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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.
Tipping of your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer is very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $5- 7 USD per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount will always be welcome.
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 people in the sex trade 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 utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
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.
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 leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. 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.
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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.
If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.
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 your own luggage.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Private vehicle, boat, walking.
Hotels (7 nts).
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. If laundry is not available at your hotel, your CEO will be able to direct you to a nearby laundromat.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• 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
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
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.
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 as backup is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
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 100USD (or equivalent).
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.
Max 20.
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Journeys in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Our driver will be waiting for you with a National Geographic Journeys sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!
If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.
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
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.
Tulum
- Tulum Day Trip
Playa del Carmen
- Beach Time - Playa del Carmen
- Walk Along Fifth Avenue
Two CEOs (Chief Experience Officers) throughout, local guides.
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depart at any time.
Details
Prices from: €3329.00
Duration: 8 Days
Physical Grading: 2 - Light
Trip Type: Small Group
Merchandising: New Trips
Travel Style: National Geographic Family Journeys
Service Level: Upgraded
Prices from: €3329.00
8 day National Geographic Family Journeys tour
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