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Overview
Follow the Mayan Route Tour, from the Caribbean to the Mexican Pacific coast. From the ruins of Tulum to UNESCO-listed cuisine, you’ll find countless ways to savor this adventure. Dive into the inviting waters of the Mayan coral reef, stroll through timeless ruins, and uncover the hidden treasures of Yucatan. Along the way, you’ll encounter flamingos, explore enchanting cenotes, and unravel the mysteries of ancient civilizations. This trip is a breathtaking exploration of Mexico’s wonders!
Highlights
- Sunbath on fine white-sand beaches and swim in the clear blue-green waters in Playa del Carmen.
- Have a swim and enjoy and incomparable beauty of Agua Azul, a series of spectacular waterfalls in Chiapas.
- Take a boat trip in Sumidero Canyon to see impressive waterfalls, mystical caves, and incredibly steep cliffs.
- Witness fascinating ancient rituals and beliefs blended with modern Christianity in San Juan Chamula.
- Admire the grandeur of the buildings and the craftsmanship of the sculpted Mayan reliefs in Palenque.
How is this tour different?
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Itinerary
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Get ready for the Mayan Route Tour! Arrive at any time and transfer to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen – Cancun International Airport is just 50 km away and is frequently served by taxis and buses. An idyllic place in the heart of the Riviera Maya with fine white sand and blue-green waters, Playa del Carmen is a place where you’ll always find a hammock and an umbrella to sunbathe and rest. If you prefer action, you’ll find water activities such as windsurfing, jet skis, kayaking, or diving in the impressive Mayan coral reef.
Meet your group and Tour Leader on Saturday evening: informational meeting, welcome dinner, and optional get-together with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen
- Meals Included: dinner
- Activities Included: welcome meeting
Day 2: Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a free program today, allowing you to relax and unwind as you please. Soak up the sun on the beach, sipping a refreshing cocktail while enjoying the crystal-clear waters and soft sand beneath your feet.
For those looking for adventure, there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, including scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing, or even ATV riding—the perfect way to get your adrenaline pumping.
Alternatively, you can take a day trip to explore some of the local natural attractions or Mayan ruins, uncovering the ancient history and breathtaking landscapes of the area. After a day full of relaxation or exploration, meet up with your group for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants. Share stories of your adventures and enjoy the atmosphere of the evening.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen
- Meals Included: breakfast
Day 3: Playa del Carmen - Tulum - Valladolid
In the morning, we’ll kick off our day with a visit to Tulum, home to the only Mayan ruins in Mexico located directly on the beach. Explore the ancient site and learn about its rich history while strolling through various parts of the ruins, taking in breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Valladolid, once known as the Sultana of the East. This charming city, Yucatan’s third-largest, is known for its quiet, picturesque streets and sun-drenched pastel-colored walls.
After arriving and checking in, join your group for a guided walk through the historic center of Valladolid. Immerse yourself in the town’s charm, exploring its colonial architecture and cultural heritage.
As the evening settles in, gather with your group for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants, where you can share stories and experiences from your adventures.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Valladolid
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: guided visit to Tulum Archeological Zone, orientation walk in Valladolid
- Driving Distances: Playa del Carmen – Tulum (~65 km ~ 1 h). Tulum – Valladolid (~100 km ~ 1.5 h).
Day 4: Valladolid - Cenote Ik Kil - Chichen Itza - Celestun
In the morning, continue your Mayan Route Tour with a visit to Ik Kil, one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. Revered as sacred by the ancient Maya, this cenote was once the site of rituals, including human sacrifices to honor their rain god.
Afterward, we’ll head to Chichen Itza, one of the most iconic and best-preserved Mayan archaeological sites. Known worldwide, it’s recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Here, explore the magnificent temples, pyramids, and other remarkable structures, all while learning about the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya.
In the evening, we’ll arrive in Celestun, a tranquil beach town near the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Check in to your accommodation, then gather with your group for an optional dinner and get-together at a local restaurant to share experiences from the day’s adventure.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Celestun
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: guided visit to Chichen Itza Archeological Zone, entrance to Ik Kil cenote
- Driving Distances: Valladolid – Cenote Ik Kil (~3 km ~ 10 min). Cenote Ik Kil – Chichén Itzá (~3 km ~ 10 min). Chichén Itzá – Celestún (~302 km ~ 4.5 h).
