Immersive Mayan Riviera

Highlights

  • Enjoy the immersive experience of visiting a Mayan community
  • Explore an underground cave system unlike any other
  • Visit an island which is a natural reserve to discover hidden beaches and untouched marine life
  • Once in a lifetime experience of glamping in the jungle by the beach
From £1338 pp
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  4. Choose the number of children in your group
  5. Let us know how many(if any) ADULTS require their own private single room
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What you'll do

Overview

Immerse yourself in the authentic side of the Mayan Riviera, as you visit local Mayan communities and explore the natural wonders of the area. From rich marine biodiversity to cenotes and archaeological sites, there is so much to discover.

Tour Summary:

Day 1-3 Playa del Carmen

Day 4-7 Xpu Ha beach

Day 8 Return Home

Experience an authentic and immersive tour of the Mayan Riviera with a perfect blend of leisure, local Mayan experiences and adventurous activities. If you want to truly disocver Yucatan, this trip will be perfect for you.

Stay in beautiful HM Playa del Carmen, inspired by Mayan traditions and the Caribbean Sea whilst  neighbouring the heart of Playa Del Carmen. It is one of the most popular destinations on the Mayan Riviera for its boasting heavenly beaches, marine life, cenotes,  jungles,  archaeological treasures and traditions. Not to mention fifth avenue which has plentiful shops and resturants to explore. You will be spoilt for choice on how to spend your time!

Adventure to Contoy Island, a hidden paradise and national marine park in the North, during your private boat trip. This secluded island receives a limited amount of visitors per day, as it is a natural reserve but you can still enjoy the white sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Snorkel on the way to the island with the potential of spotting turtles, sharks or dolphins along with amazing coral reefs. Enjoy a delicious local cuisine lunch with the endless rich turquoise horizon as a view.

Step off the beaten track and have the opportunity to visit a local Mayan community! Have a unique glimpse into their daily lives including: traditional life, local food, agricultural rituals, and weaving will be demonstrated during hands-on experiences. We will journey south to a small village where you will experience a ritual agricultural ceremony and learn about their farming. You will be taught the technique for weaving “henequen”, a plant that grows in the region. It was once so valuable, it was known as “green gold”. Learn from the local people about its relevance for the Mayas, and its importance even today as a key player in medicine, rituals, and gastronomy.

Head to Xpu Ha beach and visit the archaeological site of Muyil, steeped in the lush jungle of the area. Settle into Serenity Authentic Glamping , situated in the jungle with well furnished rooms and private bathroooms. You will be indulged with a stunning beach for sunbathing and swimming.

The tour also includes a real must-see sight: the archaeological site of the Tulum Ruins, the only Mayan site overlooking the Caribbean sea. Afterwards, you will visit a cenote for a true Mayan experience. Opposed to your typical, open cenote where you bathe and dive, you will explore an underground cave system and learn more about its secrets and significance to the Maya people.

 

 

Welcome to Mexico

Upon arrival at the Cancun international airport, you will be greeted by our guide, who will drive you to the hotel in Playa del Carmen.

Tonight you will stay at the beautiful HM Playa del Carmen, a modern, Mexican chic hotel with excellent location: two blocks away from the world-famous 5th Av, and three blocks away from the beach. The area is bursting with many restaurants, bars and shops. Rooms are neat, modern and include A/C and ceiling fans.

There are no meals included today.

Accommodation

HM Playa Del Carmen or similar

Explore Playa del Carmen

Your first day in Playa del Carmen is yours to do as you please, and get some rest from the flight the day before. You can be ac ative or relaxed as you like.

If you wish to get out and about you can choose from a range of opportunites:

Fifth avenue – the commercial hub of shops, restaurants and traditional market stalls. It is a perfect place to purchase a Mexican souvenir

Archaeological Treasures – choose from jungle pyramids, cenotes,  waterfalls and historic settlements. Visit ecological parks such as Xcaret, Río Secreto and the Aktun Chen Caves.

Marine Paradise – Playa del Carmen has the second largest coral reef in the world along with paradise beaches. You may even see turtles, dolphins or sharks!

Water Sports – have a go at skydiving, windsurfing, snorkelling or sailing, perfect for those who are hungry for adventure!

Accommodation

HM Playa del Carmen or similar

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Visit to Contoy Island

Wake up and make sure to get a good breakfast, as today we head north on a boat tour that will take us to the gorgeous Contoy Island – an often forgotten Caribbean paradise, it does not get the same renown as Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, but it is just as beautiful (perhaps even more beautiful!)

This secluded island receives a limited amount of visitors per day, as it is a natural reserve – few places in the area are as strict in terms of the impact made by visitors, but you will be able to enjoy the white sandy beaches, snorkel on the way to the island, and enjoy a delicious lunch of local food.

Accommodation tonight provided at HM Playa del Carmen.

Included meals are buffet breakfast at the hotel (HM Playa del Carmen), and a local cuisine lunch at the beach during the Contoy tour.

Accommodation

HM Playa del Carmen or similar

Visit a Mayan Community and Muyil Archaeological site

The journey today takes you to see a more authentic, lesser visited side of life among the Mayan people of the region. Make sure to pack all your belongings as you will check out of the hotel after breakfast.

