Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

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8 Days From

$2445

$1834

Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

8 Days Starting in Playa del Carmen and ending in Tulum

Visiting: Playa del Carmen, Merida, Campeche, Bacalar, Tulum

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

QBSY

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2445 $1834 Operator discount: -$611 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

From tropical beaches and colourful old cities to spectacular ancient ruins, the Yucatan Peninsula’s draws are many and varied. On this eight-day adventure, learn more about the lives of mysterious civilisations at the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, try traditional cuisine and get cultured in the likes of Merida and Campeche and hop on board a tour of Bacalar’s hidden cenotes and pristine beaches. Thousands of years of history mixed with a modern, laidback lifestyle means Mexico, and the Yucatan in particular, should be high on everyone’s list.

Highlights

  • Kick back and relax in the lakeside town of Bacalar, known for its deep blue cenote and aquamarine lagoon.

  • Escape the crowds and take a refreshing dip at Yokdzonot, a lesser-known cenote in the heart of the Yucatan managed by the local Maya community.

  • Travel to Tulum and explore the archaeological site of Mayan ruins at your own pace. Then, enjoy some free time to find the best snorkelling spots or local bars.

  • Experience Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your tour of the ancient ruins includes a visit to the nearby Piste community and a traditional lunch.

  • Sip zingy margaritas, munch on local cuisine and soak up as much culture and history as you can in Merida, Yucatan’s charismatic capital.

  • 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.

  • Cruise around Bacalar’s Lake of Seven Colours during a boat tour, leaping into the stunning blue water for refreshing swims along the way.

  • Travel to Tulum and explore the archaeological site of Mayan ruins with a local guide. Then, enjoy some free time to find the best snorkelling spots or local bars.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Playa Del Carmen

Location: Playa del Carmen

Accommodation: Hotel

Hola! Welcome to Playa del Carmen – a popular resort town famed for its coral reef and sparkling warm waters. You’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not spend the day lounging on the beach with a good book? You could also head to Dos Ojos Cenote and take a dip at the incredible turquoise freshwater swimming hole, or jump on a local ferry to explore the nearby island of Cozumel. When the introductions are out of the way, experience your first Mexican meal of the trip at an optional dinner with the group.

Day 2: Merida

Location: Merida

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

Depart early, travelling by private vehicle towards Merida, learning some Spanish phrases from your leader on the way. You’ll stop at Chichen Itza – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, for a guided tour. This is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. Then take a cooling dip in one of the region’s lesser-known cenotes: Yokdzonot. Operated by a cooperative set up by local women, your visit will support their efforts to empower their Mayan community. After your swim, visit the local Piste community. You’ll spend time with the locals – perhaps trying out some of your Spanish – while sampling traditional Yucatecan cuisine. When you arrive in Merida – the charming capital of the Yucatan region – get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader. Wander the centuries-old streets and take in the grand buildings, learn about the town’s Maya heritage and swing by Mercado 60 – a buzzing food market with great margaritas and live music.

Included Activities:
-Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
-Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch
-Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
-Merida - Visit to Cenote Yokdnozot Piste

Day 3: Merida

Location: Merida

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Your day is free for you to explore the many sights of Merida. You could visit the Regional Museum of Yucatan, located within the pretty Palacio Canton, chill out in the shady Plaza Grande admiring the 16th-century cathedral or seek out cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted, citrus-marinated pork dish that's a Yucatan speciality. Alternatively, take a trip to one of Mexico's best-preserved Maya sites in Uxmal. Spend two hours exploring the ruins and see the impressive so-called Pyramid of the Magician, marvel at the decorative details of the Governor’s Palace and take the opportunity to climb one of the pyramids for astounding views of the surrounding area. Merida is a people-pleaser when it comes to nightlife and has something for all tastes, whether you’re after a low-key bar, cultural show or some live music and dancing.

Optional Activities:
-Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan
-Merida – Rio Lagartos (entrance and transport)
-Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide)

Day 4: Campeche

Location: Campeche

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Leave the city of Merida behind and drive to the coast to spend the night in Campeche – a seaside town with photogenic streets lined with multi-coloured low-rise buildings. On the way, visit the town of Becal, known as ‘the Hat Town’, where your group will meet with an artisan who works in a cave to weave the traditional jipi hats. When you arrive in Campeche, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. For dinner tonight, you’ll find good seafood almost anywhere, and other tempting restaurants at Portales de San Martin.

