iconic Maya arch
Chichen Itza — December 21 Winter Solstice light effect
Ek Balam — intact stucco frieze, jaguar temple
Cobá — Nohoch Mul pyramid (climbable)
Tulum — clifftop Caribbean ruins
Dzibilchaltún — Temple of the Seven Dolls
Gran Museo del Mundo Maya — Mérida
Museo del Meteorito — Chicxulub impact
Gallery
What's Waiting for You
Day by Day
8-Day Itinerary
December 15–22, 2027 — Mérida to Chichen Itza and back, with the Winter Solstice as the centerpiece.
Arrive Mérida — Welcome Dinner
Group arrives at Mérida airport. Transfer to hotel, welcome briefing, dinner together.
Mérida City Tour + Maya Museums
Walking tour of Mérida's colonial center with Alberto. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and Palacio Cantón archaeology museum.
Dzibilchaltún + Progreso + Meteorite Museum
The Temple of the Seven Dolls, Progreso beach lunch, and the Museo del Meteorito featuring Chicxulub impact artifacts.
Puuc Route: Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Labná
Full day on the Puuc Route — Uxmal's Pyramid of the Magician, Kabah's Palace of Masks, Sayil's palace, Labná's iconic arch.
Ek Balam → Chichen Itza
Ek Balam's jaguar temple and intact stucco frieze. Afternoon transfer to hotel at Chichen Itza.
Cobá + Tulum
Climb Nohoch Mul at Cobá — the tallest pyramid you can still climb in Yucatan. Afternoon at clifftop Tulum.
Winter Solstice at Chichen Itza
THE MAIN EVENT — December 21 winter solstice. Full day at Chichen Itza: morning exploration, afternoon light effect on El Castillo. Return to Mérida.
Departure or Optional Cenote
Farewell breakfast. Optional cenote visit for late departures, or transfer to airport for flights home.
Investment
Tour Pricing
$2,795
per person, double occupancy
Save $700 vs. list price
$3,495
per person, double occupancy
After early bird closes
Single Room Supplement
+$695 for your own room throughout the tour (no roommate matching)
Payment Schedule
Due at booking
Non-refundable. This holds your spot.
Due October 1, 2027
Full remaining balance — all permits, hotels, and transport locked in.
✓ Included
- •Breakfast daily throughout the tour
- •Group lunches Days 2–7
- •Welcome dinner on arrival (Dec 15)
- •Farewell breakfast (Dec 22)
- •Private air-conditioned coach for all ground transport
- •Licensed Maya archaeologist guide (Alberto)
- •All entrance fees and site access for scheduled visits
- •Three expert guides: Aaron Hynes, David Hatcher Childress, Robert Dakota
- •Accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Mérida and Chichen Itza
✗ Not Included
- •International flights to/from Mérida (MID)
- •Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- •Dinners not specified in the itinerary
- •Personal spending, souvenirs, tips
- •Alcoholic beverages
- •Single room supplement (+$695 for own room throughout)
- •Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions
Frequently Asked
What makes the December 21 solstice special at Chichen Itza?+
On the winter solstice, the afternoon sun creates a distinctive light pattern on the north stairway of El Castillo — a serpent of light and shadow descending the pyramid. It's one of the most famous astronomical alignments in the Maya world. We time the entire tour around this event.
How physically demanding is this tour?+
Moderate. Most sites involve walking on uneven terrain and climbing pyramids (Cobá's Nohoch Mul has 120 steps). If you can climb stairs and walk a few miles a day in hot weather, you'll be fine. December is dry season — warm but not brutal.
Is the $1,000 deposit refundable?+
No. The deposit goes immediately to locking hotels, transport, and site access. None of that comes back if you cancel. We strongly recommend travel insurance.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?+
US, Canadian, and most European passport holders can enter Mexico visa-free for up to 180 days. Check your country's requirements before booking.
What's the group size?+
Deliberately small — we cap the group to keep it personal and mobile. First 10 bookings get early bird pricing.
Who is Alberto?+
Alberto is a licensed Maya archaeologist based in Mérida who has worked with research teams at multiple Yucatan sites. He provides the academic context while Aaron, David, and Robert bring the alternative archaeology perspective.
Reserve
Reserve Your Spot
$1,000 deposit holds your place. 12 spots remaining at early bird pricing.