Riviera Maya Cenote Tour: a Fantastic Adventure in Yucatan and Quintana Roo (Small-Group / 9 Days)

Riviera Maya Cenote Tour: a Fantastic Adventure in Yucatan and Quintana Roo (Small-Group / 9 Days)
USD $2,168.00
  • Duration: 9 Days

Join our adventure tour to discover Mexico Yucatán, Cancun & Riviera Maya coast, and have a vacation full of unique and diverse activities! Arrive in Cancun and discover the Caribbean Sea's crystal clear waters on a boat tour before relaxing on the lovely white sand beaches of paradisicatic Holbox Island. Also, cool down in multiple cenotes, natural freshwater ponds formed by collapsing limestone, and immerse yourself in Mayan culture at the world-famous archeological sites. In addition, explore the stunning 7-color lagoon of Bacalar, visit a tequila factory, and the beautiful colonial towns of Merida and Valladolid. This is the ideal getaway for the island and beach enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in  Mexican history, culture, and nature. Come join us on our adventure trip to Mexico Cancun, Yucatán, and Riviera Maya!

Highlights

  • Swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea during an island boat trip on Holbox Island.
  • Chill out on the pristine, white sandy beaches of Riviera Maya.
  • Discover the rich colonial history, culture, and architecture of Merida and Valladolid.
  • Visit the captivating UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal.
  • Cool down and refresh yourself in multiple cenotes of Mexico Yucatán Peninsula.
  • Discover the stunning 7-Color Lagoon of Bacalar on a boat tour.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cancun

Start your trip in tropical Cancun, the most-famous resort city on Mexico Yucatán Peninsula known for its white-sand beaches, numerous resorts, and bustling nightlife. Arrive at the airport at any time and take an independent transfer by taxi/shuttle bus to your accommodation. Once there, take your time to rest or explore the city's numerous beaches. In the evening, meet your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting and dinner in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Cancun
  • Meals Included: welcome dinner
  • Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: Cancun - Holbox

In the morning, leave Cancun, take a ferry and continue your trip in Holbox, a beautiful island 12 km away from the coast of Mexico. Once there, walk around the island and explore the beauty of this idyllic place washed by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. In the afternoon, enjoy the stunning sunset on a 3 Island Boat Tour. In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Holbox Island
  • Meals Included: breakfast
  • Activities Included: 3 Island Boat tour in Holbox

Day 3: Holbox - Valladolid

In the morning, take your time to enjoy the sea, snorkel, or just relax on one of the white-sand beaches of Holbox. Then, in the afternoon, check out and take a ferry back to the mainland to explore colonial Valladolid. On your way, visit an artisanal tequila factory and taste different types of this typical Mexican spirit. Finally, once in Valladolid, visit the impressive San Servicio Church and see other attractions of this pretty historical town. In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Valladolid
  • Meals Included: breakfast
  • Activities Included: guided visits to artisanal tequila factory, walking tour of Valladolid

Day 4: Valladolid - Chichen Itza Archeological Zone - Cenote Ik Kil - Merida

In the morning, continue our "Mexico Yucatán, Cancun & Riviera Maya Adventures Trip" in the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza Archeological Zone to discover the fascinating history of the Mayans. Thereafter, have lunch and swim in the refreshing waters of the famous Cenote Ik Kil. Later, go to explore the charming colonial center of Merida protected by UNESCO. Finally, finish the day with an optional dinner with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Merida
  • Meals Included: breakfast, lunch
  • Activities Included: guided visit to Chichen Itza Archaeological Site; entrance to Cenote Ik Kil; walking tour of Merida

Day 5: Merida - Progreso - Cenote Peba - Hacienda Yaxcopoil - Uxmal Archeological Zone

In the morning, check out and transfer to artisanal salt flats on the Gulf Coast. Once there, appreciate its beautiful pink waters, learn about the production of sea salt and have a chance to spot gorgeous flamingos. Then, go to a nearby beach town of Progreso to leisurely walk down its malecón and have optional lunch in one of the beachside restaurants. Afterward, discover a unique Cenote Peba with crystal-clear waters and a relaxing environment. Later on, visit the charming 17th-century Hacienda Yaxcopoil which was one of the main producers of henequen in the country. In the evening, have an optional dinner and rest in your hotel before enjoying the stunning light show in the UNESCO-listed Uxmal Archeological Zone.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B near Uxmal Archeological Zone
  • Meals Included: breakfast
  • Activities Included: guided visits to artisanal salt flats, Cenote Peba, Hacienda Yaxcopoil; evening light show in Uxmal Archeological Zone

