Riviera Maya Cenote Tour: Explore Yucatan and Quintana Roo (9 Days)

Itinerary

1. 1

   Cancún

   Start your trip in tropical Cancún, the most famous resort city on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula known for its white-sand beaches, numerous resorts, and bustling nightlife. Arrive at the airport at any time and take an independent transfer by taxi/shuttle bus to your accommodation. Once there, take your time to rest or explore the city's numerous beaches. In the evening, meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting and dinner in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Cancun • Meals Included : welcome dinner • Activities Included : welcome meeting

2. 2

   Cancún - Holbox

   In the morning, leave Cancún, take a ferry, and continue your trip to Holbox, a beautiful island 12 km away from the coast of Mexico. Once there, walk around the island and explore the beauty of this idyllic place washed by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. In the afternoon, enjoy the stunning sunset on a 3 Island Boat Tour. In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Holbox Island • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : 3 Island Boat tour in Holbox

3. 3

   Holbox - Valladolid

   In the morning, take your time to enjoy the sea, snorkel, or just relax on one of the white-sand beaches of Holbox. Then, in the afternoon, check out and take a ferry back to the mainland to explore colonial Valladolid. On your way, visit an artisanal tequila factory and taste different types of this typical Mexican spirit. Finally, once in Valladolid, visit the impressive San Servicio Church and see other attractions of this pretty historical town. In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Valladolid • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visits to artisanal tequila factory, walking tour of Valladolid

4. 4

   Valladolid - Chichen Itza Archeological Zone - Cenote Ik Kil - Merida

   In the morning, continue our Riviera Maya Cenote Tour in the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza Archeological Zone to discover the fascinating history of the Mayans. Thereafter, have lunch and swim in the refreshing waters of the famous Cenote Ik Kil. Later, go to explore the charming colonial center of Merida protected by UNESCO. Finish the day with an optional dinner with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Merida • Meals Included : breakfast, lunch • Activities Included : guided visit to Chichen Itza Archaeological Site; entrance to Cenote Ik Kil; walking tour of Merida

5. 5

   Merida - Progreso - Cenote Peba - Hacienda Yaxcopoil - Uxmal Archeological Zone

   In the morning, check out and transfer to artisanal salt flats on the Gulf Coast. Once there, appreciate its beautiful pink waters, learn about the production of sea salt, and have a chance to spot gorgeous flamingos. Then, go to a nearby beach town of Progreso to leisurely walk down its malecón and have an optional lunch in one of the beachside restaurants. Afterward, discover the unique Cenote Peba with crystal-clear waters and a relaxing environment. Later on, visit the charming 17th-century Hacienda Yaxcopoil, one of the country's main producers of henequen. In the evening, have an optional dinner and rest in your hotel before enjoying the stunning light show in the UNESCO-listed Uxmal Archeological Zone. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B near Uxmal Archeological Zone • Meals Included : breakfast •Activities Included : guided visits to artisanal salt flats, Cenote Peba, Hacienda Yaxcopoil; evening light show in Uxmal Archeological Zone

6. 6

   Uxmal Archeological Zone - Ruta Puuc - Bacalar

   In the morning, check out and go to explore Ruta Puuc, a magical place with ruins of several ancient Mayan cities. Some of them are completely buried with grass, trees, and lush vegetation, remarkably resembling those seen by the first archeologists at the turn of the 20th century. Once there, discover ancient Kabah and Sayil cities as well as Loltún Caves, where evidence of human occupation goes back to 10,000 years. This is the best spot to get in touch with one of the most mysterious civilizations in the world! Then, transfer to the Magical Town of Bacalar to see its ancient colonial fort and compact Historic Center. Finally, in the evening, join your group for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Bacalar • Meals Included : breakfast •Activities Included : guided visits to Kabah and Sayil Archeological Zones and Loltún Caves; orientation walk of Bacalar

7. 7

   Bacalar - Muyil Archeological Zone - Tulum

   Firstly, take a boat tour of the Bacalar Lagoon to see its magically colored waters, beautiful islands, and cenotes in the morning. Afterward, go to discover Muyil, one of the earliest and longest inhabited Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Mexico Yucatán Peninsula. Once there, explore this enigmatic ancient place and enjoy incredible views of the jungle and Muyil Lagoon. Then, go to Tulum, a true jewel of Riviera Maya with over 10 kilometers of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Finally, after check-in and rest, join your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for an orientation walk in the center of Tulum and an optional dinner in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tulum • Meals Included: breakfast • Activities Included : boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon; orientation walk of Tulum

8. 8

   Tulum - Cenote Manatee - Playa del Carmen

   In the morning, discover Tulum, one of the most important archaeological sites in Riviera Maya, since it's the only one facing the Caribbean Sea. Once there, appreciate its beautiful landscape, and monumental structures and learn about its history. Then, visit the Cenote Manatee. Surrounded by mangroves, this uniquely shaped open sinkhole has both fresh and saltwater fish. After that, transfer to Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town known for its palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and nightlife. Once there, rest in your hotel before taking an orientation walk to its lively town center. Finally, get together with your group for an optional farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants. ­ • Accommodation : conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen • Meals Included : breakfast • Activities Included : guided visits to Tulum Archeological Zone; entrance to Cenote Manatee

9. 9

   Playa del Carmen

   Last day of our Riviera Maya Cenote Tour. So decide by yourself what time to leave or extend your vacations and stay longer! ­ • Accommodation : n/a • Meals Included : n/a • Meals Included : breakfast

Important information

Meeting point

• Your accommodation in Cancún (exact location to be provided in trip notes before the tour).
  Quintana Roo, Cancún
  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.