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Chichen Itza & Maya Village Tour with a Traditional Lunch

Do this because.

• Full day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan jungle
• Admire the vast Temple of Kukulkan, where every element had a religious meaning
• Discover an underground cenote, a sacred freshwater pool that was sacred to the Maya
• Enjoy a Mexican lunch and visit a typical Yucatecan village to mingle with the locals
• Expert local guide with an unrivalled knowledge of Chichen Itza and its history

Why choose TUI Collection

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Exceptional experiences

• Designed by us - a trusted travel leader
• Led by our friendly expert guides and crew
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Created with care

• Meets our high sustainability standards
• Supports local communities
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Best value guaranteed

• Unbeatable value with no hidden costs
• Covered by our Value Guarantee
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria . By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

What to expect

The jewel in the Yucatán crown, Chichen Itza is brimming with ancient Maya ruins, temples and pyramids. This exclusive tour has an early morning start so that you arrive at this UNESCO-listed archaeological site before the crowds do. You'll also visit a cenote and a traditional Maya village. Benito, one of our local guides, says, ‘What you hear is just as impressive as what you see in Chichen Itza. For example, El Caracol was an observatory used by Maya astronomers. You'll find out all about their precise calendars, which charted everything from fertility to harvests.'

Clawed back from the jungle by archaeologists, Chichen Itza is a sight to behold. Its name means Mouth of the Well of the Water Wizards, inspired by its sacred cenotes. Everywhere, you'll see representations of Kukulkan, the plumed serpent that was the top Maya deity. The pyramid dedicated to him dominates the complex. Benito says, ‘The Temple of Kukulkan has four staircases of 91 steps plus the single step on the summit makes 365. The ancient Maya calculated everything.'

You'll also see the temples of the Warriors and of the Jaguars as your guide gives you the lowdown on Maya history, culture and legends. There are artisans making handicrafts in the site, so any purchases help the local community. Plus, you'll unearth the secrets of Xibalba – the Maya god of the underworld – as you delve into a freshwater cenote. After a traditional lunch, it's time to get to know the locals with a visit to the village of Yalcoba.

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Important to know

• Use of video cameras at Chichen Itza carries an extra cost – professional video cameras and camera supports are not allowed
• Please note, this tour lasts over 12 hours with transfer times and visits
• Bring bathing gear and sunblock
• Bring a towel
• Bring a hat

What’s included

Admission fees

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

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Need a hand?

Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET

Phone number : +44 121 468 3145

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Guided Tour of Ek' Balam and Valladolid with Cenote and Lunch

Get a close-up look at Maya history and traditions on this off-the-beaten-track tour. You'll visit the ancient Maya city of Ek' Balam – the most recent to be opened to the public – as well as Yalcoba to swim in the cenote and a stop in Valladolid. Francesca, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Archaeologists only began uncovering Ek' Balam in 1985, and they're still digging away today. It's a more complete site than many others, and you can still imagine daily life in the Maya town going on around you as you explore. But the main reason I enjoy Ek' Balam is that there are so few visitors.'We'll start the adventure with a guided visit of Ek' Balam, which translates as ‘Black Jaguar.' The site has more than 40 structures and its walls formed a maze, while the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, has a well-preserved entrance surrounded by the open jaws and fangs of a jaguar. It's bigger than even El Castillo at Chichen Itzá. Best of all, you can climb to the top – which few Maya sites allow.Afterwards, we'll head to Yalcoba where you can try your hand at chocolate-making and learn how to craft obsidian at a workshop. After a tequila and mezcal tasting you'll have time to enjoy the crystalline cenote, then tuck into a tasty buffet lunch of typical regional dishes. Lastly, we'll have a quick stop in central Valladolid, a city known for its art and architecture and a picture-perfect medley of colourful colonial buildings and historic churches.

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Price (per adult)

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Where to go

Experiences in cancun, introducing cancun.

