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.

Included Experiences

• Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
• Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader 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 on the morning of day two.

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.

Included Experiences

• Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Excursion: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 with Community Tours Sian Ka’an — a Maya-owned cooperative rooted in the heart of the reserve. Since 2000, the community has been committed to offering regenerative tourism experiences that protect the natural environment and celebrate cultural heritage. This G Adventures-supported initiative practices conservation while honouring the sacred bond between humans and nature. After the boat ride, hop 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Family Tour of Chichén Itzá with an Expert Guide: Meet up with a local expert and explore Chichén Itzá on a family-focused tour. Follow your trusty guides through this dramatic site, including a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and houses 26 Mayan Ruins in one place. Identify ruins like the Chichen Itza Pyramid also known as El Castillo, or El Caracol, the Observatory, the Temple of The Warriors, and the largest Maya ball court in the Americas–tlachtli. Wander around the ruins as your guide shares stories of the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization and use those imaginations to step back in time for a glimpse of what it might have been like to experience this sacred city and religious centre during its glory days.
• 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.

Explore Experiences

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.

Included Experiences

• Santa Bárbara Cenotes: It’s a kid’s dream! Think massive sinkholes full of cool, inviting water, surrounded by blue sky above. It’s no wonder it feels like you’ve entered another realm. Spend the day visiting different cenotes in Santa Bárbara and travel between them by the iconic Santa Bárbara express train, a unique experience for the entire family. Lunch will be served in between the adventurous swimming, and the spread will be Yucatán Regional staples like, Papadzules, Poc Chuc, and Sopa de Lima.

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.

Included Experiences

• Traditional Cochinita Pibil Meal Experience: Learn all about the traditional techniques of the preparation of cochinita pibil, one of the region's most beloved and delicious dishes. The method involves marinating pork in citrus and adding annatto seed which gives it a deep red colour, before then wrapping it in a banana leaf and slow-roasting it underground beneath a hot fire. Not into pork or meat? No problem, there are plenty of other delicious local delicacies available.
• Private Tour of a Working Hacienda: This immersive day trip includes a private tour of a nearby working hacienda, where you will learn the history of the ranch, Sip on a welcome drink as the staff takes you around the grounds. Then, visit the traditional rope-making factory and enjoy a refreshing swim in a private cenote. Later, you will attend a traditional Cochinita Pibil experience to learn the ancient Mayan art of preparing pork.

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.

Included Experiences

• Izamal Pyramid Visit & Ice Cream: Visit Izamal and the The Kinich Kakmó Pyramid, dedicated to the Sun God or "Fire Macaw". Spread across a sprawling three acres. Climb the steps to the top of this 110 ft / 34 m tall pyramid and enjoy views of the surrounding site. Dating back to the Pre-Classic period this is one of the oldest Mayan structures. The structure was also built over a cave which holds an important place in the religion and mythology of the Maya. After exploring head to town amid the yellow buildings and enjoy a nice cold ice cream.

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. In the evening there will be an included final group dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week well spent in a deeply historical part of the world.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a full free day as a family in Playa del Carmen. From hanging out on the beach to taking a day trip to Tulum, there are endless options to get out and enjoy this slice of paradise.

Optional Experiences

• Tulum Day Trip: Visit the only Mayan fortress in the world built in front of the turquoise sea. Spend this half day enjoying these beautifully located temples and learn about their important historical significance with your local guide. You will be transferred to and from your hotel for this excursion where your guide will offer more fascinating information about the history, architecture, and archaeology of the Mayan civilization as you explore ruins built over 800 years ago, boasting unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea. Be prepared for a seamless blend of ancient ruins and coastal beauty while you unravel the mysteries of this incredible culture and study the architectural style evident in the well-preserved frescoes you will see.
• Beach Time - Playa del Carmen: Choose to spend the day enjoying the gorgeous beaches of Playa del Carmen with your entire family. Lounge in the sand with a good book while the kids build sand castles and go for a swim in the refreshing, calm ocean water.
• Walk Along Fifth Avenue: Take a walk on Fifth Avenue, where you can find all of the shops, restaurants, and cute souvenirs to remember your time here. Fifth avenue is a pedestrian street that runs through the heart of Playa del Carmen. As you walk search for all of the different colourful homes and murals.

Explore Experiences

Depart at any time.