Solo-ish Mexico

Welcome to Playa del Carmen. Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport, then join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting before an authentic taco crawl experience featuring the best local carts from around town. Get to know your other Solo-ish travellers while walking through the lively streets and find the most delicious tacos led by your trusty CEO. Learn more about Mexican cuisine and witness for yourself how the joy of sharing a meal has the power to bring strangers together.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
• Taco Food Crawl: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive taco truck walking tour with your CEO in the lead. Gain a true sense of the atmosphere in Playa del Carmen and listen as your CEO tells stories and offers facts about Mexican cuisine, while you fill up on the delicious tacos from the best local spots in town.

Today is all about the impressive historical sites and local communities of the Yucatán. Beginning with a guided tour of the most iconic Mayan ruin to visit in Mexico, Chichen Itzá. Join your local expert who will teach you about the area, including the great pyramid and largest Maya ball court in the Americas. Gain a sense of Mexico’s past and imagine how life must have looked and felt in this deeply spiritual place. Then, head to a nearby local community for a demonstration of how cochinita pibil is prepared, a traditional and delicious regional delicacy made from many different ingredients and then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked. Deepen your connections to the landscape and its generations of people working to live from its soil by walking through the community, learning about day to day life, and sitting down for a delicious meal together bridging the gap between differences and sharing what we all have in common, curiosity and love. Arrive in Valladolid in the early evening and treat yourself to dinner. After a full day, a little alone time might be just what you need.

Included Experiences

• Unforgettable Highlights of the Yucatan: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Begin with a guided visit to Chichén Itzá and learn about the beliefs and rituals that have defined the ancient Mayan civilization. Visit the 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides. Then, stop by other area like, the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery. Afterwards, travel about an hour to the community of Yaxunah, located in the central part of the state of Yucatán. Enjoy an introduction to the community's history as well as demonstration of how Cochinita Pibil is made. The visit will end with some tortilla making and a group lunch alongside a local family.
• Yaxunah Community Visit: The community of Yaxunah is located in the central part of the state of Yucatán, México about 19km southwest of the great Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá. This location itself is historical with ruins of colonial era haciendas and a nearby church. During your visit here, the group will be given an introduction to the community's history as well as you’ll be welcomed with an explanation of Yucatecan food and their ingredients, then learn how "Escabeche" is prepared and then come together and enjoy lunch with the community. More than just tasting, this experience will provide travellers with a deeper understanding of the story behind each ingredient, connecting with the people who prepare it, and experiencing Yucatán with all your senses.
• Free Time: Enjoy a free evening in Valladolid on your own. Choose to grab dinner and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and connecting with locals.

Prepare to experience what G does best and enjoy an unforgettable day in the Yucatán. Begin the morning in Valladolid with breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to Merída with a stop along the way at some local cenotes. These giant holes in the earth filled with clear, blue water in the lush foliage of the jungle evoke a different world. Lose yourself in time as you swim in these inviting pools, floating on your back and staring up at the open sky above. Lunch will be served along the way and you should be on the lookout for a fun surprise before reaching Merída in the evening. Upon arrival, set off with a local guide on a walking tour. Get to know the layout of the area, stop by some of the iconic landmarks, and learn more about the history and culture of this place, including one last stop for dessert along the way. Native to the area, marquesitas are crepes rolled and filled with various sweets like condensed milk, cajeta, or queso de bola. Try some for yourself in one of the local stands. The remainder of the evening is free to do your own thing or to join up for an optional dinner out with the group at one of the CEO's local favourites.

Included Experiences

• Mérída City Tour: Set off with a local guide on a city tour of Mérida. This vibrant capital of the Yucatán is rich in Mayan and colonial influences. Visit the city's focal point at Plaza de la Independencia, the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral, and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden. All the while you will be learning the layout of the city while witnessing locals going about their daily lives here. End the tour with a deliciously sweet marquesita.
• A Magical Day of Cenotes: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Head out in the morning after breakfast and travel deeper into the jungle. Visit some cenotes, or natural sinkholes in the earth that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Swim in the refreshing water and cool off from the hear before a delicious lunch to build those energy levels back up for more swimming. Be on the lookout for your G surprise before arriving in Merída for a free evening to yourself.