Day 5: Celestun - Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Campeche
In the morning, hop on a flamingo-watching boat tour through the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-listed site known for its natural beauty. Here, you’ll have the chance to observe pink flamingos and other bird species in their native habitat. Afterward, visit a cenote to cool off and immerse yourself in this tranquil environment.
In the afternoon, arrive in Campeche and check in to your accommodation. Take a guided walk through the historic center, where you’ll explore the city’s UNESCO-listed colonial architecture. Stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, admire the pastel-colored buildings, and marvel at the restored mansions and fortified ramparts.
Enjoy some free time to further discover the charm of this historical town. In the evening, gather for an optional dinner
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Campeche
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: entrance and boat tour in Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, guided walk in Campeche
- Driving Distances: Celestún – Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve (~5 km ~ 10 min). Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve – Campeche (~260 km ~ 4 h).
Day 6: Campeche - Miguel Colorado Cenotes - Palenque
In the afternoon, after a visit to the 19th-century Fort of San Miguel in the suburbs of Campeche, head to Miguel Colorado Cenotes. With two large scenic limestone sinkholes, this place offers great opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and zip-lining. You can also hike along its hilly, rocky trails keeping an eye out for spiders and howler monkeys.
Afterward, in the afternoon, go to explore the UNESCO-listed Palenque Archeological Zone. A prime example of a Mayan sanctuary of the classical period, it flourished between AD 500 and 700, when its influence extended throughout the basin of the Usumacinta River. Hereafter, move to our last stop of the day – a nearby “Magical Town” of Palenque.
Check-in, guided walk in the historic center of the town, optional dinner, and get-together with the group in the evening.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Palenque
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: guided visit to Fort of San Miguel, Palenque Archeological Zone, and Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, swimming, zip-lining, monkey watching)
- Driving Distances: Campeche – Miguel Colorado Cenotes (~155 km ~ 2.5 h). Miguel Colorado Cenotes – Palenque (~370 km ~ 6 h).
Day 7: Palenque - Agua Azul and Misol-Ha Waterfalls - San Juan Chamula - San Cristobal de las Casas
In the morning, continue our Mayan Route Tour with visits to two stunning waterfalls: the cascading Agua Azul falls, where you can marvel at the beauty of the turquoise waters, followed by a refreshing swim in the mineral-rich pool beneath the 35-meter tall Misol-Ha waterfall.
Next, head to San Juan Chamula, a fascinating village known for its unique religious practices. The community, part of the Tzotzil ethnic group, blends traditional Mayan beliefs with Catholicism in a remarkable way, creating an extraordinary cultural experience.
In the evening, arrive in the charming town of San Cristobal de las Casas. After checking in, take a leisurely walk through the historic center, soaking in the town’s colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy an optional dinner and a get-together with your fellow travelers at one of the local restaurants to end the day.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: walking in San Juan Chamula and San Cristobal de las Casas, visits to Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls
- Driving Distances: Palenque – Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls (~69 km ~ 1.5 h). Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls – San Juan Chamula (~154 km ~ 3.5 h). San Juan Chamula – San Cristóbal de las Casas (~10 km ~ 20 min).
Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas - Canyon Sumidero - Chiapa de Corzo
In the morning, begin your adventure with a boat trip through the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon. Marvel at impressive waterfalls, explore mystical caves, and stand in awe at the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors made their final stand, choosing death over surrender to the Spanish Conquistadors.
Afterward, continue the Mayan Route Tour in Chiapa de Corzo, one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas. Known for its picturesque Grijalva River, friendly locals, and vibrant Renaissance architecture, the town offers a perfect blend of history and charm.
Check in to your accommodation and enjoy an orientation walk through the historic center, where you’ll learn about the town’s rich culture and heritage. In the evening, join the group for an optional dinner and get-together at one of the local restaurants, where you can reflect on the day’s experiences.
- Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Chiapa de Corzo
- Meals Included: breakfast
- Activities Included: boat tour of Sumidero Canyon, orientation walk in Chiapa de Corzo
- Driving Distances: San Cristóbal de las Casas – Cañón del Sumidero (~77 km ~ 2 h). Cañón del Sumidero – Chiapa de Corzo (~5 km ~ 10 min).
Day 9: Chiapa de Corzo
On the last day of the Mayan Route Tour, enjoy a free program to relax or explore at your own pace. Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport, located about 30 km from Chiapa de Corzo, is easily accessible by both taxis and buses. You can depart the same day, extend your stay, or join one of our upcoming adventures! The choice is yours to make the most of your time in this beautiful region.
- Meals Included: breakfast
Prices
- This tour is private: only your group will participate.
- The price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group (please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar ➡️ to see the final price).
Inclusions
Included ✅
Local Expert Guides
English/Spanish Tour Leader service
Accommodation
8x nights in conveniently located, locally-owned hotels/B&Bs
Transportation
Private vehicle
Meals
8x breakfasts, 1x dinner
Activities
Walking Tours and Orientation Walks: Chiapa de Corzo, San Juan de Chamula, San Cristobal de las Casas, Campeche, Valladolid, Playa del Carmen.
History and Culture Experiences: guided visits to the Fort of San Miguel (Campeche); 3x archeological zones – Palenque, Chichen Itza, Tulum.
Nature Experiences: Canyon Sumidero (boat tour); Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, ziplining, swimming); 2x waterfalls – Agua Azul and Misol-Ha (swimming); Cenote Ik Kil (swimming); Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve (flamingo-watching boat tour, visit of a cenote).
Excluded ❌
Personal expenses
Flights
Flights are not included: check our partner deals.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not included: find insurance tailored for you.
Tips
Details
| Minimum number of participants |
Manual confirmation (if a minimum number of participants is not met, we may cancel and fully refund your booking). |
| Meeting Point | The tour starts with a welcome meeting in the lobby of your hotel (exact name and location to be provided in trip notes before the tour). |
| Departure Time | Exact time to be confirmed |
| Languages |
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| Suitability |
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| What to take with you? |
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| Accesibility | 🛑 Not wheelchair accessible. |
| Pets | 🛑 Not permitted. |
| Things to know before booking |
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Cancellations
Cancellation fees depend on the number of days before the Tour start date (also applies to all extra services booked, such as airport transfers, pre-/post-tour accommodations, additional activities, etc.):
- 60+ days before: 0% of the remaining payment
- 30–59 days before: 25%
- 15–29 days before: 50%
- Less than 15 days before, or no-show: 100%
No cancellation fee applies if a substitute participant is arranged.
Please see our Cancellation Policy for more info.
Frequently asked questions:
How do I book a multi-day tour?
Booking is simple: choose whether you want to join a group tour or book a private tour, select your desired tour and dates on our website, complete the booking form, and securely pay online. You’ll then receive a confirmation email with all the details.
What is included in the tour price?
- Accommodation in centrally located, tourist-class hotels or guesthouses with private facilities
- Transportation between destinations (car, 7-seater, or van, depending on group size)
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts
- Services of a local bilingual tour leader
How many participants are needed to confirm a group tour?
What happens if there aren't enough participants?
If, at the time of booking, your selected tour and departure date don’t have enough participants to confirm, we typically offer the following options:
- Wait for more bookings: We can temporarily confirm your spot, but please note that we reserve the right to cancel the booking and issue a full refund if the group doesn’t meet the minimum number of participants at least 1 month before departure.
- Book a private departure: Click “Check availability” to see pricing options. With a private departure, the tour is exclusively for your group, and you can modify the itinerary (subject to confirmation) and choose any departure date for more flexibility with flights.
- Invite more companions to join your group tour: By bringing in more people to meet the minimum number of participants, we can immediately confirm the departure.
- Join a confirmed group departure: If your schedule is flexible, you can join one of our other confirmed group departures at a discounted rate.
Can I book a private tour instead of a group one?
Yes. Private tours are customizable and can depart any day. Additional activities or stops can be added at your request (subject to price modifications).
