Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán

Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán

• Trip code: 476X027
• Dauer: 8
• Stil: National Geographic Family Journeys

The Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect destination for your family to explore. Full of marine life, Maya ruins, and wildlife-packed jungles, this 8-day journey through some of Mexico’s must-see historical sites–small towns, cenotes, and reserves, offers the perfect educational experience for your family to share. Go on a jeep safari on the island of Cozumel, visit the remarkable wildlife in Celestún Biosphere Reserve, marvel at the largest pyramid at Chichen Itza, visit a small Maya community and enjoy some ice cream in Izamal. The perfect blend of cross-cultural connections, history, and exploration that will provide a lifetime of memories for your whole family.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts)

Checklist

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

Group Leader

Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides

Group Size Notes

Max 20

Highlights

Embark on an island safari by jeep and ride to some of Cozumel's idyllic beaches and archaeological sites, Channel your inner explorer at Chichen Itzá the site of the iconic El Castillo pyramid and a treasure trove of Maya ruins, Be on the lookout for local wildlife like flamingos crocodiles and sea turtles during a half-day excursion into the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, Travel into the jungle for a swim in cenotes—natural sinkholes that were sacred to the ancient Maya, Participate in communal life in the Maya community of Yaxunah where you’ll prepare a historical dish incorporating ancient Maya techniques

Meals Included

7 Frühstück, 5 Mittagessen, 1 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD220-290 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Tulum
- Tulum Day Trip

Playa del Carmen
- Beach Time - Playa del Carmen
- Walk Along Fifth Avenue

Start / Finish

von Playa del Carmen

Transport

Private vehicle, boat, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Yaxunah Community Visit & Cochinita Pibil, Yaxuná
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Family-Journeys-Moment: Family Tour of Chichén Itzá with an Expert Guide, Chichén-Itzá
Dein Family-Journeys-Moment: Santa Bárbara Cenotes, Mérida
Dein Discover-Moment: Playa del Carmen. Complimentary arrival transfer. Day tour of Cozumel with ruins, snorkeling, and beach time. Celestún Biosphere Reserve visit with a boat ride on the river and free time at the beach for water activities. Visit Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and climb the many steps. Enjoy an ice cream before the drive back to Playa del Carmen. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Introduction

The Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect destination for your family to explore. Full of marine life, Maya ruins, and wildlife-packed jungles, this 8-day journey through some of Mexico’s must-see historical sites–small towns, cenotes, and reserves, offers the perfect educational experience for your family to share. Go on a jeep safari on the island of Cozumel, visit the remarkable wildlife in Celestún Biosphere Reserve, marvel at the largest pyramid at Chichen Itza, visit a small Maya community and enjoy some ice cream in Izamal. The perfect blend of cross-cultural connections, history, and exploration that will provide a lifetime of memories for your whole family

Internationale Flüge

Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden

Minimum Age

Please note that on your National Geographic Family Journeys trip the minimum age is 7 years

Itinerary

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

Welcome to Playa del Carmen –your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead

Day 2 Day trip to Cozumel

Your adventure-filled day begins with a ferry ride to the island of Cozumel. Protected by offshore reefs, Cozumel was sparsely populated, but pirates and trading ships often sought shelter and replenished their supplies here. During the Mayan period the island was used as a commercial and ceremonial centre, making it home to several small archaeological sites with deep historical significance. Travel by jeep on an island safari while learning about the land and efforts to protect the nearby reefs. Swim in the clear waters, enjoy lunch with a view, and listen to stories of the ancient Maya. Return to the hotel in Playa del Carmen where dinner will be at your leisure

Day 3 Playa del Carmen/Mérida

After breakfast, begin the journey to Merída. The first stop along the way will be to Chichen Itzá. National Geographic has ranked Chichen Itzá as the best Mayan ruin to visit in Mexico. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and houses 26 ruins in one location. Join an expert guide who will teach you about the site, including the pyramid, known as El Castillo or El Caracol. You’ll also see the largest Maya ball court in the Americas–Tlachtli

Day 4 Mérida

Head into the jungle and marvel at the cenotes, giant holes in the earth filled with clear blue water. Considered sacred to the ancient Maya, cenotes have been studied by National Geographic Explorers like Dr. Guillermo de Anda extensively. Dive in with your family and channel your inner archeologist while exploring these waterways. Santa Barbara is home to 4 different pools to choose from, offering truly unique swimming experiences with the bonus of using a colorful small train as transport between. Return to Merída in the early evening for a free evening

Day 5 Celestún Biosphere Reserve / Merida

Spend part of the day observing wildlife in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve with knowledgeable local guides. In the reserve there are over 200 species of birds that migrate or live here year-round. The area also serves as a hatching ground for endangered sea turtles. During winter the wetland boasts flocks of thousands of flamingos, offering quite a sight. Be sure to remain on the lookout for other wildlife like herons, ducks and pelicans. This immersive experience offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about and appreciate diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The afternoon back in Merída will be free to explore as you choose

Day 6 Mérida/Playa del Carmen

Ascend the pyramid steps of Kinich Kak Moo, Izamal’s Mayan pyramid and witness the excitement on your kids’ faces as they conquer the ancient steps and take in the panoramic views from the top. Spend time here amid the buildings of uniform yellow and enjoy some ice cream before the drive back to the coast and white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen. Return to the hotel and relax with a swim in the pool or take advantage of some of the hotel’s many amenities to unwind after your day’s journey

Day 7 Playa del Carmen

Enjoy a day on your own, taking advantage of the optional activities in the area, lounging by the hotel pool, or building sandcastles on the beach. You can also choose to pre-book a visit to the Mayan city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built on a coast and one of the few protected by a wall of limestone. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for an included farewell dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week of fun and engaging exploration

Day 8 Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Playa del Carmen

Day 2 Day trip to Cozumel

Day 3 Playa del Carmen/Mérida

Your next stop is the small Maya community of Yaxunah. Join a knowledgeable guide and learn more about this vibrant community and their rich cultural history. Attend a demonstration on how the traditional Cochinita Pibil dish is made and prepare for a hands-on tortilla-making experience as a family before sitting down for a delicious lunch together. Arrive in Merída in the early evening and have dinner on your own.

Day 4 Mérida

Day 5 Celestún Biosphere Reserve / Merida

Day 6 Mérida/Playa del Carmen

Day 7 Playa del Carmen

In the evening there will be an included final group dinner where everyone can swap stories and reflect on a week well spent in a deeply historical part of the world.

Day 8 Playa del Carmen