This Mexican paradise, on the Yucatan peninsula, is perfect if you’re looking to combine colourful natural sights with fascinating culture. And that’s before you get to the world-class nightlife, white-sand beaches, turquoise sea and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Things to do extend well beyond the coastline and the clubs – there are natural pools called cenotes, plus multiple must-visit Mayan archaeological sites, such as Chichen Itza and Tulum, to discover, too.

Top six things to do in Cancun

1. Explore Chichen Itza

A daytrip to the vast temple complex of Chichen Itza is a must when visiting Cancun. Built by the ancient Mayan civilisation, the ruins are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, is probably the most famous example of Mayan architecture in the Yucatan. The Sacred Cenote, the Temple of the Skulls and the Temple of the Warriors are also not to be missed.

2. Go on an excursion to Isla Mujeres

Escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun by booking an excursion to Isla Mujeres. Just a 20-minute boat ride away, a daytrip to Isla Mujeres is one of the most popular things to do in Cancun. Known for its laidback vibe, pristine sands, flourishing coral reefs and quaint eateries, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a day. If you want to explore the island’s most iconic sites, and not just the main town, then the best way to get around is by renting a golf cart for the day.

3. Swim in a cenote

Cenotes are underground caverns that are formed naturally in limestone rock when an underground cave collapses in on itself. Considered sacred by the ancient Mayan civilisation, there are thousands of cenotes across the Yucatan peninsula. From sun-drenched lagoons to seemingly bottomless caves adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, the cenotes are great places to explore. Swimming and snorkelling are among the most popular cenote experiences, but zip-lining, diving or kayaking activities are also available.

4. Try your hand at some water activities

The azure waters off the coast of Cancun are ideal for all types of water activities, including jet-skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, surfing and fishing. This part of Mexico is home to some of the largest reefs in the world, so scuba diving and snorkelling are among the most popular water activities in Cancun. This corner of the Caribbean is full of colourful marine life, and if you time your visit right, you can even see whale sharks as they migrate past Cancun. If you don’t want to get wet, but are still looking to get out on the water, then book a relaxing catamaran cruise to see the beach-brushed coastline from a different angle.

5. Head to Tulum

Located near Playa del Carmen, the ruins of ancient Tulum are an easy excursion to do from Cancun. Tulum is, in a word, spectacular. It’s a sight to behold due to its location – on cliffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Don’t forget to bring your swimming gear and visit the small beach below the ruins, which is only accessible from the archaeological site. Besides the crumbling Mayan ruins, you’ll find numerous natural cenote pools to explore, plus traditional restaurants and the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve in the modern Tulum town.

6. Enjoy a thrilling day out at an eco-adventure park

You’ll find several zip-lining and eco-adventure parks in the Cancun area. Soar above the treetops, whizz across cenotes, snorkel in clear lagoons and get up close to jungle animals, birds and insects in a natural environment at one of the many eco-adventure parks. Spend your day flying over beautiful turquoise lakes at Xel-Há Eco Park, ride a monster truck at Xavage Park or visit Selvatica Adventure Park for fun in the Mexican jungle.

From Musement Mag

Merida Tours: A Review Of A Mayan Village Tour

Published by Cassie on 27/05/2019 27/05/2019

In a life jam-packed with adventure, excitement and enthusiasm I feel extremely fortunate to have had yet another truly fabulous experience whilst exploring my beloved Mexico. This time my adventure was aided by eco-tourism agency Co’ox Mayab and the lovely people of San Agustin ejido, in rural southern Yucatan, who invited my family and me to spend some time with them learning about life in a modern Mayan village.

Please note that I am aware that the correct adjective is ‘Maya’ and not ‘Mayan’ but if I use ‘Maya village’ or ‘Maya tour’ instead of ‘Mayan village ‘ or ‘Mayan tour’ my article will languish and never be found by google. It was a tough call but I decided to go with the word people are actually searching for the hope of people reading my article, going on tours like this one and learning the correct word.

