Premium Mexico Yucatan Highlights

8 days
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Small Group Tour
Vibrant in every way, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula delights with its bright turquoise waters, pastel-hued buildings and traditional culture that’s still alive and kicking today. Soak up the region’s best on an eight-day Premium adventure, from the bountiful coastline of Riviera Maya to the colourful city of Valladolid, the colonial town of Merida and the white ...
26%
$4,367
From$3,235
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Visit the spectacular ruins of Chichen Itza, Muyil and Tulum where your local leader and expert guides will bring thousands of years of Maya history to life.
    • Gain a deeper understanding of local life during Exclusive Experience with a visit to the secluded Laguna Chabela Maya community, where you’ll learn how modern Maya people preserve the traditions of their ancestors and try your hand and making a tortilla before sitting down to a delicious feast in the jungle.
    • Enjoy the old-world charm of your Feature Stay accommodation in Merida – an historic 17th century mansion turned boutique hotel with elegant decor and traditional touches.
    • Enjoy an Exclusive Experience at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve, a bird-lover’s dream. Learn about conservation efforts while looking out for colourful flora and fauna on a boat ride, and glimpse gorgeous natural springs before stopping by the Gulf of Mexico for a swim in the warm waters.
    • Swim in a cenote, float down the crystal-clear Muyil canals created by the Maya over 1,000 years ago, and visit a laid-back beach club in Tulum to make the best of the Yucatan peninsula with exclusive Premium experiences.
    • By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Gastromotiva. Donations help them provide nutritious, balanced meals for vulnerable people in Mexico. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What's this trip about?

    Vibrant in every way, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula delights with its bright turquoise waters, pastel-hued buildings and traditional culture that’s still alive and kicking today. Soak up the region’s best on an eight-day Premium adventure, from the bountiful coastline of Riviera Maya to the colourful city of Valladolid, the colonial town of Merida and the white sand beaches of Tulum. Learn the ancient secrets of the Maya during visits to Chichen Itza, Muyil and the Tulum archaeological site, and travel with a local guide, meet local Maya families, conservationists and historians to uncover a side of the country most don’t get to see.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityPlaya del Carmen
End CityTulum

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

  • North America
  • New Mexico

Attractions

  • Chichen Itza
  • Tulum

Trip includes

    • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
    • Playa del Carmen - Welcome Dinner
    • Valladolid - Home-cooked lunch
    • Valladolid - Tortilla making demonstration
    • Valladolid - Mayan homestead visit
    • Chichen Itza - Cenote swim stop
    • Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
    • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site with local guide
    • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
    • Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour
    • Tulum - Muyil river float
    • Tulum - Muyil archaeological site with local guide
    • Tulum - Archaeological site visit
    • Tulum - Farewell Dinner
    • Tulum – Beach Club Visit

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Playa Del Carmen

Welcome to Mexico! Your adventure begins in Playa del Carmen, a coastal resort town on the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its stunning turquoise waters and lively nightlife. You will be collected on your arrival at Cancun International Airport and transferred to your ho...

Day 2 Valladolid

After breakfast, depart Playa del Carmen and head to the secluded Laguna Chabela. Here you will have a truly special experience as you meet a local Maya family who have lived here for generations. Gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you walk through th...

Day 3 Merida - Chichen Itza

This morning will be spent exploring the fascinating complex of Chichen Itza. Named as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is considered the most important archaeological vestige of the Maya-Toltec civilization in Yucatan by UNESCO. Meet with a loc...

Day 4 Merida

This morning you will join your leader on a walking tour of downtown Merida to take in the splendour of its many colonial buildings and learn more about the Maya heritage of the town. Visit the market for a look at local life, and stop by the city museum, Montejo's Ho...

Day 5 Merida

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy another Exclusive Experience at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere Reserve. One of the first places migratory birds arrive for the winter, the reserve offers a birdwatching experience like no other. Here you will tour the area by s...

Day 6 Tulum

Depart Merida this morning and head towards Muyil, stopping off for lunch in the quaint village of Coba along the way. Look closely, and you’ll be able to see the tops of Mayan ruins from the nearby archaeological site peaking through the trees as you dine. Continue t...

Day 7 Tulum

In the morning, head to the Tulum archaeological site for a visit, allowing you to appreciate the incredible history of the ruins and their gorgeous views of the ocean. One of the last cities built by the Maya, your leader will paint a picture of how life played out h...

Day 8 Tulum

Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to spend some more time in Tulum, additional accommodation can be booked ahead of time (subject to availability).

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,235
Price per day$404
Last Updated: 4/22/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
22 Jun 2024
29 Jun 2024
$3,350
8 spots left
20 Jul 2024
27 Jul 2024
$3,575
3 spots left
28 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$3,640
3 spots left
05 Oct 2024
12 Oct 2024
$3,380
10 spots left
19 Oct 2024
26 Oct 2024
$3,380
10 spots left
02 Nov 2024
09 Nov 2024
$3,510
10 spots left
16 Nov 2024
23 Nov 2024
$3,510
10 spots left
30 Nov 2024
07 Dec 2024
$3,510
12 spots left
07 Dec 2024
14 Dec 2024
$3,510
5 spots left
14 Dec 2024
21 Dec 2024
$3,510
12 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for active and adventurous travelers at a range of different price points and service levels.

Associations

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Logistics

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (4 nights),Feature Stay (3 nights),

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,Boat,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle,Boat
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. MONEY WITHDRAWAL: In order to avoid fraud and theft, it is advisable that you withdraw money from ATMs located inside banks or guarded shops during business hours only. LOCAL LODGINGS: On this trip you will be staying in some restored houses and local lodges - these are one of the charms of this journey, but their staircases, balconies and passages etc may not always comply with western safety standards. Please do not expect elevators in these properties as they are preserved to their original state. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Niik Tulum
  • Calle Ixchel, Aldea Zama, 77760 Tulum, Q.R.
  • Tulum
  • MEXICO
  • Phone: 52 (984) 218 2011
Trip ID
intrepid-QBPN

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