Explore secret cenotes, ancient ruins and diverse wildlife whilst staying in the beautiful beaches and cultural cities of the Yucatan Peninsula

Personalised journeys from start to finish

Every trip helps support Conservation

Every detail taken care of

  • Personalised journeys from start to finish

  • Every trip helps support Conservation

  • Every detail taken care of

Itinerary highlights

  • Explore the cave network of Río Secreto
  • Go snorkelling in Akumal Bay
  • Discover the Yellow City of Izamal
  • Private tour of the Mayan sites of Uxmal and Kabah
  • Enjoy a boat excursion through the Celestun Biosphere Reserve

What's included

  • Private tour options in Cancun
  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Meet and greet airport service
  • Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
Use this itinerary to inspire your bespoke journey

At a glance

Settle into the rhythm of Mexican life with a few days in Playa del Carmen. Here you’ll uncover a magical world of underground caves and tropical marine life as you swim beside turtles and manta rays in calm, turquoise waters. Then begin your cultural experience with a private visit to Tulum archaeological site and the Coba Mayan ruins.

From here, head to the colourful city of Izamal where one of the Seven New Wonders of the World awaits: Chichen Itza, before spending an afternoon swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in a secret cenote – which you’ll have all to yourself.

A few days in Merida offers further cultural and wildlife encounters as you visit the Celestun Biosphere Reserve and a collection of Mayan ruins along the Puuc Route, while a luxury night’s stay at a beachfront hotel rounds off this ten-day holiday perfectly.

Example trip itinerary

Days 1-4

Playa del Carmen

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Meet and greet in Cancun airport

Transfer

Private transfer from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen hotel

Accommodation in Playa del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen
Three days exploring Playa Del Carmen Three days exploring Playa Del Carmen

One of the most serenely beautiful coastal areas of Mexico and a great place to switch off and enjoy the tranquil, tropical surroundings. There is a wide spectrum of activities to choose from: scuba diving on Isla Cozumel, trips to cenotes, fishing, sailing, watersports, golf, and visiting the wonderful Mayan sites of Tulum and Cobá.

Private tour of Rio Secreto Private tour of Rio Secreto

The recent discovery of Río Secreto, previously known as Pool Tunich, has brought much excitement to Quintana Roo. This system of caves, formed over centuries by an underground river is by far the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, but what makes Río Secreto even more special is the fact that it is semi-sunken. Most caves found in the Yucatan are underwater, and if you want to explore them, you must receive specialized training in cave diving. That requires lots of practice and study, as well as a hefty investment in diver certification and dive gear. Río Secreto has over twelve kilometers of semi-sunken cave mapped out with fifteen natural outlets located in different areas.

Rio Secreto: Caving Rio Secreto: Caving

This unique cave network has an underwater river with crystal clear water, dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. This system of caves, formed over centuries by an underground river is by far the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, but what makes Río Secreto even more special is the fact that it is semi-sunken, making it accessible. Río Secreto has over twelve kilometers of semi-sunken cave mapped out with fifteen natural outlets located in different areas.

Private Full Day Tour to Akumal and Tulum Ruins Private Full Day Tour to Akumal and Tulum Ruins

Today you will explore the fine white and wide beaches of Akumal. The calm and turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling with sea turtles seen during the day. This gem of the caribbean has three beautiful bays: half Moon Bay, Greater Akumal Bay, and Aventuras Akumal Bay. All of them are great for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming. Then continue with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum. This walled Maya city was occupied during the Postclassic period, late in the history of the Mayas, and is famous for its unique architectural style and beautiful setting overlooking the turquoise Caribbean sea. Admire the sculpture on the buildings as you wander through this lovely site.

Snorkelling in Akumal Bay Snorkelling in Akumal Bay

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred out to Akumal Bay to observe and snorkel with the colourful sea life. This is an exciting activity for experienced snorkelers or confident swimmers.

Private guided tour of Tulum Private guided tour of Tulum

Your private guide will meet you at your hotel in Tulum and you will be privately transferred to see the impressive archaeological site of Tulum. This pre-Columbian Mayan walled city is positioned on the edge of a cliff in Quintana Roo, overlooking the Caribbean ocean. This site was an important trade and religious centre, with highlights including the Temple Of The Frescoes which still features murals and sculptures.

Days 4-6

Izamal

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private Transfer to Izamal with Tour of Coba Mayan Ruins

Accommodation in Izamal

Two days exploring Izamal Two days exploring Izamal

Spend the next few days in the "Yellow City", or the "City of Three Cultures", Izamal. This picturesque, ancient city is a living Mayan town with an intriguing blend of Maya, Spanish and modern cultures. Visit Maya artisans’ homes and workshops with one of our expert local guides, take a traditional horse carriage ride down the 'calles', wander through the impressive atrium and interiors of the Monastery and tour the mezcal distillery.

