Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Mayan Ruins & Cenotes - 8 Days

Itinerary

• Days 1-0: Playa del Carmen: Welcome to the Yucatan PeninsulaArrival Day

  Sitting on a stretch of white sand beach along the Mayan Riviera, Playa del Carmen bursts with energy and international travellers. Strolling the pedestrian Quinta Avenida takes you past seemingly endless shops, bars and restaurants with the beach and blue sea just beyond. We welcome you to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and invite you to embrace the landscapes, history and incredible food that this region has to offer. Arrive to Cancún airport at any time and transfer to the hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.

• Days 2-1: Valladolid: Visit Chichen Itzá

  At the first glimpse of the massive pyramid at Chichen Itzá, you'll see why photos can't properly do it justice as you appreciate the sheer size and craftsmanship. Duck between the shade of trees to escape the blazing sun and explore what was a massive Mayan city, one of the most important in the region in its heyday. Jungle surrounds the site along with giant sinkholes in the limestone called cenotes, leading to the vast network of underground rivers, all of which played an important part in the cosmology and daily lives of the Maya inhabitants. Travel inland for a guided tour of the Chichen Itzá archaeological site before enjoying a delicious the tour operator-supported typical community lunch nearby. Continue to the town of Valladolid and set off on a CEO-led orientation walk before enjoying a free evening.

• Days 3-2: Mérida hacienda: A Living Ranch

  In many ways life at a working ranch (hacienda) mirrors what it would have been like hundreds of years ago, using traditional techniques in agriculture and raising livestock. The harvesting of henequen, a type of agave plant known locally as "green gold" is important in all sorts of practical ways as the fibres are used to make ropes, twine and even local spirits. Head east across the Yucatan Peninsula to a living hacienda, our base for the next few days. Dig into a traditional and delicious local meal of Cochinita Pibil and other regional delicacies before taking a tour of the facilities. On the walk, learn about the history of henequen production and its uses before some free time to relax before dinner.

• Days 4-3: Mérida Hacienda: Cenotes

  Pedaling through the jungle, you'll approach a giant hole in the earth filled with clear blue water that beckons you to take a break from the heat in the cool, fresh water. This part of the Yucatán is littered with these iconic landmarks that were so sacred to the Maya and serve as the perfect way to cool off and swim. The nearby city of Merida serves as the capital city of the Yucatán and embodies a unique cultural heritage of the indigenous cultures and the Spanish who settled here in the 1500s. Full day excursion to the cenotes, cycling between them and swimming with lunch. Take a short city tour of Merida en route back to the hacienda in the evening.

• Days 5-4: Mérida hacienda: Your OMG Day

  The Mayan ruins of Uxmal may not be as well-known as Chichen Itzá but they are similarly spectacular and with less visitors. If you're looking for something more active, then perhaps a kayaking trip in the Celestún Biosphere may hold more interest, the choice is yours. Flexibility is the order of the day for you to experience the Yucatan on your own terms. Choice of guided tour in the morning, both options with lunch. Return to the hacienda in the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the surroundings on your own.

• Days 6-5: Tulum: Seaside Coastal Ruins

  What was once a small unknown town on the Mayan Riviera has now become the next big thing. The ruins themselves are one of the very few Mayan site lying along the coast, and in its day Tulum was an important outpost for trade and for strategic positioning. The azure blue water and white sand beaches make it one of the most beautiful places you have ever seen. Travel across the Yucatan from Mérida to Tulum and take a guided tour of the ruins. Enjoy a free evening to choose from one of the many great restaurants or join the CEO at their local favourite.

• Days 7-6: Tulum: Explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve

  Meaning "The Place Where the Sky is Born," the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful places along Mexico's Caribbean coast, designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site for its vast biodiversity and wetlands. Explore by boat along a network of canals dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like monkeys, crocodiles and tropical birds. Cool off in the the crystal clear water of one of the canals as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests. Full-day tour of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere reserve by boat. Return to the hotel in the afternoon and enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening and final night out with the group.

• Days 8-7: Tulum

  The adventure finishes today, and you can depart at any time.