Discover the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula on this one-week adventure. Tick off the impressive Mayan sites of Coba, Uxmal and Chichen Itza and take to the water on a relaxing boat trip through the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, where you can spot birdlife including flamingos (best seen from November to March). Get involved with a Mayan cooking class, swim in a crystal-clear cenote and wander the colonial streets of the Yucatan's cultural capital, Merida.
Breakfast: 7
Lunch: 3
Explore Tour Leader
Driver(s)
Boat
Minibus
7 nights comfortable hotel
Full on
Trip maximum 16 Explore average 11
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our journey begins in Playa del Carmen. Located on the north-eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town known for its sandy beaches and lively atmosphere. A good range of international flights arrive into the nearby airport of Cancun. If you choose to book pre-night accommodation here, it's an ideal place to relax and unwind before the tour begins. There are several exciting day trips within easy reach - you might like to catch the ferry to the island of Cozumel, famous for its snorkelling, or head down the coast to the iconic Tulum Ruins.
Due to the number of evening flights into the international airport, our tour leader will meet you on the morning of day two for a welcome meeting. Look out for a message in the hotel reception with timings and other details for the day.
There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is approximately an hour's drive from our hotel.
Hotel Casa de las Flores (or similar)
Grade: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we drive to Coba archaeological site. Coba lies deep in the forest and many of its temples are still buried under a tangle of tropical vines, palms and tree roots. Archaeologists believe Coba was one of the most important ruin sites on the Yucatan Peninsula. This Mayan site is still largely unexcavated making it a true wonder. Coba means 'waters stirred by the wind', an appropriate Mayan name as this settlement is surrounded by two large lagoons.
On arrival we take a five-minute bicitaxi ride through the forest to the sites most famous temple 'Nohoch Mul'. Here you will have the opportunity to climb the 120 steps to the top of the pyramid and admire the views of the dense forest and ruins below. Our tour leader will then lead you through the rest of Coba by foot and explain the rich Mayan history.
This afternoon we continue to the city of Valladolid, where we'll spend the next two nights. Known for its colonial charm, Valladolid boasts picturesque squares and colourful streets. It has a relaxed atmosphere and is far less touristy than the nearby coastal resort towns of the Riviera Maya. On arrival, our tour leader will help us get to know the city on a walking tour, visiting the lively zocalo, the impressive Cathedral of San Servacio, and the town hall mural - an excellent introduction to life in the Yucatán.
Our total driving time today is approximately three and a half hours.
Real Hispano (or similar)
This morning we'll head out of the city to Aldea Xbatun, a rural community where we'll participate in a Mayan cooking experience surrounded by nature. We'll be cooking four typical dishes today and one desert, using techniques passed down through generations. One of the highlights is Pibal Kaax, a traditional Yucatecan style of cooking in which food is slow-cooked underground in banana leaves. This is an ancient Maya method that allows the ingredients to steam gently over several hours, locking in moisture and infusing the dish with a smoky flavour. This style of cooking has remained as a community tradition that connects the Maya people to the land and their culinary heritage.
This afternoon has been left free to enjoy the city. Choose to learn more about the city's past with a visit to the San Roque Museum, or perhaps head to the infamous Cenote Zaci - an incredible natural cave swimming spot right in the centre of the city.
This morning we'll visit the ruins of Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza remains one of the most outstanding sites in the Americas, and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Developing into a massive power after A.D. 600, the city became a vibrant melting pot where the cultures of the Maya and the Toltec fused. The pyramids, palaces, temples and ballcourt are adorned with astonishing sculptures. We'll have a tour of the temples, where we'll learn all about the history of this incredible site.
After our visit, we'll take a short drive to Cenote Ik Kil, where there is time to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool, clear waters. A cenote is a natural limestone pool that are found all over the Yucatan, and were used by the ancient Mayan culture as a source of fresh water.
We then have time to enjoy a buffet lunch featuring regional specialities before continuing to Izamal, the 'Yellow City', famed for the striking golden-yellow colour of its buildings. On arrival our tour leader will take us on a walking tour, introducing us to highlights such as the famous Convent of San Antonio de Padua and its vast atrium, the Kinich Kak Moo pyramid (located inside the town), the charming colonial streets and many local artisan workshops.
Our total driving time today is approximately two and a half hours.
