Tulum to Chichen Itza Short Break

Set off on a marvellous four-day adventure through the Yucatan’s Peninsula, where you’ll cycle, cruise and walk to learn about the historic sites and diverse landscapes of Mexico. Visit the former ceremonial center of the Maya civilisation, Chichen Itza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Ride along the shaded trails to ancient temples in Coba. Explore four cenotes, each with a different activity, including swimming, ziplining, canoeing and snorkeling. Share a wood-fired lunch prepared by some of the women of the Tankah Community and join a cooking class where you’ll hear stories about the lives of the Yaxunah community.

Day 1: Tulum
Hola! Welcome to Mexico. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 2 pm this afternoon in Tulum. After the meeting, set off on a guided walking tour through the heart of Tulum town. Discover colourful murals, artisan shops and community-run cafes and hear stories about the town’s evolving identity from traditional roots to its modern-day bohemian spirit. Tonight, sit down to a farm-to-table dinner at Meli Melo – a regenerative project just outside town. Surrounded by fruit trees and herbs, you’ll learn about native plants and sustainable agriculture while tasting locally sourced dishes prepared on-site.
Day 2: Tulum
This morning, you’ll visit Coba – a Maya city set deep in the jungle. Strap on your bike helmet and set off along the shaded trails to ancient temples and stelae. As you ride, learn about the city’s role in the Maya Trade Network. In the afternoon, head to the Tankah Community. When you arrive, meet your local host who will lead you through a tour of four cenotes, each with a different activity like swimming, ziplining, canoeing and snorkeling. Later today, sit down to a shared wood-fired lunch prepared some of the women of the community and learn more about their daily lives and traditions.
Day 3: Tulum
After breakfast, travel to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you arrive, set off on a boat tour through the lagoons of Muyil, surrounded by jungle and mangroves. Then, float or walk along an ancient Maya canal, used historically for trade and spiritual journeys. Later, visit the archaeological site, where ancient temples emerged from the jungle canopy and learn about the Maya architecture and spirituality, distinct to this historic trade post.
Day 4: Tulum
Your last day starts with an early visit to Chichen Itza – a UNESCO World Heritage site and former ceremonial centre of the Maya civilisation. With your local guide, visit the Pyramid of Kukulkan, the Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Warriors and learn about the site’s astronomical, political and religious significance. Later, head to the nearby Maya community of Yaxunah. When you arrive, join a cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork dish) cooking class, where you’ll take part in the ancestral process of preparing this iconic Yucatecan dish. The pork is marinated with achiote and citrus, then wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked in a pib (an underground oven used by the Maya for centuries). While the meal cooks, learn how to make tortillas by hand, just as local families have done for generations. Sit down to your homemade lunch before heading back to town, where your adventure ends. If you’d like to stay in Mexico longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.