Mayan Mexico

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly to Cancun

   Fly to Cancun on a daytime flight and transfer to Valladolid. In the evening, meet your guide and fellow travellers.

2. Day 2: Boat trip to flamingos at Río Lagartos

   Visit Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve today. Launches will be waiting to take us through the winding canals of this vast mangrove to visit a colony of pink flamingos. We can also expect to see spoonbill, crocodile, basilisk and spider monkey. Following our tour, we transfer to the picturesque pink lakes of Las Coloradas.

   Back in Valladolid, we explore the city to learn more about its history.

3. Day 3: Ziplining & swimming in the cenotes

   Today we head to Selva Maya Adventure Park, where we zipline through the jungle and over the cenote, before enjoying a refreshing dip in one of the cenotes! We have a buffet lunch and then transfer to our hotel in the jungle near Chichén Itzá.

4. Day 4: Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza

   A short drive takes us to the most famous of Mayan sights – Chichén Itzá - the centre of the Mayan world. We can see the huge Kukulkan pyramid, the ball game court, Mayan observatory, the marketplace and the sacred cenote.

   Heading onwards to Mérida, we explore the city, visiting its historical, archaeological and cultural sites.

5. Day 5: Experience Yucatán family life

   Today we visit a local market in Mérida, where we can try different fruits and other foods you might not be familiar with. We meet our host family here, and buy the ingredients for a three-course meal that will be cooked for our lunch.

   We continue to our next family, where we learn about the history of traditional Mayan games. We can make our own versions of the games and toys whilst listening to elderly family members beguile us with tales of their childhood. This is an authentic experience that we will look back fondly on!

6. Day 6: Oxkintok Jungle Ruins & San Ignacio Cenote

   This morning we drive to the ancient and lesser-known site of Oxkintok. A 2,000-year-old ruined city hidden in the jungle full of pyramids, temples, ball courts, mysterious statues and a unique ancient Mayan labyrinth.

   In the afternoon, we drive to the San Ignacio cenote, to enjoy swimming in the cenote and relaxing in the emerald river.

7. Day 7: Drive to Riviera Maya with a visit to a traditional Mayan Village

   We transfer to the Riviera Maya and stop at a traditional Mayan village on the way. We find out more about Mayan life and how they cook the traditional meal of cochinita underground.

   We continue onto Playa de Carmen in the Riviera Maya, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

8. Day 8: Optional excursion to Isla Mujeres

   Today you can choose between a free day by the beach, or an excursion to Isla Mujeres - a beautiful island with snorkelling opportunities in the azure-blue sea, home to colourful fish and turtles.

9. Day 9: Fly back to the UK

   Depart any time today for a flight back to the UK or extend your holiday with some time on the beach - contact us to arrange.

10. Day 10: Arrive UK

11. Day 9: OPTIONAL EXTENSION: Caribbean Coast

    Extend your stay along the Caribbean coastline and sit back and relax before heading home. Alternatively, continue to explore the history and culture of the Yucatán; from swimming or paddleboarding in cenotes, sailing and snorkelling tours where you can go looking for sea turtles, whale sharks and manta rays to the ancient structures of Tulum Ruins, contact us about extending your trip.