Included Activities:
-Campeche - Leader-led Orientation Walk
-Becal - Visit to Jipi hat artisan cave studio

Optional Activities:
-Campeche - San Miguel Fort (Entrance Fee)

Day 5: Bacalar

Location: Bacalar

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Rise and shine for the long cross-peninsular drive to Bacalar today. Bacalar is said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. Today it’s a quiet spot to sit back, relax and take in the surrounding nature. When you're there, take a short leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings, followed by a free afternoon and evening to relax after a long travel day. Cerveza, anyone?

Included Activities:
-Bacalar - Leader-led orientation walk

Day 6: Bacalar

Location: Bacalar

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

This morning, head out on a half day boat tour of Lake Bacalar. Also known as the Lake of Seven Colours – thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day – you’ll explore the different cenotes and islands that make up the lagoon including plenty of stops for swims along the way! Return to town around midday. The rest of the day is then free for you to uncover more cenotes or sit back and relax in Bacalar. You could visit Cenote Azul – a beautiful fresh water rockpool, perfect for swimming. The sparkling water and stalactites and stalagmites in the cave are a sight to behold.

Included Activities:
-Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour

Optional Activities:
-Cenote Azul - Natural rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport)

Day 7: Tulum

Location: Tulum

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast

Enjoy a free morning relaxing around Bacalar’s lake before heading in a private vehicle towards Tulum. Along the way, you’ll visit the Tulum archaeological ruins that sit on the cliffs of the Yucatan Peninsula. With a local guide, explore the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city which served as a major port for Coba. Carry on to the town of Tulum and when you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader. There may be time to fit in a visit to another cenote or find a bar to keep working on that Spanish with the locals. In the evening, why not get the group together for a final meal to say farewell and ‘salud’ to Mexico.

Included Activities:
-Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk
-Tulum - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Optional Activities:
-Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included)
-Tulum- Bike rental

Day 8: Tulum

Location: Tulum

Meals Included: breaksfast

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for the day and your adventure will come to an end. If you would like to spend some more time exploring Tulum’s famous turquoise water, snorkelling spots, ancient ruins and general magnificence, just speak to your booking agent. Otherwise, you can choose to book a transfer to Cancun if you’re leaving today.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (7 nights)

  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson

  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

  • Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch

  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Merida - Yokdzonot Cenote

  • Campeche - Leader-led Orientation Walk

  • Campeche - Uxmal Archeological site entrance fee( INAH )

  • Bacalar - Leader-led orientation walk

  • Muyil - Archaeological site (Entrance fee)

  • Muyil - River Boat Tour

show more

What's Not Included

  • International Travel

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Transport

  • Private vehicle

Accommodation

  • The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
  • Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Included Activities

  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch
  • Merida - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Calakmul - Homestay Experience
  • Calakmul - Artisan Workshop including Jewellery Making with Maya Seeds
  • Calakmul - Informal Maya Language Lesson
  • Calakmul Biosphere Reserve - Archaeological site (entrance fee and transport included, no guide)
  • Bacalar - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tulum - Leader-led orientation walk

Important Information

  • 1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in Playa del Carmen. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
  • 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours. There will of course be plenty of chances to swim!

    It's a good idea to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but can be shy, so you'll need to make an effort to break the ice. It's a great way to show respect and involve yourself in their culture.

  • 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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Nov 16, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024
$2445 $1956

Operator discount: -$489

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$2690

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$2596 $2336

Operator discount: -$260

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Operator discount: -$611

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Operator discount: -$120

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Operator discount: -$120

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$2585

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$2715

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$2715

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$2615

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$2615

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Feb 28, 2026 - Mar 07, 2026
$2615

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Mar 07, 2026 - Mar 14, 2026
$2615

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Mar 14, 2026 - Mar 21, 2026
$2615

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Mar 21, 2026 - Mar 28, 2026
$2615

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$2515

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$2515

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$2515

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$2515

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$2515

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$2515

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$2515

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$2615

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Sep 26, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$2615

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Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$2715

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Oct 24, 2026 - Oct 31, 2026
$2715

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 31, 2026 - Nov 07, 2026
$2715

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 07, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
$2715

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
$2715

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 21, 2026 - Nov 28, 2026
$2715

Saturday - Saturday

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$2715

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Dec 19, 2026 - Dec 26, 2026
$2715

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Dec 26, 2026 - Jan 02, 2027
$2715

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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