Explore Yucatán Highlights With a Knowledgeable Archaeologist
Step into the heart of the Yucatán on a tour like no other, where ancient wonders and contemporary Maya culture come alive. From clapping in front of the iconic pyramid on your Chichen Itza tour from Valladolid to exploring the secrets of Maya life in the jungle, this experience is designed to connect you to the region’s rich history and breathtaking beauty.
Led by an archaeologist who speaks English, Spanish, and who can both speak the contemporary Maya language and read ancient hieroglyphs, our Yucatán tours go beyond the surface. Discover the true story of the Maya people, visit stunning cenotes, stroll 500-year-old streets, and unwind on Akumal’s pristine beaches – all tailored to your interests for an unforgettable journey.
Tour Highlights
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Tour Logistics
Tour Logistics
Price
From $180 per person, per day (based on a recommended tour duration of 5 days for 10 people).
Kids 13 and under receive a 20% discount.
Departure time
Flexible. We recommend morning time arrivals to make the most of your time.
Meeting point
The airport or your hotel in Mérida, Cancún, or Tulum.
Availability
Year round, upon request.
Accommodations
Mid-range, with options to upgrade to luxury accommodations.
Duration
Flexible. Options from 1 – 5 days.
Group size
1 – 10 guests per tour.
Included
- Transportation
- Accommodation
- Entrance fees to sites
- Cost of activities
- Lunch
Not included
- Airfare
- Alcoholic beverages
- Dinner
- Tips
What to bring
- Light rain accessories
- Hat
- Sunscreen (reef-safe–some sites require it)
- Insect repellent
- Swimwear
- Comfortable closed-toed shoes
- Water shoes
About the guide
Your tour leader is an academic with an MA in Anthropology. He’s written extensively about the ancient and contemporary Maya people, and he lives in Yucatán. He’s fluent in English and Spanish to translate for you, and he knows the indigenous Maya language as well. You’ll also get to meet a number of his Maya friends and colleagues on the way.
What You’ll See & Do
Our itineraries are flexible and tailored to where you fly in and how long you plan to stay. However, our favorite version of the Must-See Yucatán Tour unfolds like this:
Day 1: Arrive in Cancún and travel to Valladolid, a charming colonial city known for its colorful streets and relaxed vibe. Spend the day exploring its historic plazas, artisanal shops, and local markets before enjoying a regional welcome dinner featuring traditional Yucatecan dishes.
Day 2: The next day, head to Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, for a fascinating tour led by an archaeologist and a knowledgeable local guide. Learn the true history of the Maya civilization and marvel at the pyramid’s unique acoustics before cooling off with a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote, a natural sinkhole sacred to the Maya.
Day 3: Venture into the jungle to experience traditional Maya lifeways firsthand, from learning native beekeeping methods that produce the rare and prized Melipona honey to discovering how chewing gum is harvested from sapodilla trees. In the nearby town of Tihosuco, uncover stories of Maya resistance and resilience that shaped the region’s history.
Day 4: From there, visit Tulum, where ancient beachside ruins offer breathtaking ocean views, and continue to Coba, an expansive Maya city once ruled by a warrior-queen. Climb its towering pyramid or wander through the lush jungle pathways connecting the site’s hidden treasures.
Day 5: Finally, head to Akumal to spend a relaxing morning on its pristine beaches, famous for their white sands and clear waters. Wrap up your journey with a visit to Playa del Carmen, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Quinta Avenida before returning to your original or next destination.
As with all of our trips, they’re flexible to your desires and goals as a visitor. Don’t like swimming? We’ll skip the cenotes. Want to relax plenty? We’ll make sure to schedule in more beach time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read our frequently asked questions for more information about this tour:
Email us at arkeogato@gmail.com or fill out our contact form with as much info as you can to get the most accurate quote.
No! Your tour leader speaks English and Spanish and will translate as necessary.
In most cases, dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
No, these are private tours. In the future, we may offer some small-group tours on important local holidays, but those will be advertised as such.
Merida in the Yucatán Peninsula is considered to be one of the safest metropolitan areas in the world. In general, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the safest regions of Mexico for travelers, and the crime rate can be compared to travel destinations like Paris or London. As in any part of the world, travelers should exercise good judgment and avoid conspicuous displays of wealth.
The Must See Yucatán and Foodie’s Delight tours are great for families and can be adjusted to accommodate any age. The Off the Beaten Path tour is more physically intensive, including hiking, bicycling, and two nights of rugged sleeping that can be difficult for younger children.
If you can only spend one day on the tour, we’ll chat with you about your priorities. Depending on your availability, we can cut or add sites based on your preference. For example, if you’ve only got one day, we might visit Chichen Itza or Uxmal, eat a nice lunch, visit another small local site, and hang out at a cenote.
For a day tour, we typically recommend a street tour of Valladolid, a visit to see how local honey is produced, lunch, a culinary workshop, an art gallery in Valladolid, followed by dinner. (This is the only tour where we provide a welcome dinner for single-day tours.)
Our pricing reflects clean, quality mid-range hotels with wifi and other amenities, but if you prefer more luxurious hotels for the Must See Yucatán and the Foodie Yucatán tours, let us know. The hotels and cabañas in the Off the Beaten Path tour may be more rustic, as you might expect from a more adventurous tour.
Lunches are included, and we try to favor hotels with complementary breakfasts. We will also occasionally provide regional snacks such as marquesitas, chocolate beverages, etc. depending on the tour. All trips also include a welcome dinner. (Each meal includes one entree and a drink; alcoholic beverages not included.)
You will have most evenings free to explore, and we are happy to give you recommendations for activities in the cities we visit.