Full day tour to Chichen Itza and Cenote Xocempich Full day tour to Chichen Itza and Cenote Xocempich

Today you will visit the impressive sights of Chichen Itza and Cenote Xocempich while travelling from Merida to Tulum.

The first stop shall take place approximately two hours into the journey at the ancient and internationally renowned archaeological site Castillo. This striking pyramid, built by the Maya, is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. During the morning you will also visit other main constructions plus the Sacred Cenote where many sacrificial offerings have been discovered.

A twenty minute drive from Chichen Itza is Xocempich where a private cenote is based on the ruins of an age-old ranch.The afternoon will be spent here with the cenote all to yourself. You will have the chance to relax, swim and snorkel in the clear turquoise waters. Lunch will be served below the grand old trees in a fête champêtre style.

Your driver will then transfer you to your hotel in Tulum which will take approximately two hours.

Xocempich Cenote Xocempich Cenote

Xocempich, a private cenote, stands on the ruins of a historic ranch. This unique area offers for a refreshing treat open only to select travellers. Swim or snorkel in the cenote’s crystalline waters and relax for hours in total privacy.

Private lunch at Xocempich Cenote Private lunch at Xocempich Cenote

After your refreshing swim at this historic area, you'll enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch in the grounds of the Xocempich cenote.

Days 6-9

Mérida

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer from Izamal to Merida

Accommodation in Mérida

Private half day city tour of Merida & shopping Private half day city tour of Merida & shopping

You will be picked up in the morning from your hotel for a private tour of the historic centre of Merida, which includes the main plaza (zocalo), markets, museum of Canton Palace, the Cathedral, the Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland) and Paseo Montejo, based on French boulevards. In the afternoon, your guide will advise you on the best spots to buy locally made souvenirs and artisan products in the city.

Three days exploring Merida Three days exploring Merida

Enjoy time in Merida, seen as the capital of Yucatan Peninsula, where a lot of its economic and cultural activities take place, not to mention being the most sophisticated base from which to explore all the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins along the Puuc route.

Celestun Biosphere Reserve Celestun Biosphere Reserve

Today you will explore the fascinating Celestún, a nature preserve on the Yucatán’s gulf coast. A boat excursion takes you deep inside the estuary and bordering mangrove forests where you will find American flamingos and dozens of other bird species. You will get the chance to swim in a natural spring and visit the town of Celestún, an authentic fishing village, practically frozen in time. Then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local beachside restaurant. Best of all you’ll have plenty of time for relaxing on the beach.

Labna ruins, Yucatan, Mexico
Private tour of the Puuc Route Private tour of the Puuc Route

The Puuc Route (or Ruta Puuc), is the name given to a collection of Mayan ruin sites about halfway between the cities of Merida and Campeche in the Yucatan Peninsula. Your private guide and vehicle will collect you from your hotel and take you to a selection of sites along this route, providing private tours at each complete with historical background and cultural insights.

Private tour of Uxmal Private tour of Uxmal

Today 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. They will fill you in on all the history behind each site, helping to bring alive the legends, myths and theories, whilst you enjoy their spectacular jungle setting and marvel at the wonders of Mexico’s sophisticated pre-Colombian civilisation. Private transfer back to Merida at the end of the day.

Kabah Kabah

Your private guide will take you to the archaeological ruins of Kabah, just to the south of the Uxmal complex. They will fill you in on all the history behind each site, helping to bring alive the legends, myths and theories, whilst you enjoy their 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, whose facade is covered with repetitious masks of Chaac. The site also has a number of other palaces, low stone buildings, and step-pyramid temples.

Lunch at  Hacienda Xocnaceh Lunch at Hacienda Xocnaceh

Xocnaceh produced cattle and henequen, the “green gold” that brought tremendous wealth to the Yucatán in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At Xocnaceh you’ll meet the hacienda caretaker, who describes the medicinal properties of the plants that surround his house. After a refreshing dip in the old irrigation tank, lunch is served in the ruined hacienda church. You will be returned to your hotel or hacienda at the end of the day's tour.

Days 9-10

Cancun

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer from Merida to Cancun

Accommodation in Cancun

Two days relaxing in Cancun Two days relaxing in Cancun

Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sun and sand and take in Cancun's night-life and dining opportunities during your time here. Cancun is the perfect place to rest up and rejuvinate after your Mexican adventure

Flights & transfers

Transfer

Private transfer from your Cancun hotel to Cancun International airport

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Turtles, Temples and Flamingos: A Yucatan Adventure

10-Day Example Trip
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Every trip helps support Conservation.

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