The Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect destination for your family to explore. Full of marine life, Maya ruins, and wildlife-packed jungles, this 8-day journey through some of Mexico’s must-see historical sites–small towns, cenotes, and reserves, offers the perfect educational experience for your family to share. Explore the remarkable Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, marvel at the largest pyramid at Chichen Itza, take part in a immersive experience at Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, visit a small Maya community and enjoy some ice cream in Izamal. The perfect blend of cross-cultural connections, history, and exploration that will provide a lifetime of memories for your whole family.
Travel Style
National Geographic Family Journeys
Service Level
Upgraded
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Excursion, Sian Ka'an
Your G for Good Moment: Yaxunah Community Visit, Yaxuná
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Playa del Carmen
Your Family Journeys Moment: Family Tour of Chichén Itzá with an Expert Guide, Chichén-Itzá
Your Family Journeys Moment: Santa Bárbara Cenotes, Mérida
Your Foodie Moment: Traditional Cochinita Pibil Meal Experience, Sotuta de Peón
Your Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen. Complimentary arrival transfer. Private tour of a working Hacienda. Visit Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and climb the many steps. Enjoy an ice cream before the drive back to Playa del Carmen. All tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leader and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Embark on a visit to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for a boat ride with a Maya-owned cooperative followed by a float through mangrove-lined canals past ancient ruins, Channel your inner explorer at Chichen Itzá the site of the iconic El Castillo pyramid and a treasure trove of Maya ruins, Enjoy a private tour of a historic working hacienda and take part in a hands-on cochinita pibil cooking experience rooted in tradition, Swim in a cenote—natural sinkholes that were sacred to the ancient Maya, Participate in communal life in the Maya community of Yaxunah where you’ll prepare a historical dish incorporating ancient Maya techniques.
How large will the group be?
Max 20.
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nts).
Playa del Carmen
Welcome to Playa del Carmen! Your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Day trip to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Today we travel towards Sian Ka'an. This Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful places along Mexico's Caribbean coast, designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site for its vast biodiversity and wetlands. Join the G Adventure-supported Community Tours Sian Ka’an — a Maya-owned cooperative rooted in protecting the natural environment while celebrating cultural heritage and the bonds between humans and nature. Explore by boat along a network of canals dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds. Then, strap on a lifejacket and cool off in the crystal clear water of one of the canals as you float down through mangrove forests. Dig into a delicious local lunch after your explorations. Return to the hotel in Playa del Carmen where dinner will be at your leisure.
Playa del Carmen/Mérida
After breakfast, begin the journey to Merída. The first stop along the way will be to Chichen Itzá. National Geographic has ranked Chichen Itzá as the best Mayan ruin to visit in Mexico. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and houses 26 ruins in one location. Join an expert guide who will teach you about the site, including the pyramid, known as El Castillo or El Caracol. You’ll also see the largest Maya ball court in the Americas–Tlachtli.
Your next stop is the small Maya community of Yaxunah. Join a knowledgeable guide and learn more about this vibrant community and their rich cultural history. Together, learn how Escabeche is made during a hands-on demonstration. Sit down for a delicious lunch alongside your hosts afterwards. Arrive in Merída in the early evening and have dinner on your own.
Mérida
Head into the jungle and marvel at the cenotes, giant holes in the earth filled with clear blue water. Considered sacred to the ancient Maya, cenotes have been studied by National Geographic Explorers like Dr. Guillermo de Anda extensively. Dive in with your family and channel your inner archeologist while exploring these waterways. Santa Barbara is home to 4 different pools to choose from, offering truly unique swimming experiences with the bonus of using a colorful small train as transport between. Return to Merída in the early evening for a free evening.
Day Trip to Sotuta de Peón
Embark on a full day exploration into the heart of the Yucatan with an immersive experience at a living ranch. Start things off right with a hands on cooking experience learning to prepare Cochinita Pibil. Enjoy the cochinita for lunch alongside other regional delicacies before taking a tour of the hacienda. On this guided experience, learn about the history of henequen production and its use during the 20th century when these haciendas were dotted all throughout the region. Then hop aboard a traditional truck and make your way down the rails towards a cenote for a refreshing dip in the water. Return to Merida after your day's adventures.
Mérida/Playa del Carmen
Ascend the pyramid steps of Kinich Kak Moo, Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and witness the excitement on your kids’ faces as they conquer the ancient steps and take in the panoramic views from the top. Spend time here amid the buildings of uniform yellow and enjoy some ice cream before the drive back to the coast and white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen. Return to the hotel and relax with a swim in the pool or take advantage of some of the hotel’s many amenities to unwind after your day’s journey.
Playa del Carmen
Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of the optional activities in the area, lounging by the hotel pool, or building sandcastles on the beach. You can also choose to pre-book a visit to the Mayan city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of the few protected by a wall of limestone. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an included farewell dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week of fun and engaging exploration. In the evening there will be an included final group dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week well spent in a deeply historical part of the world.
Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at 905-426-4009
