Mayan Route Tour: Impressive Riviera Maya, Ruins and Canyon (Small-Group / 9 Days)

Overview

Join our 9-day adventure tour that follows an ancient Maya trading route from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. From the ruins of Tulum, the only known Mayan city-port, to the great pyramids of Palenque hidden amidst lush tropical vegetation, this trip takes in all the natural, cultural, and historical highlights of 4 Mexican states.

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 de Chamula.
• Admire the grandeur of the buildings and the craftsmanship of the sculpted Mayan reliefs in Palenque.

Itinerary

Day 1: Playa del Carmen

Bienvenidos a Mexico! The country with a pleasant and warm climate, diverse landscapes, superb art and architecture, impressive pyramids, rich cultural heritage & traditions, unique UNESCO-listed cuisine, friendly people,  and, of course, millions of ways to have fun a great time!
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 will always find a hammock and an umbrella to sunbathe and rest. If you prefer action, you will 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 & optional get-together with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants.

• Transportation: walking
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Playa del Carmen
• Meals Included: dinner
• Activities Included: welcome meeting

Day 2: Playa del Carmen

Free program. Relax on the beach sipping a refreshing cocktail, choose among numerous outdoor activities (scuba diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, parasailing, ATV riding, etc.) or take a day trip to some of the local natural attractions or Mayan ruins. Optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in 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 will jumpstart our adventures in Tulum - the only Mayan ruins in Mexico that are located directly on the beach. There you will learn the history behind this location and walk through different areas of the site.
In the afternoon, we will arrive in Valladolid. Once known as the Sultana of the East, Yucatán’s third-largest city is famous for its quiet streets and sun-splashed pastel walls.
Check-in, orientation walk of the historic center of the town, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants in the evening.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• 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

Day 4: Valladolid - Cenote Ik Kil - Chichen Itza - Celestun

In the morning, continue our adventures in Ik Kil - arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico. It's considered sacred by the Mayans who performed here human sacrifices to their rain god.

Afterward, go to explore Chichen Itza. The most famous and best restored of the Yucatán Maya sites, it is considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. 

Finally, in the evening, arrive at our accommodation in Celestun - a small beach town near Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. Check-in, optional dinner & get-together in one of the local restaurants in the evening.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• 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

Day 5: Celestun - Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve - Campeche

In the morning,  join a flamingo-watching boat tour and visit a cenote in Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve. This UNESCO-listed protected area is a gift of great beauty where you can observe pink flamingos together with a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitat.
Afternoon arrival, check-in, walking tour of the historic center, and free time in Campeche. A true historical fairyland, its UNESCO-listed colonial center represents a tight enclave of restored pastel buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts, and well-preserved mansions.
Optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Campeche
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: entrance and boat tour in Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, walking tour in Campeche

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 spider 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, an orientation walk of the historic center of the town, optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• 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)

Day 7: Palenque - Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls - San Juan de Chamula - San Cristobal de las Casas

In the morning, go to explore stunning waterfalls: see the cascading falls of Agua Azul and swim in a mineral-rich pool beneath 35-meter tall Misol-Ha.
Afterward, go to visit San Juan de Chamula, the center of independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for their unique religious practices.
In the evening, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas: check-in, walking tour of the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: walking tours in San Juan de Chamula & San Cristóbal de las Casas, visits to Agua Azul & Misol-Ha waterfalls

Day 8: San Cristobal de las Casas - Canyon Sumidero - Chiapa de Corzo

In the morning, immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon on a boat trip to enjoy the sight of impressive waterfalls, enter mystical caves and see the cliff where Chiapanec Warriors committed suicide instead of being forced to surrender to the Spanish Conquistadores.

Once finished, continue our "Mexico: The Route of Maya" tour in Chiapa de Corzo - one of the most beautiful towns in Chiapas, well known for the Grijalva River, warm people, and colorful Renaissance architecture: accommodation, orientation walk of the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the group.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• 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

Day 9: Chiapa de Corzo

Last day of our "Mexico: The Route of Maya" tour: a free program. Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport is about 30 km away from Chiapa de Corzo and is served by both taxis and buses. Choose whether to leave the same day, stay longer, or even join one of our next adventures!

• Meals Included: breakfast

Why go with us

• Small groups of up to 13 travelers: closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures & 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 & making new friends among co-travelers and locals.

Why go with us

• DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL: We will leave our accommodation in Playa del Carmen on Day 3 morning and arrive at our accommodation in Chiapa de Corzo on Day 8 afternoon.
• AIRPORT TRANSFERS: This tour doesn't include airport transfers. Cancun International Airport is about 50 km away from Playa del Carmen and is well served by taxis and buses. Tuxtla Gutiérrez International Airport is about 30 km away from Chiapa de Corzo and is also easily accessible by both taxis and public transport.
• ACCOMMODATIONS: You will receive a list of accommodations together with trip notes 2 weeks before the tour. Most accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room (unless otherwise specified in the itinerary). We can arrange pre- & 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, minivan. Inside urban areas, walking is the most common way of transportation.

Notes

• FOOD: Meals and Gastronomic Experiences included in this tour can normally meet most of the common dietary restrictions. However, due to the active program of the tour and different menus in each place, satisfying a special diet or food preferences of a particular traveler will depend on circumstances and cannot be fully guaranteed.
• PHYSICAL CONDITION: This tour involves a decent amount of walking & hiking. Therefore, travelers should have at least moderate physical fitness condition.
• ACTIVITIES: Participation in all activities is optional - just be sure to be in time for daily departures. Most of the included activities such as walking tours (>2h, normally in historic centers of bigger cities), orientation walks (<2h, normally in smaller towns & villages), guided visits & hikes focus on local nature, history, culture & gastronomy and are led by a Tour Leader. You will receive suggestions for optional activities in trip notes. Extra day tours and activities can be booked by your Tour Leader for an extra fee.
• WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU: Comfortable clothes & shoes; swimming suit & slippers/water shoes; a smaller backpack for daily tours; hat/cap, sunglasses & sunscreen; travel insurance; good mood & curiosity.
• GROUP VS. PRIVATE: Our multi-day tours offer both group and private departures (see pricing at checkout). 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.
• PRICING: * The price of the tour/person depends on the number of travelers and the room/tour option you choose.