Swim with whale sharks and turtles, explore Mayan ruins and the natural wonders of the Yucatan, with relaxing beach time and charming haciendas stays
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
Itinerary highlights
- Snorkel with turtles and seek out Mayan ruins in Tulum
- Paddle in the waters of some magical cenotes
- Swim alongside whale sharks off Holbox Island
- Visit the wildlife-rich Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
- Enjoy a privately guided tour of Chichen Itza
- Wander around the ancient ruins in Merida
What's included
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Private tours and experiences
- Full support from your travel designer and concierge before, during and after your trip
- Our help with restaurant recommendations and reservations
- Expert guides in each destination
At a glance
Designed to encapsulate the natural splendours of Yucatan, and to ensure that you immerse yourself through carefully curated activities, both inland and off the coast, while staying in enchanting haciendas, this luxury trip will most definitely enchant.
The dreamy seaside town of Tulum is your starting point, and you’ll have ample time to venture around its well-preserved ruins, as well as recline on one of its many idyllic beaches, with a margarita in hand.
During your time at this seaside spot, you’ll set off on secluded snorkelling and swimming experiences in the area of Yalku-ito, enjoy private tours of the ancient remnants and paddle in the Gran Cenote.
Holbox Island is next on the itinerary and will be a particular highlight for birdwatching enthusiasts given that it attracts a variety of migrating birds. Off the shore, you’ll get the special opportunity to snorkel alongside whale sharks.
You’ll then be transferred to Chiquila, and venture on a private boat safari around the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – a wonderful haven of wildlife and endangered species.
Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, is another stop, where you’ll have a tour of the iconic Chichen Itza ruin, with a local guide, followed by a gourmet lunch at the renowned Hacienda Chichen. It’s in this area that you’ll also visit the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun and Tixkokob, a town famous for its hammock weaving, before experiencing a cultural tour of Merida
Continuing with a detailed look into the past, the trip will see that you witness the ruins of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, X-Lapak, Labna and the Loltún Caves, home to paintings from the Maya civilisation’s late pre-classic era.
Example trip itinerary
Tulum
Transfer
Meet and greet at Cancun airport
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Tulum
Accommodation in Tulum
Tulum
Overview
A lovely little shoreline boutique hotel that blends its contemporary luxury into the lush folds of this coastal jungle, BE Tulum is more of a surfer-chic option with spades of rustic intimacy and romance.
The Mayan Riviera coastline has a spectacular collection of luxury resorts catering to all tastes, but BE Tulum is a refreshing option for those looking for something a bit trendier, a bit different, and a little more relaxed. Twenty stylish and contemporarily dressed rooms are concealed into tropical coastal jungle, lying only 700 metres from the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, and enjoying the sultry Caribbean sand and sea of the beach out in front.
Spend your days lounging on one of the beds in the beach club, sipping cocktails at the lounge, taking a dip in the pool or simply hanging out in the hammock on your room’s private patio. Alternatively, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained: from surfing and body boarding to bicycling, trips to local Mayan ruins such as Tulum (15-minutes drive north), and yoga classes.
→ Find out moreTulum is an idyllic and charming place to relax and enjoy sparkling warm ocean waters, sublime white beaches and Mayan archaeological ruins. Set on the coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city and the perfect base for an array of aquatic activities.
You'll be collected from your hotel to catch a boat with your guide to a secluded area known as Yalku-ito; a place where the freshwater that runs underneath the ground of the Yucatan Peninsula exits towards the ocean. Here, fresh and saltwater mixes creating a rare visual effect called the halocline and the temperature and combination of waters are known to attract fish in large schools.
This inlet has an important role for marine life because it acts as a nursery for fish, so lots of juveniles, new born fish and turtles hang around this area before adventuring to the outer reefs.
After spending some time here, the crew will take you to Akumal Bay to observe the sea life there and show you the difference between the two ecosystems, which despite being so near they're quite different from each other.