Hotel Rinconada del Convento (or similar)
This morning we'll drive to Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Here we head out on a boat trip, riding through mangroves and coastal wetlands. Our guide will point out birdlife and other wildlife while explaining the importance of this incredible ecosystem. If we're lucky, we might be able to spot flamingos gathering, too (the colourful birds are best seen between November and March). After the boat trip, we'll head into the small coastal town of Celestun where there's time to relax on the beach and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, we'll drive to Merida, the vibrant capital of the Yucatan. The city centre features colonial style buildings, grand plazas and churches. Merida boasts numerous museums, art galleries, lively festivals and a rich culinary scene, living up to its reputation as the cultural hub of the Yucatan. On arrival our tour leader will take us on a city tour, where we'll see the Plaza Grande and the magnificent Cathedral of San Ildefonso.
Our total driving time today is approximately five hours.
Gran Hotel Panamericana (or similar)
This morning we'll drive one and a half hours to Uxmal, one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most impressive Mayan sites. Encircled by hills, Uxmal is expansive in its design, with majestic palaces and pyramids, and long geometrical friezes that rank among the most splendid examples of ancient American Art. The incredible Pyramid of the Magician and the beautiful Governor's Palace are two of the finest examples of Mayan art found in MesoAmerica.
After our tour of Uxmal, we'll head back to Merida where we have a free afternoon to enjoy the city. There are several interesting museums in and around the city, including Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (a short taxi ride away), Palacio Canton and Museo de la Ciudad. Or you might like to simply sit in the main square with a drink in hand, admiring the bustle of city life.
Our total driving time today is approximately three hours.
Leaving the city behind, we head towards the forests of the Yucatán Peninsula, arriving at Xikbal Eco Park and the Maya community of Tres Reyes. Here, we take part in a range of activities that showcase the area's natural and cultural heritage, including a guided nature walk along forest trails and a kayaking excursion across the lagoon. We'll also have the opportunity to cool off in Chimuch Cenote, a partially open cave with crystal-clear waters (water shoes are highly recommended).
For those seeking a little more adventure, there's the option to take a zip line across the lagoon. We round off our visit with a tortilla-making demonstration followed by a traditional lunch showcasing regional specialities such as Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted shredded pork).
The experience is run in collaboration with local families from Tres Reyes, offering insight into Maya traditions while supporting sustainable tourism and creating employment opportunities within the community.
After our visit, we return to Playa del Carmen for our final evening together.
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Playa del Carmen. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time.
If you'd like more time to explore Playa del Carmen, contact our reservations team to book accommodation.
If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at your hotel. If you'd like a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is a one hour drive away.
Mexico is a vast country whose weather varies by season and region. The optimum time to travel is generally between December and April when rainfall is at a minimum. Temperatures are coolest between December and February and temperatures start to rise from March, with the hottest months being May to August. The rainy season runs from May until October when humidity and temperatures are highest. The rains tend to be intense and short, clearing the humidity before building up again. The Caribbean coast can be affected by hurricane season between June and November. Please bear in mind that at altitude (particularly trips that pass through San Cristobal) the temperatures can drop considerably at night and sudden changes can occur at any time.
-6
2 Pin Flat
Roman Catholic, Protestant
Spanish is the official language, but around 50 languages/dialects are also spoken by the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
Valladolid: Cenote Zaci - MXN 150 (USD 9) Izamal: Cultural centre museum - MXN 30 (USD 2) Merida: Gran Museo del Mundo Maya - MXN 150 (USD 9) + taxi MXN 150-200 each way, Palacio Cantón (Regional Anthropology Museum) - approx. MXN 210 (USD 12.50), Museo de la Ciudad - approx. MXN 50 (USD 3)
Pack some long sleeved clothing for protection from sun and insects. Lightweight rainwear is essential. In general, winter is dry and summer wet. Casual clothes are acceptable. Note that Mexico is very religious, and occasionally shorts are not permitted when visiting churches.
Closed shoes are essential for visiting the ancient sites. Walking shoes or trainers with a good grip are both suitable, and a pair of sandals for your free time. Water shoes would be useful for the cenotes.
20Kg
One main piece of luggage and a daysac. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage - don't overload yourself.
