“Have a fulfilling adventure in Mexico”
9 Day Yucatan and Quintana Roo Adventures: Cenote Tour in Cancun and Riviera Maya
Cancun, Mexico
Mexico Adventure Retreat
With the Riviera Maya cenote tour, dive into the crystalline waters of Yucatán and the Riviera Maya coast, and have a vacation full of unique and diverse activities! This is the perfect getaway for island and beach enthusiasts eager to dive into Mexican history, culture, and nature. Come join the adventure trip to Cancun, Yucatán, and Riviera Maya wonders!
Highlights
- Swim in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea during an island boat trip on Holbox Island
- Chill out on the pristine, white sandy beaches of Riviera Maya
- Discover the rich colonial history, culture, and architecture of Merida and Valladolid
- Visit the captivating UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal
- Cool down and refresh yourself in multiple cenotes of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula
- Discover the stunning 7-Color Lagoon of Bacalar on a boat tour
- Daily breakfast and 1 lunch will be provided
- 8 nights accommodation
8 days with instruction in English
The organizer also speaks: Spanish
Group size: 3-12 participants
Accommodation
- Night 1: Cancun
- Night 2: Holbox Island
- Night 3: Valladolid
- Night 4: Merida
- Night 5: Uxmal Archeological Zone
- Night 6: Bacalar
- Night 7: Tulum
- Night 8: Playa del Carmen
All accommodations are centrally located, tourist-class, locally-owned properties with private facilities in each room. Vibe Adventures can arrange pre- and post-tour accommodations but not earlier than two weeks before the departure when they 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.
Program
How is this tour different?
Authentic
Vibe Adventures does its best to make their trips educative and fulfilling, in which travelers can interact with local populations, learn about their traditions, and culture, and connect with their core values.
A tour with impact
They support the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The tours are aligned with SDGs 8 and 12, focusing on empowering local communities and promoting sustainable consumption and production practices. They take tourists to underdeveloped regions, creating opportunities for economic growth while respecting local traditions and educating communities on sustainable approaches.
They’ll plant five trees on behalf of each person in your booking in a joint effort towards reforestation and a greener future for the planet.
Other
- Small groups of up to 12 travelers: thus, closer communication, easier coordination, more adventures, and fun!
- Off-the-beaten-track tours with maximum immersion in local nature, culture, and traditions.
- The easy-going atmosphere of the tour is perfect for informal travel and making new friends among co-travelers and locals.
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: 6 p.m.
Day 1: Cancun (Welcome meeting)
Start your trip in tropical Cancun, the most famous resort city on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula known for its white-sand beaches, numerous resorts, and bustling nightlife. Arrive at the airport at any time and take an independent transfer by taxi/shuttle bus to your accommodation.
Once there, take your time to rest or explore the city’s numerous beaches. In the evening, meet your tour leader and the rest of the group for a welcome meeting and dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Day 2: Cancun - Holbox (3-island boat tour in Holbox)
In the morning, leave Cancun, take a ferry, and continue your trip to Holbox, a beautiful island 12 kilometers away from the coast of Mexico. Once there, walk around the island and explore the beauty of this idyllic place washed by the clear crystal waters of the Caribbean. In the afternoon, enjoy the stunning sunset on a 3-island boat tour. In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.
Day 3: Holbox - Valladolid (Guided visits to an artisanal tequila factory and walking tour of Valladolid)
In the morning, take your time to enjoy the sea, snorkel, or just relax on one of the white-sand beaches of Holbox. Then, in the afternoon, check out and take a ferry back to the mainland to explore colonial Valladolid. On your way, visit an artisanal tequila factory and taste different types of this typical Mexican spirit.
Finally, once in Valladolid, visit the impressive San Servicio Church and see other attractions of this pretty historical town. In the evening, join an optional dinner and get-together with your group in one of the local restaurants.
Day 4: Valladolid - Guided visit to Chichen Itza archaeological site - Entrance to Cenote Ik Kil - Walking tour of Merida
In the morning, continue your “Riviera Maya Cenote Tour” in the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza Archeological Zone to discover the fascinating history of the Mayans. Thereafter, have lunch and swim in the refreshing waters of the famous Cenote Ik Kil. Later, go to explore the charming colonial center of Merida protected by UNESCO. Finally, finish the day with an optional dinner with the rest of the group in one of the local restaurants.
Day 5: Merida - Guided visits to artisanal salt flats -Progreso - Cenote Peba - Hacienda Yaxcopoil - Evening light show in Uxmal Archeological Zone
In the morning, check out and transfer to artisanal salt flats on the Gulf Coast. Once there, appreciate its beautiful pink waters, learn about the production of sea salt, and have a chance to spot gorgeous flamingos. Then, go to a nearby beach town of Progreso to leisurely walk down its malecón and have an optional lunch in one of the beachside restaurants.
