Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights

8 Days | Discover Maya ruins, colonial towns and pristine beaches in Mexico

4.4 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $4,140
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Vibrant in every way, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula delights with its bright turquoise waters, pastel-hued buildings and traditional culture that’s still alive and kicking today. Soak up the region’s best on an eight-day Premium adventure, from the bountiful coastline of Riviera Maya to the colourful city of Valladolid, the colonial town of Merida and the white sand beaches of Tulum. Learn the ancient secrets of the Maya during visits to Chichen Itza, Muyil and the Tulum archaeological site, and travel with a local guide, meet local Maya families, conservationists and historians to uncover a side of the country most don’t get to see.

Trip overview

Map of Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights including Mexico
Start
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Finish
Tulum, Mexico
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Mexico
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
QBPN
This trip generates 63 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Premium accommodation
Premium experiences
Premium knowledge

Why you'll love this trip
  • Visit the spectacular ruins of Chichen Itza, Muyil and Tulum where your local leader and expert guides will bring thousands of years of Maya history to life.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of local life during Exclusive Experience with a visit to the secluded Laguna Chabela Maya community, where you’ll learn how modern Maya people preserve the traditions of their ancestors and try your hand and making a tortilla before sitting down to a delicious feast in the jungle.
  • Enjoy the old-world charm of your Feature Stay accommodation in Merida – an historic 17th century mansion turned boutique hotel with elegant decor and traditional touches.
  • Enjoy an Exclusive Experience at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve, a bird-lover’s dream. Learn about conservation efforts while looking out for colourful flora and fauna on a boat ride, and glimpse gorgeous natural springs before stopping by the Gulf of Mexico for a swim in the warm waters.
  • Swim in a cenote, float down the crystal-clear Muyil canals created by the Maya over 1,000 years ago, and visit a laid-back beach club in Tulum to make the best of the Yucatan peninsula with exclusive Premium experiences.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites can involve a lot of walking. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes. To make the most of the trip, it's best if you have at least a moderate level of fitness.
  • The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.

Itinerary

Map of Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights including Mexico

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (4 nights), Feature Stay (3 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Playa del Carmen - Welcome Dinner
  • Valladolid - Home-cooked lunch
  • Valladolid - Tortilla making demonstration
  • Valladolid - Mayan homestead visit
  • Chichen Itza - Cenote swim stop
  • Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site with local guide
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour
  • Tulum - Muyil river float
  • Tulum - Muyil archaeological site with local guide
  • Tulum - Archaeological site visit
  • Tulum - Farewell Dinner
  • Tulum – Beach Club Visit
Add on activities
  • Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan - MXN90
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) - MXN1400

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option.
4. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Anthony · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024

Victoria · Traveled February 2024
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024

Paula · Traveled November 2023
Our intrepid trip premium trip was fantastic in relation to amazing activities & experiences however not premium in relation to hotels which was a shame , hotels were safe & well located however needs improvement, Our tour guide was fantastic Thankyou
Review submitted 26 Nov 2023

Jane · Traveled October 2023
A wonderful holiday, so many inclusions, knowledgeable tour leader and great local guides. Truely an unforgettable experience!!
Review submitted 28 Oct 2023

Alan · Traveled September 2023
A great experience to a new country. A good balance between history and ruins, and natural features such as bird sanctuary, Mayan canals Cenote and beach clubs.
Review submitted 09 Oct 2023
Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights
From
NZD $4,140