Begin the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum. This walled Mayan city was occupied during the Post-classic period, late in the history of the Mayas, and is famous for its unique architectural style and its beautiful setting, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea. Admire the sculpture on the buildings as you wander through this lovely site.
With a circumference area of 202 meters, this cenote (a natural sinkhole that's very common in the Yucatan) is popular with families and first time cenote swimmers. You pass through well-kept gardens before descending a natural rock and wooden plank stairway to the wooden platforms and gardens below.
At the bottom of the stairs, first-timers tend to veer to the right where you'll find a shallow snorkelling area with a soft white sand bottom. With a snorkel mask, you can see the large stalactites up close.
Transfer
Private transfer to Chiquila and Holbox Island
Holbox Island
Transfer
Private transfer to your hotel in Chiquila and Holbox Island
Accommodation in Holbox Island
Holbox Island
Overview
Seated on the beachfront on the more populated western tip of the island, this lovely little boutique hotel is possibly the best place to stay on Holbox thanks to its owner’s (Sandra) passion for the details, a team of caring and attentive staff, and a fantastic fresh seafood restaurant (undoubtedly the best place to dine on the island).
Combining natural materials, simple luxury and splashes of vibrant colours, the hotel’s twenty suites make you feel immediately at home. Choose to relax around the pool or on one of the hotel’s beach beds when not exploring the island by golf cart, soaking up some reggae, fishing, kayaking or perhaps in a yoga pose.
→ Find out moreSpend your days here relaxing in the Caribbean castaway setting of Holbox Island - you can rent a golf buggy to explore, do some birdwatching (as the island is a proven sanctuary for migrating birds), fishing, kayaking, kitesurfing and sailing, or simply unwind at your hotel.
Enjoy one of the best marine wildlife experiences in Mexico. A private boat and crew will be waiting to take you to the location where the whale sharks have been spotted. Once you arrive, you'll be given a safety briefing and rules for swimming with these amazing creatures, before getting into the water to swim with them.
The tour can last three to five hours and the whale shark season is from May to September.
Transfer
Private transfer to Chiquila
The Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 60,347 hectares and is home to 580 different species: 58 species of mammals, 356 species of birds, 95 species of amphibians and reptiles and a record of 71 species of fish. Some are specially protected species to be endangered, and some are endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, you'll embark on a boat safari to spot the wildlife with expert guides, before your transfer to your chosen hotel or hacienda.
Hacienda San Jose
Haciendas around Merida
Around Mérida
Overview
A beautifully preserved and bright red belle époque hacienda emerging from the vivid green jungle, Temozon is one of the most authentically inspirational places to stay in the whole of the Yucatan.
Once one of the largest estates producing sisal, the hotel enjoys a roomy 36 hectares of peaceful grounds strewn with vibrant flowers, organic kitchen gardens, cenotes (one housing the hotel’s spa), swimming pool, tennis courts and some Mayan archaeological remains, all about 40 minutes outside of Merida.
Again remaining true to the original architecture and style of ranch life, there is even a gallery exhibiting photographs of the hacienda over the years and the spacious and fairly sparse rooms possess original Hispanic and Indian antiques, sisal hammocks, handmade cotton textiles and woolen throws.
The food from the restaurant is delicious, where many of its regional and international dishes have been created from the organic produce grown in the gardens. The chef will teach you how to make Cochinita Pibil (pulled-pork stew) if you like and many of the staff have worked there their entire lives and know the area well. What’s more there is the most fantastic spa housed in a natural cenote (bore hole).
→ Find out moreAround Mérida
Overview
This is a wonderfully vibrant property that overflows with regional Yucatan character and history. Previously a nobleman’s private estate, it has since been carefully renovated into a luxury boutique hotel of just eleven rooms.
Twisted tropical trees and manicured lawns sit around undulating sky blue columns with arches framing its traditional patios, which are filled with antique furniture and door frames that lead into the main areas and guest rooms. These are all decorated with both contemporary and period touches including exposed beams and iron bedsteads. Modern amenities such as complimentary WiFi access, cable TV and iPod docking stations will ensure your stay here is still connected to present times.
