Highlights
- Spot endemic wildlife, like spider monkeys or ocelots
- Head underground to see the Maya world of Xibalba
- Enjoy a traditional meal at a small Indigenous village
- Visit the ancient Maya archaeological ruins of Cobá
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum | Tulum |
| Day 2 | Cenotes of Chemuyil, Tulum Archeological Site | Tulum |
| Day 3 | Río Secreto: The Maya Underworld | Tulum |
| Day 4 | Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve | Tulum |
| Day 5 | Free Day in Tulum | Tulum |
| Day 6 | Return to Cancún, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum
Day 2: Cenotes of Chemuyil, Tulum Archeological Site
Your adventure begins in the community of Chemuyil, a small beachfront town with plentiful white sand beaches and shallow waters. A local guide will be waiting for you to welcome you with a plate of fruit and tell you more about the different places you will visit today. You'll spend the day learning about the project, which was initiated by 5 young people from the community of Chemuyil who seek to introduce and preserve the cenotes where they used to live and play during their childhood. Their initiative allows the visitor to explore virgin forests, discover the fauna, and become one with nature.
You will be assigned a bicycle and start cycling through the charming town of Chemuyil. There you will continue your bike tour to visit three different cenotes of different shapes and sizes. You will start with a cenote known locally as La Cuevita, an enclosed cenote where your guide will tell you anecdotes and stories of the place.
Next, you will go to an open cenote where, with some luck, you will be able to see some of the endemic birds of the Yucatán Peninsula. Finally, you will visit an open cenote where you can take a dip. All of these cenotes are part of a system fed by the largest underground river in the world. Once you finish this experience, you will say goodbye to the young people of the community and head back to town.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Afterward, visit the ruins of Tulum, one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the area with your guide, who will explain why these ruins played a particularly important role in the area's maritime and terrestrial trade. You'll also learn about the site's function as an astronomical observatory and as a defensive system.
This old Maya city sits in the middle of a mangrove ecosystem on a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea. You'll find spectacular views from the site of both the surrounding forest, as well as the open water. From the archaeological site, you'll have access to the Playa Ruinas (Ruins Beach). After spending some time exploring the ruins, head down to the water for some sun and water to round out your visit.
Day 3: Río Secreto: The Maya Underworld
Rio Secreto is a natural reserve located a few minutes from Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the greatest wonders of the natural world: one of the largest underground river systems in the world. Here, the history of the planet is written in thousands of geological formations, and you can experience millenniums of geology while swimming in the clear freshwater.
As you make your way through the caves, your guide will explain the history of the features and formations of this marvelous geological library.
Day 4: Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Today you will visit the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which in Maya means "a place where the sky is born". When you arrive at the Muyil Community Center, enjoy a light snack and join a group of travelers to start the tour. This community-based ecotourism cooperative focuses on the conservation and preservation of ecosystems by promoting unique experiences with a commitment to responsible tourism.
Your first stop will be the little-known and mysterious archaeological site of Muyil, which you will reach at the end of an interpretive trail surrounded by the thick jungle. Walk until you reach the edge of the turquoise Chunyaxche Lagoon, where you will take a small boat through a channel surrounded by mangroves to arrive at a small dock. Once there, enjoy a serene dip in the water. It is a moment of reconnection with mother earth, as you float slowly through the channels, you will feel the peace of your surroundings and take in the soft sounds of the local birds and other animals.
Once you are done enjoying the water, return to the community center on a short walk. You will be welcomed back with a traditional meal to complete the excursion.
Day 5: Free Day in Tulum
Enjoy a free day in Tulum. This destination has become very popular in recent years thanks to its beautiful beaches with turquoise waters, its nightlife, and its delicious international cuisine. During your free day in this town, you can visit some of the beautiful beaches or cenotes that surround it.
When the sun goes down, you will find a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars and restaurants to discover, with a more casual and relaxed atmosphere.
Day 6: Return to Cancún, Depart
Today is your last morning in this paradise. This part of Mexico is famed for its spectacular sunrises, so rise early on your last day to take in the magnificent show.
Afterward, you'll have a free morning to rest. At the scheduled time, drive to Cancún's airport to drop off your rental car and catch your flight home.
More Great Mexico Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other Mexico itineraries, explore different ways to spend six days in Mexico, or discover the best time to visit Mexico.
Map
