MEXICO
Yucatan Discovery
Highlights
Mayan Pyramids
Beaches of the Riviera Maya
Colonial Merida & Valladolid
Snorkeling, Kayaking, Cenotes
Culture, Cuisine & Comfort
Summary
Warm weather, white-sand beaches, tropical jungles, UNESCO colonial cities, Mayan archeology, amazing birdlife and marine life. Bienvenidos! Welcome to Mexico’s Yucatan and Riviera Maya. Thrill to up-close whale shark encounters; swim in jungle cenotes; enjoy 3-star hotels, great food, kayaking, snorkeling, stand up paddleboarding and relaxing poolside too, because… why not!
At-a-Glance
Vaccinated travelers welcomed
Days: 8
Dates:
Dec 03 – 10, 2023
Private tours avail 6-10 persons
Land Cost: $1,895 (airfare extra)
Single Supplement: $350
Group Size: 4 – 10
Minimum Age: 14
Level: Easy-Moderate
Overview
Day 1: Cancun, arrive, relax
Day 2: SUP. Drive to Merida
Day 3: Uxmal Mayan Site. Merida
Day 4: Cenote swim. Valladolid
Day 5: Flamingos & Ek Balam
Day 6: Cenotes. To Puerto Morelos
Day 7: Snorkel trip. Free time
Day 8: Depart
Day 1 - Arrive Cancun. Bienvenidos a Mexico!
After your flight, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your comfortable hotel. Start your journey with some rest poolside or down at the white-sand beach. There will be an evening orientation with the guide. Dinner is on your own.
Day 2 - SUP stand-up paddle-board. To Merida
Option 1: Morning SUP Standup paddle boarding (Nov to April):
Enjoy a morning activity in the waters of the Riviera Maya. Beginners welcome.
Option 2: Whale Shark Adventure, (May to Aug):
A once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience to swim and snorkel with massive Whale Sharks. Whale sharks, which can reach 30-feet long, are not sharks at all.. they are actually fish.. the biggest fish in the world. Breakfast and lunch included.
After our morning activity, it is a 3 ½ hour drive to Merida, the Yucatan’s vibrant capital. Merida has the highest percentage of indigenous people of any Mexican city, with over half the population being of Maya ethnicity. Tonight, we have arranged a special dinner featuring Mayan cuisine.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: Uxmal Archeological Site. Merida City Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4 - Valladolid and Cenotes Swim
Morning visit to the Grand Museo del Mundo (Mayan World Museum). Proceed to Valladolid, one of the most charming colonial towns in all the Yucatan. Stroll past pastel-colored houses; visit the cathedral, main square, and the boutiques of Calzada de los Frailes (Road of the Friars). On some evenings, there is a light show at the Ex-convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
Ever go snorkeling? INSIDE a jungle? Mexico’s Yucatan interior is dotted with 6,000 cenotes (pronounced: say-NO-tays). Cenotes are caverns, natural swimming holes, that have formed under the porous limestone surface. Cenotes were sacred spots to the Mayans and taking a snorkel and swim here in the crystalline water is a unique, unforgettable experience. Your visit and swim at Las Palomitas Cenote will be unforgettable.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Flamingos of Rio Lagartos & Ek Belam Ruins
Head 1 ½ hours to Rio Lagartos Nature Reserve and Lagoon on the north shore of the Yucatan Peninsula. This fishing village boasts the densest concentration of flamingos in Mexico. This mangrove-lined estuary shelters many bird species as well as crocodiles. On the return, stop for lunch and then visit Ek Belam Mayan Ruins. Returning to Valladolid for some downtime.
Meals included: Breakfast
Days 6 - To Puerto Morelos and the Riviera Maya
We will spend our last couple of days in Puerto Morelos on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan. Plans for today include visiting another amazing cenote and more beach and water activities such as a short kayak paddle or SUP excursion.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Free Day
Sleep in, relax on the white-sand beach, go snorkeling out on the reef… it’s up to you. Enjoy your free day. The group will all meet up in the evening for our farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, farewell dinner.