Why does the price per person change when booking private tours?
As a significant part of the tour costs are fixed, the price per person is variable and depends on the size of your group. The more people you book for, the lower the price per person becomes. Please choose the number of participants in the booking calendar to see the final price.
Are flights included?
No, flights from your place of residence and the starting location of the tour are not included. However, we are always happy to help you find the best deals (contact us if you need assistance). You can also check flight options on the website we personally use and recommend to our customers.
What hotels will I stay in?
An exact list of accommodations will be sent together with trip notes 2 weeks before the departure date. All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class (3* or similar), locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. We can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than 1 month before departure when the sales for the tour are closed, and we know the final number of participants. If you're interested in exact locations, contact us, and we will send you a list of accommodations we used on previous departures (subject to change based on availability).
What types of rooms are available?
- Single Room: 1 person, 1 bed
- Double Room: 2 people, 1 double bed
- Twin Room: 2 people, 2 single beds
- Triple Room: 3 people, 1 double + 1 single bed
- Quad Room: 4 people, 2 double beds
Is there a single supplement fee?
Yes. Solo travelers should book a single room, which will have a slightly higher price compared to sharing with another traveler. If preferred, we can also pair you with another traveler of the same gender (subject to availability) to avoid the supplement. If you are interested, please book a single room and mention it in the “Special requirements” section. If we find another person on the same departure who wants to share a twin room, we will refund the proportional difference. Otherwise, your booking as a single room will remain.
Is there any age limit for participants?
Our multi-day tours with group departures are designed for travelers aged 12–69 with moderate physical fitness. Participants outside this range may still join if they are in good condition and can keep up with the group’s pace. If you are confident you can maintain the pace with the activities of the tour or a group departure, feel free to book the tour or contact us in advance if you have any doubts. Private departures generally do not have age limitations due to customization of pace and itinerary.
Is the tour accessible for travelers with reduced mobility?
Unless you have a companion who can assist you with a wheelchair, small-group tour departures are generally not wheelchair accessible, and pets are not permitted. Given the possible customization of the pace and itinerary, private tours are generally more likely to accommodate travelers with reduced mobility (subject to confirmation; contact us for more info).
What should I pack for the tour?
- Comfortable weather-appropriate clothes and walking shoes
- Swimming suit and slippers
- Small backpack for daily excursions
- Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Personal ID, some cash in local currency, and travel insurance
- Good mood and curiosity!
Are meals included?
Most of our multi-day tours include daily breakfasts. Lunches and dinners are usually not included, so you can explore local cuisine. Your guide will recommend and take you to good-value, local restaurants. Included gastronomic experiences can usually accommodate common dietary restrictions, but special diets may not always be fully guaranteed.
Can children, seniors, or solo travelers join?
Yes. The tour is suitable for couples, families, seniors, solo travelers, youth, women-only groups, and LGBT+ travelers. Please consider the physical activity level before booking.
How many people are usually in a group?
Our small-group tours usually have 6–12 participants, creating a friendly and personalized experience.
What is the average daily travel distance?
It depends on the tour and the day of the tour—some days we stay in one location, while others involve moving between locations. On average, you can expect about 200 km per day (1.5–3 hours of driving) with regular sightseeing, meal, and rest stops.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we strongly recommend having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost belongings.
Can I extend my stay or add extra activities?
Yes. We can arrange pre- or post-tour accommodations and add extra activities upon request.
What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
Each tour has its own cancellation policy. Please check the booking terms for more info.
Are tips included?
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel/restaurant staff are not included. While absolutely optional, tips are an important part of the local culture and a significant source of income for the people involved and their families.
How do I stay connected during the tour?
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodations, but data coverage can be limited in remote areas. We recommend informing friends or family of your itinerary before departure. All accommodations on this tour, as well as many restaurants/cafés in Mexico, have Wi-Fi. If needed, you can also get a prepaid local SIM card with data (available in most convenience stores), ideally Telcel’s “Paquete Amigo Sin Límite,” which offers the best coverage in the country and free calls to the USA and Canada.
If you have any other questions please contact us.
8 days
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