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> Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán
Trip Length
8 Days
Trip Starts
Playa del Carmen
Trip Finishes
Playa del Carmen
Countries Explored:
Mexico
Trip Style
National Geographic Family Journeys
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
20
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CMPNF
Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 8 Day Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán. The Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect destination for explorers of all ages. Full of marine life, Maya ruins, and wildlife-packed jungles, this 8-day journey through some of Mexico’s must-see historical sites–small towns, cenotes, and reserves, offers the perfect educational experience for the entire family to share. Go on a jeep safari on the island of Cozumel, visit the remarkable wildlife in Celestún, marvel at the largest pyramid at Chichen Itza, visit a small Maya community and enjoy...read more some ice cream in Izamal. The perfect blend of cross-cultural connections, history, and exploration that will provide a lifetime of memories for your whole family.
Itinerary
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. Stay: Hotel Acanto Playa del Carmen
Your adventure-filled day begins with a ferry ride to the island of Cozumel. Protected by offshore reefs, Cozumel was sparsely populated, but pirates and trading ships often sought shelter and replenished their supplies here. During the Mayan period the island was used as a commercial and ceremonial centre, making it home to several small archaeological sites with deep historical significance. Travel by jeep on an island safari while learning about the land and efforts to protect the nearby reefs. Swim in the clear waters, enjoy lunch with a view, and listen to stories of the ancient Maya. Return to the hotel in Playa del Carmen where dinner will be at your leisure. Stay: Hotel Acanto Playa del Carmen (B/L)
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. Attend a demonstration on how the traditional Cochinita Pibil dish is made and prepare for a hands-on tortilla-making experience as a family before sitting down for a delicious lunch together. Arrive in Merída in the early evening and have dinner on your own. Stay: Hotel Wyndham Merida (B/L)
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. Stay: Hotel Wyndham Merida (B/L)
Spend part of the day observing wildlife in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve with knowledgeable local guides. In the reserve there are over 200 species of birds that migrate or live here year-round. The area also serves as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. During winter the wetland boasts flocks of thousands of flamingos, offering quite a sight. Be sure to remain on the lookout for other wildlife like herons, ducks and pelicans. This immersive experience offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about and appreciate diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The afternoon back in Merída will be free to explore as you choose. Stay: Hotel Wyndham Merida (B/L)
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. Stay: Hotel Acanto Playa del Carmen (B/L)
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. Stay: Hotel Acanto Playa del Carmen (B/D)
Depart at any time. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Embark on an island safari by jeep and ride to some of Cozumel's idyllic beaches and archaeological sites.
- Channel your inner explorer at Chichen Itzá the site of the iconic El Castillo pyramid and a treasure trove of Maya ruins.
- Be on the lookout for local wildlife like flamingos crocodiles and sea turtles during a half-day excursion into the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.
- Travel into the jungle for a swim in cenotes—natural sinkholes that were sacred to the ancient Maya.
- Participate in communal life in the Maya community of Yaxunah where you’ll prepare a historical dish incorporating ancient Maya techniques.
- Your G for Good Moment: Yaxunah Community Visit & Cochinita Pibil, Yaxuná
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Family Journeys Moment: Family Tour of Chichén Itzá with an Expert Guide, Chichén-Itzá
- Your Family Journeys Moment: Santa Bárbara Cenotes, Mérida
- Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen
- Complimentary arrival transfer
- Day tour of Cozumel with ruins, snorkeling, and beach time
- Celestún Biosphere Reserve visit with a boat ride on the river and free time at the beach for water activities
- Visit Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and climb the many steps
- Enjoy an ice cream before the drive back to Playa del Carmen
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hotels (7 Nights)
- Rooming is based on double occupancy (2 passengers / 2 beds per room); all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will try to accommodate triples/quad requests whenever possible and it's important to note that rooming configuration can change from city to city and 2 single beds are the standard configuration in a room.
- Please remember that hotel/lodge standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
- Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides
- 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
- Private vehicle, boat, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Brochure
G Adventures National Geographic Journeys (2025)
National Geographic Journeys offer an in-depth look into the culture and history of your destination. Paired with G Adventures’ nearly 30 years of experience in community-focused small group tours, you can expect a travel experience like no other.
Availability
USD
Sunday
13 Jul 2025
Sunday
20 Jul 2025
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$3,699
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Sunday
27 Jul 2025
Sunday
03 Aug 2025
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$3,699
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Sunday
10 Aug 2025
Sunday
17 Aug 2025
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$3,699
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Sunday
24 Aug 2025
Sunday
31 Aug 2025
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$3,699
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Sunday
21 Dec 2025
Sunday
28 Dec 2025
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From:
$3,999
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from G Adventures. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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