Best of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Our total driving time today is approximately five hours.

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.