This website uses cookies to collect information about how you use this site.
This information is used to make the website work as well as possible.
See our Cookie Policy for more details.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions.
The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website, store your preferences, and provide the content and advertisements that are relevant to you. These cookies will only be stored in your browser with your prior consent.
You can choose to enable or disable some or all of these cookies, but disabling some of them may affect your browsing experience.
This eight-day trip through the Yucatan Peninsula proves it's got way more than just gorgeous beaches - although, don't worry, you'll still have plenty of time for those too. Kicking things off with the rustic and tropical vibes of Holbox Island, you'll then venture inland to the iconic ruins of Chichen Itzá before spending the night in a traditional Mayan pueblo, discovering storied traditions and delicious local cuisine. After that, cool off with a dip in the fresh waters of a crystal-clear cenote, fall in love with Merida's charm, then head to Tulum to wrap up your trip with white sand, trendy beach clubs, and seaside ruins.
If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
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.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselv
It is uncommon to pay for optional activities, souvenirs and meals on credit card in the areas this trip visits, so be prepared with a combination of USD cash and local currency to pay for these on-trip costs.
That said, credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank prior to travelling. ATMs generally only dispense local currency, not USD. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
You will be able to exchange USD to local currency along the way , but please be advised that slightly torn notes and notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 50USD (or equivalent). Learn about local exchange rates at www.xe.com.
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.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels 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.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Mérida. Orientation walk of Isla Holbox, Izamal. Chichén Itzá guided tour. Swim and lunch at cenotes en route to Merida. Guided tour of Tulum Ruins. Free time in Isla Holbox, Merida, and Tulum. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
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.
Max 16, avg 12
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
Holbox Island
- Beach Time
- Swim with Whale Sharks
Mérida
- Anthropology Museum Visit (55MXN per person)
- Cenote Visit (50-60USD per person)
Celestún
- Celestún Bird Watching (45-50USD per person)
Uxmal Ruins
- Uxmal Ruins Visit (70-110USD per person)
16
ACCOMMODATION NOTE
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
QUINTANA ROO TOURIST TAX
Please note there may be a $271MXN (approximately $14 USD) tourist tax at Cancún International Airport, however it is usually included in international tickets. Please verify with your airline if the departure tax is included in your airfare.
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Chill out on the beaches of Isla Holbox, See the massive pyramid at Chichen Itzá on a guided tour, Stay in a small Mayan pueblo and taste the delicious regional Yucatan food, Cool off from the heat and swim in the freshwater pools of the cenotes.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures 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.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures 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 G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Private bus, ferry, walking.
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Hotels (7 nts).
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, a G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Arrive at any time.
Looking for a Mexico that is all sunshine, beaches, and tacos without the crowds? That's what's on the menu today on the relaxed tropical island of Isla Holbox. Travel by bus and ferry to the island and get your bearings with a CEO-led orientation walk. In the afternoon enjoy free time to continue exploring the island.
Wander past colourful murals featuring images of bright turquoise waters, follow unpaved sandy streets, and soak in the bohemian carefree vibe evident all around. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the island, hang out at the beach or find a cool place to grab some food and a fruity drink to complete those paradise fantasies.
Take advantage of this free day to further indulge in island life. Spend some time lounging at the beach, maybe strike up a volleyball game with some locals. Swim with whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world (in season, June-Sept.) Or find a cool swimming spot, opt to try some snorkelling, or rent a kayak and get on the water for a different perspective of Isla Holbox. You have all day to do as you please.
If you're feeling really adventurous you can opt to swim with whale sharks in the waters off of Isla Holbox. Get your adrenaline pumping and see the largest fish in the world. Though intimidating in size whale sharks are docile and very approachable. Please note that this activity is seasonal and will be available only on departures between June and September.
Hop on a ferry back to the mainland and travel by bus to Chichen Itzá for a guided tour. From there the group will travel by private bus to the small mayan town of Izamal. Set out on an orientation walk through the town and admire the colourful colonial architecture as well as all of the yellow painted homes and buildings. Then, enjoy a Yucatan food experience to sample some regional dishes and learn about the traditional history of the cuisine.
There are twenty-six total Mayan Ruins at this particular site. You'll see El Castillo, the main Mayan Ruin and other important ruins like the Observatory, The Temple of The Wariors, and the Mayan Ball Game.
Wave good-bye to the Yellow City and travel by private bus to the town of Mérida. Along the way visit 2-3 different cenotes, or sinkhole caves and go for a swim to see the cave formations up close. Enjoy an included lunch near one of the cenotes before arriving in Mérida later in the afternoon.
Enjoy a free day to explore Mérida and surroundings. Opt to visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal or explore the main square and historic buildings of Mérida.
After breakfast the group will depart Mérida and travel to Tulum. First stop will be to the Mayan ruins named after the town for a guided tour. The rest of the day and night are open for you to do as you please. Wander around town, head to the beach for some time in the sun, before opting for a final night out with the group.
Depart at any time.
Details
Prices from: €1124.10
Duration: 8 Days
Service Level: Standard
Travel Style: Classic
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Trip Type: Small Group
Prices from: €1124.10
8 day Classic tour
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise