Mayan Ruins Tour: Discover Amazing Rivera Maya Beaches, Cenotes and Ruins (Private / 15 Days)

Overview

Join our 15-day adventure tour from Playa del Carmen to experience and enjoy Mexico the way it is. From the ruins of Chichén Itza, one of "New7Wonders of the World", to vibrant Mexico City which carefully preserves its magic and cultural heritage, this adventure tour takes in all the natural, cultural, and historical highlights of 8 Mexican states.

Highlights

• Get to know Mexico City - the largest city in Latin America and a world-class cultural hub.
• Climb huge Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon in UNESCO-listed Teotihuacan.
• See dinosaur footprints and hundred-year-old cacti in the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve.
• Have a swim and see the sunset in Hierve el Agua, a series of spectacularly sited mineral springs in Oaxaca.
• Relax in hot springs in Grutas de Tolantongo, a hidden Mexican gem.
  
• Take a boat trip in awe-inspiring Sumidero Canyon 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.
• Witness fascinating ancient rituals and beliefs blended with modern Christianity in San Juan de Chamula.
• Admire the elegance and craftsmanship of the buildings, as well as the lightness of the sculpted reliefs with their Mayan mythological themes 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 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 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. Many mysteries of the Maya astronomical calendar are made clear when one understands the design of the ‘time temples’ here.

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 with the group.

• 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, transfer to our last stop of the day, the gorgeous “Magical Town” of Palenque.  Later on, join your Tour Leader for an orientation walk of the historic center of the town, optional dinner & 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 Miguel Colorado Cenotes (kayaking, swimming, zip-lining, monkey watching); orientation walk of Palenque.

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

In the morning, 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. Later on, discover stunning waterfalls: see the stunning falls of Agua Azul and swim in a mineral-rich pool beneath the 35-meter-tall Misol-Ha. After that, arrive at San Cristobal de las Casas: check-in, walking tour of the historic center, optional dinner & get-together with the group.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in San Cristobal de las Casas
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit to Palenque ruins, Agua Azul & Misol-Ha waterfalls; walking tour in San Cristóbal de las Casas.

Day 8: San Cristóbal de las Casas - San Juan Chamula - Canyon Sumidero - Chiapa de Corzo

In the morning, visit San Juan Chamula, the center of the independent Tzotzil ethnic group famous for its unique religious practices. Later on, 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: South 2 North Adventures” 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.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Chiapa de Corzo
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: boat tour of Sumidero Canyon, walking tour in San Juan Chamula & orientation walk in Chiapa de Corzo

Day 9: Chiapa de Corzo - Puerto Arista

In the morning, move to Puerto Arista, a quiet regional beach town famous for its extensive golden-sand beaches. Once there, ride an ATV and enjoy the stunning sunset on the beach.  Finally, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B/guest house in Puerto Arista
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: ATV ride on the beach in Puerto Arista

Day 10: Puerto Arista - Mitla

Enjoy the sea & sun in the morning before going to Hierve el Agua, visiting one of the artisanal mezcal factories on your way. The location for some of the "Top posts" on Instagram, this series of spectacularly sited mineral springs is a great place to enjoy the impressive landscapes and sunsets. Afterward, transfer to a nearby "Magical Town" of Mitla. Orientation walk of the historic center, check-in, optional dinner & get-together with the group in one of the local restaurants.

• Transportation: private vehicle
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mitla
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: orientation walk in Mitla,  guided visit to an artisanal mezcal factory

Day 11: Mitla - Hierve el Agua - Monte Alban - Oaxaca

In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to Hierve el Agua. The location for some of the “Top posts” on Instagram, this series of spectacularly sited mineral springs is a great place to enjoy the impressive landscapes and sunsets. go to Monte Alban Archeological Zone. The former capital of the Zapotec people is today an illustrious ruin, but for over a thousand years it served as the second-largest ceremonial site in Mesoamerica, after Teotihuacán.
In the afternoon, continue our “Mexico: South 2 North Adventures” tour in Oaxaca. A cultural colossus fit to rival anywhere in Mexico for history, gastronomy, and colorful manifestations of indigenous culture, Oaxaca is a complex but intensely attractive city whose majestic churches and refined plazas have deservedly earned it a UNESCO World Heritage badge. Accommodation, walking tour, optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Oaxaca
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: 
• guided visit to Hierve el Agua, guided visit to Monte Alban Archeological Zone, walking tour in Oaxaca

 

Day 12: Oaxaca - Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve - Puebla

After breakfast, go to the UNESCO-listed Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve located in a complex system of mountain ranges and valleys generating great biodiversity and different ecosystems. The region has played an important role in the development of agriculture in Mesoamerica. Later on, enjoy impressive views of an artisanal salt mine and learn more about the process of this product.

In the afternoon, move to Puebla. Once a bastion of conservatism and tradition, the city retains a well-preserved UNESCO-listed historic center, a stunning cathedral, and a wealth of beautiful churches.

Accommodation, walking tour, optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

• Accommodation: conveniently located hotel/B&B in Puebla
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit to Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve, walking tour in Puebla

Day 13: Puebla - Teotihuacán - Grutas de Tolantongo

In the morning, continue our “Mexico: South 2 North Adventures” tour in a nearby “Magical Town” of Cholula. The oldest city in America inhabited without interruption since its origins, it proudly rises up next to the smoking Popocatepetl Volcano. Once there, visit the former Franciscan convent of San Gabriel, one of the oldest in America, and the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. Built by Spaniards in the 16th century, it was placed right over the Great Pyramid of Cholula – the biggest one in the world by volume.
Afterward, our adventure tour will continue to Teotihuacán. A fabulous UNESCO-listed archaeological zone, it was Mexico’s biggest ancient city and the capital of the country’s largest pre-Hispanic empire. Later on, explore the hidden Mexican gem, Grutas de Tolantongo. A magical place where you can relax in turquoise hot springs and enjoy nature.

• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Grutas de Tolantongo
• Meals Included: breakfast, lunch
• Activities Included: guided visits to 2x archaeological zones – Teotihuacán & Cholula; walking tour in Cholula

Day 14: Grutas de Tolantongo - Mexico City

Join your Tour Leader and start the day discovering the cave and the tunnel in Grutas de Tolantongo.  After that, explore the UNESCO-listed historic center of Mexico City and visit the National Museum of Anthropology. Then, choose by yourself what to do next  – your Tour Leader will be happy to give suggestions. Optional dinner & get-together with the group in the evening.

• Transportation: walking, public transportation
• Accommodation: conveniently located, locally-owned hotel/B&B in Mexico City
• Meals Included: breakfast
• Activities Included: guided visit to Grutas de Tolantongo; walking tour of the Historic Center of Mexico City; guided visit to the National Museum of Anthropology

Day 15: Mexico City

Last day of our "Mexico: South 2 North Adventures" tour: a free program. 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.

Logistics

• DEPARTURE & ARRIVAL: We will leave our accommodation in Playa del Carmen on Day 3 morning and arrive at our accommodation in Mexico City on Day 13 evening.
• 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. Mexico City International Airport is close to the center of the city 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.