One of the hotel’s best assets is its restaurant which is excellent, and serves a fusion of local and international cuisines, best enjoyed al fresco either on the cosy patio or the elegant terrace.
A creative outdoor pool incorporates part of the property so you can swim in between its columns and arches. There is a relaxing and stylish Lounge Bar, beautiful botanical gardens and grounds around which to stroll (or take one of the hotel’s bicycles and explore it that way), and there are massages on offer too.
→ Find out morePossibly the most famous Mayan ruin in all of Mexico, your expert local guide will bring the pre-Colombian history of the country to life and Mayan heritage of sites such as this.
Your guide will drop you off at the charming Hacienda Chichen for a gourmet lunch.
Your guide will bring you to a local cenote (a naturally occurring, fresh water borehole that is quite common on the Yucatan Peninsula) for a refreshing dip in the waters.
Your guide will make a stop at the lesser known Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun. Though small in comparison to sites like Chichen Itza, it holds a certain charm thanks to its compact size and crystal clear cenote for swimming. Your guide will show you around the complex, detailing its ancient and colonial history, stopping at the Temple of the Seven Dolls (Templo de las Siete Muñecas), and there's an air-conditioned museum on the premises that houses Mayan and Catholic artefacts from the site.
Tixkokob (meaning place of poisonous snakes in Mayan) is famous within the Yucatan area for high-quality hammock weaving. Your private tour will stop here and your guide will point out the best shops for a purchase, should you like.
Your expert local guide will escort you around the city to see the cultural landmarks and historical heritage, which has shaped Merida. Bringing history and architecture to life, your guide will help you explore the city's past to present in a comprehensive tour.
You'll be brought to the glamorous and historical Hacienda Xcanatun for a gourmet lunch at the Casa de Piedra restaurant.
Transfer
Private transfer to your Hacienda in the Merida area
Around Merida
Haciendas around Merida
Around Mérida
Overview
A beautifully preserved and bright red belle époque hacienda emerging from the vivid green jungle, Temozon is one of the most authentically inspirational places to stay in the whole of the Yucatan.
Once one of the largest estates producing sisal, the hotel enjoys a roomy 36 hectares of peaceful grounds strewn with vibrant flowers, organic kitchen gardens, cenotes (one housing the hotel’s spa), swimming pool, tennis courts and some Mayan archaeological remains, all about 40 minutes outside of Merida.
Again remaining true to the original architecture and style of ranch life, there is even a gallery exhibiting photographs of the hacienda over the years and the spacious and fairly sparse rooms possess original Hispanic and Indian antiques, sisal hammocks, handmade cotton textiles and woolen throws.
The food from the restaurant is delicious, where many of its regional and international dishes have been created from the organic produce grown in the gardens. The chef will teach you how to make Cochinita Pibil (pulled-pork stew) if you like and many of the staff have worked there their entire lives and know the area well. What’s more there is the most fantastic spa housed in a natural cenote (bore hole).
→ Find out moreAround Mérida
Overview
This is a wonderfully vibrant property that overflows with regional Yucatan character and history. Previously a nobleman’s private estate, it has since been carefully renovated into a luxury boutique hotel of just eleven rooms.
Twisted tropical trees and manicured lawns sit around undulating sky blue columns with arches framing its traditional patios, which are filled with antique furniture and door frames that lead into the main areas and guest rooms. These are all decorated with both contemporary and period touches including exposed beams and iron bedsteads. Modern amenities such as complimentary WiFi access, cable TV and iPod docking stations will ensure your stay here is still connected to present times.
One of the hotel’s best assets is its restaurant which is excellent, and serves a fusion of local and international cuisines, best enjoyed al fresco either on the cosy patio or the elegant terrace.
A creative outdoor pool incorporates part of the property so you can swim in between its columns and arches. There is a relaxing and stylish Lounge Bar, beautiful botanical gardens and grounds around which to stroll (or take one of the hotel’s bicycles and explore it that way), and there are massages on offer too.
