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Mexico Family Journey: The Heart Of The Yucatan
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Length
8 Days
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Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
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Ends in
Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
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Available Tour Start Dates
MAR 29, 2026 to JAN 2, 2028
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Activity Level
Easy
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Style
Fully-Guided
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Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
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Special Interest(s)
National Geographic Family Journeys
Trips for adventure-loving families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$3,144.15
Contact Us for a Special Price!
Overview
The Yucatan 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 Celestun 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.
Visited During Tour
Merida (Mexico) | Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are Mexico Family Journey: The Heart Of The Yucatan tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like such tours to be included below.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code CMPNF-11403
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Day
1Playa 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.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group on the morning of day two.
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Day
2Day trip to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Today we travel towards Sian Ka'an. This Biosphere Reserve is one of the most beautiful places along Mexico's Caribbean coast, designated as a UNESCO Heritage Site for its vast biodiversity and wetlands. Join the G Adventure-supported Community Tours Sian Ka'an - a Maya-owned cooperative rooted in protecting the natural environment while celebrating cultural heritage and the bonds between humans and nature. Explore by boat along a network of canals dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like monkeys and tropical birds. Then, strap on a lifejacket and cool off in the crystal clear water of one of the canals as you float down through mangrove forests. Dig into a delicious local lunch after your explorations. Return to the hotel in Playa del Carmen where dinner will be at your leisure.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Excursion
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico's most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment. Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon with Community Tours Sian Ka'an - a Maya-owned cooperative rooted in the heart of the reserve. Since 2000, the community has been committed to offering regenerative tourism experiences that protect the natural environment and celebrate cultural heritage. This G Adventures-supported initiative practices conservation while honouring the sacred bond between humans and nature. After the boat ride, hop into the crystal clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down stream.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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Day
3Playa del Carmen/Merida
After breakfast, begin the journey to Merida. The first stop along the way will be to Chichen Itza. National Geographic has ranked Chichen Itza 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.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. Together, learn how Escabeche is made during a hands-on demonstration. Sit down for a delicious lunch alongside your hosts afterwards. Arrive in Merida in the early evening and have dinner on your own.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Family Tour of Chichén Itzá with an Expert Guide
Meet up with a local expert and explore Chichen Itza on a family-focused tour. Follow your trusty guides through this dramatic site, including a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan. This significant archaeological site is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and houses 26 Mayan Ruins in one place. Identify ruins like the Chichen Itza Pyramid also known as El Castillo, or El Caracol, the Observatory, the Temple of The Warriors, and the largest Maya ball court in the Americas-tlachtli. Wander around the ruins as your guide shares stories of the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization and use those imaginations to step back in time for a glimpse of what it might have been like to experience this sacred city and religious centre during its glory days.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Chichen Itza and Merida. There will be a short stop along the way at a G for Good Community Project.
Yaxunah Community Visit
The community of Yaxunah is located in the central part of the state of Yucatan, Mexico about 19km southwest of the great Maya ruins of Chichen Itza. This location itself is historical with ruins of colonial era haciendas and a nearby church. During your visit here, the group will be given an introduction to the community's history as well as you'll be welcomed with an explanation of Yucatecan food and their ingredients, then learn how "Escabeche" is prepared and then come together and enjoy lunch with the community. More than just tasting, this experience will provide travellers with a deeper understanding of the story behind each ingredient, connecting with the people who prepare it, and experiencing Yucatan with all your senses.
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Day
4Merida
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 Merida in the early evening for a free evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Merida and the Santa Barbara cenotes.
Santa Bárbara Cenotes
It's a kid's dream! Think massive sinkholes full of cool, inviting water, surrounded by blue sky above. It's no wonder it feels like you've entered another realm. Spend the day visiting different cenotes in Santa Barbara and travel between them by the iconic Santa Barbara express train, a unique experience for the entire family. Lunch will be served in between the adventurous swimming, and the spread will be Yucatan Regional staples like, Papadzules, Poc Chuc, and Sopa de Lima.
Private Vehicle
After an adventurous day at the cenotes, settle in to your private vehicle and return to Merida.
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Day
5Day Trip to Sotuta de Peon
Embark on a full day exploration into the heart of the Yucatan with an immersive experience at a living ranch. Start things off right with a hands on cooking experience learning to prepare Cochinita Pibil. Enjoy the cochinita for lunch alongside other regional delicacies before taking a tour of the hacienda. On this guided experience, learn about the history of henequen production and its use during the 20th century when these haciendas were dotted all throughout the region. Then hop aboard a traditional truck and make your way down the rails towards a cenote for a refreshing dip in the water. Return to Merida after your day's adventures.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Traditional Cochinita Pibil Meal Experience
Learn all about the traditional techniques of the preparation of cochinita pibil, one of the region's most beloved and delicious dishes. The method involves marinating pork in citrus and adding annatto seed which gives it a deep red colour, before then wrapping it in a banana leaf and slow-roasting it underground beneath a hot fire. Not into pork or meat? No problem, there are plenty of other delicious local delicacies available.
Private Tour of a Working Hacienda
This immersive day trip includes a private tour of a nearby working hacienda, where you will learn the history of the ranch, Sip on a welcome drink as the staff takes you around the grounds. Then, visit the traditional rope-making factory and enjoy a refreshing swim in a private cenote. Later, you will attend a traditional Cochinita Pibil experience to learn the ancient Mayan art of preparing pork.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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Day
6Merida/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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Izamal Pyramid Visit & Ice Cream
Visit Izamal and the The Kinich Kakmo Pyramid, dedicated to the Sun God or "Fire Macaw". Spread across a sprawling three acres. Climb the steps to the top of this 110 ft / 34 m tall pyramid and enjoy views of the surrounding site. Dating back to the Pre-Classic period this is one of the oldest Mayan structures. The structure was also built over a cave which holds an important place in the religion and mythology of the Maya. After exploring head to town amid the yellow buildings and enjoy a nice cold ice cream.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Please note you will cross a time zone along this route.
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Day
7Playa 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.
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Free Time
Enjoy a full free day as a family in Playa del Carmen. From hanging out on the beach to taking a day trip to Tulum, there are endless options to get out and enjoy this slice of paradise.
3Optional Activities for Day 7
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Day
8Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Mexico Family Journey: The Heart Of The Yucatan tour:
Group Size
Max 20.
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Excursion, Sian Ka'anYour G for Good Moment: Yaxunah Community Visit, YaxunaYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Playa del CarmenYour Family Journeys Moment: Family Tour of Chichen Itza with an Expert Guide, Chichen-ItzaYour Family Journeys Moment: Santa Barbara Cenotes, MeridaYour Foodie Moment: Traditional Cochinita Pibil Meal Experience, Sotuta de PeonYour Discover Moment: Playa del Carmen. Complimentary arrival transfer. Day tour of Cozumel with ruins, snorkeling, and beach time. Celestun 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 Expedition Leader and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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 Itza 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 Celestun 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.
Message from G Adventures About Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Optional Activities
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Tulum- Tulum Day TripPlaya del Carmen- Beach Time - Playa del Carmen- Walk Along Fifth Avenue
Accommodation Summary
Hotels (7 nts).
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
What are the meals like on this trip?
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides.
What is the group leader like?
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our Expedition Leaders. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Minimum Age
Please note that on your National Geographic Family Journeys trip the minimum age is 7 years.
Notes
Prices are based on double occupancy; all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details.Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Checklist
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso 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)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
When can I do my laundry on this trip?
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. If laundry is not available at your hotel, your Expedition Leader will be able to direct you to a nearby laundromat.
Service Level
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.