Day 8 - Transfer to Cancun Airport
We wish you a pleasant flight back filled with memories of your amazing adventures, and the beauty of the Mayan and Mexican culture.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note on Itinerary
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on: Pricing, What’s Included, General Information, FAQ’s and How to Reserve.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Note on Itinerary:
Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
Additional Information:
Please be sure to scroll through website tabs for information on:
- Pricing,
- What’s Included,
- General Information,
- FAQ’s
- How to Reserve.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
$1,795 land price.
International airfare is NOT included. (Rates quoted are per person, based on sharing double hotel.
Single Supplement: $350.
Single Supplement is for those specifically requesting their own room throughout, based on availability. Meaningful Trips will pair same gender participants as roommates. If a roommate can not be found, you will be requested to pay a reduced Single Supplement Fee of $250.
Save Big! Travel for FREE!
Gather your friends: When 3 or more persons join our set tours together, each person saves $100.
Friends and family groups of 6 – 10 can choose a private departure of this set tour (based on availability). With 6 – 8 travelers, each person saves $100. Organize a full group of 10, and with 9 full-paying guests, either: you, the organizer, get to go for FREE (Land price only, airfare not included); Or, each person gets $100 discount.
Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy:
Payment
Deposit of $500 due at time of reservation. Final balance due 90 days prior to trip departure.
Cancellation
If you cancel prior to departure (with written notice), cancellation fees are:
91 or more days… $0
61 to 90 days… $500
31 to 60 days… 50% of Trip Cost
0 to 30 days… 100% of Trip Cost
Included:
- 7 nights in comfortable 3-star hotels
- Kayak, SUP, and Snorkel gear
- English-speaking naturalist guides
- Whale shark swim
- Entrance fees
- All breakfasts, snacks, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
NOT included:
- Airfare
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Meals as per itinerary
- Guide gratuity
Meaningful Trips tours offer comfortable hotels and lodging with breakfast, WiFi, amenities and an eye toward sustainability.
Cancun – Rey del Caribe (or similar)
Merida – Del Gobernador (or similar)
Valladolid – Meson del Marques (or similar)
Trip Insurance
Meaningful Trips highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation. See our Link for Travel Insurance
Safety
The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the safest places for travelers in Mexico. (see FAQ’s)
Visa and passport
Must have a US Passport valid for 6 months from the tour end date. Visa is not required for USA citizens. You will be given free Tourist Permit by the air carrier or at the airport.
Flights to Cancun
Our starting and ending airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN). Please do not purchase any airfare until you have received word form Meaningful Trips that your trip is confirmed with the necessary minimum number of passengers. An arrival transfer will be arranged.
Weather
Weather in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is fantastic for 10 months out of the year. The peak season is from December to April. Average winter temperatures are around mid-80’s degrees, with little rainfall and low humidity. Water temperature is typically around 75 degrees. May to August is the best time of the year for Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles. Temperature will be hot, in the mid 90’s and it will be humid. Rain is possible daily, but typically only in short duration bursts. September and October is hurricane season.
Lodging
In Cancun, Merida, Valladolid and Puerto Moreles we use comfortable 3-star hotels with wifi, swimming pool, full breakfast and other amenities.
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate
This Yucatan trip offers a mix of activities from swimming to snorkeling to easy hiking. Duration of activities ranges form 3 – 4 hours. All activities are suitable for novices. For snorkeling, cenote, and whale shark swim activities, participants should be comfortable in the water. Be prepared for hot weather and stay hydrated. There is free time each day too to spend at your leisure. Minimum age is 14.
Additional Trip Information
Prior to reserving your tour, please carefully review our ‘Pricing’, ‘How to Reserve’ and ‘FAQ’ sections for helpful information on topics such as cancellation penalties, inclusions, food, water, and more.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully. Additional pre-departure information including a Packing List, Medical Form, and Liability Release Form is emailed upon sign-up.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.
