Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
Yucatan Peninsula Adventure
8 Days
From AUD $3280
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(20 reviews)

Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From tropical beaches and colourful old cities to spectacular ancient ruins, the Yucatan Peninsula’s draws are many and varied.

Highlights

  • Cruise around Bacalar’s Lake of Seven Colours during a boat tour, leaping into the stunning blue water for refreshing swims along the way.
  • Escape the crowds and take a refreshing dip at Yokdzonot, a lesser-known cenote in the heart of the Yucatan managed by the local Maya community.
  • Travel to Tulum and explore the archaeological site of Mayan ruins with a local guide. Then, enjoy some free time to find the best snorkelling spots or local bars.
  • Experience Chichen Itza – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your tour of the ancient ruins includes a visit to the nearby Piste community and a traditional lunch.
  • Sip zingy margaritas, munch on local cuisine and soak up as much culture and history as you can in Merida, Yucatan’s charismatic capital.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Finishes

Tulum, Mexico

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Playa del Carmen
Hola! Welcome to Playa del Carmen – a popular resort town famed for its coral reef and sparkling warm waters. You’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers at the welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not spend the day lounging on the beach with a good book? You could also head to Dos Ojos Cenote and take a dip at the incredible turquoise freshwater swimming hole, or jump on a local ferry to explore the nearby island of Cozumel. When the introductions are out of the way, experience your first Mexican meal of the trip at an optional dinner with the group.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Merida
Depart early, travelling by private vehicle towards Merida, learning some Spanish phrases from your leader on the way. You’ll stop at Chichen Itza – one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, for a guided tour. This is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. Then take a cooling dip in one of the region’s lesser-known cenotes: Yokdzonot. Operated by a cooperative set up by local women, your visit will support their efforts to empower their Mayan community. After your swim, visit the local Piste community. You’ll spend time with the locals – perhaps trying out some of your Spanish – while sampling traditional Yucatecan cuisine. When you arrive in Merida – the charming capital of the Yucatan region – get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader. Wander the centuries-old streets and take in the grand buildings, learn about the town’s Maya heritage and swing by Mercado 60 – a buzzing food market with great margaritas and live music.

Included Activities:

  • Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)
  • Piste - Traditional Maya Family Lunch
  • Merida - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Merida - Visit to Cenote Yokdnozot Piste

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Merida
Your day is free for you to explore the many sights of Merida. You could visit the Regional Museum of Yucatan, located within the pretty Palacio Canton, chill out in the shady Plaza Grande admiring the 16th-century cathedral or seek out cochinita pibil, a slow-roasted, citrus-marinated pork dish that's a Yucatan speciality. Alternatively, take a trip to one of Mexico's best-preserved Maya sites in Uxmal. Spend two hours exploring the ruins and see the impressive so-called Pyramid of the Magician, marvel at the decorative details of the Governor’s Palace and take the opportunity to climb one of the pyramids for astounding views of the surrounding area. Merida is a people-pleaser when it comes to nightlife and has something for all tastes, whether you’re after a low-key bar, cultural show or some live music and dancing.

Optional Activities:

  • Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan (100 MXN)
  • Merida – Rio Lagartos (entrance and transport) (1700 MXN)
  • Merida - Uxmal Ruins tour (inc. shared transport and guide) (2200 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Campeche
Leave the city of Merida behind and drive to the coast to spend the night in Campeche – a seaside town with photogenic streets lined with multi-coloured low-rise buildings. On the way, visit the town of Becal, known as ‘the Hat Town’, where your group will meet with an artisan who works in a cave to weave the traditional jipi hats. When you arrive in Campeche, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. For dinner tonight, you’ll find good seafood almost anywhere, and other tempting restaurants at Portales de San Martin.

Included Activities:

  • Campeche - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Becal - Visit to Jipi hat artisan cave studio

Optional Activities:

  • Campeche - San Miguel Fort (Entrance Fee) (80 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Bacalar
Rise and shine for the long cross-peninsular drive to Bacalar today. Bacalar is said to be the first settlement of the Itza tribe, who would go on to create Chichen Itza. Today it’s a quiet spot to sit back, relax and take in the surrounding nature. When you're there, take a short leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings, followed by a free afternoon and evening to relax after a long travel day. Cerveza, anyone?

Included Activities:

  • Bacalar - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Bacalar
This morning, head out on a half day boat tour of Lake Bacalar. Also known as the Lake of Seven Colours – thanks to the various stunning shades of blue it adopts throughout the day – you’ll explore the different cenotes and islands that make up the lagoon including plenty of stops for swims along the way! Return to town around midday. The rest of the day is then free for you to uncover more cenotes or sit back and relax in Bacalar. You could visit Cenote Azul – a beautiful fresh water rockpool, perfect for swimming. The sparkling water and stalactites and stalagmites in the cave are a sight to behold.

Included Activities:

  • Bacalar - Lagoon of 7 Colours Boat Tour

Optional Activities:

  • Cenote Azul - Natural rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport) (37 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Tulum
Enjoy a free morning relaxing around Bacalar’s lake before heading in a private vehicle towards Tulum. Along the way, you’ll visit the Tulum archaeological ruins that sit on the cliffs of the Yucatan Peninsula. With a local guide, explore the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city which served as a major port for Coba. Carry on to the town of Tulum and when you arrive, take an orientation walk with your leader. There may be time to fit in a visit to another cenote or find a bar to keep working on that Spanish with the locals. In the evening, why not get the group together for a final meal to say farewell and ‘salud’ to Mexico.

Included Activities:

  • Tulum walking tour
  • Tulum - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport)

Optional Activities:

  • Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) (650 MXN)
  • Tulum- Bike rental (250 MXN)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Tulum
After breakfast, there are no activities planned for the day and your adventure will come to an end. If you would like to spend some more time exploring Tulum’s famous turquoise water, snorkelling spots, ancient ruins and general magnificence, just speak to your booking agent. Otherwise, you can choose to book a transfer to Cancun if you’re leaving today.
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.
AUD $3,280
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

From tropical beaches and colourful old cities to spectacular ancient ruins, the Yucatan Peninsula’s draws are many and varied.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 25 Oct 2025

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
4.5
Heidi
Traveled, April 2024

04/19/2024

Our tour group leader Lucila was knowledgeable, friendly and all you could hope for. The archeological sights were more than I expected. In all an awesome trip

4.5
Stephanie
Traveled, March 2024

04/05/2024

What an experience! So many memories made on this tour and I enjoyed getting to know our group while travelling across areas of Mexico that felt like not too many tourists were seeing. Highly recommend!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989