Mayan Route Tour: Impressive Riviera Maya, Ruins and Canyon (9 Days)

Itinerary

1. 1

   Playa del Carmen

   Bienvenidos a Mexico! The country with a pleasant and warm climate, diverse landscapes, superb art and architecture, impressive pyramids, rich cultural heritage and traditions, unique UNESCO-listed cuisine, friendly people, and, of course, millions of ways to have fun and a great time! Arrive at any time and transfer to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen - Cancun International Airport is just 50 km away and is frequently served by taxis and buses. An idyllic place in the heart of the Riviera Maya with fine white sand and blue-green waters, Playa del Carmen is a place where you will always find a hammock and an umbrella to sunbathe and rest. If you prefer action, you will find water activities such as windsurfing, jet skis, kayaking, or diving in the impressive Mayan coral reef. Meet your group and Tour Leader on Saturday evening: informational meeting, welcome dinner, and optional get-together with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Transportation : walking • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen • Meals Included : dinner • Activities Included : welcome meeting

2. 2

   Playa del Carmen

   Free program. Relax on the beach sipping a refreshing cocktail, choose among numerous outdoor activities (scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing, ATV riding, etc.), or take a day trip to some of the local natural attractions or Mayan ruins. Optional dinner and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen • Meals Included : breakfast

3. 3

   Playa del Carmen - Tulum - Valladolid

   In the morning, we will jumpstart our adventures in Tulum - the only Mayan ruins in Mexico that are located directly on the beach. There you will learn the history behind this location and walk through different areas of the site. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Valladolid. Once known as the Sultana of the East, Yucatán’s third-largest city is famous for its quiet streets and sun-splashed pastel walls. Check-in, orientation walk of the Historic Center of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Valladolid • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Tulum Archeological Zone, orientation walk in Valladolid

4. 4

   Valladolid - Cenote Ik Kil - Chichen Itza - Celestun

   In the morning, continue our Mayan Route Tour in Ik Kil - arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. It's considered sacred by the Mayans who performed here human sacrifices to their rain god. Afterward, go to explore Chichen Itza. The most famous and best restored of the Yucatán Maya sites, it is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Finally, in the evening, arrive at our accommodation in Celestun - a small beach town near Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Check-in, optional dinner, and get-together in one of the local restaurants in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Celestun • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Chichen Itza Archeological Zone, entrance to Ik Kil cenote

5. 5

   Celestun - Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Campeche

   In the morning, join a flamingo-watching boat tour and visit a cenote in Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO-listed protected area is a gift of great beauty where you can observe pink flamingos together with a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat. Afternoon arrival, check-in, walking tour of the Historic Center, and free time in Campeche. A true historical fairyland, its UNESCO-listed colonial center represents a tight enclave of restored pastel buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts, and well-preserved mansions. Optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Campeche • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : entrance and boat tour in Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, walking tour in Campeche

6. 6

   Campeche - Miguel Colorado Cenotes - Palenque

   In the afternoon, after a visit to the 19th-century Fort of San Miguel in the suburbs of Campeche, head to Miguel Colorado Cenotes. With two large scenic limestone sinkholes, this place offers great opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and zip-lining. You can also hike along its hilly, rocky trails keeping an eye out for spiders and howler monkeys. Afterward, in the afternoon, go to explore the UNESCO-listed Palenque Archeological Zone. A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, it flourished between AD 500 and 700, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. Hereafter, move to our last stop of the day - the nearby "Magical Town" of Palenque. Check-in, an orientation walk of the Historic Center of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Palenque • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visit to Fort of San Miguel, Palenque Archeological Zone, and Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, swimming, zip-lining, monkey watching)

7. 7

   Palenque - Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls - San Juan de Chamula - San Cristobal de las Casas

   In the morning, continue our Mayan Route Tour exploring stunning waterfalls: see the cascading falls of Agua Azul and swim in a mineral-rich pool beneath 35-meter tall Misol-Ha. Afterward, go to visit San Juan de Chamula, the center of the independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for their unique religious practices. In the evening, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas: check-in, walking tour of the Historic Center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : walking tours in San Juan de Chamula & San Cristóbal de las Casas, visits to Agua Azul & Misol-Ha waterfalls

8. 8

   San Cristobal de las Casas - Sumidero Canyon - Chiapa de Corzo

   In the morning, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon on a boat trip to enjoy the sight of impressive waterfalls, enter mystical caves, and see the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors committed suicide instead of being forced to surrender to the Spanish Conquistadores. Once finished, continue our Mayan Route Tour in Chiapa de Corzo - one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas, well known for the Grijalva River, warm people, and colorful Renaissance architecture: accommodation, orientation walk of the Historic Center, optional dinner, and get-together with the group. ­ • Transportation : private vehicle • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Chiapa de Corzo • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : boat tour of Sumidero Canyon, orientation walk in Chiapa de Corzo

9. 9

   Chiapa de Corzo

   Last day of our Mayan Route Tour: a free program. Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport is about 30 km away from Chiapa de Corzo and is served by both taxis and buses. Choose whether to leave the same day, stay longer, or even join one of our next adventures! ­ • Meals Included: breakfast

Important information

Meeting point

• Your accommodation in Playa del Carmen (exact location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
  Avenida Luis Donaldo Colosio, Playa del Carmen
  View on Google Maps

Cancellation policy

100% charge if you cancel less than 360 hours in advance. 50% charge if you cancel less than 720 hours in advance. No charge if you cancel more than 60 days in advance.