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Mayan Highlights
9 days, Playa del Carmen to Playa del Carmen
Itinerary
Day 1Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
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.
Day 2Playa del Carmen/Mérida
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and an orientation walk in Mérida.
After a guided tour of the fantastic ruins at Chichén Itzá, continue on to Mérida for an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city.
With museums, plazas, beautiful architecture, open markets and outdoor cafés, there is plenty to keep you busy here.
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 With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 3Mérida
Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or swim in cenotes (underground pools) in the Yucatán.
Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route, go bird-watching in Celestún, hit the beach in Progreso, visit cenotes in the nearby town of Cuzamá, or walk around town and soak in all of the history this city has to offer.
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 3 HideShow
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.
Day Trip to Progreso Beach
4USD per personRoughly an hour drive from Meridá, Progreso is a perfect spot for relaxing on the beach or strolling along the boardwalk. Stop along the way at the Dzibichaltun archaeological site.
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.
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.
Day 4Mérida/Palenque
Travel day to Palenque in the lush dense jungle of Chiapas.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
We recommend to bring a sweater for the bus as they can be overly air-conditioned. There are toilets on the bus and the occasional stop to stretch your legs or pick up snacks.
Day 5Palenque
Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of Palenque.
Take a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.
Palenque Ruins Guided Tour
Experience the elegant jungle site of Palenque on a guided tour. See the highlights -- the Temple of the Cross Group, Temple of Inscriptions and the Grand Palace. Howler monkeys sound in the distance as the fog rolls in and out of this mystical site, one of the most important centres for trade and culture during the end of the Classic Maya period.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Jungle Trail Hike
25USD per personOnly two percent of the ruins in the Mayan capital of Palenque are out in the open. Follow a local guide into the jungle along a trail, visit ruins that are now overgrown with moss and vines. Learn about the wildlife and different medicinal trees and plants that grow in and around the Usumancinta River of this mountainous forest area of Chiapas.
Roberto Barrios Waterfalls
54USD per personVisit the Zapatista community of Roberto Barrios and swim in stunning turquoise cascade waterfalls. Then, join an agroecological experience at the Pej'Pem Center you will support local entrepreneurship and the sustainable transformation of communities in Chiapas.
Day 6Palenque/Bacalar
Transfer to Bacalar and spend time on the beach looking out at the crystal-clear lake.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
The van is air-conditioned and will make stops along the way.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Fortress Exploration
10MXN per personBuilt in 1729, the San Felipe Bacalar fort was built by the Spanish hoping to fend off further pirate attacks. See the original stone walls, with canons facing out to the sea. The fort is built in the form of a four-pointed star and is surrounded by a moat.
Kayaking
10-12USD per personThrow on a lifejacket and paddle the pale blue waters of Laguna Bacalar. Bring a camera to capture the surreal beauty of the mineral-infused lake.
Day 7Bacalar
Opt to kayak around the lagoon or explore the nearby fortress.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute-get exploring.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Kayaking
10-12USD per personThrow on a lifejacket and paddle the pale blue waters of Laguna Bacalar. Bring a camera to capture the surreal beauty of the mineral-infused lake.
Cenote Azul
Cenote Azul is south of Puerto Aventuras in the Mayan Riviera. It's a great place to swim and people watch. Test your cliff diving skills as you leap into the main cenote (natural pool) -- it's 91m (300 ft) deep and 183m (600 ft) wide -- so there's no fear of hitting your head. Enjoy the clear clean water, it's 100% pure rainwater that's been filtered through limestone.
Fortress Exploration
10MXN per personBuilt in 1729, the San Felipe Bacalar fort was built by the Spanish hoping to fend off further pirate attacks. See the original stone walls, with canons facing out to the sea. The fort is built in the form of a four-pointed star and is surrounded by a moat.
Day 8Bacalar/Playa del Carmen
Travel to Playa del Carmen to lounge on Mayan Riviera beaches. Enjoy dinner at a G Adventures-supported community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.
Head to Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-min drive south of Cancún. Enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean.
There is the opportunity for snorkelling and diving, as well as long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day.
Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30-75 minutes depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the town and the reefs of the island.
For a final dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-min drive south of Playa.
First-class Bus
Ride on in style. This sure isn't your grandmother's public bus.
The air-conditioning remains on for the duration of the ride so bring something warm to wear. There is a toilet on the bus.
Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program
El Hongo (which means 'The Mushroom') is a volunteer-run restaurant started as a means to create income to support a youth art program in the 'real' Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Across the highway from the commercial beach strip is where most locals live – cross onto the unpaved roads and enjoy a delicious home-style meal at the restaurant, while learning more about this much-needed program for the community.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Tequila Tasting
850-1100MXN per personMexico is the birthplace of tequila, and there is nowhere better to learn about the iconic drink. Join a certified sommelier to learn about the history of tequila and the production process, before the main highlight – a tasting session. Sip, don't shoot!
Snorkelling
Slather on the sunscreen and head out into the tantalizing waters. Float effortlessly in the clear warm water and look for schools of fish, coral, sponges and more. Spot a sea turtle in the sea grass.
Swimming
Grab your bathing suit and go for a refreshing swim.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 9Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
We recommend booking post-tour accommodation to fully explore the Playa del Carmen area. Ask your sales agent for help.