Highlights
- Explore the ruins of Chichén Itzá
- Snorkel along an underground river at Xcaret
- 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 | Xcaret Park | 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.
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: Xcaret Park
In the afternoon, you will leave Bacalar and drive towards the community of Chunhuhub, a Mayan community just a couple of hours away. From the little town, you will arrive at Selva Bonita. This ecotourism center is run by a local family and was created to be able to share with visitors the importance of coexisting with nature through responsible tourism by offering experiences that respect and preserve the environment and the identity of the Mayan culture.
Once you arrive, you will be welcomed by a member of the family and will have free time to settle into your private cabin before starting a very special activity. At 7 pm (the time may vary depending on the time of the year), your local guide will be waiting for you to walk on the Yu'um Lu'um (caretaker of the land) trail.
After asking permission along with a jmen, you will take a walk through a jungle trail, connecting with nature. The trail will take you to the meeting point where a grandfather from the community will tell you stories and legends, all while enjoying a sacred drink called Balché. Dinner will be served at the ecotourism center.
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!