The Flavours of Mexico with Tacos and Shopping in Market 28

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 a delicious burrito lunch. 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.

Guided tour of Valladolid with Chukum cenote swim

The cool rush of freshwater as you plunge into the Chukum Cenote awaits you on this flavour-packed tour that explores the Yucatan Peninsula's colourful culture and cuisine. After arriving in the pastel-painted town of Valladolid, you'll head to a lively local market where the air is thick with fragrant spices and the stalls overflow with fresh produce. Sofia, one of our local expert guides, says “Valladolid's market isn't just a place to shop, it's where you will feel the heart of Yucatan. The stories, the flavours, the people…it all starts there.”You'll head to a traditional mill to discover the ancient art of transforming corn into masa – the base of Mexico's famous tortilla. Followed up with a stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes, one of Valladolid's most picturesque and historic streets, lined with colourful colonial houses, artisan shops, and boutique cafes. After you've worked up an appetite, it's time to get hands-on with workshops focusing on ancient Mayan cooking techniques. You'll master the art of salsa, press your own tortillas, and learn about the beloved cochinita pibil, a classic pork dish that's slow-cooked underground over hot stones. Taste the fruits of your labour as you tuck into a buffet lunch bursting with those rich traditional Yucatecan flavours. After lunch, you'll take part in a traditional Mayan ceremony before a well-earned cool-down dip in the mystical caves of the jungle cenote in Hacienda Chukum. Finish the day by delving further into the heritage with a wander through a garden to harvest a few fresh picks before visiting a thatched-roof space and traditional Mayan house, each offering a glimpse into daily life shaped by the Yucatan community.

Cozumel guided snorkelling and island tour from Cancun

Hop aboard a super-speedy boat headed to Cozumel Island, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and its marine life are waiting. Soak up the breathtaking landscapes before snorkelling at two of the most famous reefs in the southern part of the island, Palancar and Colombia. They're separated by a couple of metres of open water, so you'll have wall-to-wall reef to explore. Next stop is the shores of El Cielo – which literally means ‘the sky' in English – as it's famous for its peaceful atmosphere and giant starfish population, which you'll find covering much of the ocean floor. You'll also have the chance to see stingrays and other sea creatures during your time here. Afterwards, there'll be some time to relax and check out the views from El Cielito Sandbar, before heading towards the centre of Cozumel.For lunch, you'll get to try some of the region's typical dishes at a vibrant, local restaurant with an ocean view, before rounding off the day with free time to wander around Cozumel Centre. You've the option of a quick tour here – including a visit to the central clock tower at the heart of the island. Then jump back on the boat to sail back to Playa del Carmen, where your transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Isla Mujeres adults-only cruise with shared golf cart tour

Basking in the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres boasts an enviable position on the second longest reef system in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, 'It's a brilliant spot for snorkelling amid those dazzling Caribbean colours - white sand and aquamarine sea.' This serene adults-only boat trip will give you a fresh perspective of Mexico while indulging in all the little luxuries that make holidays special. From the moment you step onto our luxury catamaran, you're greeted with a welcome drink to set the tone for this journey of pure bliss.After setting sail, we'll glide over the sparkling waves while you soak up panoramic views of Mexico's coastline as we head towards a secluded cove. All beverages - water, soft drinks, beer & other selected drinks – are included, ensuring your thirst is quenched throughout. If you crave some action, snorkelling equipment is provided for swim stops and at the beach club where you can also relax on Balinese sunbeds.Then it's time to tantalise your taste buds with our premium grill lunch buffet served at the exclusive Beach Club Amazonas. The live DJ sets the mood as you savour mouth-wateringly tasty dishes. After lunch, take a spin with a 50-minute shared golf car ride exploring Isla Mujeres' downtown area. To top off this unforgettable experience, unwind with cocktails at the beach club bar or engage in some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Ek' Balam deluxe tour with Hacienda Chukum & Valladolid

