Mexico Family Holiday

Mexico Family Holiday

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7 Days From

$1670

$1252

Mexico Family Holiday

7 Days Starting and ending in Playa del Carmen

Visiting: Playa del Carmen, Izamal, Merida

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QMFA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Beach Tours

From: $1670 $1252 Operator discount: -$418 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take the kind of tropical holiday your kids will talk about for years on this 7-day Yucatan adventure that takes you from the sunny beaches to lush cenotes, lost ruins and bustling cities along the way. Discover the culture and history of the Maya at Chichen Itza and Tulum; take a dip in the turquoise waters of a cenote at Yokdzonot; try your hand at tortilla-making with a Maya family and watch the flamingos paint the sky pink at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary. There’s so much more to Mexico than beaches and palm trees, and this family-friendly trip gets you to all of it.

Highlights

  • Revel in the beach vibes of Playa del Carmen.

  • Explore ancient Maya ruins and pyramids at Tulum and Chichen Itza.

  • Discover the charm of Merida’s leafy plazas, captivating museums and vibrant city streets.

  • Meet local Maya families and learn how to make your own tortillas and dine of a pibil feast baked underground.

  • Swim in the crystal-clear fresh waters of cavernous cenotes that some say were formed by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.

  • Meet local Maya families and learn how to make your own tortillas and dine on a pibil feast baked underground.

  • Swim in the crystal-clear fresh waters of a cenote, one of many that some say were formed by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Playa Del Carmen

Location: Playa del Carmen

Accommodation: Hacienda Maria Bonita or similar

Meals Included: dinner

Welcome to Playa del Carmen, Mexico! A great destination for families, you may like to arrive early and explore the local area and some of the many activities on offer. Go snorkelling among the mangroves, relax on white sandy beaches or perhaps take a ferry across to Cozumel to experience some of the fantastic diving on offer. At 5pm you'll meet your group leader for an important welcome meeting at the hotel before heading to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner and the opportunity to get to know the other families travelling in your group.

Day 2: Tulum Day Trip

Location: Tulum Day trip

Accommodation: Hacienda Maria Bonita or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today, you’ll head down the coast for a daytrip to the Tulum archaeological site, the sprawling walled grounds of a well-preserved ancient Maya city backed by the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya and stood at the height of its progress during the 13th and 15th centuries and stood for about 70 years after the Spanish occupation began. Get the lay of the land on a guided tour with your leader in the morning, and then spend the afternoon either at the beach or stay in town to perhaps rent some bikes and explore. Return to Playa del Carmen later in the day for a free evening to spend how you’d like.

Included Activities:
-Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide)

Day 3: Izamal

Location: Izamal

Accommodation: Hotel Tuul or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Head inland today to Izamal, stopping first at Laguna Chabela where you’ll meet a local Maya family with deep roots in this small town. On a tour of their farm, you and the kids will see what they grow and learn how they live off the land. You’ll even get the chance to learn how to make Coba-style tortillas and enjoy a traditional lunch.

Onwards to Izamal, you’ll pretty quickly understand why some call it the City of Yellow as you arrive among the many yellow ochre buildings. Take in the town on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy some free time to explore the town further or have a swim at the hotel.

Included Activities:
-Laguna Chabela - Mayan homestead visit
-Laguna Chavela - Tortilla making demonstration
-Laguna Chavela - Home cooked lunch
-Izamal - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 4: Merida

Location: Merida

Accommodation: Hotel Dolores Alba or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today it's onwards towards Merida, the vibrant capital of the state of Yutacan. 
Merida bridges very different cultures, which can perhaps be best absorbed from the city’s focal point – the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you are surrounded by colonial-era buildings, many of which were built with stones from the Maya temples that were here before. Join your leader for an orientation walk and stop to buy some sweet marquesitas from a street vendor. Native to Merida, this crepe-like pastry is filled with caramel, jam, chocolate or cheese and rolled up like a taco. Delicious! This rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you like. 

Included Activities:
-Merida – leader led orientation walk

Day 5: Merida

Location: Merida

Accommodation: Hotel Dolores Alba or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, we travel west to the Gulf of Mexico coast and take a boat ride to visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere reserve, home to vast flocks of flamingos and herons. The area is well-known as the first stop of the migratory path of birds heading from North to Central America. If visiting at the right time, you're likely to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. A truly magnificent sight especially with the coconut trees lining the shore of the beachhes nearby. Once you return to Merida, you’ll have some free time to relax. Perhaps take a swim in the hotel pool or embark on one last walk around the town.

Included Activities:
-Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour

Day 6: Playa Del Carmen

Location: Playa del Carmen

Accommodation: Hacienda Maria Bonita or similar

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

This morning we say farewell to Merida to make the return to Playa, but not without a stop at Chichen Itza, UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the most famous Maya temple site in all of Mexico. Marvel at the temple of Kukulkan standing high over the ruins, then explore the nearby ‘ball court’. Disputes were typically settled here by way of a ball game that only used the elbows, hips and wrists – stone carvings depicting violence suggest that it wasn’t a casual or friendly sport. 
After your visit, you will get to know a local family over a special lunch in the town of Piste. Here you will enjoy a pibil feast, a traditional Maya style of cooking that involves wrapping food in banana leaves and barbecuing it underground.

Today you will also get the chance to cool off and swim in one of the many hidden cenotes – natural sinkholes created when underground limestone collapses and exposes the groundwater beneath, which are dotted all over the Yucatan peninsula. It’s believed that the peninsula’s vast network of sinkholes responsible for these cenotes is a result of an asteroid that crashed here over 66 million years ago, the same one also believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs. What makes the cenote we visit so special, apart from the lush greenery that surrounds it, is that it was developed by a group of local Mayan women as a sustainable and communally owned source of employment for people in their local community. 


Included Activities:
-Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
-Yokdzonot - Cenote visit and swim
-Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)

Day 7: Playa Del Carmen

Location: Playa del Carmen

Meals Included: breaksfast

Today marks the final day of your Mexico adventure and you’re free to depart with your family at any time. If you need another day by the beach, consider booking additional accommodation. Alternatively, the airport in Cancun is approximately a 1-hour drive away and we can pre-book a departure transfer for you and your family.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotels (6 nights)

  • Tulum - Archaeological Site (entrance fee, no guide)

  • Laguna Chabela - Mayan homestead visit

  • Laguna Chavela - Tortilla making demonstration

  • Laguna Chavela - Home cooked lunch

  • Izamal - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Yaxunah - Cenote visit and swim

  • Merida – leader led orientation walk

  • Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour

  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site

  • Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch

show more

Included Activities

  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Merida - Hacienda Sotuta de Peon half-day tour
  • Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour
  • Valladolid - Walking tour & market visit
  • Tulum – Coba Archaeological site bike tour

Transport

  • Private Mini Bus

Accommodation

  • GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
  • Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room.
  • Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room.
  • Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room.
  • While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.

Important Information

  • 1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
  • 2. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
  • 3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.

Mode of Transport

  • Private Mini Bus

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    Mexico's tropical climate can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.

    Try to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but also shy, so you'll need to make plenty of effort to break the ice. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

I just completed my first...

15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

North American Adventure

12-Oct-2021

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

Cambodia Discovery

22-Jan-2024

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Merouane Harkat   Uk

Explore Southern Africa

08-Mar-2024

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

1 Select your preferred date

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Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 20, 2024
$1670 $1252

Operator discount: -$418

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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