Highlights of the Yucatán
8 days, Playa del Carmen to Tulum
Itinerary
Day 1Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Hacienda Maria Bonita (or similar)
Day 2Playa del Carmen/Isla Holbox
Looking for a Mexico that is all sunshine, beaches, and tacos without the crowds? That’s what’s on the menu today on the relaxed tropical island of Isla Holbox. Travel by bus and ferry to the island and get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk. In the afternoon enjoy free time to continue exploring the island.
Wander past colourful murals featuring images of bright turquoise waters, follow unpaved sandy streets, and soak in the bohemian carefree vibe evident all around. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island, hang out at the beach or find a cool place to grab some food and a fruity drink to complete those paradise fantasies.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Isla Holbox Orientation Walk
Embark on a quick orientation walk with your CEO to get your bearings on the island. Wander by colourful murals of turquoise waters and soak in the bohemian, laid-back, island vibes.
Free Time
Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island, hang out at the beach, go for a swim, or find a spot to post up, grab some food, and people watch. You could also jump in a golf cart and cruise down the sandy streets in island style.
Accommodation
Hotel Macondo Holbox (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Isla Holbox
Take advantage of this free day to further indulge in island life. Spend some time lounging at the beach, maybe strike up a volleyball game with some locals. Swim with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world (in season, June-Sept.) Or find a cool swimming spot, opt to try some snorkelling, or rent a kayak and get on the water for a different perspective of Isla Holbox. You have all day to do as you please.
If you're feeling really adventurous you can opt to swim with whale sharks in the waters off of Isla Holbox. Get your adrenaline pumping and see the largest fish in the world. Though intimidating in size whale sharks are docile and very approachable. Please note that this activity is seasonal and will be available only on departures between June and September.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Beach Time
Stretch out on the beach and enjoy the sun and deep blue sea, soaking in the relaxed tropical vibes of Isla Holbox.
Swim with Whale Sharks
Get into the waters off the beautiful town of Holbox and see the whale shark up close and personal. The whale shark is the world's largest fish and it can grow to lengths over 40 feet (12 meters). You'll get to swim with these gentle giants on a whale shark tour that supports the local community helping island residents transition from being fishermen to working in the eco-tourism industry. Your tour will be led be seasoned captains who are well acquainted with the environment and the sea life, prioritizing your safety in the water. With Whale Shark Tours' focus on social responsibility and eco-sustainability it is the best place to see the largest concentration of this species in the world.
Please note that this activity is seasonal and will be available between June and September.
All necessary equipment is included in this tour.
Accommodation
Hotel Macondo Holbox (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Holbox/Izamal
Hop on a ferry back to the mainland and travel by bus to Chichen Itzá for a guided tour. From there the group will travel by private bus to the small mayan town of Izamal. Set out on an orientation walk through the town and admire the colourful colonial architecture as well as all of the yellow painted homes and buildings. Then, enjoy a Yucatán food experience to sample some regional dishes and learn about the traditional history of the cuisine.
There are twenty-six total Mayan Ruins at this particular site. You’ll see El Castillo, the main Mayan Ruin and other important ruins like the Observatory, The Temple of The Wariors, and the Mayan Ball Game.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Chichen Itzá Guided Tour
Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk & Food Experience of Izamal
Enjoy an orientation walk of Izamal, known as the Yellow City because of the yellow painted buildings all over town. The lively colour of paint mixed with the well-preserved colonial architecture gives Izamal a very unique feel.
During the walk set out on a local food experience including tastings of regional specialties. Taste local dishes and learn about the traditional history of the cuisine. Please keep in mind this is not a full meal.
Accommodation
Hotel Tuul (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Izamal/Mérida
Wave good-bye to the Yellow City and travel by private bus to the town of Mérida. Along the way visit 2-3 different cenotes, or sinkhole caves and go for a swim to see the cave formations up close. Enjoy an included lunch near one of the cenotes before arriving in Mérida later in the afternoon.
Santa Barbara Cenotes Visit
Head out in the morning from Mérida into the jungle to a state reserve that is chock-full of cenotes, natural sinkholes in the earth that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Cycle between 3 of them and swim in the crystal clear water to cool off from the heat before a delicious lunch, then return to Mérida in the afternoon.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Mérida
Enjoy a free day to explore Mérida and surroundings. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal or explore the main square and historic buildings of Mérida.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Mérida, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Uxmal ruins, the anthropological museum, and swimming in a nearby cenote. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Anthropology Museum Visit
55MXN per personInstalled on two floors of a refurbished mansion, this museum is considered to be one of the most important collections of Pre-Columbian Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn everything there is to know about Mayan society, from war to writing, art to architecture, calendars, customs and offerings to the dead.
Cenote Visit
60-70USD per personSwim in crystal-blue mineral underground swimming holes that are formed as sinkholes when porous limestone bedrock collapses. Come prepared with your swimsuit so you can dive in and enjoy. The clarity of the water and depth of cenotes makes swimming a unique experience.
Celestún Bird Watching
70-80USD per personDrive approx 2 hrs to Celestún and take a boat ride in search of pink flamingos and other birds in the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano (or Celestun Biosphere Reserve). This wetland is the winter home to flocks of thousands of flamingos, as well as herons, ducks, and pelicans; more than 200 species migrate or live here year-round. Celestun is also a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles.
Uxmal Ruins Visit
70-110USD per personFounded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatán’s Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites.
Accommodation
Hotel Santa Lucia by Kavia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Mérida/Tulum
After breakfast the group will depart Mérida and travel to Tulum. First stop will be to the Mayan ruins named after the town for a guided tour. The rest of the day and night are open for you to do as you please. Wander around town, head to the beach for some time in the sun, before opting for a final night out with the group.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tulum Ruins Visit
The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit “El Castillo” (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
Free Time
Explore the town, relax by the beach, check out some ancient Mayan ruins, or rent a bicycle to cover more ground.
Accommodation
Hotel El Capitan (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Tulum
Depart at any time.