south-america·Multi-day tour·9 days
9-Day Yucatan and Cancun Tour from Merida: Valladolid, Cancun, Tulum and Mayan Ruins | Small Group Tour
★ 5.0· 8 reviewsDaily breakfastSelect Meals Included
What you'll experience
Highlights
• Explore ancient Mayan wonders including the world-renowned Chichen Itza and Tulum ruins
• Swim in mystical crystal clear cenotes perfect for a refreshing dip
• Discover the colonial charm of cities like Merida and Valladolid
• Experience the best of the Caribbean from vibrant Cancun to stunning beaches and islands
9 days
Day-by-day itinerary
- 1
Day 1 — Mérida
Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Later on, head to one of the many bars and restaurants near the hostel for some eats and make sure to check out the main plaza at night.
【Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group】
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Che Hostel Merida - 2
Day 2 — Mérida
Ok, so every day on this trip is amazing but we'll venture to say that this one is ridiculous. You'll explore some of the many cenotes in the area, giant sinkholes in the earth formed by underground freshwater rivers. Hop on a bike to cycle between a few of them and swim in the crystal-clear waters to take a break from the heat. After a yummy lunch, return to Mérida and spend the rest of the day wandering the city or relaxing in a hammock at the hostel. Sound about right?
【Santa Barbara Cenotes Visit】
Head out in the morning from Mérida into the jungle to a state reserve that is chock-full of cenotes, natural sinkholes in the earth that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Cycle between 3 of them and swim in the crystal clear water to cool off from the heat before a delicious lunch, then return to Mérida in the afternoon.
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Che Hostel Merida - 3
Day 3 — Mérida - Valladolid
Ready for another epic day? Keep your sunscreen and the camera handy today as you'll be checking a major bucket item off of your list. Head into the jungle to the massive Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá for a guided tour and time to walk around on your own. Then continue to Valladolid to drop off your stuff at the hostel and chill for a bit before heading out for dinner, where you’ll learn about the Mayas and have a chance to devour a spread of delicious Yucatan dishes cooked over the fire, like pollo pibil and tamales with fresh handmade tortillas.
【Chichen Itzá Guided Tour】
Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichén Itzá and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Valladolid 48 Hostal - 4
Day 4 — Valladolid - Tulum
Pile into the bus and head to the white sand and turquoise waters of the Mayan Riviera. But before you hit the beach we have more ruins to see - Tulum! The only of the Mayan temples to be built right next to the ocean, you will be filling your feed with jaw-dropping photos in no time. Spend the rest of the day on the beach, hanging out at the hostel or at one of the many bars and cafes in town.
【Tulum Ruins Visit】
The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit “El Castillo” (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hostel Che Tulum - 5
Day 5 — Tulum
The beach at Tulum is pretty stellar that's for sure, and today is yours to do with it what you want. Feeling active and want to explore more? Go snorkelling at the natural waterpark of Xel-Há or visit some more cenotes. Feeling the ocean vibes instead? Stay local and hit the beach before shoring up at the hostel bar for a cold beverage. After dinner head to one of the beach clubs to dance the night away under the stars.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hostel Che Tulum - 6
Day 6 — Tulum - Cancun
Squeeze in a bit more beach time in Tulum before heading north to Playa del Carmen in the late morning. Have lunch at El Hongo, a community project that supports youth art initiatives that also happens to have delicious food. After, take some time to browse the shops along the vibrant pedestrian strip of "la quinta." Next stop, Cancún - where more beach, adventure and nightlife await! Check into the comfy hostel in the hotel zone and laze about by the pool with a cold beverage before deciding what's on for the evening.
【Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program】
El Hongo (which means 'The Mushroom') is a volunteer-run restaurant started as a means to create income to support a youth art program in the 'real' Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Across the highway from the commercial beach strip is where most locals live – cross onto the unpaved roads and enjoy a delicious home-style meal at the restaurant, while learning more about this much-needed program for the community.Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Selina Cancun Hotel Zone - 7
Day 7 — Cancun
Day trip! Head away from the tourists into the jungle of the Yucatán to a local community. You'll learn all about the delicious regional cuisine and help prepare some of the dishes before scarfing it down on the spot for lunch. Later, top it all off with a swim in a nearby cenote to cool off from the midday heat. Don’t worry, you’ll still have time to hit the beach or hang out at the hostel pool when we get back to Cancún in the afternoon.
【Your Foodie Moment: Yucatecan Community Lunch Experience and Cenote Swim】
Get away from the tourist zone today on an excursion to the community of Nuevo Durango in the jungle. Learn all about the regional (and delicious!) Yucatecan cuisine and participate in the preparation of lunch with dishes like pollo pibil, tamales and fresh hand-made tortillas. Later, visit an insect museum then cool off from the heat with a swim in the clear waters of a nearby cenote before returning to Cancún in the afternoon.
Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Selina Cancun Hotel Zone - 8
Day 8 — Cancun
A free day in Cancún, how good does that sound? If you're craving more adventure you could head out on a day trip to Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen, or stay local and squeeze every last moment out of that white sand beach or the hostel hang-out spots. Your CEO is always on hand to give recommendations or to show you the best local stretches of beach, the rest is up to you. Ready to party? Of course you are! Your CEO knows all the best bars and clubs Cancún has to offer. Who needs sleep anyways?Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Selina Cancun Hotel Zone - 9
Day 9 — Cancun
Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights at the beach.Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
What's included
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Yucatecan Community Lunch Experience and Cenote Swim, Cancún
- Excursion from Mérida to cycle between and swim in cenotes
- Guided tour of Chichen Itzá and Tulum ruins
- Dinner inside a cenote near Valladolid
- Beach time at Tulum and Cancún
- Visit to an insect museum
- Beach time at Cancún
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Accommodations: Hostels (8-night)
- Transportation: Private vehicle, public air-conditioned bus, taxi
- Staff & experts: CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner (Allow USD155-205 for meals not included)
Not included
- Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
- All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals; however, you have the option to pay for meals that tour guide arranges
- Optional tours (Items and prices may vary due to different seasons and are subject to the final confirmation made by tour guide when on tour.)
- Tips at $5-10 USD per day depending on the service
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | Refund | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–31 days before | 0% | Cancellation Made Within 31 days prior to departure, No Refund |
| 32–61 days before | 50% | Cancellation Made Within 32 days to 61 days prior to departure, Refund 50% of total purchase amount |
| 62+ days before | 90% | Cancellation Made 62 or more days prior to departure, Refund 90% of total purchase amount |
Read the full cancellation terms
• We are not responsible for any incidental expenses or consequential losses that the Client may have incurred as a result of the booking such as visas, vaccinations, non-refundable flights or rail, non refundable car parking or other fees, loss of earnings, or loss of enjoyment, etc. If the Client is offered a refund but requests an alternative tour of a higher value than that originally booked, then the Client must pay the difference in price.
Important info
Special notes
- Dossier Disclaimer
* The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
* VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. - Itinerary Disclaimer
* While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
* Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. - Important Notes
* Please note that this tour combines with other tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with us, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another tour, after your trip concludes. - Group Leader Description
* All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They 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 countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. - What to Take
* We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage. You must be able to carry your luggage to our accommodations and should be prepared to load it on and off of transportation, as porters are usually not on hand. A good size daypack is also essential.
* Luggage weight restrictions may apply on the internal flight during the tour. - Meals
* Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with the local operator you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to the group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. - Laundry
* Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hostels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. - Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Pricing notes (children, single supplement)
* Price is based on Shared bathroom Double/Twin.
* Age requirement: 18-35.
* Age requirement: 18-35.
Tour operator
Tours4Fun Provider 1113
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from
$1199
NPR 1,61,865