I hope I was 100% clear that this was a hosted weekend. We didn’t pay for the tour although we did pay for our own petrol since we used our car and we paid for our own entry into sites. All opinions are entirely my own and completely honest. In addition, there may be affiliate links in this article. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may make a small sum that helps me continue blogging. 

Why Did I Take A Tour of A Maya Village?

People have asked me this and it’s a fair question to someone who lives in Mexico and might be considered to know Yucatan pretty well. But, we live in the large(ish) modern city of Merida , where we have access to almost everything we could want or need. Our city life, in no way, permits us to be so naive as to think we know about life outside of the cities. We travel around the Yucatan Peninsula regularly and we, of course, drive through small villages, but like most people we don’t stop because we assume there’s no real reason to stop. We drive through, peering out of our windows at this world we don’t know (except, of course when our car broke down in deepest Campeche on our way home from Calakmul !), possibly wondering what’s going on and who lives there.

This, to me, seemed like a fabulous opportunity to learn more. I always want to know more about everything, especially Mexico and Mexican life. I wanted to know what life is like in these small villages.

I also have another reason and actually, it’s less about Mayan village life and more about wanting to be useful.

• I want to help visitors to Mexico figure out which tours are worth taking and which aren’t.
• I want to help small, eco-tourism cooperatives reach an audience they might never otherwise reach.

When you visit a new place it’s easy to say you want to learn about it, it’s easy to say you want to go off the beaten path and not just follow the crowds. But it’s also easier to go to Chichen Itza with everyone else than take the time to see which other fabulous archaeological sites are available to people visiting Yucatan, especially if time is limited and you’re not sure about the quality of tours or even how to find a trustworthy agency.

In Merida, sure, you can pick any tour from the strip on Calle 60 and you’ll probably have a fabulous time but some people want more. Maybe they’ve already done all the more obvious trips from Merida , maybe they want to get deeper under Yucatan’s skin, or maybe they just actively enjoy working with small and local tour groups where the money goes back to the communities they meet.

With Co’ox Mayab you can visit the main tourist sites AND peek behind them to meet the people who live nearby.

I LOVE working with small, sustainable tour agencies who really know their region and really care about their people. I love being able to help visitors to this country that I love to make informed decisions about what they’re going to see and how they’re going to do it.

If you’re interested in sustainable travel ,  eco-tourism or sustainable tourism in Merida then, thank you! You may also wish to know more about what’s going on in Merida to create a more sustainable city , or where to find the . restaurants, shops and services working towards less, or zero-waste in Merida

What Did We Do During Our Weekend Trip To A Mayan Village?

We were planning to leave home at 7 am to be at Uxma l by 9 am, only our son got an infection the night before and we ended up having to go via the hospital. We really didn’t want to be three hours from our fabulous hospital if he was going to be miserable and ill. Only once we had the all clear and the requisite medicines, could we finally begin our journey. We soon realised, though, that we weren’t going to make it to Uxmal as planned, enjoy exploring and get to San Agustin by the agreed 1 pm so while my husband drove, I had a quick search through my memory and google to see what other options were open to us.

Uxmal and any the other Ruta Puuc sites were really just too much once the hospital had eaten into our time. We could have stopped off at the Choco Museum opposite Uxmal but we’ve been there three times already (it’s fabulous). We could also have stopped at a cenote but when your son has just been given the all-clear for an infection that’s often caused by his apparent inability to not swallow non-drinking water (he’s six) we decided that wasn’t our best plan either.

So what did I come up with?

Yes! Muna. Fabulous. While the town itself wasn’t going to entertain us for long, the Mirador Muna was a perfect stopping point. This mirador, I believe, is the highest point in Yucatan (not saying much, I appreciate). We loved it here and I highly recommend a detour if you’re in the area.

View from the mirador

Entry is $20 pesos ($10 pesos for kids) or just $5 pesos if you only want to go up the mirador. I recommend the $20 pesos because this gets entry into the little cave, allows you to walk around the very attractive gardens and head up the mirador (where, to be perfectly honest, the view is lovely but Uxmal and the other sites are really too far away to be seen without binoculars).