Some answers to common questions. Upon Sign-up, travelers receive a Packing List, Pre-Departure Info and Important Forms
Do I Need a Passport for Mexico?
Yes, a passport is needed and must be valid for 6 months after your trip date.
Do I Need a Visa for Mexico?
No. As a tourist with a US Passport. No visa required.
Are any vaccinations required for Mexico?
No.
We highly recommend that all persons who travel internationally should be current on these three routine immunizations: Annual Influenza (flu) shot; Tetanus Booster (Tdap) (good for 10 years); and Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Additionally, Hepatitis A is highly recommended for all international travelers. Meaningful Trips are not medical experts. Always consult your own doctor and always refer to the CDC website for updated vaccination and country-specific information.
Is Mexico Safe?
The Yucatan relies on global tourism and is one of the safest regions in México. It is always prudent to check with the US Dept of State for country-specific safety information. And, follow these basic safety precautions: make copies of important documents, be wary of public Wi-Fi, use caution when using ATM, use hotel safes when available, be aware of your surroundings.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Meaningful Trips always highly recommends the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, delays, medical matters, and emergency evacuation.
When is the best time to go to Mexico?
Weather in Cancun and the Riviera Maya is fantastic for 10 months out of the year. The peak season is from December to April. Average winter temperatures are around mid-80’s degrees, with little rainfall and low humidity. Water temperature is typically around 75 degrees. May to August is the best time of the year for Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles. Temperature will be hot, in the mid 90’s and it will be humid. Rain is possible daily, but typically only in short duration bursts. September and October is hurricane season.
How active is this Mexico Yucatan adventure?
Our Meaningful Trips Yucatan Adventure offers a mix of activities from swimming to snorkeling to easy hiking. Duration of activities ranges form 3 – 4 hours. All activities are suitable for novices. For snorkeling, and cenote, whale shark swim activities, participants should be comfortable in the water. Be prepared for hot weather and stay hydrated. There is tons of free time each day too to spend at your leisure. Minimum age is 14.
What are hotels like on this Mexico trip?
This trip includes 7 nights in comfortable hotels in Cancun, Merida, Valladolid and Puerto Morelos. We use comfortable 3-star hotels with wifi, buffet breakfast, pool and other amenities.
What is the food like in Yucatan Mexico?
Did you know that UNESCO has recognized Mexico’s gastronomic heritage. Hotels offer bountiful breakfasts. The Yucatan draws visitors from all over the world and one can find every possible type of cuisine on offer. However, we encourage you to try traditional Yucatan dishes that combine Mayan and Spanish flair. Some traditional dishes include: Papadzules, Panuchos Yucatecos (refried beans topped with chicken, onion, lettuce, tomato, avocado and cheese), and the most famous dish: Cochinita Pibil (pork marinated in achiote paste, habanero peppers and red onions and prepared in banana leaves).
Is the water safe to drink in Mexico?
Hotel and restaurant water is filtered, purified and safe for drinking. We suggest bringing two refillable water bottles.
STEP 1 – Click ‘Book Now’ and Complete Reservation Form to Hold Your Space(s)
STEP 2 – Mail $500 Deposit via Check.
Reservation is guaranteed upon receipt of a $500 deposit per person. Deposits are held in Trust Account. Deposits are fully refundable for any reason if you cancel before Dec 31, 2020. After Jan 01, 2021, regular cancellation policy applies. Final Payment is due 90-days prior to departure and payable by Check, Zelle, Stripe, ApplePay, Visa, Mastercard.
Mail Check Deposit to:
Meaningful Trips
1416 NW 46th St
Suite 105-343
Seattle, WA 98107
Upon reserving a trip and submitting a deposit, each traveler will receive:
- A Confirmation email
- Invoice
- Pre-departure Information
- Trip Application with Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
- Travel Insurance Information
- Packing List
- Medical Form
Terms & Conditions and Liability Release
At the time of Deposit, participants must read and agree to Meaningful Trips Terms and Conditions and Liability Release Form. Please read this information carefully.
Your Meaningful Trip awaits. Space is limited. Click to reserve today.