→ Find out moreToday, your private guide will meet you at your hotel and drive you to some of the region’s best ancient Mayan sites and archaeological ruins of Uxmal.
Explore the archaeological ruins of Kabah, just to the south of the Uxmal complex. Your guide will fill you in on all the history behind each site, helping to bring alive the legends, myths and theories, while you enjoy the spectacular jungle setting and marvel at the wonders of Mexico’s sophisticated pre-Colombian civilisation.
Kabah is famous for its ornate Temple to Chaac, the Rain God of the Maya, with a facade covered in repetitious masks of Chaac. The site also has a number of other palaces, low stone buildings, and step-pyramid temples.
This archaeological site is just further south of Kabah, and is a complex that stands on a causeway. Its most famous feature is the Great Palace with 90 bedrooms, and the El Mirador Pyramid.
Your next stop along the route is X-Lapak located between Sayil and Labná. It's a somewhat small complex of some 14 mounds, a nine-room palace with intricate facades, and three pyramids. This site is less developed and more like the ruins as they were before re-discovery, but still well preserved.
Also just south of Uxmal is Labna, which is also a UNESCO-protected site. Your guide will bring to life the vestiges of the Palace, the Arch, El Mirador and the many bas-reliefs that Labna is well known for.
Next stop will be the Loltún Caves just south of the town of Oxkutzcab, which contain paintings from the Maya civilisation's late pre-classic era. An extensive cave that goes on for two kilometers, evidence of human habitation has been found in the form of tools, engravings, paintings and even mammoth bones.
Transfer
Private transfer to Merida airport
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
Get in touch
Haciendas, Beaches and the Wildlife of the Yucatan
How we work
Designed to encapsulate the natural splendours of Yucatan, and to ensure that you immerse yourself through carefully curated activities, both inland and off the coast, while staying in enchanting haciendas, this luxury trip will most definitely enchant. The dreamy seaside town of Tulum is your starting point, and you’ll have ample time to venture around its well-preserved ruins, as well as recline on one of its many idyllic beaches, with a margarita in hand. During your time at this seaside spot, you’ll set off on secluded snorkelling and swimming experiences in the area of Yalku-ito, enjoy private tours of the ancient remnants and paddle in the Gran Cenote. Holbox Island is next on the itinerary and will be a particular highlight for birdwatching enthusiasts given that it attracts a variety of migrating birds. Off the shore, you’ll get the special opportunity to snorkel alongside whale sharks. You’ll then be transferred to Chiquila, and venture on a private boat safari around the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve – a wonderful haven of wildlife and endangered species. Merida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, is another stop, where you’ll have a tour of the iconic Chichen Itza ruin, with a local guide, followed by a gourmet lunch at the renowned Hacienda Chichen. It’s in this area that you’ll also visit the lesser-known Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun and Tixkokob, a town famous for its hammock weaving, before experiencing a cultural tour of Merida Continuing with a detailed look into the past, the trip will see that you witness the ruins of Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, X-Lapak, Labna and the Loltún Caves, home to paintings from the Maya civilisation’s late pre-classic era.
| Whats included?
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Days 1-4 |
Tulum |
Flights & transfers
Meet and greet at Cancun airport |
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Private transfer to your hotel in Tulum | |
Accommodation in Tulum
•
BE Tulum - $$$$$
A lovely little shoreline boutique hotel that blends its contemporary luxury into the lush...
|
|
Three nights relaxing in Tulum Tulum is an idyllic and charming place to relax and enjoy sparkling warm ocean waters, sublime white beaches and Mayan archaeological ruins. Set on the coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city and the perfect base for an array of aquatic activities. |
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Snorkelling and swimming with turtles in Yalku-ito and Akumal Bay You'll be collected from your hotel to catch a boat with your guide to a secluded area known as Yalku-ito; a place where the freshwater that runs underneath the ground of the Yucatan Peninsula exits towards the ocean. Here, fresh and saltwater mixes creating a rare visual effect called the halocline and the temperature and combination of waters are known to attract fish in large schools.
