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.
GMT-07:00,GMT-05:00,GMT-06:00
Type B (North American) - Two flat prongs + ground pin
Christianity (Catholic)
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/enolicitud. 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
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
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.