Highlights of the Yucatan
Experience Overview
This eight-day trip through the Yucatan Peninsula proves it’s got way more than just gorgeous beaches — although, don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time for those too. Kicking things off with the rustic and tropical vibes of Holbox Island, you’ll then venture inland to the iconic ruins of Chichen Itzá before spending the night in a traditional Mayan pueblo, discovering storied traditions and delicious local cuisine. After that, cool off with a dip in the fresh waters of a crystal-clear cenote, fall in love with Merida’s charm, then head to Tulum to wrap up your trip with white sand, trendy beach clubs, and seaside ruins.
Highlights
- Chill out on the beaches of Isla Holbox
- See the massive pyramid at Chichen Itzá on a guided tour
- Stay in a small Mayan pueblo and taste the delicious regional Yucatan food
- Cool off from the heat and swim in the freshwater pools of the cenotes.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1822
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Budget
Transport: Private bus, ferry, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: CMPT
Starts: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finishes: Tulum, Mexico
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Mérida
- Orientation walk of Isla Holbox, Izamal
- Chichén Itzá guided tour
- Swim and lunch at cenotes en route to Merida
- Guided tour of Tulum Ruins
- Free time in Isla Holbox, Merida, and Tulum
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (7 nts).
- 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport
- Private bus, ferry, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,699 ($212 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Playa del Carmen/Isla Holbox
Looking for a Mexico that is all sunshine, beaches, and tacos without the crowds? That's what's on the menu today on the relaxed tropical island of Isla Holbox. Travel by bus and ferry to the island and get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk. In the afternoon enjoy free time to continue exploring the island.
Wander past colourful murals featuring images of bright turquoise waters, follow unpaved sandy streets, and soak in the bohemian carefree vibe evident all around. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island, hang out at the beach or find a cool place to grab some food and a fruity drink to complete those paradise fantasies.
Day 3: Isla Holbox
Take advantage of this free day to further indulge in island life. Spend some time lounging at the beach, maybe strike up a volleyball game with some locals. Swim with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world (in season, June-Sept.) Or find a cool swimming spot, opt to try some snorkelling, or rent a kayak and get on the water for a different perspective of Isla Holbox. You have all day to do as you please.
If you're feeling really adventurous you can opt to swim with whale sharks in the waters off of Isla Holbox. Get your adrenaline pumping and see the largest fish in the world. Though intimidating in size whale sharks are docile and very approachable. Please note that this activity is seasonal and will be available only on departures between June and September.
Day 4: Holbox/Izamal
Hop on a ferry back to the mainland and travel by bus to Chichen Itzá for a guided tour. From there the group will travel by private bus to the small mayan town of Izamal. Set out on an orientation walk through the town and admire the colourful colonial architecture as well as all of the yellow painted homes and buildings. Then, enjoy a Yucatan food experience to sample some regional dishes and learn about the traditional history of the cuisine.
There are twenty-six total Mayan Ruins at this particular site. You'll see El Castillo, the main Mayan Ruin and other important ruins like the Observatory, The Temple of The Wariors, and the Mayan Ball Game.
Day 5: Izamal/Mérida
Wave good-bye to the Yellow City and travel by private bus to the town of Mérida. Along the way visit 2-3 different cenotes, or sinkhole caves and go for a swim to see the cave formations up close. Enjoy an included lunch near one of the cenotes before arriving in Mérida later in the afternoon.
Day 6: Mérida
Enjoy a free day to explore Mérida and surroundings. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal or explore the main square and historic buildings of Mérida.
Day 7: Mérida/Tulum
After breakfast the group will depart Mérida and travel to Tulum. First stop will be to the Mayan ruins named after the town for a guided tour. The rest of the day and night are open for you to do as you please. Wander around town, head to the beach for some time in the sun, before opting for a final night out with the group.
Day 8: Tulum
Depart at any time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
James H. - Traveled, March 2024
Great experience.. I do believe there should be a higher priority to get new accommodations when something like the power is out and not quickly being resolved.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Mercy M. - Traveled, March 2024
Loved every bit of it! It was a sweet surprise and this will be my go to company for my family and friends moving forward.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2024
Emmanuel A. - Traveled, March 2024
Great and authentic experience from food to culture and beach with a nice group of gay men. It will be a great remembering.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Manuel D. - Traveled, March 2024
Great adventure and glad I went. Saw everything I wanted to see and do.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2024
Lara B. - Traveled, February 2024
It was inferior to my g adventures tour of Costa Rica although the guide Laura was lovely
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Diana B. - Traveled, February 2024
An introduction to the Yucatan is all I can say,.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/18/2024
Sarah H. - Traveled, June 2024
Amazing experience, fantastic group and roommate despite the weather being challenging still felt like I did and saw loads
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/04/2024
Sean S. - Traveled, June 2024
My first Gadventues tour and certainly won't be my last. Great experience from start to finish even if it rained mostly but still enjoyed every minute.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/29/2024
Eleanor O. - Traveled, May 2024
I had a lot of fun in Mexico and I wish I could have stayed longer! The CEO was great. I love that Carlos showed us the local places and helped us try local food and drink as it felt like we got a more authentic experience aside from the tourist things
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Grace C. - Traveled, June 2024
I enjoyed this trip a lot as I saw many beautiful places in the Yucatan Peninsula and learned about the Mayan history and people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/23/2024
Denise B. - Traveled, June 2024
Excellent tour, wonderful CEO who went out of her way to help us all.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Mara R. - Traveled, May 2024
Loved two-nights at a time in accommodation. Activities and places of interest are well thought out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/22/2024
Lorena B. - Traveled, May 2024
5 star experience. As previously mentioned this was our first group tour as a young couple and it exceeded our expectations. Fantastic well organised trip, great variety of locations and a brilliant CEO Laura.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Carmel D. - Traveled, May 2024
I had a brilliant holiday overall. Great people, lovely country and the CEO was exceptional
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
Barbara T. - Traveled, April 2024
WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND G ADVENTURE TOURS. EVERYTHING RAN TOP NOTCH AND I HAVE BEEN SHARING THIS INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE WITH ALL OF MY CLIENTS,FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2024
Lisa K. - Traveled, April 2024
It was a really nice and interesting tour, our guide Roger explained everything so well and treated us so nicely! Would do it over and over again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Giuliana B. - Traveled, April 2024
It was a wonderful journey together with an awesome guide, and a bunch of nice and pleasant people: lucky us that our fellow travellers belonged to that category! ;))
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/29/2024
Linda R. - Traveled, April 2024
Overall, I enjoyed my trip, I enjoyed meeting people from all over the world, learned a lot, and had fun.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Dorota Z. - Traveled, April 2024
Great CEO of the trip the hotels were tidy with a local touch .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2024
Elissa H. - Traveled, April 2024
A great experience in Mexico, with the guide Roger, the people who came on the trip, and the places we went. I would do it again just to see the flamingos!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/10/2024
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