Get away from the hustle and bustle on this adventurous weeklong trip to Tulum. You'll see the best of the Yucatan Peninsula — including the Tulum archaeological site, the Coba Maya ruins, underground caves, cenotes, and more — without compromising on the relaxation factor.
Highlights
- Head underground to see the Mayan world of Xibalaba
- Visit the ancient Mayan archaeological ruins of Coba
- Spot endemic wildlife, like spider monkeys or ocelots
- Go swimming in a turquoise cenote
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Cancun, Transfer to Tulum | Tulum |
| Day 2 | Cenotes of Chemuyil, Tulum Archeological Site | Tulum |
| Day 3 | Río Secreto: The Mayan Underworld | Tulum |
| Day 4 | Float in the Muyil Sian Ka´an Biosphere Reserve | Tulum |
| Day 5 | Explore Coba by Bike, Experience Mayan Culture & Visit the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve | Tulum |
| Day 6 | Free Day in Tulum | Tulum |
| Day 7 | Tulum to Cancun, Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cancun, Transfer to Tulum
Day 2: Cenotes of Chemuyil, Tulum Archeological Site
You will be assigned a bicycle and start cycling through the charming town of Chemuyil. There you will continue your bike tour to visit 3 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 Yucatan 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.
In the afternoon, you will 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 be 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 Mayan 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 wand water to round out your visit.
Day 3: Río Secreto: The Mayan Underworld
Rio Secreto is a natural reserve located a few minutes from Playa del Carmen in the heart of the Riviera Maya, where nature and human beings converge in harmony.
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 millennia 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
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: Explore Coba by Bike, Experience Mayan Culture & Visit the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Continue your day with a visit to a Mayan community. You will be welcomed by a local family to enjoy a traditional meal while you learn about their way of life and culture. Then, visit by yourself the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, where you will hike through the jungle and, if you are lucky, spot spider monkeys or other wildlife. Cool off with a refreshing swim in a cenote and go ziplining through the tree canopy. Finally, wrap up the day by participating in a traditional Mayan ceremony.
Day 6: Free Day in Tulum
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 7: Tulum to Cancun, Departure
Enjoy your last morning in this paradise. This part of Mexico is renowned for its sunrises, so if you're up for it, wake up early to catch a show on the beach. After, take some time to relax before your transfer to Cancun International Airport.
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Looking for a shorter duration? Check out this 6-day version of this itinerary.
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