INTRODUCTION The Mexican Riviera is a popular tourist destination due to its charming coastal towns, rich ancient history and ruins as well as crystal clear turquoise waters. Relax on this 7-day tour taking in the famous seaside resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen as well as a historical tour of Tulum! ITINERARY
DAY 1: Welcome to Cancun Cancun was once a small and remote fishing village, not much more than a sand bar clinging to s Caribbean coast. In the 1970 s the government saw the appeal of the area s shimmering clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand, largely untouched since the mysterious decline of the Mayan Empire around the 13th century. Today, Cancun is an exciting beach destination and gateway to the Mundo Maya, or Maya World. Its strategic location makes it a major gateway to the Mayan World and the Caribbean. With its miles of pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters and its proximity to legendary archaeological sites such as Tulum and Chichen Itza, Cancun is unequalled in its ability to offer cultural gems, natural beauty and infinite activities. Upon arrival to Cancun airport you will be transferred to your hotel in Playa del Carmen. Just a few years ago, Playa del Carmen, a former fishing village, served merely as a springboard for visitors taking the ferry to Cozumel. But as more and more ferry-bound people lingered to enjoy its Caribbean beaches and rustic charms, the town came into its own as a resort destination. Playa, as it is called by locals, is growing, but still preserves a certain small-town charm and bohemian following.
DAY 2: Free Day in Playa del Carmen Free day to enjoy the white sand beaches and pristine waters of Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya. Here you can find the small coastal fishing village of Puerto Morelos with its attractive beaches and somewhat bohemian village life, and the nearby Palancar Aquarium, Croco Cun crocodile farm, and the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden, which features a replica of a typical Mayan home, a nature trail and native plant species like cacao and chicle (chewing gum) trees. Then comes Puerto Aventuras, with its deep-water marina, golf course, beautiful hotels, shops, restaurants and dive centers. At Puerto Aventuras, you can swim with dolphins or simply pet them at Dolphin Discovery. Further south is Akumal, which means land of the turtles in the Mayan language. It owes its enchantment to the fresh waters of its caves and subterranean rivers. More than 200 entrances to subterranean caves, with depths of up to 150 meters, make it a gathering place for divers from around the world. And then there is Tulum, the only walled city the Maya built and the only one by the edge of the Caribbean. When the Spanish first came upon the site in 1518, they recorded that it was as large as Seville. The major construction is the castle, a handsome pyramid perched on the edge of a cliff high above the pearl-white beaches below. From here one can see most of the ancient city, as well as a magnificent view of the coastline. (Visits and activities not included)
DAY 3: Full-day Cozumel with lunch We meet at the dock in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun. We ll board our boat for a 45-minute cruise across turquoise waters to the beautiful island of Cozumel. Here the Spanish conquerors first stepped on Mexican soil, and a plaque on the beach marks the spot Catholic mass was first celebrated in. We disembark at the beach club, where we have free time to go swimming or just relax at the beach (sunchairs and umbrellas available). But the real reason to come to Cozumel is for the great snorkeling and diving (equipment to be rented on the spot). After a visit to the island in 1962, oceanographer Jacques Cousteau proclaimed Cozumel to be one of the finest diving sites in the world. Buffet-lunch and drinks at the beach restaurant. After lunch we head to downtown Cozumel, where we have time to explore the many shops of the island. Cruise back to Cancun. Departure from meeting-point in Playa del Carmen. Includes lunch. DAY 4: Transfer to Tulum Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum. The spectacular coastline of Tulum offers white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters with great diving and snorkelling opportunities. Tulum National Park is home to the most picturesque archaeological site in the Riviera Maya, built overlooking the sea. The ancient Mayan fortress city of Tulum dates back to the 13th century. Its most iconic structure, the clifftop Castillo was built as a watchtower, perched on the cliff-top overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The views from here of the Riviera Maya beaches, Caribbean Sea and the surrounding coastal region are spectacular.
DAY 5: Tulum Half Day Tour We will drive to the archaeological site of Tulum perched on the edge of the ocean. When the Spanish first came upon the site in 1518, they recorded that it was as large as Seville. We will explore the ruins, including the Castle, a beautiful pyramid perched on the edge of a cliff high above the pearl-white beaches below. From here one can see most of the ancient city, as well as a magnificent view of the Caribbean coastline. Approx. duration 4 hours. Includes entrance fee. *Meeting point at Super San Francisco de Asis, transfer not included. DAY 6: Free day in Tulum Free day to enjoy the white sand beaches and pristine waters of Tulum. DAY 7: Transfer to the airport for onward destination You will be picked-up at your hotel in Tulum and transferred to the airport in Cancun. INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Accommodation Inclusions Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge Notes Standard Guided Tours Airport transfers Accommodation Transport All breakfasts Other meals where stated 2 (high altitude) FROM US$620 - Subject to season and availability, contact us for more details. Contact us for more details
Price Dependent upon Season and availability SUSTAINABILITY Chimu Adventures undertakes a number of sustainability measures within its operations including: 1) Only using local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprints. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you re visiting. 2) Where possible, using locally owned and operated boutique hotels to maximise the return to the local community. 3) Chimu s Pass it on programme has provided funding to hundreds of local community projects in Latin America. Our aim is to empower local communities, helping them to develop their own infrastructure for the future. Since 2006, we have been working with Kiva (a well-known Non-Governmental Organisation), providing hundreds of loans to local businesses all over South America. 4) In our pre tour information we provide a range of tips and advice on how to minimise your impact on both local environments and communities. 5) Chimu Adventures offices also take a number of sustainability measures including carbon offsets for company vehicles and most staff travel. Chimu Adventure s internal processes are also structures to create a paperless office and to reduce waste. There are also internal programmes to help staff minimise their carbon footprint such as our staff bike purchase assistance plan which encourages office staff to commute to work via bicycle. Currently almost half of our office based staff commute to work via bicycle.