Take advantage of a free day to head out on one of many fantastic optional excursions in and around Mérida or to explore on your own. Perhaps visit to the Uxmal ruins, the anthropological museum, or head back to another cenote if you didn’t get enough yesterday.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: The entire day is yours to do as you please. Explore on your own, choose to visit museums, or local sites, and if you need ideas, just ask your CEO because the options are practically endless.

Optional Experiences

• Uxmal Ruins Visit: Founded in 700 AD, magical Uxmal was once home to as many as 25,000 Mayans. Located 62km (38 mi) south of Merida, in Yucatán’s Puuc ("hill" or "chain of low mountains") region, this UNESCO World Heritage Centre represents the pinnacle of late Maya art and architecture. Wander the site, see the Pyramid of the Magician, and visit nearby Kabah, one of three neighbouring sites. (70-110 USD per person)
• Anthropology Museum Visit: Installed on two floors of a refurbished mansion, this museum is considered to be one of the most important collections of Pre-Columbian Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula. Learn everything there is to know about Mayan society, from war to writing, art to architecture, calendars, customs and offerings to the dead.
• Celestún Bird Watching: Drive approx 2 hrs to Celestún and take a boat ride in search of pink flamingos and other birds in the Parque Natural del Flamenco Mexicano (or Celestun Biosphere Reserve). This wetland is the winter home to flocks of thousands of flamingos, as well as herons, ducks, and pelicans; more than 200 species migrate or live here year-round. Celestun is also a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. (70-80 USD per person)

Hit the road today and leave Merída behind as the group drives south to the small town of Bacalar. Located all the way at the bottom of the Yucatán’s west coast, and close to the Belize border, this charming village should be on every travellers’ bucket list. Cross a time zone and arrive in the afternoon with some time to enjoy the town by yourself. Visit the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”, book a boat trip, or check out Los Rapidos for some active adventure. Bacalar is still relatively off the beaten path and a great place to relax and unplug.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: The afternoon belongs to you and Bacalar is the perfect place for some downtime to relax. Optional activities in the area range from exploring the San Felipe Bacalar Fort, or visiting the famous lagoon for some kayaking on the water.

Optional Experiences

• Kayaking: Throw on a lifejacket and paddle the pale blue waters of Laguna Bacalar. Bring a camera to capture the surreal beauty of the mineral-infused lake. (10-12 USD per person)
• Fortress Exploration: Built in 1729, the San Felipe Bacalar fort was built by the Spanish hoping to fend off further pirate attacks. See the original stone walls, with canons facing out to the sea. The fort is built in the form of a four-pointed star and is surrounded by a moat.

Awake to the sounds of Bacalar coming to life as the locals go about their daily routines. Then, take the day entirely for yourself! That’s right, the choice really is all yours. Choose to have a slow morning and wander around on your own. You can also choose to join your CEO on a walk to the San Felipe fortress. Later, keep the solo vibes going and have a night to yourself, or grab a buddy and find a fun spot to try some regional food staples.

Included Experiences

• Bacalar Me Day: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a local activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

After breakfast, the group will travel north up the coast to Tulum. Upon arrival, head out for a guided visit of the ruins to the only Mayan city built on a coast. Enjoy time exploring the ruins, learn more about their significance, and head down to the nearby beach for free time to swim or lay on the sand in the sun while the waves crash in the distance. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to shop, eat, and sightsee on your own in town.

Included Experiences

• Tulum Ruins Visit: The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit “El Castillo” (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
• Free Time: Take this time to soak in the spectacular coastline of Tulum. Swim in the cobalt waters off of the white sand beaches. Hunt down some delicious street food and have a picnic in the sand. Or simply window shop and find a nice spot to sit down and do some journaling or people watching.

Today, you’ll visit the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, also known as “The Place Where the Sky is Born”. Known for its wetlands and vast biodiversity, the area is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel by boat along a network of canals that were dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like tropical birds, monkeys, and crocodiles as you float along. Keep an eye out for Mayan ruins in the mangrove forests as you go. Return to Tulum in the afternoon and spend the remaining time on your own. Relax on the beach, walk down the main street, or simply read a good book in the sand. Tonight, perhaps you’ll choose to have dinner together to celebrate the end of a successful Solo-ish adventure.

Included Experiences

• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Canal Float: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment. Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon before hopping into the crystal clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down stream. It's just you, the sound of chirping birds, and the fish swimming around your feet - pure paradise!
• Free Time: Enjoy time to yourself in Tulum. Hit the beach, read a book in the sun, or walk down the main street and get some exercise under the swaying palms.

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.