Swim in a hidden jungle cenote, explore the Playa Ruinas near Tulum, and more on this eleven-day exploration of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. You'll go caving underground to see ancient geologic formations, visit the archaeological site of Coba, and end the trip by relaxing on Holbox Island's beautiful sand beaches.
Highlights
- Walk on an ancient Maya sacbe—an ancient road
- Explore underground caverns and go spelunking
- Visit the archaeological site of Cobá
- Go swimming in a crystal clear jungle cenote
- See Chichén Itzá—one of the Seven Wonders
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum | Tulum |
| Day 2 | Cenotes of Chemuyil, Tulum Archeological Site | Tulum |
| Day 3 | Río Secreto: The Maya Underworld | Tulum |
| Day 4 | Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve | Tulum |
| Day 5 | Archaeological Site of Cobá, Eco Center & Traditional Maya Meal, Punta Laguna Wildlife Tour, Transfer to Valladolid | Valladolid |
| Day 6 | Visit Chichén Itzá | Valladolid |
| Day 7 | Walking Tour of Colonial Valladolid, Transfer to Holbox | Holbox |
| Day 8 | Free Day on Holbox Island | Holbox |
| Day 9 | Free Day on Holbox Island | Holbox |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Puerto Morelos | Puerto Morelos |
| Day 11 | Transfer to Cancún, Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum
Day 2: Cenotes of Chemuyil, Tulum Archeological Site
You will be assigned a bicycle and start cycling through the charming town of Chemuyil. There you will continue your bike tour to visit three different cenotes of different shapes and sizes. You will start with a cenote known locally as La Cuevita, an enclosed cenote where your guide will tell you anecdotes and stories of the place.
Next, you will go to an open cenote where, with some luck, you will be able to see some of the endemic birds of the Yucatán Peninsula. Finally, you will visit an open cenote where you can take a dip. All of these cenotes are part of a system fed by the largest underground river in the world. Once you finish this experience, you will say goodbye to the young people of the community and head back to town.
Next, you will go to an open cenote where, with some luck, you will be able to see some of the endemic birds of the Yucatán Peninsula. Finally, you will visit an open cenote where you can take a dip. All of these cenotes are part of a system fed by the largest underground river in the world. Once you finish this experience, you will say goodbye to the young people of the community and head back to town.
After, you will visit the ruins of Tulum, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon exploring the area with your guide, who will explain why these ruins played a particularly important role in the area's maritime and terrestrial trade. You'll also learn about the site's function as an astronomical observatory and as a defensive system. This old Maya city sits in the middle of a mangrove ecosystem on a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea. You'll find spectacular views from the site of both the surrounding forest, as well as the open water. From the archaeological site, you'll have access to the Playa Ruinas (Ruins Beach). After spending some time exploring the ruins, head down to the water for some sun and water to round out your visit.
Day 3: Río Secreto: The Maya Underworld
Río Secreto is a natural reserve located a few minutes from Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Riviera Maya, where nature and human beings converge in harmony.
Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the greatest wonders of the natural world: one of the largest underground river systems in the world. Here, the history of the planet is written in thousands of geological formations, and you can experience millennia of geology while swimming in the clear freshwater. As you make your way through the caves, your guide will explain the history of the features and formations of this marvelous geological library.
Day 4: Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Your first stop will be the little-known and mysterious archaeological site of Muyil, which you will reach at the end of an interpretive trail surrounded by the thick jungle. Walk until you reach the edge of the turquoise Chunyaxche Lagoon, where you will take a small boat through a channel surrounded by mangroves to arrive at a small dock. Once there, enjoy a serene dip in the water. It is a moment of reconnection with mother earth. As you float slowly through the channels, you will feel the peace of your surroundings and take in the soft sounds of the local birds and other animals.
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Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Once you are done enjoying the water, return to the community center for a short walk. You will be welcomed back with a traditional meal to complete the excursion.
Day 5: Archeological Site of Cobá, Eco Center & Traditional Maya Meal, Punta Laguna Wildlife Tour, Transfer to Valladolid
After, visit Nuevo Durango, small ecotourism and organic food production community. It's a small ecotourism and organic food production community whose people have managed to maintain their cultural identity in both language and customs. Here you will enjoy a traditional meal and meet Don Manuel and his family. Don is a member of the community that operates an Environmental Management Unit (EMU), a project for the conservation of animals in the region that is in danger of extinction. As you learn about Don's work, you'll be able to see and meet some of the endemic species of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Punta Laguna is part of a 12,350-acre area known as "Otoch Ma'ax yetel Kooh," which in Maya means "The home of the spider monkey and the puma." Since 1950, local Maya families have been protecting the reserve where animals like spider monkeys, howler monkeys, birds, jaguars, and pumas can be observed in complete freedom. On this visit, you'll take a canoe ride through the biosphere, where with a little luck, you will be able to spot several species of local wildlife, including, of course, the iconic spider monkey. After, your private transportation will drive you from Tulum to Valladolid.
Day 6: Visit Chichén Itzá
The Yaxunah site, which in Mayan means "the first house," is surrounded by cornfields and dense vegetation. There is bountiful archaeological evidence that suggests that this site has been continuously occupied for millennia and that it was an important center for the cultivation of corn: the sacred food of the gods. For the Mayans, the milpa (agricultural field) was like their home, as they had to ask permission to enter.
Your guide, along with the members of the community, will show you the production process of this important regional food staple. You'll learn about the cleaning, planting, and harvesting of corn, as well as taste the beverages that can be prepared with corn, like potzoles, pinoles, nixtamal, and atoles.
Your guide, along with the members of the community, will show you the production process of this important regional food staple. You'll learn about the cleaning, planting, and harvesting of corn, as well as taste the beverages that can be prepared with corn, like potzoles, pinoles, nixtamal, and atoles.
Day 7: Walking Tour of Colonial Valladolid, Transfer to Holbox
Today, Valladolid is a charming Yucatecan city that's known for its hospitality, cenotes, food, and beautiful architecture. During the tour, you will visit (among others) the Ex Convento San Bernadino de Siena, the Cathedral, and the beautiful Calzada de Los Frailes.
After, your private transportation will drive you from Valladolid to Chiquilá, where you will take a ferry to Holbox Island. Upon arrival, a golf cart will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Days 8-9: Free Day on Holbox Island
As cars are not allowed on the island, you will also have the option to rent a bicycle or a golf cart to travel around and explore the less-crowded parts of the island. Other great options to spend your free day include walking around town, browsing the street art for souvenirs to bring back home, or simply relaxing at one of the town's cafés.
If you prefer to get onto the water, book a boat tour to Cabo Catoche for an afternoon of snorkeling and enjoying the underwater world. At the end of the day, catch the sunset from Punta Coco, view the starry sky from the beach, or enjoy a show of bioluminescence in the waters.
Day 10: Transfer to Puerto Morelos
Spend one last morning in Holbox Island before you say "hasta luego" to this paradise. You will take the ferry back to Chiquilá, where your private transportation will be waiting for your to take you to the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos.
Day 11: Transfer to Cancún, Departure
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