Day 6: Uxmal Archeological Zone - Ruta Puuc - Bacalar

In the morning, check out and go to explore Ruta Puuc, a magic place with ruins of several ancient Mayan cities. Some of them are completely buried with grass, trees, and lush vegetation, remarkably resembling those seen by the first archeologists at the turn of the 20th century. Once there, discover ancient Kabah and Sayil cities as well as Loltún Caves where evidence of human occupation goes back to 10,000 years. This is the best spot to get in touch with one of the most mysterious civilizations in the world! Then, transfer to the Magical Town of Bacalar to see its ancient colonial fort and compact historical center. Finally, in the evening, join your group for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Bacalar
  • Meals Included: breakfast
  • Activities Included: guided visits to Kabah and Sayil Archeological Zones and Loltún Caves; orientation walk of Bacalar

Day 7: Bacalar - Muyil Archeological Zone - Tulum

Firstly, take a boat tour of the Bacalar Lagoon to see its magically colored waters, beautiful islands, and cenotes in the morning. Afterward, go to discover Muyil, one of the earliest and longest inhabited Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Mexico Yucatán Peninsula. Once there, explore this enigmatic ancient place and enjoy incredible views of the jungle and Muyil Lagoon. Then, go to Tulum, a true jewel of Riviera Maya with over 10 kilometers of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Finally, after check-in and rest, join your Tour Leader and the rest of the group for an orientation walk in the center of Tulum and an optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Tulum
  • Meals Included: breakfast
  • Activities Included: boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon; orientation walk of Tulum

Day 8: Tulum - Cenote Manatee - Playa del Carmen

In the morning, discover Tulum, one of the most important archaeological sites in Riviera Maya, since it's the only one facing the Caribbean Sea. Once there, appreciate its beautiful landscape, and monumental structures and learn about its history. Then, visit the Cenote Manatee. Surrounded by mangroves, this uniquely-shaped open sinkhole has both fresh and saltwater fishes. After that, transfer to Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town known for its palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and nightlife. Once there, rest in your hotel before taking an orientation walk to its lively town center. Finally, get together with your group for an optional farewell dinner and in one of the local restaurants.

  • Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen
  • Meals Included: breakfast
  • Activities Included: guided visits to Tulum Archeological Zone; entrance to Cenote Manatee

Day 9: Playa del Carmen

Last day of our "Mexico Yucatán, Cancun & Riviera Maya Adventures Trip". So decide by yourself what time to leave or extend your vacations and stay longer!

  • Accommodation: n/a
  • Meals Included: n/a
  • Meals Included: breakfast

Why go with us

  • Small groups of up to 12 travelers: thus, closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures, and fun!
  • Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
  • The easy-going atmosphere of our tours is perfect for informal travel and making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

Logistics

  • ACCOMMODATIONS: All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre-and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 2 weeks before the departure when we send you final trip notes.
  • ROOM TYPES:
    • Shared Twin Room: Single bed in a twin room shared with another co-traveler of the same gender. This option is specifically designed for solo travelers and applies just to group departures.
    • Double/Twin Room: Private room for 2 people. You can choose between 1 double bed or 2 single beds.
    • Triple Room: Private room for 3 people. It normally has 1 double bed for 2 people and 1 single bed for 1 person.
    • Quad Room: Private room for 4 people. It normally has 2 double beds for 2 people each.

    If none of the room types above fits you, please contact us and we will send you a personalized quote.

  • TRANSPORT: The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan.
  • PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking and some hiking. Therefore, travelers should have moderate physical fitness condition.
  • ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for daily departures.
  • AGE: Due to the required physical condition, the recommended age of participants in this tour is 12-69 years. However, potential participants outside of the above-mentioned age group can still participate upon request if (1) they are in good physical condition (2) that will allow them to cope with the pace of the group tour.
  • WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes and shoes; swimming suit and slippers; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood and curiosity.
  • GROUP vs PRIVATE TOUR: Group tour - take a scheduled trip with other travelers. Private tour - take a trip on your own, with friends or family. Private tours are customizable (you can depart any day and we can add additional stops & activities on your request) and thus may cost more than group tours.
  • PRICE: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room option you choose.
  • VISA: All foreign visitors, regardless of their nationality, traveling to Mexico for tourism, business, or in transit to another destination, are exempt from presenting a Mexican visa as long as they have a valid visa issued by any of the following countries: Canada, Japan, the United States of America, the United Kingdom or any of the countries comprising the Schengen Area (more info).