Highlights
- Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá
- Discover the ruins, jungle, and cenotes of Tulum
- Kayak and ride a zipline through the forest in Bacalar
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to the Riviera Maya | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 2 | Chichén Itzá to Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 3 | Akumal, Mayan Coast & the Jungle | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 4 | Tulum & Mayan Traditions | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 5 | Adventure in Bacalar | Bacalar |
| Day 6 | Tulum Jungle Adventure | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 7 | Paradise in the Caribbean | Playa del Carmen |
| Day 8 | Depart from Mexico |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Riviera Maya
Arrive at Cancún International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Playa del Carmen, where you can rest and get ready to begin your Mayan adventure. You have the afternoon and evening free to walk along the beach, relax by the hotel pool, have a Mexican-style meal, and get acclimated.
Day 2: Chichén Itzá to Playa del Carmen
Today's excursion takes you to Chichén Itzá, an archaeological site considered one of the New Wonders of the World. After a visit to learn about its history—its main draw is the step Pyramid of Kukulkán (El Castillo), though there are many significant Mayan and Toltec buildings, sculptures, and reliefs of interest—you'll go to Yokdzono Cenote. It's a stunning example of the 6,000-plus sinkholes in the Yucatán region, which were sometimes used by ancient Maya for sacrificial offerings. Soak up the beauty of the tropical plants and trees that surround it, which are also perfect habitats for exotic birds.
Day 3: Akumal, Mayan Coast & the Jungle
This morning, you will be picked up and driven to Río Secreto, an underwater river, where you will join a shared tour (approx. 20 min drive).
Explore a natural world wonder in one of the most beautiful underground river systems in the world where the history of our planet is written on the myriad geological formations. As you explore this underground world, your guide will explain to you everything about how this geological wonder has been formed. You will rappel, cycle, and try the dry route until you see daylight again at the end of the tour. Lunch is included afterward.
Finally, you will drive back to Playa del Carmen and enjoy the rest of your day as you'd like.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Tulum & Mayan Traditions
Discover the archaeological site of Tulum, one of the most important sites of the Mayan culture, located on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. The city has five different access points and two observation towers that the Mayans used. You'll learn all about it on a guided tour.
Later, enjoy a short visit to Cobá, an archaeological site filled with pyramids. Renting bikes is one way of getting around the sprawling area. On the way back to Playa del Carmen, go for a dip in a cenote.
Day 5: Adventure in Bacalar
Go on an adventure in Bacalar, one of the most beautiful places in Riviera Maya. Go on a mid-day sailing tour through the most outstanding spots of this famous seven-color lagoon. Then enjoy the small-town vibe of the center or rest in your hotel.
Day 6: Tulum Jungle Adventure
In the morning, you will leave Playa del Carmen to discover the fascinating history of the Maya at Tulum, a spectacular ancient city overlooking the Caribbean Sea, then head into the nearby tropical Jungle to explore cenotes, lagoons, zip lines and the native culture. Your expert guide will lead you through this wonderful site with tales of calenders, ceremony and Spanish invaders, all before the crowds start to arrive in the late morning. The site is also the perfect size, allowing for a great intro and basic understanding of Mayan culture without spending too long in the sun.
Enjoy lunch before heading further into the jungle to the well-kept secret of Parque Tankah—an adventure park featuring cenotes, ziplines, lagoons, snorkeling, canoes, cliff jumps and more. Keep an eye out for tropical wildlife as you move through the jungle on your adventure, jumping in and out of the cenotes and lagoons and flying through the air on ziplines. Afterward, your driver will collect you to bring you back to your hotel.
Day 7: Paradise in the Caribbean
Enjoy a free day to explore Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Go for street tacos, relax on the beach, day-trip to nearby cenotes, or hang around the hotel pool. In the evening, go for a stroll on the busy pedestrian promenade, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Day 8: Depart from Mexico
It's time to say goodbye. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Cancun International Airport for your flight out of Mexico. Safe travels!