On-site, there’s also a lovely little tourist shop and you can buy drinks and snacks too.

My actual favourite thing here though was the chat we had about bees before we had even paid to go in. The man who works (owns?) there is extremely passionate about bees. He has a number of hives for non-stinging bees and he took great delight in explaining all about them to us. It was fascinating. Who knew there were 30 types of non-stinging bee? And I’ve heard from others that they’ve wound up in a fascinating conversation about traditional musical instruments so I suspect this man is just super interesting and well worth heading to Muna to meet!

Beehives – non-stinging bees

Small girl emerging from cave.

From Muna, we hightailed it to San Agustin (to be accurate the tiny village of Salvador Alvarado in the ejido of San Agustin) to meet our hosts for the weekend.

Lol-Tún Caves, near Oxkutzcab

Another great option is the Lol-Tún caves. We stopped off here on our way back to Merida because I’d heard a lot about them and have wanted to explore them for a while now. Were they interesting? Yes. Were they worth the money, yes but mainly because we speak good enough Spanish to be able to join a Spanish speaking tour group.

Let me explain.

You pay an entry fee to get into the caves (oh the fun we had here. There is one price for residents and another for tourists. On a Sunday Mexican residents pay a reduced fee. We are residents. Our residency cards are with the immigration agency for renewal so we carry photos of our cards. We showed the guy at the ticket office our photos. He kept telling us that without our cards he couldn’t help us. We explained again that it wasn’t our fault and that we have been using photos because there’s a backlog at immigration. He randomly told us he’d let one of us in for the resident price and the other would have to pay the full price [kids are free anyway]. We pointed out that this wasn’t logical and that if he could do one for our correct price he could do both. He got mad. We stayed calm and decided to try the ticket booth next door. This man looked at our photos and immediately gave us both Mexican price entry).

General admission: $141 pesos

Mexican nationals and residents: $104 pesos (discount on Sundays)

Children and retired people  – Free

Tours available: 9.30 am 11 am 12.30 pm  2 pm 3 pm and 4 pm

On top of the entry fee, you must take a guide. This is not included in the fee. There is no set fee for the guide, which is helpful (hmmm). I had a chat with the guides to figure out what we were meant to do. Basically, their hope is to make at least $700-800 pesos a tour so if you’re alone with an English speaking guide it’s gonna cost you $800 pesos but if you join a Spanish speaking group it’s gonna cost $100 pesos because the group splits the cost. See why we opted for Spanish?

Loltun caves

You walk around 2km through the caves. Most of it is very easy walking but there are a couple of sections where you need to be fairly confident clambering over rocks or up large steps. My kids were fine but I wouldn’t have taken my parents without warning them explicitly what to expect.

Because I am such a good blogger (and daughter), I nipped back to the ticket office to ask about private tours. And, of course, if you do a private tour you can turn back and walk back out the entrance and therefore miss the tricky bits at the end.

The caves are truly impressive. I have rarely seen such huge caves. We were all quite blown away by their size although we did have to bribe our kids not to tell us how bored they were constantly. Crisps and popcorn work wonders.

Lol-Tún, in Maya, means ‘piedra de flor’ or ‘rock flower’ and the story goes that the caves were named for the sound two hollow stalactites make when you tap them. The caves are the biggest cave system in southern Yucatan, and there is clear evidence that humans lived in, and used, these caves over thousands of years.  Both human and animal bones have been found in the caves,  as well as negative handprints on the walls and even tools. The guide also told us stories about going into the caves as a small boy to look for water since there are no cenotes in this part of the peninsula and the caves’ water system was a useful source. The caves were used, by the Maya, to hide from the Spanish when they first arrived in Yucatan. They were also used for religious ceremonies, which makes perfect sense when you see the place.

Our Weekend In The Mayan Village

We arrived in Salvador Alvarado and were taken off for lunch and an explanation of how the weekend would look. Technically there is a restaurant space at the campsite (more on this later) but because this is still a new tour and not everything has been ironed out yet, we were taken to Rita’s house and fed there, which worked out great for us as it was more informal and gave us more opportunity to chat with our hosts.

