Featured Trip

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7 Days, Merida to Playa Del Carmen

Yucatan Discovery: Cenotes & Seasides.

Trust us, the pics you'll take on this trip will need no filters. This snappy seven-day tour takes you through the very best of the Yucatán Peninsula's most colourful sites. Swim in an underground limestone cave through pools of crystal clear water and marvel at the blushing pink hue of the Playa de las Coloradas lake hidden in a biosphere reserve. In between, you'll have time to chill out on the beach and let loose with your new friends on a night out in Tulum (which you may or may not want to leave your camera at home for).

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 14.

• Your Good Moment: El Hongo Mexican Community Restaurant & Youth Art Program, Playa del Carmen
• Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
• Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
• Your Big Night Out Moment: Tulum
• Cenote visit
• Las Coloradas visit
• Tulum ruins visit
• Beach time in Tulum and Playa del Carmen
• Free time in Mérida, Tulum and Playa del Carmen
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
• Group T-Shirt
• Not Included: Airfare and transportation to and from Airport

Simple hotels/hostels (6 nts, most multi-share).

6 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Allow USD $140-$185 for meals not included.

Public air-conditioned bus, taxi, private vehicle.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

From $ 777. USD

$200. Deposit

(Non-Rundable Deposit)

A visa is not required for US Citizens

Departures Dates:

Space is limited (Small group Max 18)

2021

Sun, 13 Jun - Sat, 19 Jun

Sun, 11 Jul - Sat, 17 Jul

Sun, 08 Aug - Sat, 14 Aug

Sun, 05 Sep - Sat, 11 Sep

Sun, 10 Oct - Sat, 16 Oct

Travel Insurance

Travel Book To Mexico

Remote Income 

Traveling Veterans

Mérida

Arrive at any time. Find some local grub from one of the food stalls at Mercado 60. Enjoy a few drinks and live music with your fellow travellers. Finish the night at a local bar, then get some rest because your adventure begins tomorrow.

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

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.

Accommodation: Hotel Reforma (or similar)

Mérida

Set off into the countryside and visit a cenote (limestone sinkhole unique to the Yucatán to escape the heat with an underground swim. Enjoy an afternoon of freetime to explore more of Mérida. Opt to travel to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal for their nighttime sound and light show.

Mérida is a fascinating and beautiful city and easy to explore on foot. Mérida is also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of the Puuc Route, the most famous of which is Uxmal, which rivals Chichén Itzá in its scale and extent of excavation.

Mérida

Swim in crystal-blue mineral underground swimming holes that are formed as sinkholes when porous limestone bedrock collapses. Come prepared with your swimsuit so you can dive in and enjoy. The clarity of the water and depth of cenotes makes swimming a unique experience.

MéridaAfternoon

Get out and explore this city and region.

Accommodation: Hotel Reforma (or similar)

 Mérida/Río Lagartos

After a free morning in Merida, travel to the small seaside town of Rio Lagartos. The area is home to thousands of flamingos in April. Venture to nearby Las Coloradas, which has picture-perfect bright pink and coral hues during the afternoon sun. Seeing is believeing here!

MéridaMorning

Enjoy free time to explore the city.

Mérida – Río Lagartos 3h-4h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Río Lagartos

Visit the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and stop by Las Coloradas – a bright pink lake hidden within the reserve. Stop for a photo op by the lake, and prepare to be awed by the colours!

Río Lagartos/Tulum

Continue to the seaside town of Tulum, and visit the dramatic Mayan ruins of Tulum – situated on the edge of a cliff next to the crashing sea.

With it's breathtaking coastline, white sand beaches, and Mayan ruins, Tulum is guaranteed to impress! In the afternoon, visit the Tulum ruins and take in the picturesque tropical backdrop while exploring the site.

Tulum1h-4h61km

The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm 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.

Río Lagartos – Tulum3h-4h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Tulum. Opt to visit a nearby cenote to swim, take a day trip to see the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Coba, go scuba diving/snorkelling, or chill out on the beach. Cap off the day with a Big Night Out.

TulumFull Day

Discover more Mayan ruins, or hit the beach – the choice is yours!

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a party on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Breakfast

Tulum/Playa del Carmen

Travel to Playa del Carmen. Enjoy dinner at a local community restaurant with a youth-focused art program.

Our final stop is Playa del Carmen, located on the beach just a 45-minute drive south of Cancún. The town is your last chance to enjoy some nightlife, buy last-minute souvenirs and relax and swim in the Caribbean Sea. There is also snorkeling and diving available, and long stretches of sandy beaches which are perfect for walking and relaxing after a hectic day.

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.

Tulum – Playa del Carmen 2h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Hostel

Breakfast | Dinner

Playa del Carmen

Depart at any time.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure. 

Breakfast

Swim in an underground cenote, Explore seaside Mayan ruins, Let loose on a night out in Tulum, Snap pics at the pink lake of Playa de las Coloradas

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. 

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. 

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation will be varied throughout your adventure. Some nights we use multi-share accommodation, on a single-sex basis (typically 4-6 people per room). We have specifically chosen unique accommodations to give local flavour to your trip.

Couples: Please note that due to the variety of accommodation used in Central America, couples will be split into separate rooms when we use multi-share hostels. Pending availability, couples may be able to pay extra while on tour to have their own room in some destinations.

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• 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
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels 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.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

The currency in Mexico is the Peso (MXN).

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. 

You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. 

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollars cash and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds. 

We do not recommend you bring travellers cheques, as it is very difficult to exchange them in Mexico.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 50USD (20USD notes are ideal). 

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Depending on the exchange rate departure tax is approximately $48 USD per person. This tax is sometimes included in the price of your ticket, contact your airline to confirm.

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 CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. 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.

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. 

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your CEO has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your CEO will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Protests and Demonstrations- Protests and demonstrations, even those that are well intended, have the potential to turn violent with no warning. Counter protests can also turn violent. Action by security forces to disperse demonstrators and protesters may occur at any time. If you are in an area where demonstrators or protesters are gathering, avoid the temptation of staying for a good photo opportunity and leave the area immediately.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards) have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk.

We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety.  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Mérida International Airport

Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport, formerly known as Mérida-Rejón Airport is an international airport located in the Mexican city of Mérida, Yucatán. Wikipedia

Address: 97255 Mérida, Yucatan, Mexico

Code: MID

Elevation: 39′

Serves: Mérida

Phone: +52 999 940 6090