7-Nights Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatan - National Geographic Family Journeys from $3,499

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1569708

Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán
The Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect destination for explorers of all ages. 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 the entire family to share. Go on a jeep safari on the island of Cozumel, visit the remarkable wildlife in Celestún, 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.

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.

Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts).

Group Leader
Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides.

Group Size Notes
Max 20.

Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner

What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Yaxunah Community Visit & Tortilla Making Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Family Journeys Moment: Family Tour of Chichén Itzá with an Expert Guide, Chichén-Itzá Your Family Journeys Moment: Santa Bárbara Cenotes, Mérida Your 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 transport between destinations and to/from included activities


7 nights from $3,499 per person

Itinerary

G Adventures: Mexico Family Journey: The Heart of the Yucatán

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.
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. Prepare for a hands-on experience and participate in communal life with the artisan workers, at the horticultural plots and with beekeepers or milperos (corn farmers). Arrive in Merída in the early evening and have dinner on your own.

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.
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
Depart at any time.

Featured Destinations
Merida (Progreso)
Playa del Carmen

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges
06/29/2025 - 07/06/2025
from $3,699 per person
07/13/2025 - 07/20/2025
from $3,699 per person
07/27/2025 - 08/03/2025
from $3,699 per person
08/10/2025 - 08/17/2025
from $3,699 per person
08/24/2025 - 08/31/2025
from $3,699 per person
11/23/2025 - 11/30/2025
from $3,699 per person
12/14/2025 - 12/21/2025
from $3,999 per person
12/21/2025 - 12/28/2025
from $3,999 per person
12/28/2025 - 01/04/2026
from $3,999 per person
01/04/2026 - 01/11/2026
from $3,999 per person
01/11/2026 - 01/18/2026
from $3,999 per person
02/22/2026 - 03/01/2026
from $3,499 per person
03/29/2026 - 04/05/2026
from $3,499 per person
04/05/2026 - 04/12/2026
from $3,499 per person
06/28/2026 - 07/05/2026
from $3,699 per person
07/12/2026 - 07/19/2026
from $3,699 per person
07/26/2026 - 08/02/2026
from $3,699 per person
08/09/2026 - 08/16/2026
from $3,699 per person
11/22/2026 - 11/29/2026
from $3,699 per person
12/13/2026 - 12/20/2026
from $3,999 per person
12/20/2026 - 12/27/2026
from $3,999 per person
12/27/2026 - 01/03/2027
from $3,999 per person


* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Prices Start At
from $3,499 per person
Length
7 Nights
Air City
Call for airfares from your city.
Vacation Rating
Moderate
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
Remarks
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.

Dossier Disclaimer
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.
 

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID
1569708

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Romantic Destinations Travel

P.O. Box 812786
Wellesley, MA 02482
USA

(877) 738-9848
(877) 738-9848