The kids fell in love with the village within about thirty seconds. You see, there is a tyre swing tied in a tree by the road and the village road is so quiet that we could let them play while we sat. I say that we could leave them alone but actually every time we left them there, some adult or other would go and sit with them just to watch them, listen to them bicker in English and to chat with them in Spanish.

Highlight of the kids’ trip!

Whilst eating we had a chat about hammocks. I’m not sure why but that’s where we ended up. They found it absolutely hilarious that we aren’t comfortable sleeping in them. When I tried to explain that I don’t like the feeling of my feet being higher than my head to sleep Rita, and our newly introduced guide, Miguel just looked at me as if I were a total and utter nut-job. I felt silly. And then they admitted that hate sleeping in beds because it makes their backs hurt and they can’t walk the next day. And then we all laughed at ourselves. With that, we went from being strangers to being friends.

After lunch, we cruelly dragged the kids away from the tyre swing and their audience and we went off with Miguel. Turns out that Miguel is Rita’s nephew.

First stop: A Maya Archaeological Site With No Official Name

The locals call it Rancho Perez but this Maya site has no official name. The kids had a grand old time scrambling around (um, so did the adults if we’re honest). We were fascinated to find that many people have Maya ruins in their back yards. They’re everywhere and kind of nothing special to people who live in rural areas because there are so many of them. We asked if INH (the national organisation overseeing ruins) knew about this one. They do but they’re not likely to ever pay to restore it and, quite honestly the villagers like it that way. They don’t want fences or to have to pay to see their own ruin. They like that no one knows it’s there. Miguel told us that on a Sunday the villagers often head up with their hammocks and picnics and just have themselves some fun.

As we walked, Miguel also explained to us all about the reforestation work the village is doing alongside their charcoal business. They take their work seriously and are looking after the trees around them. They measure various species of trees to understand which are fast or slow growing, and which, therefore, can be cut down and replaced. They also have a programme to ensure they’re not endangering local wildlife with their actions. Part of this includes educating the neighbouring villages because, as Miguel told us, what’s the point in them looking after the environment if the people in the next village don’t too?

Second stop: The Village Square – Handicraft Time

I was a bit worried about this. A group of women appeared and set up their wares in the hope that we would buy something. Honestly, we aren’t the greatest of shoppers in my family so I never really enjoy browsing stalls, especially when I feel that there might be an expectation that I’ll buy something. The kids ran off towards the playground, their dad gratefully followed them, pretending they needed supervising in this, the quietest of all villages, leaving me to browse on my own (I will make him pay later). It was fine though. I bought a few small things, no one seemed to care that I wasn’t spending a fortune, we had a nice chat, everyone laughed at me some more for not being a good hammock sleeper, I said thank you and then we left.

Third stop: Sewing Workshop

We stopped off briefly here to see where the women do a lot of their work. Apart from clothing, they make full beekeeping outfits for the village beekeepers.

Fourth Stop: Wood Workshop

If you chop trees you have to have something to do with them. The village has its own workshop. We were only in here briefly, which was fine with me although my son really wanted to have a go at making planks from tree trunks. I’m glad no one was interested in letting him do this as I suspect he’d have lost a finger or three in the process.

Fifth Stop: Meeting One of the Village’s Founders

(And Rita’s dad, it turns out). We spent a good hour just sitting and chatting with Petronilo outside his house. We sat in plastic chairs at the side of the road and he told us the story of how this tiny village came into being. I’d assumed that these roadside villages were ancient, that they’d always been there but I was wrong: around 45 years ago their home-village ran out of space and sent a few families off to see if they could set up somewhere new. Life was hard. They had no easy access to water, no electricity and there was no paved road. They walked miles for water every day just to survive.

