Relaxation on the Yucatán Peninsula - 8 Days

Day 2: Day Trip to Sian Ka'an, Optional Activities in Tulum

In the morning, head out on a six-hour tour of nearby Sian Ka'an. This biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site protects over 2,000 sq miles (5,180 sq km) of tropical forests, palm savannas, wetlands, mangroves, lagoons, and unspoiled coastline. You'll arrive at a community center and embark on a group hike down a jungle trail. Eventually, you'll arrive at the temple ruins in Muyil, an ancient Maya site settled in 300 BCE. Then continue to the Chunyaxche Lagoon, where you'll ride a boat through a mangrove channel and can take a refreshing dip in the water. 

After splashing around at Chemuyil, you'll return to Tulum and have the rest of the day free. Be sure to visit its famous archeological site. Built on 39-foot (12-m) cliffs overlooking the ocean, the ancient Maya ruins here once comprised a great fortress city (the word tulum is a Yucatán Mayan word meaning "wall"). Hiking around this site, which dates to 1200 CE, you can visit the famous El Castillo, an iconic fortress standing 25 feet (7.5 m). After touring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, head directly below the ruins for a swim at Playa Ruinas.

Day 3: Tulum to Nuevo Durango, Explore Cobá Ruins & Punta Laguna

In the morning, you'll transfer about an hour north of Tulum to the ancient Maya archeological site of Cobá. Once there, you'll embark on a guided 3-mile (5-km) bike tour. It's a fun time as you cycle along ancient white pathways lined with the ruins of a former metropolis whose heyday was between 600-900 CE. The real highlight is hiking up the 120 stone steps of Nohoch Mul, which, at 137 feet (41 m), is the tallest pyramid in Yucatán.

Then continue driving north to Nuevo Durango, a small village known for its underground caves, ecotourism projects, and organic farms. Tourism has little touched this charming community, and thus the residents have retained their customs and culture. Here you'll enjoy a traditional meal with the family of Don Manuel, who operates a project for the conservation of endangered animals. 

Afterward, you'll head north of Cobá to the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, a 12,355-acre protected area. Here you'll take a boat ride across its main lagoon, which is an excellent opportunity to do some wildlife spotting—notably the countless spider monkeys that populate the area. When the tour is over, you'll return to Nuevo Durango, where you'll stay overnight. 

Day 5: Valladolid to Holbox Island, Optional Activities

In the morning, you'll hit the road again on a 5.5-hour bus ride to the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and the seaside town of Chiquilá. From there, take a 15-minute ferry to the island of Holbox. This sleepy island couldn't be more different than the tourist hotspot of Cancún, which is just a couple of hours away. There are no paved roads here, as most people get around on foot, bicycle, or golf cart. And while there are many activities on offer, one of the most popular is whiling away the hours lazing in a hammock perched in the shallow turquoise waters of Holbox's shores. 

Upon arrival, you'll check into your hotel and have free the remainder of the day. Maybe take a stroll around this colorful village, filled with incredible street art, and stop at a café to try the local cuisine (the lobster pizza is particularly delicious). Or rent a golf cart and explore the island on four wheels. You can also head from the main port to the long, white-sand beaches to swim in the crystalline waters. Then enjoy a coco (coconut) or tropical adult beverage as you sit on the sand and marvel at Holbox's famous golden sunsets tinged with vermillion hues. 

Day 6: Free Day on Holbox Island

Spend today relaxing in this tropical island paradise. Beach time is the order of the day here, but there are plenty of active excursions in Holbox as well. For example, kitesurfing is popular along the shallow shores, particularly during the winter when the winds are up. Also, May to September is whale shark season, and you can book an excursion to go swimming with these gentle giants during this time. You can also take a kayak tour along the coast, which is most incredible at night where, if you're lucky, you'll witness electric blue bioluminescence lighting up the water.

If you'd prefer to get out on the water, you can take the popular "Three Islands" tour. This half-day boat excursion visits three of the most stunning islands around Holbox. First is Yalahau Lagoon, a natural cenote and habitat for various animal species, including dolphins and the pink flamingos that congregate here from April to October. Then stop at Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), a protected area home to dozens of bird species like frigates, cormorants, and herons. Continue to Passion Island, an idyllic place famous for its beaches covered in bright pink seashells. 

Day 7: Holbox to Puerto Morelos, Optional Activities

Spend one last morning relaxing on Holbox Island before you say hasta luego to this paradise. At the appropriate time, you'll take a taxi to the dock and catch the ferry back to Chiquilá. From there, a personal driver will pick you up for the 3-hour drive southeast back to the Caribbean side of the Yucatán and the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hotel and have free the remainder of the day.

Besides the surrounding jungle and nearby cenotes, Puerto Morelos is famous for its National Reef Park, which protects a section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. You can opt for a two-hour snorkeling tour in this marine reserve. It's a popular activity because within this nearly 150-acre park, you'll see a wide array of tropical fish swimming around colorful corals like brain and elk-horn coral. You'll also see rays, octopuses, parrotfish, barracudas, starfish, sea snails, turtles, and many more species. 

Day 8: Puerto Morelos to Cancún, Depart