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Yucatan & Cancun: Merida, Mayan Ruins, & Beachside Livin'
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Length
9 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
Merida (Mexico)
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Ends in
Cancun (Mexico)
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Available Tour Start Dates
JUL 25, 2026 to DEC 26, 2027
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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)
Hostels for 18-to-35-year-olds
Immersive, social, wallet-friendly adventures where epic hostels are your home-base., 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.
Not Available
Overview
What's the best way to top off your Yucatan adventure? Pshh, that's easy: add a stop in Cancun! With some of Mexico's best hostels as your home, explore the Yucatan Peninsula on this nine-day adventure that wraps up with beachside days in Cancun. Kicking off in Merida, visit the jungle for a swim in crystal clear cenotes. Next, go on a guided tour of the massive Mayan site of Chichen Itza before descending into a cenote for an epic dinner of local dishes cooked over a fire. After a couple of days in chilled-out Tulum, head to Cancun for an insider's tour away from the resorts, and spend your free time relaxing at the beach, your hostel, or doing all sorts of optional activities.
Visited During Tour
Cancun (Mexico) | Merida (Mexico) | Tulum (Mexico) | Valladolid (Mexico)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
There are not currently any Yucatan & Cancun: Merida, Mayan Ruins, & Beachside Livin' tour dates available from G Adventures, for the selected year.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like to view details regarding such tours.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code CMYCHW-8801
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Day
1Merida
Arrive at any time, and kick back at the hostel or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Later on, head to one of the many bars and restaurants near the hostel for some eats and make sure to check out the main plaza at night.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. 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.
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Day
2Merida
Ok, so every day on this trip is amazing but we'll venture to say that this one is ridiculous. You'll explore some of the many cenotes in the area, giant sinkholes in the earth formed by underground freshwater rivers. Hop on a bike to cycle between a few of them and swim in the crystal-clear waters to take a break from the heat. After a yummy lunch, return to Merida and spend the rest of the day wandering the city or relaxing in a hammock at the hostel. Sound about right?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Santa Barbara Cenotes Visit
Head out in the morning from Merida into the jungle to a state reserve that is chock-full of cenotes, natural sinkholes in the earth that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Cycle between 3 of them and swim in the crystal clear water to cool off from the heat before a delicious lunch, then return to Merida in the afternoon.
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Day
3Merida/Valladolid
Ready for another epic day? Keep your sunscreen and the camera handy today as you'll be checking a major bucket item off of your list. Head into the jungle to the massive Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza for a guided tour and time to walk around on your own. Then continue to Valladolid to drop off your stuff at the hostel and chill for a bit before heading out for dinner, where you'll learn about the Mayas and have a chance to devour a spread of delicious Yucatan dishes cooked over the fire, like pollo pibil and tamales with fresh handmade tortillas.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery as you journey to your next destination.
Chichen Itzá Guided Tour
Join up with a local expert and learn about the history of Chichen Itza and the beliefs and rituals that defined this ancient Mayan civilization. This dramatic site includes a 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand, and towering walls. Visit the highlights of the site including the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery.
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Day
4Valladolid/Tulum
Pile into the bus and head to the white sand and turquoise waters of the Mayan Riviera. But before you hit the beach we have more ruins to see - Tulum! The only of the Mayan temples to be built right next to the ocean, you will be filling your feed with jaw-dropping photos in no time. Spend the rest of the day on the beach, hanging out at the hostel or at one of the many bars and cafes in town.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Tulum Ruins Visit
The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulum in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit "El Castillo" (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
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Day
5Tulum
The beach at Tulum is pretty stellar that's for sure, and today is yours to do with it what you want. Feeling active and want to explore more? Go snorkelling at the natural waterpark of Xel-Ha or visit some more cenotes. Feeling the ocean vibes instead? Stay local and hit the beach before shoring up at the hostel bar for a cold beverage. After dinner head to one of the beach clubs to dance the night away under the stars.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
1Optional Activities for Day 5
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Day
6Tulum/Cancun
Squeeze in a bit more beach time in Tulum before heading north to Playa del Carmen in the late morning. Have lunch at El Hongo, a community project that supports youth art initiatives that also happens to have delicious food. After, take some time to browse the shops along the vibrant pedestrian strip of "la quinta." Next stop, Cancun - where more beach, adventure and nightlife await! Check into the comfy hostel in the hotel zone and laze about by the pool with a cold beverage before deciding what's on for the evening.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program
El Hongo (which means 'The Mushroom') is a volunteer-run restaurant started as a means to create income to support a youth art program in the 'real' Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Across the highway from the commercial beach strip is where most locals live - cross onto the unpaved roads and enjoy a delicious home-style meal at the restaurant, while learning more about this much-needed program for the community.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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Day
7Cancun
Day trip! Head away from the tourists into the jungle of the Yucatan to a local community. You'll learn all about the delicious regional cuisine and help prepare some of the dishes before scarfing it down on the spot for lunch. Later, top it all off with a swim in a nearby cenote to cool off from the midday heat. Don't worry, you'll still have time to hit the beach or hang out at the hostel pool when we get back to Cancun in the afternoon.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Yucatecan Community Lunch Experience and Cenote Swim
Get away from the tourist zone today on an excursion to the community of Nuevo Durango in the jungle. Learn all about the regional (and delicious!) Yucatecan cuisine and participate in the preparation of lunch with dishes like pollo pibil, tamales and fresh hand-made tortillas. Later, visit an insect museum then cool off from the heat with a swim in the clear waters of a nearby cenote before returning to Cancun in the afternoon.
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Day
8Cancun
A free day in Cancun, how good does that sound? If you're craving more adventure you could head out on a day trip to Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen, or stay local and squeeze every last moment out of that white sand beach or the hostel hang-out spots. Your CEO is always on hand to give recommendations or to show you the best local stretches of beach, the rest is up to you. Ready to party? Of course you are! Your CEO knows all the best bars and clubs Cancun has to offer. Who needs sleep anyways?
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
2Optional Activities for Day 8
Show -
Day
9Cancun
Depart at any time, or maybe decide to add on a few more nights at the beach.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Yucatan & Cancun: Merida, Mayan Ruins, & Beachside Livin' tour:
Group Size
Max 24, avg 16
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del CarmenYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Yucatecan Community Lunch Experience and Cenote Swim, Cancun. Excursion from Merida to cycle between and swim in cenotes. Guided tour of Chichen Itza and Tulum ruins. Dinner inside a cenote near Valladolid. Beach time at Tulum and Cancun. Visit to an insect museum. Beach time at Cancun. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Bike and swim your way through cenotes in the jungle, Take a guided tour of the massive Mayan site of Chichen Itza, Descend into a cenote for a delicious spread of Yucatecan cuisine cooked over the fire, Hit the beach after visiting the ruins of Tulum, Stay at hostel near the beach in Cancun, Venture away from the Cancun hotel zone to prepare a meal in a local community, Enjoy free time for optional activities or hanging out at the hostels
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:
Playa del Carmen- Cenote Visit (40-60USD per person)Isla Mujeres- Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
Accommodation Summary
Hostels (8 nts)
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 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. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
What is the role of the group leader during this trip?
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group 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, public air-conditioned bus, taxi.
Minimum Age
Minimum age of 18 years for this trip.
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 (Noise-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
Are there any additional packing suggestions I should consider?
We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage. You must be able to carry your luggage to our accommodations and should be prepared to load it on and off of transportation, as porters are usually not on hand. A good size daypack is also essential.Luggage weight restrictions may apply on the internal flight during the tour.
When can I do my laundry on this trip?
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hostels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Service Level
Basic: Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional 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.