Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Underworld and Mayan Culture
When you imagine the ancient Mayans peering into mysteriously deep and limpid underground pools, it's easy to see how they came to believe these cenotes were windows to the underworld. This National Geographic Day Tour is a journey into the deepest aspects of Mayan culture, bridging the gap between the tempting beauty of the cenotes the region is so famous for, and the significance they hold in local tradition. You'll begin the day with a descent into either Abuelo or Zoi Che cenote, where you can choose to enjoy a cooling dip. These water-filled caverns offer a tangible connection to the Mayan way of life. Your National Geographic-trained guide will explain how the fresh water of cenotes was crucial for the survival of Mayan settlements, especially given the scarcity of rivers and lakes in the Yucatan. As well as their spiritual status, the guide will also describe the Mayan concept of the underworld, or Xibalba, and it's nine layered structure which is reflected in many of Mexico's Mayan pyramids. Next, you'll take a guided stroll along the Mayan Path of Xibalba where thirteen representations of Mayan gods punctuate the route, and your guide will unravel their stories on the way. National Geographic guests will have private access to the park's recently discovered fifth cenote, steeped in the aura of the ancient world. After your exploration of the connection between cenotes and Mayan culture and beliefs, it's time to relax over a traditional homemade local lunch, a homage to the region's culinary heritage.
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Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration
Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour samples of traditional snacks including Kibi.During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.
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Adults-only Riviera Maya Boat Trip with Open Bar and Lunch
There's nothing quite like that ‘you've made it' holiday feeling, and this adults-only boat trip features all the little luxuries and a new perspective on Mexico. Crafted and designed with you in mind, this cruise is offered exclusively by TUI – among the unique touches are fresh fruit, lunch and, of course, swim stops and water sports.
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Coba Maya Ruins Tour with Lunch and Cenote Swim
A journey deep into the Yucatán jungle to discover the ancient Maya city of Coba. You'll learn about their enigmatic culture, see the Great Pyramid, meet local villagers and swim in a sacred cenote
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Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour from Chiquila
Holbox Island offers 36km of pristine white beaches washed by emerald green seas. On this exclusive TUI excursion, you'll tour spots like Isla Pasion and Punta Mosquito on a private boat, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and more. And there's also golf buggy tour of the island to look forward to.
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Sian Ka’an Reserve Tour with Boat Trip and Maya Village Visit
The ancient Maya called it ‘Where the Sky Begins' – and there's definitely a touch of heaven to Sian Ka'an. Its mangroves, coral reefs, wildlife and archaeological sites mean that it's both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve, placing in the champions' league of natural parks.
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Guided Tour of Tulum and Visit to a Modern Maya Community
Exploring ancient ruins and swimming in underground caves make this an action-packed morning of adventure. A guided tour of one of Mexico's most important historical sites is followed by a visit to a traditional Mayan community. What's more, you'll get the chance to take a refreshing dip in a cenote too.
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Chichen Itza Private Tour with Transport and Local Guide
The ancient ruins of Chichen Itza are one of Mexico's must-visits. This exclusive experience lets you see the site before the crowds arrive and tour the complex with an expert guide. Then, delve into the depths of the Mayan underworld with a cenote swim and visit a traditional Maya village for lunch.
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Tulum Private Tour with a Local Guide and Maya Community Visit
This exclusive private tour ensures you'll be one of the first visitors through the gates to explore the Yucatan's best-preserved archaeological site – the ancient ruins of Tulum. A guided tour is followed by a swim in an underground cave and a stop by a typical Mayan community.
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Private Holbox Island Boat and Buggy Tour
Holbox Island is a holiday within a holiday. On this private tour, you'll visit Isla Pasion on a boat trip, enjoy lunch at a five-star eco resort and enjoy a golf buggy tour of the island. Ariel, one of our local guides on this tour, says, ‘Holbox is a habitat for more than 300 endemic and migratory bird species. It's also something of a playground, with activities such as speedboats and beach buggies.'Board your boat at Chiquila – piloted by a local fisherman – and be whisked off on a two-hour coastal tour. Every other company uses the local ferry. Your guide will point out places known for their wildlife – some 150 bird species have been spotted on the island – and explain what efforts are being made to preserve this habitat. For three decades, Holbox has been part of Yum Balam Nature Reserve. And if you're doing the tour between June and September, you may be lucky enough to catch sight of the island's flamboyant flamingos.Plus, you'll discover the beauty of the secluded beaches of tiny Isla Pasion – Holbox itself boasts 36km of white-sand strands – before heading to the eco-resort for lunch followed by downtime on the sunloungers. Once your batteries are recharged, you'll hop into a golf buggy -the island's 1,000 residents don't use cars – for some fun exploring the surrounding area. To round off your visit to the island, we'll make our way to Holbox's main square for some free time – it's a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs or sample local food.
Private Tulum Tour with Nopalitos Lagoon and Lunch
This private tour has an ideal 50/50 mix of culture and relaxation. First, you'll explore the Maya ruins of Tulum, their only city by the sea, then while away the remaining hours at the Nopalitos lagoon, which only recently opened to the public. Gustavo, one of our local guides, says, ‘Just when you think the Riviera Maya has no surprises left up its sleeve, you discover Nopalitos. Its flat water, with virtually every shade of blue imaginable, changes before your eyes as the clouds drift above the lagoon.'You'll kick off with a guided tour of the archaeological site of the Maya city of Tulum – the only one they built on the coast. As you admire monuments such as the Temple of the God of Wind and El Castillo pyramid, you'll be treated to views over the Caribbean. Afterwards, you'll have some free time to either hit the beach – famed for its turtles – there or take a few more photos. Gustavo says, ‘Tulum is that perfect balance between culture and nature. You see all these iguanas lazing around the ruins of the city and turtles ambling along the beach.'Then, it's on to Nopalitos. This freshwater lagoon gets its name from its similarity to the pads of the nopal cactus, also known as the prickly pear. It's darker in the middle because there's a deep cenote there. It's ideal for relaxing or trying out some paddleboarding and kayaking. After lunch, you can hit the hammocks or dangle your feet over the water from the wooden jetty.
Aventuras Mayas Jungle Park with Mexican Lunch
If you're all about action and adventure, a day of fun-filled thrills awaits at Aventuras Mayas Jungle Park. Speed through the jungle by ATV, fly through the treetops by zipwire and abseil into a cenote to swim in one of these impressive underground chambers. And when it's time for a break, there's a tasty Mexican buffet on offer.
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