Mayan Highlights image
Operated by G Adventures

Mayan Highlights

From
Price on request
Duration
9 days
Countries
Mexico
Activity
easy

The adventure

If you’re short on time but want to delve into the Yucatán, this wide-ranging itinerary in one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions is a worthwhile alternative to the mainstream. Snorkel Caribbean reefs and laze on beautiful white-sand beaches. Enter the world of the ancient Maya at Chichén Itzá and the incredible jungle ruins of Palenque. Your experienced Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will reveal the region’s hidden gems, taking the hassle out of travel so you can focus on ancient ruins and vibrant sites, or revel in a tranquil sunset from Playa del Carmen's beaches.

At a glance

Duration
9 days
Route
Playa del Carmen → Playa del Carmen
Countries
Mexico
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Mayan Highlights image

Day by day

Scenic aerial view of a Mexican town with mountains at twilight.
Your journey through

Mexico

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities until the evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins…After a guided tour of the fantastic ruins at Chichén Itzá, continue on to Mérida for an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city. With museums, plazas, beautiful architecture, open markets and outdoor cafés, there is plenty to keep you busy here.
After a guided tour of the fantastic ruins at Chichén Itzá, continue on to Mérida for an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city. With museums, plazas, beautiful architecture, open markets and outdoor cafés, there is plenty to keep you busy here.
Day 3Opt to visit the ruins of Uxmal or…Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route, go bird-watching in Celestún, hit the beach in Progreso, visit cenotes in the nearby town of Cuzamá, or walk around town and soak in all of the history this city has to offer.
Opt to visit ruins of Uxmal, ride the PUUC Route, go bird-watching in Celestún, hit the beach in Progreso, visit cenotes in the nearby town of Cuzamá, or walk around town and soak in all of the history this city has to offer.
Day 4Travel day to Palenque in the lush dense jungle of Chiapas
Travel day to Palenque in the lush dense jungle of Chiapas.
Day 5Enjoy a guided tour of the Mayan ruins of PalenqueTake a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.
Take a guided tour of the ruins of Palenque. Later, choose from one of the many optional activities in the area.
Day 6Transfer to Bacalar and spend time…
Transfer to Bacalar and spend time on the beach looking out at the crystal-clear lake.
Day 7Opt to kayak around the lagoon or explore the nearby fortress
Opt to kayak around the lagoon or explore the nearby fortress.
Day 8Travel to Playa del Carmen to lounge…Head to Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-min drive south of Cancún. Enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean. There is the opportunity for snorkelling and diving, as well as long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day. Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30-75 minutes depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the town and the reefs of the island. For a final dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-min drive south of Playa.
Stunning aerial view of Playa del Carmen beach and ocean, showcasing vibrant greenery and sandy shores in Mexico.Playa del Carmen
Head to Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-min drive south of Cancún. Enjoy some nightlife, buy last minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean. There is the opportunity for snorkelling and diving, as well as long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day. Just off the coast is the island of Cozumel, renowned for its world-class diving. Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen (30-75 minutes depending on the boat) across the turquoise waters and explore the town and the reefs of the island. For a final dose of ruins, Tulúm is just a 45-min drive south of Playa.
Map showing Playa del Carmen
Day 9Departure dayDepartureWe recommend booking post-tour accommodation to fully explore the Playa del Carmen area. Ask your sales agent for help.
We recommend booking post-tour accommodation to fully explore the Playa del Carmen area. Ask your sales agent for help.

Traveller reviews

Great trip! The ruins were amazing, the water was warm & beautiful, helpful guide, friendly group.
Yucatan Panorama was a marvelous trip. I went to bed every night thinking "what a wonderful day!" Our tour leader was fun, courteous, prompt and responsible.
The route of the trip was very good and rates highly among the trips I have taken with G Adventures and Intrepid in the past.

Discover Mexico

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

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Lush green meadow with a large volcanic mountain in the background under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of Oaxaca City, Mexico, surrounded by mountains and a vast sky, perfect for travel and nature enthusiasts.
Operated by G Adventures

A TripFinder-trusted operator. We compare the trip and handle your booking with a real advisor — you travel under the operator's terms.

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