We will journey south to a small village, where the local people have coordinated with one another to show visitors a glimpse into their lives. Get close to the Mayan descendants to learn about their agricultural techniques in their backyards, visit their apiary and taste the locally made honey products, and take a home-made meal like no other in the area.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you feel like, and engage in chatter with the community, who are happy to share their heritage with you. After a tasty lunch in the community, we will head back north to the glamping site where you have accommodation tonight.

On the way there, we will visit Coba, located to the west of the archaeological zone of Tulum, in the middle of the dense tropical forest of the state of Quintana Roo. Flanked by its five lakes, the city was one of the most important Mayan capitals between 250 and 900 AD. Today this unique archaeological site includes outstanding remains such as the pyramid of Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, and the second in the whole Mayan World and the Temple of the Frescoes, where you can still see significant fragments of exquisite mural painting..

Tonight you will stay at Serenity Authentic Glamping , located in Xpu Ha beach. The glamping tents are located in the jungle, are well furnished, and have private bathrooms. The beach offers great opportunities for sunbathing, and swimming in crystal clear waters.

Accommodation

Serenity Authentic Glamping or similar

Breakfast and lunch

Tulum Ruins and Cenote Exploration

After breakfast, you will start your journey by driving south to the walled city of Tulum, showing you the most stunning views of any Mayan site, as the main temple sits on a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean waters. Among stone walls and turquoise blues, you will visit the site and experience a guided tour of the ruins, with some time at the end to enjoy the views at your leisure.

You will then head to visit a cenote complex. Cenotes were considered sacred by the Mayan people, and held a very special please in their beliefs. You will have the opportunity to explore different cenotes and dive in all of them, and hear from your guide about their importance for the Mayan people.

Tonight you will stay at Serenity Authentic Glamping. Included meals are buffet breakfast at Serenity Authentic Glamping, and a local cuisine lunch prepared by local Mayan people at the cenote.

Accommodation

Serenity Authentic Glamping or similar

Meals

Breakfast and Lunch

Relaxation in Tulum

After three days packed with activities, today is free for you to enjoy the white sandy beach of Xpu Ha. However, if you are keen for something more to keep you active, your host will be more than happy to provide suggestions of any additional activities.

Included meals are a continental breakfast at the hotel (Serenity Authentic Glamping Tulum).

Accommodation

Serenity Authentic Glamping or similar

Meals

Breakfast

Farewell

Sadly, your journey around the Mayan Riviera has come to its end. At the specified time, we will pick you up for your transfer to the airport or to continue our holiday.

Meals

Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Private transfers to and from the airport
  • Baggage handlers at the airport
  • Seven nights of accommodation at stunning hotels in Playa del Carmen and XpuHa
  • Seven continental breakfasts, including taxes and service charges
  • Three lunches, during the tours to the Mayan community, Contoy Island and Tulum
  • Private excursions and tours as described, including certified guides and entry fees
  • Boat tour to Contoy Island
  • Snorkel equipment where needed
Your local host

Alex and Team

Alex and his team take you to see the less visited, more authentic side of the country. Even if you’re staying in a big resort area, we have designed our tours to focus on unique experiences.

Wander through cobblestone streets, watch craftspeople in their workshops (or participate in craft making!), taste the food, and learn how to make it. Visit the natural wonders of Mexico, and marvel with our rich culture.

Having worked in tourism in Mexico for 50+ years, we have curated our experiences to show you only what we love the most.

Alex and his team take you to see the less visited, more authentic side of the country. Even if you’re staying in a big resort area, we have designed our tours to focus on unique experiences.

Wander through cobblestone streets, watch craftspeople in their workshops (or participate in craft making!), taste the food, and learn how to make it. Visit the natural wonders of Mexico, and marvel with our rich culture.

Having worked in tourism in Mexico for 50+ years, we have curated our experiences to show you only what we love the most.

Location

Your Mayan adventure begins when you are picked up from Cancun Airport by your driver, and are taken straight to your accommodation in Playa Del Carmen.

At around the halfway point in your tour, your base will move to a beautiful glamping site near Tulum, before you are returned to Cancun Airport at the end of your experience.

FAQs

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts and ends at the Cancun International Airport (CUN). Other pick up and drop off spots are available, please enquire for a possible rate change.

Can food intolerances be accomodated?

Please let us know dietary requirements in advance and we will try to accommodate.

Is this tour suitable for people with claustrophobia?

People with claustrophobia are recommended not to participate in underground cave exploration tour.

What should I bring?

Guests are recommended to bring light, comfortable clothes; walking shoes; sunblock; insect repellent; hat; sunglasses. Wet shoes are highly recommended for the cenote exploration tour.

What will I see when snorkelling?

There are some coral formations and abundant fish a few meters from the shore in XpuHa, making it a great spot for easy snorkelling. You may also be lucky enough to see turtles, sharks and dolphins!

Do I need to be physically fit?

The activity level is moderate for this trip so it is advised you are relatively active.

What is the glamping tent like?

Tent with air conditioning and private bathroom. The tent is in the jungle and a 10min walk away from the beach.

How far is HM Playa del Carmen from the centre?

It is well located and one block away from 5th Avenue.

What shall I pack?

Guests are recommended to bring light, comfortable clothes, walking shoes, sunblock, strong insect repellent (jungle spray), hat, and sunglasses. Wet shoes/booties are highly recommended for the cenote exploration tour.

How long are the journeys from/to the airport?

The first hotel is 60-70 minutes away from Cancun airport and the last hotel is 80-90 minutes away.

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