Things to do in

Yucatán

Enjoy one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico with a variety of architectural styles. Discover how this large pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan civilization from around 600 to 1200 AD, and remained a center of worship and pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spaniards. Even today, it is still considered sacred by the Mayan people of the Yucatan peninsula. Like many of the cities of ancient Mexico, the site was abandoned, and its ruins were hidden in the jungle. Experience its rich history and stunning ruins.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, or a nearby meeting point, and then journey to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula.   Upon arrival at Chichén Itzá, look at the step pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending.   Go to the ancient cenote of Saamal and experience one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience.

Explore the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá and uncover the history of Mayan civilization. Visit important sites, such as the step pyramid of El Castillo, and enjoy a buffet lunch. Be picked up from one of the meeting points in Cancun or Riviera Maya and then travel to the pre-Colombian city of Chichén Itzá on the Yucatán Peninsula. Located in the Tinúm Municipality, Chichén Itzá is famous for its step pyramid of El Castillo. Benefit from the services of a guide to learn the history of the ancient city and journey back to the days of the Mayan civilization. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage until the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the site, before visiting one of the secret sinkholes, or cenotes, sacred to the Mayan people.

Explore the ruins at Chichen Itza with a guide on a full-day tour from Cancun and/or Playa del Carmen. Choose between a private or small-group tour and beat the crowds and the heat with early morning access. Learn about the history of Mexico with insightful commentary from your guide of one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Start your adventure with an early pick-up from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Beat the crowds and the heat as you arrive at the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza. Follow your guide around the once-bustling complex, learning about the rich history, religion, culture, and daily life of the Maya. Wander around the Mexican pyramids, gaze at the spectacular stone carvings, and taking photos by the glorious steps of the ruins. Board an air-conditioned vehicle and leave right before the morning gets too warm and the crowds increase. Head to the charming town of Piste for a quick look around before making your way to Cenote Ik Kil. Marvel at its stunning views, take photos of the turquoise waters and lush vegetation, and maybe squeeze in a quick dip before going for lunch. After filling your belly with some local food, board the vehicle once more and make your way back to Cancun and Riviera Maya with nothing but knowledge and memories to remember your adventure by.

Head into the dense jungles of the Yucatán as you begin this 12-hour program. Stop at the Hubiku cenote, a cavernous freshwater pool in a light-filled limestone cave and enjoy a swim. Dry off over a buffet lunch of typical Mayan dishes and then hop back on the bus for the last leg of the drive to Chichén Itzá. This dense and sprawling archaeological site features excavated ruins and well-preserved temples. The final stop is the quiet colonial city of Valladolid, where the pastel walls of shops and restaurants provide a colorful backdrop for photos.

Journey to the sacred archeological sites of Cobá, Valladolid, and Chichén Itzá on this action-packed trip through Yucatan and Quintana Roo peninsula. Leave bright and early from your ideal starting point in Riviera Maya, and beat the crowds to truly take in the majesty of each landmark. Head to Cobá first, whose ruins date back to 100-300 B.C. Learn about the significance of the 5 nearby lakes, and appreciate the striking architecture of the vast stone structures. Trek to the top of Nohoch Mul to be rewarded with beautiful jungle views. Venture deeper into the jungle to reach the city of Valladolid. Stroll through the colorful streets before chowing down on a Mexican buffet lunch. Relax at the mystical Cenote Saamal, the perfect place for a swim and some dazzling photos. Save the best for last by visiting Chichén Itzá, one the Seven Wonders of the World. Feel lost in time in the lovingly-kept pyramids, and discover the genius of the city’s unique structures. Take time to rest and reminisce on your drive back to home.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or apartment in Playa del Carmen or Cancún , and then journey by air-conditioned vehicle to the city of Temozón. Stop for a coffee and to taste some delicious antojitos (street food) before going to Cenote Hubiku to explore one of the sacred sinkholes of the Maya civilization. Get some free time to explore the archaeological site at your own expense. Encounter crocodiles in their natural habitat with a visit to a crocodile sanctuary, and look for flamingoes in the salt ponds of Las Coloradas. Marvel at the different shades of pink in the lagoons of Rio Lagartos during a boat ride through the mangroves. Keep a look out for different birdlife, including cormorants, ospreys, herons and pelicans. Stop for lunch of salad, soft drinks and a main course of your choice from fresh fish, chicken or a vegetarian option. Get dropped off at your hotel at the end of an incredible day in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Depart for the archaeological site of Chichen Itza between 07:10 AM and 08:10 AM and prepare yourself for a 2.5-hour historical tour of the most famous of the ancient cities of the Yucatec Maya. Named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007, Chichen Itza was once one of the largest cities of the Mayan civilization and thought to be one of the most mystical. See the stunning pyramid Temple of Kukulkan and marvel at the row of columns in the Temple of a Thousand Warriors. Look at the observatory temple of "El Caracol" and continue to highlights such as the sacrificial pit of the Great Ball Court, where the ancient ball game of "pok-ta-pok" was played. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Then, take a refreshing swim in the cenote of Ik-Kil and experience an underground lake on one of the subterranean river systems sacred to the Mayans. Enjoy lunch before driving to Valladolid, where you will spend about 30 minutes in the 16th-century colonial city before the return journey and drop off at your hotel between 06:30 and 07:30 PM.

Leave Tulum for a trip to the Sacred Cenote. Go deep into the Mayan Jungle and be a part of nature as you ride your own 4×4 ATV. Spend time with rescued monkeys and other animals at Akumal Monkey Sanctuary. To ensure comfort and safety during your trip, receive driving instructions from your guide. Then, hop on your ATV and put on the safety gear provided to discover the landscapes of the Mayan jungle. Immerse yourself in the wonderful waters of the spectacular Sacred Cenote. Take a swim in an underground river in the middle of nature. To complete the journey, meet and interact with rescued animals on a tour of Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.

Start your day with pick up from your hotel in the Riviera Maya or Cancun between 6 AM-7:30 AM. After arriving at Chichen Itza between 9:30-10:00 AM, start your 2-hour and 15-minute tour of the archaeological site. The name, Chichen Itza means “water well of the Itzan people” and it was the capital of the Maya area and its most revered center of worship. Walk through remarkable buildings and get detailed explanations provided by your expert guide during the tour. Arrive at Cenote Maya Native Park at approximately 1:30 PM and spend approximately 2.5 hours in the park.  Visit and refresh yourself at Cenote Maya and descend into the region’s most impressive cenote. Its crystal-clear waters and geological formations make it an impressive natural jewel. Ascend from the underworld through a tunnel or use the large wooden staircase.   Optional activities include swimming, diving, and rappelling. Delve into the natural wonders and participate in an authentic ceremony of blessings carried out by a Maya shaman. Enjoy a traditional menu made with organic orchard supplies and handmade tortillas. At the end of the day, relax with drop-off back at your hotel at approximately 6:30-7:00 PM.