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10 Day itinerary in Mexico, North America

Enjoy the Mexican Summer : Whale sharks - Cenote - Ruins ...

This journey takes us, not only scuba diving through the veins of the mother earth at the cenotes and the fascinating whale shark encounter but also takes us to some important sites of the Mayan culture. We will take you to visit a couple of ruins that are away from the crowds, such as Ek Balam and... Read More

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Lucia Mariana

By Lucia Mariana

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cancun International Airport

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Snorkeling/Diving

Indigenous culture

Meet local people

Nature & Wildlife

Food & Culinary

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

The waters off Isla Mujeres towards Isla Contoy are certainly special.

2

Cenote diving is a unique experience

3

Explore the jungle & the ancient ruins!

4

Dive in one of the best spots of the Mexican Caribbean

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Welcome to the Caribbean!

- Arrival: Cancún, Mexico - Airport transportation to the hotel in Cancún - Hotel Aloft Cancun

Day 2

place Whale sharks encounter!

- Hotel Breakfast - Whaleshark encounter (Box lunch included - hotel transportation included): Whale Sharks visit the Caribbean every year following the black tuna migration, once you get to the Whale Shark Snorkeling Area you will be able to see some kind of oil on the surface, this is the best sign to know that we are entering the Whale Shark Area. Caribbean waters have the perfect conditions during summer to gather one of the biggest whale shark migrations in the world. The pick-up for this activity is usually at 6:45 am - Night in hotel Aloft Cancun

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

Day 3

place Whale Shark Encounter

- Hotel Breakfast - Whaleshark encounter (Box lunch included & hotel transportation): same schedule as the DAY 2 - Night in hotel Aloft Cancun

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

Day 4

place Moving to Playa del Carmen

- Hotel Breakfast - Transfer from hotel in Cancún to Playa del Carmen - Check in hotel Hacienda Paradise

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Cenote Dive Trip

- Hotel Breakfast - 2 Cenote Dives - Box lunch included: Scuba diving two cenotes is a full-day program. The day starts at 8:30 AM. You will be picked up from the reception or a close agreed meeting point (occasionally due to inaccessibility at resorts). Your guide will provide a thorough briefing at Maya Blue Dive Center (or cenote) concerning scuba-procedures, safety, cenote regulation, history, and any points of interest. After you have a good understanding what you can expect, you will be able to enjoy your experience even more. We will provide transportation to go to the cenote. Arrived at the cenote, your guide will show you around the jungle area, cenote facilities, and the points of easy entry and exit. Once in the water, the guide will show you the magic of the cenote. There will be the opportunity to enjoy the (included) lunch and beverages. After lunch, you will head off to a different cenote for another exciting tour. Later you will have some free time at the cenote. Finally, after a full day of exploring the cenote, our guide will drive you back to your accommodation. You will arrive at your accommodation around 17.00 PM to relax after a beautiful day. Prerequisites: 15 Years or older Open water certification Minimum 20 logged dives Last dive within 6 months No positive responses on “Medical statement“(unless physician’s clearing the person) Understand and signed the “Scuba Diver release form“ Included: Cavern guide Transportation Water & Lunch Dive light Tanks & weights VAT Excluded Entrance fee: Full equipment rental scuba diving Towel Dive computer Personal expenses - Night in hotel Hacienda Paradise

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

place Cenote Dive Trip

- Hotel Breakfast - 2 Cenote Dives - Box lunch Included: the same schedule as DAY - Night in hotel Hacienda Paradise

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7

place Cenote Dive Trip

- Hotel Breakfast - 2 Cenote Dives - Box lunch: the same schedule as DAY 5&6 - Night in hotel Hacienda Paradise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8

place Ek Balan Ruins / Valladolid Tour

- Hotel Breakfast - Ek Balam Ruins/ Valladolid tour: The oldest city in Yucatán state, Valladolid was established by the Spanish 1543 and like many colonial towns, has a turbulent history. It was here, in fact, that the War of Castes began in 1887. Today, the town’s mixed heritage has become part of its character—and its distinctive cuisine. Though long overlooked as a destination, Valladolid has come into its own since it was designated a “Pueblo Mágico” in 2012. While not exactly a secret anymore, it remains a tranquil and cultured place of restored haciendas, artisan shops and luxurious gardens. The New York Times dubbed Valladolid “authentic” and “a sophisticated refuge” in the Yucatán. Valladolid’s attractions include a centuries-old church and former monastery, dedicated to San Bernardino de Siena, and strolling the “Avenue of the Friars,” now lined with restaurants, shops, a chocolate museum and a tequila distillery—tasting is encouraged! Our guides will lead you to the best restaurants, where you can sample both traditional and innovative versions of Yucatán cuisine. From Valladolid, we can organize several unique day trips and half-day excursions. You can visit the home of traditional Maya beekeepers, whose native organic honey products are known for their medicinal properties, explore the “Yellow City” of Izamal, purchase hammocks handmade by local prison inmates, visit Mérida, and much more. Pueblos Mágicos, or “Magical Towns,” are part of a government-sponsored program to protect and preserve Mexico’s rich heritage. Designated towns receive funding to help restore and maintain their historical architecture, natural beauty, cultural identity, and unique feel. - Night in hotel Hacienda Paradise

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks

Day 9

place Discover the Coba Ruins!

- Hotel Breakfast - Coba Ruins & Cenote visit Tour (no diving): Set deep in the jungle, about 90 km (56 miles) west of Tulum, the enormous, ancient city of Cobá has still been only partially uncovered. Built around two lagoons, its edifices and temples are connected by a system of carved stone pathways called sacbe or “white roads,” most of which are still intact and now used as trails by visitors. Cobá is known for several majestic pyramids, including Nohuch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan at nearly 40 meters (130 feet). Though not a climb for the faint of heart, it offers a wonderful panoramic view over the jungle canopy from the top. The Cobá ruins see more visitors than those in Calakmul; however, they are large enough that they don’t usually feel crowded except during holiday periods, particularly Easter and Christmas. And while it may be romantic to walk the white roads as the ancient Maya once did, it is also a lot of ground to cover, so many people rent bicycles or ride in a human-powered trishaw. With so much to explore in one area, Cobá makes an ideal day trip for non-divers while the rest of their group is diving the cenotes. Maya or Mayan? Both terms are generally acceptable and understood. However, scholars of the ancient world use “Maya” when referring to the people and culture (whether singular or plural), and “Mayan” to denote the language. - Night in hotel Hacienda Paradise

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10

place Last day of your trip

- Hotel Breakfast - Transfer from your hotel in Playa del Carmen to Cancún airport - Depart Mexico

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (9)
  • Lunch (7)
  • Snacks (3)

Not Included expand_less

  • Snorkel rental gear
  • Meals not stated above
  • Drinks
  • Cenote entrance fees
  • ruins entrances fees
  • National Conservation fees (whale shark trip)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratuities

About Lucia Mariana

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$2,482.00 USD