G Adventures
Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes
Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes
Go way beyond the Mayan Riviera on this active adventure through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Visit the iconic site of Chichen Itzá and bike between freshwater sinkholes in the jungle to swim and cool off from the heat. Stay at a working agave hacienda and venture into the stunning scenery of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve to explore by boat and on foot. Experience the Yucatecan traditions through it’s delicious regional cuisine and friendly people. Bookended by beachside Playa del Carmen and Tulum, discover a different side of Mexico’s incredible natural and cultural beauty.
Highlights
Marvel at the giant pyramid at Chichen Itzá, Stay at an historic working hacienda, Cycle between cenotes and swim in the cool water, Wander the seaside archaeological site of Tulum, Explore the Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve by boat and on foot.
Accommodation
Hotels (4 nts), Historic Working Hacienda (3 nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
What’s Included
Your G for Good Moment: Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve Excursion, Sian Ka’an
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Traditional Cochinita Pibil Meal Experience, Sotuta de Peón
Your OMG Day: Visit Uxmal or Kayak in the Celestún Biosphere, Mérida. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Guided tour of Chichen Itzá archaeological site. CEO-led orientation walk in Valladolid. Tour of a working agave hacienda. Excursion to cycle between and swim in cenotes. City tour of Mérida. Guided tour of Tulum ruins. Full-day excursion to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Farewell dinner. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
A popular tourist destination in Mexico's Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is a coastal playground with plenty of nightlife, dining, and shopping. |
| Day 2 |
Valladolid is the name of both a province and the city that is its capital. It is the current capital of Castilla y León and the largest city in the region. It is famous for its beautiful gardens and the solemnity and grace of its Holy Week celebrations. The people of Valladolid claim to speak "the pure Spanish." |
| Day 3 |
Merida was once the sprawling capital of the Mayan empire and the center of their universe. Merida is now the center of a cosmopolitan universe, built on Mayan heritage, and given a unique twist by French and Mediterranean immigrants. Days are spent exploring the city's many museums and equally fascinating shopping districts. At night, local music can be heard from just about every park in the city, inviting newcomers to enjoy a romantic and fun-filled evening.
Downtown, you'll find the Zocalo, the town square and historical center of the city. Here ancient Mayan and Spanish colonial structures compete for space in a timeless struggle that recalls Merida's past. Shoppers will enjoy the Mercado, Merida's shopping district, with its colorful bottle-cap street and bargains on crafts from all over Eastern Mexico. Romantic music and native dances welcome the warm evenings. At night, Merida's nightlife swings into action, Cantinas become dance clubs and the energy displayed by the city during the day swings into an action packed night! Merida is the perfect launching pad for expeditions to Chichen Itza. This 4000 year old city is packed with dozens of awe-inspiring sights, including El Castillo, an ominous pyramid that marks out the days, months and years of the Mayan calendar. Archaeologists are still working at Chichen-Itza to unravel its mysteries. |
| Day 4 |
Merida was once the sprawling capital of the Mayan empire and the center of their universe. Merida is now the center of a cosmopolitan universe, built on Mayan heritage, and given a unique twist by French and Mediterranean immigrants. Days are spent exploring the city's many museums and equally fascinating shopping districts. At night, local music can be heard from just about every park in the city, inviting newcomers to enjoy a romantic and fun-filled evening.
Downtown, you'll find the Zocalo, the town square and historical center of the city. Here ancient Mayan and Spanish colonial structures compete for space in a timeless struggle that recalls Merida's past. Shoppers will enjoy the Mercado, Merida's shopping district, with its colorful bottle-cap street and bargains on crafts from all over Eastern Mexico. Romantic music and native dances welcome the warm evenings. At night, Merida's nightlife swings into action, Cantinas become dance clubs and the energy displayed by the city during the day swings into an action packed night! Merida is the perfect launching pad for expeditions to Chichen Itza. This 4000 year old city is packed with dozens of awe-inspiring sights, including El Castillo, an ominous pyramid that marks out the days, months and years of the Mayan calendar. Archaeologists are still working at Chichen-Itza to unravel its mysteries. |
| Day 5 |
Merida was once the sprawling capital of the Mayan empire and the center of their universe. Merida is now the center of a cosmopolitan universe, built on Mayan heritage, and given a unique twist by French and Mediterranean immigrants. Days are spent exploring the city's many museums and equally fascinating shopping districts. At night, local music can be heard from just about every park in the city, inviting newcomers to enjoy a romantic and fun-filled evening.
Downtown, you'll find the Zocalo, the town square and historical center of the city. Here ancient Mayan and Spanish colonial structures compete for space in a timeless struggle that recalls Merida's past. Shoppers will enjoy the Mercado, Merida's shopping district, with its colorful bottle-cap street and bargains on crafts from all over Eastern Mexico. Romantic music and native dances welcome the warm evenings. At night, Merida's nightlife swings into action, Cantinas become dance clubs and the energy displayed by the city during the day swings into an action packed night! Merida is the perfect launching pad for expeditions to Chichen Itza. This 4000 year old city is packed with dozens of awe-inspiring sights, including El Castillo, an ominous pyramid that marks out the days, months and years of the Mayan calendar. Archaeologists are still working at Chichen-Itza to unravel its mysteries. |
| Day 6 |
Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya. A visit to Tulum wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the waters below the ruins, where the beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. Beyond its historical significance, Tulum has emerged as a bohemian paradise for eco-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The town’s boutique hotels and eco-friendly resorts are nestled in the jungle or perched on the beach, offering yoga retreats, organic cuisine, and wellness experiences that embody the area's laid-back vibe. Visitors can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Kayaking through lagoons, birdwatching, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear cenotes provides an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Tulum also caters to the more adventurous spirit. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote are world-renowned diving and snorkeling spots that draw visitors into an ethereal underworld of stalactites, stalagmites, and freshwater caves. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the nearby Coba archaeological site offers a climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the jungle canopy, with Tulum's turquoise waters glimmering in the distance. Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim in a cenote, explore ancient ruins, and relax on a white-sand beach all in one day. This unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Tulum an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. |
| Day 7 |
Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya. A visit to Tulum wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the waters below the ruins, where the beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. Beyond its historical significance, Tulum has emerged as a bohemian paradise for eco-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The town’s boutique hotels and eco-friendly resorts are nestled in the jungle or perched on the beach, offering yoga retreats, organic cuisine, and wellness experiences that embody the area's laid-back vibe. Visitors can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Kayaking through lagoons, birdwatching, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear cenotes provides an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Tulum also caters to the more adventurous spirit. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote are world-renowned diving and snorkeling spots that draw visitors into an ethereal underworld of stalactites, stalagmites, and freshwater caves. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the nearby Coba archaeological site offers a climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the jungle canopy, with Tulum's turquoise waters glimmering in the distance. Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim in a cenote, explore ancient ruins, and relax on a white-sand beach all in one day. This unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Tulum an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. |
| Day 8 |
Tulum, a jewel of the Riviera Maya, is a blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and pristine natural beauty. Perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the Tulum Ruins stand as one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya civilization. The well-preserved El Castillo, Temple of the Frescoes, and Temple of the Descending God offer insight into the architectural prowess and spiritual life of the ancient Maya. A visit to Tulum wouldn't be complete without taking a dip in the waters below the ruins, where the beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. Beyond its historical significance, Tulum has emerged as a bohemian paradise for eco-conscious travelers and adventure enthusiasts. The town’s boutique hotels and eco-friendly resorts are nestled in the jungle or perched on the beach, offering yoga retreats, organic cuisine, and wellness experiences that embody the area's laid-back vibe. Visitors can explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to mangroves, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. Kayaking through lagoons, birdwatching, or snorkeling in the crystal-clear cenotes provides an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most biodiverse regions. Tulum also caters to the more adventurous spirit. The Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote are world-renowned diving and snorkeling spots that draw visitors into an ethereal underworld of stalactites, stalagmites, and freshwater caves. For those who prefer to stay above ground, the nearby Coba archaeological site offers a climb to the top of the Nohoch Mul pyramid, the highest in the Yucatán Peninsula. From here, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the jungle canopy, with Tulum's turquoise waters glimmering in the distance. Fun fact: Tulum is one of the few places in the world where visitors can swim in a cenote, explore ancient ruins, and relax on a white-sand beach all in one day. This unique blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures makes Tulum an irresistible destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
04/26/25 - 05/03/25 |
Starting At $2,474 |
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|
05/31/25 - 06/07/25 |
Starting At $2,999 |
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|
07/05/25 - 08/09/25 |
Starting At $2,699 |
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|
09/20/25 - 10/18/25 |
Starting At $2,899 |
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|
11/01/25 - 11/08/25 |
Starting At $3,749 |
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|
11/15/25 - 11/29/25 |
Starting At $3,199 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/24/25 - 02/28/26 |
Starting At $3,549 |
Get A Quote | |
|
03/07/26 - 04/25/26 |
Starting At $3,199 |
Get A Quote | |
|
05/30/26 - 10/17/26 |
Starting At $2,899 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/31/26 - 11/07/26 |
Starting At $3,749 |
Get A Quote | |
|
11/14/26 - 11/28/26 |
Starting At $3,199 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/05/26 - 12/23/26 |
Starting At $3,549 |
Get A Quote | |
|
01/16/27 - 01/01/28 |
Starting At $2,899 |
Get A Quote |
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