An umbrella is useful for tropical downpours. We recommend bringing a torch and a reusable water bottle. Don't forget insect repellent, sunscreen, swimwear and a sunhat. Water shoes are useful for exploring the cenotes, and a lightweight towel is also recommended.
Boat, Minibus
Accommodation on our tour of the Yucatan has been graded as comfortable and upgraded. This means, you can expect modern features such as en-suite rooms and air-conditioning, however, standards might not always meet those at home. We choose our hotels based on location, comfort and authenticity, to give you a feel for the local area. This means that we avoid larger, chain hotels in favour of smaller accommodations that guarantee you a warm welcome. Some, but not all, hotels have a restaurant and bar as well as a garden or swimming pool for you to relax in after a full- on day. We'll stay in some charming colonial properties. These are traditional buildings, typically centred around an internal courtyard. Most rooms in these historic buildings don't have external windows and windows may open into interior parts of the hotel.
In Mexico, catering to clients with dietary requirements is feasible, though it varies by location. Typically, meat and other restricted items are replaced with additional vegetables, potatoes, and rice. Vegans and those with other food intolerances should expect limited options, as creatively prepared dishes are generally scarce. Specifically, we do not recommend the "A Taste of Mexico - Markets and Mayan Sites (MXF)" trip for vegans or anyone with a specialized diet. Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip- unless it is filtered through a reusable filtration bottle (such as Water-to-Go)
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page. If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page. The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.
Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. Our price guarantee does not apply to Polar Voyages. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
Mexico: Citizens from UK, New Zealand, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada require a Mexican Tourist Card to enter. This is obtained on arrival, at some check-in desk of the airline you are travelling with or online in advance from the following website - https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html . Please note that due to the requirements of the online system, the advance option is only possible if your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry to Mexico. You must take a printed copy with you which you will present on arrival with your passport. You will need to be kept this on you until you exit Mexico. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure. USA: If your flights pass through the USA, even if only in transit, you will require either a visa or an ESTA (an e-visa). Please read on for more information. Citizens of the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and passport holders from several EU countries can apply for an ESTA under certain conditions. This applies if you enter the country by sea or by air, and this must be done online via https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov, no later than 72 hours prior to travel. Travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely be refused boarding. You must have a biometric passport to apply for an ESTA. UK passports which are biometric feature a small gold symbol (camera) at the bottom of the front cover. If you have visited Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen since 2011 or are dual nationals of these countries, you cannot travel with an ESTA and instead you will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. If you are unable to provide a valid visa before boarding flights to the US, or entering via another method, you may not be permitted to travel. You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba since the 12th of January 2021, you will not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and will need to apply for a US visa. You should consult the US State Department website to determine which you will need. Your ESTA application will ask for Point of Contact information. Please note that if you're only transiting through the USA then this is not required. If you're visiting or staying in the USA on an Explore trip, then our USA contact information will be listed on your final documentation which you will receive approximately 3-4 weeks before departure. Entry requirements for the USA can change regularly, therefore, please ensure you have the most up to date information before you travel by checking the US embassy website. Visa applications - http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html Canada: An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required by British citizens transiting via Canada. For more information see the official Canadian government website: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office
For customers visiting the EU, or transiting via EU countries, please be aware that the European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out, with full operation from 10 April 2026. This means that when you travel into, or depart from, the Schengen area for short stays, you will need to register your biometric details, such as fingerprints and a photo. You do not need to take any action before you arrive at the border, and there is no cost for EES registration. On your first entry or exit into a Schengen country, you will be asked to register your details at a special booth before proceeding to the immigration desk. At some ports and international stations allow for extra time as there may be increased wait times while EES registration is completed before passengers leave the UK and transit through a EU country. Once initial registration has been completed future entering or exiting of an EU Schengen country should be simplified as only a single fingerprint scan or facial recognition scan will be required. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking. For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here
It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom. Read more information about what travel insurance is required.
Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.
You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.
On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Please consult your travel clinic for the latest advice on Malaria, Dengue and Zika Virus. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please note many countries in Central America, South America and the Caribbean require a yellow fever vaccination certificates if travelling from infected areas. A detailed list of these countries can be found on the NaTHNaC website - http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries. Also on the NaTHNaC site there is a list of Countries (and specific areas within a country) which are at risk of infection and a vaccination is therefore recommended. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.