Mayan Mexico

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Fly to Cancun

   Fly to Cancun on a daytime flight and transfer to hotel. In the evening, we're free to relax and explore the local area.

2. Day 2: A taste of local life & evening tour of historical Valladolid

   The morning is free until we meet our guide and fellow travellers for a street food tour of a local market, before heading to Valladolid, where we start our exploration with a city tour.

3. Day 3: Mayan Stingless Bees & Mexican folk art session

   Spend the morning discovering the ancient role of Mayan stingless bees in traditional medicine, learning about their healing honey and cultural significance. In the afternoon, get creative with a hands-on Alebrije art workshop, where we paint our own vibrant, fantastical creature inspired by Mexican folklore.

4. Day 4: Excursion to Rio Lagartos, Las Coloradas & Cenote Adventure

   Explore Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve by boat, spotting flamingos, spoonbills, crocodiles and more in the mangroves.

   Continue to the striking pink lakes of Las Coloradas before heading to a cenote, where we can swim, cycle and rappel en route to over overnight stop near Chichen Itza.

5. Day 5: 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.

6. Day 6: Merida market & family cookery class. Afternoon Maya writing workshop

   Explore a local market in Mérida and shop for fresh ingredients for our cookery class. Later, enjoy an engaging introduction to the Mayan language and writing system, led by a passionate local expert who brings this ancient and advanced script to life.

7. Day 7: Uxmal archaeological site & chocolate

   Explore the ancient ruins of Uxmal in the morning, discovering its impressive Maya architecture. After lunch, visit a nearby chocolate hacienda for a hands-on experience, using traditional techniques to grind cacao and prepare chocolate just as the Maya once did.

8. Day 8: 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. There's time to stop at a cenote for a refreshing dip before we continue onto Playa de Carmen in the Riviera Maya, where the rest of the day is at leisure.

9. Day 9: Free at leisure or optional excursion to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

   Today you can choose between a free day by the beach, or an optional excursion to explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity. Glide through tranquil lagoons by boat, spot wildlife like dolphins, turtles, and exotic birds, and learn about the delicate ecosystems of mangroves and coral reefs. This immersive experience offers a unique blend of nature, conservation, and adventure in one of Mexico’s most protected natural areas. 

10. Day 10: 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.

11. Day 11: Arrive UK

12. Day 10: 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.