Afterward, discover a unique Cenote Peba with crystal-clear waters and a relaxing environment. Later on, visit the charming 17th-century Hacienda Yaxcopoil which was one of the main producers of henequen in the country. In the evening, have an optional dinner and rest in your hotel before enjoying the stunning light show in the UNESCO-listed Uxmal Archeological Zone.
Day 6: Uxmal Archeological Zone - Ruta Puuc - Guided visits to Kabah and Sayil Archeological Zones and Loltún Caves - Orientation walk of Bacalar
In the morning, check out and go to explore Ruta Puuc, a magical place with ruins of several ancient Mayan cities. Some of them are completely buried with grass, trees, and lush vegetation, remarkably resembling those seen by the first archeologists at the turn of the 20th century.
Once there, discover ancient Kabah and Sayil cities as well as Loltún Caves where evidence of human occupation goes back to 10,000 years. This is the best spot to get in touch with one of the most mysterious civilizations in the world! Then, transfer to the magical town of Bacalar to see its ancient colonial fort and compact historical center. Finally, in the evening, join your group for an optional dinner and get-together in one of the local restaurants.
Day 7: Boat tour of Bacalar Lagoon - Muyil Archeological Zone - Orientation walk of Tulum
Firstly, take a boat tour of the Bacalar Lagoon to see its magically colored waters, beautiful islands, and cenotes in the morning. Afterward, go to discover Muyil, one of the earliest and longest inhabited Maya sites on the eastern coast of the Mexico Yucatán Peninsula. Once there, explore this enigmatic ancient place and enjoy incredible views of the jungle and Muyil Lagoon.
Then, go to Tulum, a true jewel of Riviera Maya with over 10 kilometers of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Finally, after check-in and rest, join your tour leader and the rest of the group for an orientation walk in the center of Tulum and an optional dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Day 8: Guided visits to Tulum Archeological Zone - Entrance to Cenote Manatee - Playa del Carmen
In the morning, discover Tulum, one of the most important archaeological sites in Riviera Maya, since it’s the only one facing the Caribbean Sea. Once there, appreciate its beautiful landscape, and monumental structures and learn about its history. Then, visit the Cenote Manatee. Surrounded by mangroves, this uniquely shaped open sinkhole has both fresh and saltwater fish.
After that, transfer to Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town known for its palm-lined beaches, coral reefs, and nightlife. Once there, rest in your hotel before taking an orientation walk to its lively town center. Finally, get together with your group for an optional farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants.
Day 9: Playa del Carmen
Last day of our “Riviera Maya Cenote Tour”. So decide by yourself what time to leave or extend your vacation and stay longer!
Suitability
- Couples
- Kid-friendly
- LGBT+
- Senior
- Solo
- Women only
- Youth
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Pets are not permitted.
Physical condition
This tour involves a decent amount of walking and some hiking. Therefore, travelers should have moderate physical fitness conditions.
Transport
The type of vehicle depends on the size of the group and may include a car, 7-seater, or minivan. Transportation in a private vehicle throughout the tour (Days 2-8).
Activities
Participation in all activities is optional; just be sure to be on time for daily departures.
Age
Due to the required physical condition, the recommended age of participants in this tour is 12-69 years. However, potential participants outside of the above-mentioned age group can still participate upon request if (1) they are in good physical condition, (2) that will allow them to cope with the pace of the group tour.
Group vs private tour
- 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 Vibe Adventures can add additional stops and activities on your request and thus may cost more than group tours).
Location
Arrive in Cancun and discover the Caribbean Sea basking in the warmth of the sun’s caress on Paradisiac Holbox Island’s pristine sandy shores. Also, refresh in multiple cenotes, and natural freshwater ponds formed by collapsing limestone, and immerse yourself in Mayan culture at the majestic world-famous archeological sites.
In addition, admire the stunning bluish 7-Color Lagoon of Bacalar, savor the essence of tequila at a local factory, and wander through the charming colonial towns of Merida and Valladolid.
Food
The meal inclusions are as follows:
- Day 1: Welcome dinner
- Days 2 - 3: Breakfast
- Day 4: Breakfast and lunch
- Days 5 - 9: Breakfast
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- English/Spanish bilingual tour leader service/local expert guides
- 8 nights accommodation in conveniently located, locally-owned B&Bs/hotels
- Transportation in a private vehicle throughout the tour
- 8 breakfasts and 1 lunch
- Walking tours and orientation walks in Cancun, Holbox, Valladolid, Merida, Progreso, Bacalar, Tulum, Playa del Carmen
- Guided visits of archeological zones in Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Kabah, Sayil, Muyil, Tulum, plus Loltun Caves
- Visits to cenotes Ik Kil, Peba, and Manatee
- Boat tours in Holbox and Bacalar
What's not included
- Personal expenses
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Airport transfers
How to get there
Recommended Airports
MID
Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport
292 km
Transfer not provided
CUN
Cancún International Airport
14 km
Transfer not provided
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through Tripaneer.com. All major credit cards supported.
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