Top North America Archaeology Tours

The Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a treasure trove of history, from the pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Maya civilization, to 16th century towns settled by the Spanish. Experience this history firsthand with a full-day tour from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. See the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza (admission not included) the pyramid of Kukulcan, and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of the cenote, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature in the Riviera Maya on an combination tour that features some of the best of Yucatan in a single day. Snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, and swim in a cenote, then explore a limestone cave and take a jungle walk. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Journey to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on this full-day tour and experience this incredible archeological site with a local guide. First, take a panoramic tour through the colonial town of Valladolid and then stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim. Midway through the day, enjoy a typical buffet lunch and a tequila tasting, and then explore the archeological site. Walk along El Castillo and the Pyramid of Kukulcan and learn how this pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan Civilization.

Take a day away from the beaches and bars of Cancún and see a different side to the Riviera Maya. This guided tour takes you to see the pyramid temples and other monuments of Chichén Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid, and includes the opportunity to swim in an underground cenote.

Explore Teotihuacán with a private guide on this excursion to the famous archaeological site. You'll travel from your Mexico City hotel by private vehicle, arriving early enough to avoid the midday crowds. You will tour the area with a certified guide, who will tell you everything there is to know about Mayan history. After your visit, you will be able to try local drinks such as tequila and mescal before returning to Mexico City.

Monte Albán is an archaeological site in Oaxaca and this half-day guided tour is the perfect way to learn more about its history, the ruins and the first inhabitants. Close the travel guide and enjoy a guided adventure with commentary throughout the tour. To save time, the tour travels between sights in an air-conditioned vehicle, so you can cover much more ground than on a walking tour.

Discover the historical sites and modern attractions of St. Augustine during this private, guided historical tour. Both the vehicle and driver are decked out in 1920s style, offering you a trip into St. Augustine’s past. Cruise around sites in the historical district such as the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Flagler College, the Old City Gates, and St. George Street.

Discover Mexico's ancient Mayan history and beautiful landscapes during this shore excursion from the Costa Maya dock. First, head to the Chacchoben archaeological site for a guided tour of the ancient Mayan site that dates back to 200 BC. Then, head to Bacalar Lagoon, famous for its colorful waters, and enjoy time to swim, sunbathe, or even kayak.

Your admission ticket lets you enter the archaeological site first so you can explore in cooler temperatures without the crowds. Enjoy a buffet lunch, and swim in a cenote. Experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with this early access tour of Chichen Itza.

Experience some of Mexico City’s important landmarks on this all-day guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, visit the pre-Columbian trading center of Tlateloco, stop by the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the country’s largest shrine to the beloved Lady of Guadalupe, and ascend the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon at the legendary Teotihuacan. Enjoy a delicious local lunch and a tasting of Pulque, a lightly alcoholic Aztec drink.

Step into the past and be amazed by the natural world on this small-group or private tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Located in the heart of Washington DC, the museum is home to more than 126 million artifacts, including the Hope Diamond, Egyptian mummies, and a living coral reef. Spend time immersing yourself in the collection's stories and objects, and come away from the museum with new knowledge.

This small-group tour of the Chacchoben Maya Ruins—one of the most popular attractions near Costa Maya—also offers an optional trip to a beach club. Meet your guide near the port in Costa Maya and head out to the archeological site, which you’ll explore for roughly 1.5 hours. On the return journey, stop at a beach club at Playa Mahahual (optional) before drop-off.

Get your bearings of Newport on a guided trolley tour of the city, which fills you in on Newport's history and contemporary culture as you travel among city sights. From restored homes on Ten Mile Ocean Drive to the legendary mansions of Bellevue Avenue, this tour introduces you to Newport with class and charm suitable of this historic city.

See the best of Washington DC—and discover a new side of the city’s major monuments—on this nighttime tour. After sundown, meet your guide, hop aboard your vehicle, and set off with just a small group for company. You’ll see highlights like the US Capitol, Washington Monument, Supreme Court, and more; will have the opportunity to stop for photo breaks; and will learn about the landmarks’ history from your guide.

On this private half-day tour, avoid the large tour groups and get to know the sights of Mexico City in the company of just your family and friends. Your personalized guide takes you to Tlatelolco, an excavated Aztec zone. Visit the Shrine of Guadalupe, a popular Catholic pilgrimage site, and set your eyes on a cloak said to have imprinted on it an image of the Lady Virgin. Explore the archaeological ruins of Teotihuacan, and climb the Sun and Moon pyramids for arresting views. Transport, tickets, and lunch are included.

Explore the structures of Muyil, a Maya archaeological site amid the mangroves of Sian Ka'an, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This excursion from Tulum takes you to the former trading post along an interpretive nature trail before a boat ride to Muyil Lagoon. Then enjoy a relaxing float down the shallow canal as you drift past unique vegetation. Learn from your guide about the ecology of the area and the Maya civilization before a picnic lunch.

Combine an in-depth tour of Tulum’s archaeological ruins with a refreshing dip in a cenote, or Mayan swimming pool, during this two-for-one tour. Departing from Cancun, you’ll enjoy a guided visit to the ancient, temple-filled Mayan site, with admission tickets and priority access included, followed by a swim in the region’s lagoon-like underground networks of water.

Disembark your cruise ship at the port of Casa Maya and embark on a shore excursion to the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben. Discover the mystifying archeological site as you admire colossal pyramids and sacred temples that were only discovered in the late 20th century. Experience the diverse wildlife of the surrounding jungle as your knowledgeable guide offers a captivating commentary of the atmospheric ruins. Round-trip transport from the port in an air-conditioned minivan is included in the tour.

The Riviera Maya may be known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts, but it's also home to ancient Maya ruins no traveler should miss. On this daylong tour from Cancun, take a break from the beach and explore the Yucatan Peninsula. Visit the archeological remains of a Maya city, see the tallest pyramid in the region, and visit a natural cave. Along the way, stop for shopping in Playa del Carmen, and refuel with an included buffet lunch.

Maximize your time in magnificent Mexico on a full-day trip to Puebla and Cholula from Mexico City. With a knowledgeable guide, discover the rich cultural heritage of each city, and marvel at Puebla’s beautiful historical center. Sample Puebla’s enticing range of culinary delights (own expense) and browse a traditional craft market for special souvenirs.

Avoid the crowds on this early morning tour of the Teotihuacan pyramids, also known as the City of the Gods. On this tour, an archeologist takes you around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives you insight into the majestic plazas and murals. Snap memorable shots of this remaining Mayan heritage as the sun goes up. Then cap off your day trip from Mexico City with a visit to an obsidian factory.

Combine two top attractions while on shore at Costa Maya. Get picked up at the cruise port and travel by air-conditioned vehicle to the historic Mayan ruins at Cacchoben, which date to 200BC. Afterwards, head to Bacalar Lagoon, also know as the Seven Colors Lagoon, with stops at Cenote Emeralda, Black Cenote and the infamous Pirates Channel. Also included are lunch, snacks, water and alcoholic beverages.

Tick off three of Mexico City’s top attractions on a day tour to Teotihuacan, the Square of the Three Cultures, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, optimizing your sightseeing time with round-trip transfer from your hotel (if option selected). Explore with a guide for deeper insight into Mexico’s history and culture, and avoid hidden costs with lunch and entrance fees included in the price.