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Private tour of Tulum Ruins Begin the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum. This walled Mayan city was occupied during the Post-classic period, late in the history of the Mayas, and is famous for its unique architectural style and its beautiful setting, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea. Admire the sculpture on the buildings as you wander through this lovely site. |
|
Swim in the Gran Cenote With a circumference area of 202 meters, this cenote (a natural sinkhole that's very common in the Yucatan) is popular with families and first time cenote swimmers. You pass through well-kept gardens before descending a natural rock and wooden plank stairway to the wooden platforms and gardens below.
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Chiquila and Holbox Island |
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Days 4-6 |
Holbox Island |
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your hotel in Chiquila and Holbox Island |
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Accommodation in Holbox Island
•
Casa Sandra - $$$$$
Seated on the beachfront on the more populated western tip of the island, this lovely little...
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Two days exploring Holbox Island Spend your days here relaxing in the Caribbean castaway setting of Holbox Island - you can rent a golf buggy to explore, do some birdwatching (as the island is a proven sanctuary for migrating birds), fishing, kayaking, kitesurfing and sailing, or simply unwind at your hotel. |
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Snorkel with whale sharks Enjoy one of the best marine wildlife experiences in Mexico. A private boat and crew will be waiting to take you to the location where the whale sharks have been spotted. Once you arrive, you'll be given a safety briefing and rules for swimming with these amazing creatures, before getting into the water to swim with them.
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer to Chiquila |
|
Private boat safari to the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve The Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 60,347 hectares and is home to 580 different species: 58 species of mammals, 356 species of birds, 95 species of amphibians and reptiles and a record of 71 species of fish. Some are specially protected species to be endangered, and some are endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, you'll embark on a boat safari to spot the wildlife with expert guides, before your transfer to your chosen hotel or hacienda. |
|
Days 6-8 |
Hacienda San Jose |
Haciendas around Merida
•
Hacienda Temozon - $$$$$
A beautifully preserved and bright red belle époque hacienda emerging from the vivid green...
•
Hacienda Santa Rosa - $$$$$
This is a wonderfully vibrant property that overflows with regional Yucatan character and...
|
|
Privately guided tour of Chichen Itza Possibly the most famous Mayan ruin in all of Mexico, your expert local guide will bring the pre-Colombian history of the country to life and Mayan heritage of sites such as this. |
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Lunch at Hacienda Chichen Your guide will drop you off at the charming Hacienda Chichen for a gourmet lunch. |
|
Swimming in a cenote Your guide will bring you to a local cenote (a naturally occurring, fresh water borehole that is quite common on the Yucatan Peninsula) for a refreshing dip in the waters. |
|
Dzibilchaltun tour Your guide will make a stop at the lesser known Mayan ruins of Dzibilchaltun. Though small in comparison to sites like Chichen Itza, it holds a certain charm thanks to its compact size and crystal clear cenote for swimming. Your guide will show you around the complex, detailing its ancient and colonial history, stopping at the Temple of the Seven Dolls (Templo de las Siete Muñecas), and there's an air-conditioned museum on the premises that houses Mayan and Catholic artefacts from the site. |
|
Tixkokob tour Tixkokob (meaning place of poisonous snakes in Mayan) is famous within the Yucatan area for high-quality hammock weaving. Your private tour will stop here and your guide will point out the best shops for a purchase, should you like. |
|
Cultural tour of Merida Your expert local guide will escort you around the city to see the cultural landmarks and historical heritage, which has shaped Merida. Bringing history and architecture to life, your guide will help you explore the city's past to present in a comprehensive tour. |
|
Lunch at Hacienda Xcanatun You'll be brought to the glamorous and historical Hacienda Xcanatun for a gourmet lunch at the Casa de Piedra restaurant. |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer to your Hacienda in the Merida area |
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Days 8-10 |
Around Merid |