Highlights of the Yucatan

G Adventures · 8 days

4.5

20 Reviews

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Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This eight-day trip through the Yucatán 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.

Highlights

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 Yucatán food
Cool off from the heat and swim in the freshwater pools of the cenotes

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private bus, ferry, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Finishes

Tulum, Mexico

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Playa del Carmen

Arrive at any time.

Day 2: Playa del Carmen/Isla Holbox

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.

Day 3: Isla Holbox

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.

Day 4: Holbox/Izamal

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 Yucatán 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.

Day 5: Izamal/Mérida

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.

Day 6: Mérida

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.

Day 7: Mérida/Tulum

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.

Day 8: Tulum

Depart at any time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $2049

AUD $1,536

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

This eight-day trip through the Yucatán 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.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Oct 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

James H.

Traveled, March 2024

03/20/2024

Great experience.. I do believe there should be a higher priority to get new accommodations when something like the power is out and not quickly being resolved.

4.5

Mercy M.

Traveled, March 2024

03/19/2024

Loved every bit of it! It was a sweet surprise and this will be my go to company for my family and friends moving forward.

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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