Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán

Welcome to Playa del Carmen! Your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.

Today we travel towards Sian Ka'an. This Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful places along Mexico's Caribbean coast, designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site for its vast biodiversity and wetlands. Join the G Adventure-supported Community Tours Sian Ka’an — a Maya-owned cooperative rooted in protecting the natural environment while celebrating cultural heritage and the bonds between humans and nature. Explore by boat along a network of canals dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds. Then, strap on a lifejacket and cool off in the crystal clear water of one of the canals as you float down through mangrove forests. Dig into a delicious local lunch after your explorations. Return to the hotel in Playa del Carmen where dinner will be at your leisure.

After breakfast, begin the journey to Merída. The first stop along the way will be to Chichen Itzá. National Geographic has ranked Chichen Itzá as the best Mayan ruin to visit in Mexico. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and houses 26 ruins in one location. Join an expert guide who will teach you about the site, including the pyramid, known as El Castillo or El Caracol. You’ll also see the largest Maya ball court in the Americas–Tlachtli. Your next stop is the small Maya community of Yaxunah. Join a knowledgeable guide and learn more about this vibrant community and their rich cultural history. Together, learn how Escabeche is made during a hands-on demonstration. Sit down for a delicious lunch alongside your hosts afterwards. Arrive in Merída in the early evening and have dinner on your own.

Head into the jungle and marvel at the cenotes, giant holes in the earth filled with clear blue water. Considered sacred to the ancient Maya, cenotes have been studied by National Geographic Explorers like Dr. Guillermo de Anda extensively. Dive in with your family and channel your inner archeologist while exploring these waterways. Santa Barbara is home to 4 different pools to choose from, offering truly unique swimming experiences with the bonus of using a colorful small train as transport between. Return to Merída in the early evening for a free evening.

Embark on a full day exploration into the heart of the Yucatan with an immersive experience at a living ranch. Start things off right with a hands on cooking experience learning to prepare Cochinita Pibil. Enjoy the cochinita for lunch alongside other regional delicacies before taking a tour of the hacienda. On this guided experience, learn about the history of henequen production and its use during the 20th century when these haciendas were dotted all throughout the region. Then hop aboard a traditional truck and make your way down the rails towards a cenote for a refreshing dip in the water. Return to Merida after your day's adventures.

Ascend the pyramid steps of Kinich Kak Moo, Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and witness the excitement on your kids’ faces as they conquer the ancient steps and take in the panoramic views from the top. Spend time here amid the buildings of uniform yellow and enjoy some ice cream before the drive back to the coast and white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen. Return to the hotel and relax with a swim in the pool or take advantage of some of the hotel’s many amenities to unwind after your day’s journey.

Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of the optional activities in the area, lounging by the hotel pool, or building sandcastles on the beach. You can also choose to pre-book a visit to the Mayan city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of the few protected by a wall of limestone. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an included farewell dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week of fun and engaging exploration.