Dive into an epic adventure at the ancient Maya ruins of Ek' Balam with some adrenaline fun packed in too. You'll get to step back in time at this archaeological site, followed by ziplining and cenote swimming at Hacienda Chukum, a buffet lunch of regional classics, and a visit to Valladolid. Maria, one of our local guides, says, ‘Known as the ‘Black Jaguar' or ‘Star Jaguar', it's not every day you get to see such massive structures and what makes Ek Balam unique are its unique double walls that encircle the central area'. At Ek' Balam, get ready for a blast into Maya history discovering over 40 structures, with the opportunity to climb several monuments. Prepare to be wowed by pyramids and the towering acropolis, offering epic shots of the site and surrounding lush jungle. Next up, let's kick the adventure up a notch at Hacienda Chukum. This isn't your typical stop – it's a jungle hideout with a cenote where you can swim or zip line across the cavern. Your guide will share snorkelling tips and fun facts about the local flora and fauna around you. After all that action, it's time to refuel with a delicious buffet of regional favourites in an open-air restaurant. Savour dishes like pulled pork, spicy fish, and tortillas, plus some sweet treats to top it off. Our day wraps up in Valladolid, a town oozing with Insta-worthy Spanish vibes, colourful mansions, and quaint cobblestone streets. Enjoy some leisure time to explore, take photos at the Municipal Palace and soak up the laid-back atmosphere in the main plaza before heading back.

Tulum, cenote swim, turtle snorkelling and beach club combo tour

Exploring Mexico just got a whole lot easier. On this full day adventure, you'll tick off no less than four different activities. Start with a guided visit of the archaeological site of Tulum, then head to a cenote for a swim. Next, it's off to Akumal for a spot of snorkelling. Round off your day with lunch at a beach club. Carmen, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The most photographed structure in the archaeological site is the Castillo, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Castillo might be the most famous, but there are plenty of other ancient Mayan ruins to explore, such as the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes.'The marvels of the Mayan culture will be revealed on your guided tour around Tulum. You'll learn about it's past as a walled city, and its former role as a trading hub. After the tour you'll have free time to explore at your leisure. Next, prepare to be dazzled by colours at an ancient Mayan cenote, a natural cave with a freshwater pool fed by underground water sources and considered sacred by the Mayans.After a cooling swim, we'll head for the picturesque seaside community of Akumal, known for its laid-back atmosphere, natural beauty, and abundant marine life. With its intriguing underwater world, Akumal offers one of the best snorkelling experiences in the Riviera Maya. Encounter an array of tropical fish, corals, and perhaps even sea turtles. To complete your day, unwind and indulge in a tasty meal at a nearby beach club.

Aventura Mayas Jungle Park excursion with traditional lunch

If you're all about action and adventure, a day of fun-filled thrills awaits at Aventuras Mayas jungle park. Get behind the controls of your ATV to navigate your way through the jungle by ATV, and feel the thrill of flying through the treetops by zipline. And when it's time for a break, there's a Mexican buffet with a selection of traditional dishes on offer. Juanito, one of our local guides, says, "In some of the lines, you glide just above the jungle canopy. In others, you can go upside down, while another has the ‘Superman' option. There's even a ‘flying hammock' for you to try out. It's truly exhilarating."Arrive at the park and after a quick safety briefing from the instructors, we'll crank up the excitement. The order of the activities will be decided on the day to make sure crowds are spread out, and you can enjoy your experiences to the maximum. You'll swoop through the treetops on a seven-line zipline course, where you can soak up panoramic views of the park from above – and you can choose from four different flying modes.Then head back up top to take a break with a buffet lunch of local favourites – the Yucatan's signature pulled pork cochininita pibil is usually on the menu – washed down with water and coffee. After fuelling up for the fun to come, it's time to tear across the mud and zoom through the jungle driving your own powerful ATV vehicle. It's non-stop laughs from start to finish along the rip-roaring 11km route.

Private Holbox Island boat and buggy tour in Mexico

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.

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.

Full-day private tour of Chichen Itza with expert guide

The ruins of ancient Chichen Itza are a must-visit when in Cancun. This private tour lets you discover the site before the crowds arrive. Better still, you'll explore the complex with one of our local experts, who'll share in-depth knowledge with you. Argelia, one of our guides, says ‘You'll learn about the calendars in the Temple of Kukulkan and its sacred staircase, where each equinox the shadows represent the descent of the feathered snake.' Afterwards, you'll enjoy a cenote swim and visit a Maya village for lunch.It's an early start so as to be the first to arrive at this UNESCO World Heritage Site – the perfect time to snap a few selfies. The stillness adds even more mystery to the magnificent Maya monuments. There's the mighty Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of the Jaguars and the macabre Tzompantli, among many landmark sites. ‘The bas-reliefs that tell us about the magical beliefs inspired by their interpretation of the stars,' says Argelia.Next, head to an underground cenote for a swim in its clear waters. Then it's on to the village for lunch. All the food is locally grown and prepared to traditional recipes. Argelia says, ‘You'll taste typical Yucatecan food such as chaya empanadas, cochinita pibil, chicken in axiote rice and black beans and steamed vegetables.' You'll also see the locals show off their skills hand-weaving hammocks – an age-old craft – and find out how this cottage industry helps support the community.