Today, the village has a municipal water tank that feeds water into every home, there is electricity and Rita has a washing machine. I note the washing machine specifically because Petronilo told us about how his wife, Tomasa, used to do the laundry for the village. She’d walk to the water source, with her small daughter on her back and wash everyone’s clothes for them. It did not sound fun to pound everyone’s clothes day after day.

Just as Petronilo was telling us about village fights over water, my five-year-old arrived and announced herself by asking if she could climb the ladder resting against his house. She quite fancied checking out his roof, she told him. Petronilo laughed so hard and then told her she was more than welcome to climb his roof. So she and Col headed up to the roof, quickly followed by my son (who doesn’t want anyone to climb anything unless he’s going too). So while my weird family climbed around on their house, I was introduced to Tomasa, Petronilo’s wife, Rita’s mum and Miguel’s granny.

Tomasa (photo taken with permission, blog explained and photo used with permission)

After a quick chat, Tomasa very kindly invited me to check out her kitchen. We’d already had an explanation of how cooking is done today in the village so seeing Tomasa’s kitchen, how she does it the old way, was super interesting. Clearly, she prefers the old way and has no plans to change to the more modern stove or kitchen set up any time soon.

New style stove in the village – three logs inside will cook an entire meal

Old style stove in the village

I felt so honoured to be invited into the heart of their home like this. This wasn’t a requirement or a designated stop on the tour, this was pure generosity from a kind (and funny) woman.

Traditional kitchen (old style)

As we left the kitchen I spied Tomasa’s hammock making room and asked if I might poke my head around the door (after all the hammock chat you can imagine how fascinated I was). Tomasa demonstrated her hammock making skills and then the five-year-old melted hearts by asking Tomasa if she could teach her how to do it too. I honestly think none of us will ever forget the sight of this Maya great-grandmother teaching our daughter how to make a hammock. My daughter was so intent on learning and Tomasa was so kind and gentle with her.

One of my favourite photos ever.

I could have cried. I was so proud of my daughter for her desire to embrace life and I felt so very lucky to be in a position to have been able to meet such lovely people and be welcomed into their lives, even for such a short time.

Other possible activities include a 9km ‘ sendero ‘ (trail) that is good for walking or biking but we arrived too late since this really needs to be started early in the morning. People who indicate a specific interest, such as in beekeeping, farming or reforestation can have a day arranged around their specific interests. Or, like us, you can just ask to see a bit of everything.

As I noted before, no one in the village speaks English, it’s a Maya speaking community but they’re all more or less bilingual. I am convinced that our ability to speak Spanish made this experience soar. We didn’t have to speak through guides or translators, we could just speak to each other and ask real questions. We could joke together in a way translators often preclude.

Accommodation And Food: What To Expect

I won’t pretend that accommodation and food will be the highlight of this trip for you. The food was all perfectly tasty but when you’re out in the middle of nowhere two hours from the nearest supermarket (AND you’ve stupidly suggested plain food is a good idea since your kids are fussy little sods ) you’re never going to get the very best meals of your life. Food was plentiful and we certainly weren’t hungry.

We ate, just the four of us, in the outdoor dining room of Rita’s homestead. Honestly, it felt like a bit of an adventure. The kids were thrilled to be eating with chickens and cats roaming around us!

The accommodation on this tour was two tents with blow up mattresses in a lovely dedicated camping area that we had to ourselves. There was a guard on site all night and there are decent bathrooms too. Because my husband is very tall, he did find that his feet had to hang out of the tent if he wanted to lie straight.

While I highly recommend this tour to everyone, I think you need to be sure about sleeping arrangements before heading off. If you’re at all worried about sleeping in a small tent, do enquire with Co’ox Mayab to check out other possible options. Our kids loved the experience because we love camping as a family but I would have liked to have been told that there was no bedding provided (I strongly suspect this will change in future because I have told them that people like to be given sheets  – I imagine they genuinely didn’t know, see hammock chat above!). We had towels with us (also not provided) so used them to sleep under once it got chilly around 3 am and then used them for washing the next day.

Would I Recommend This Tour To A Mayan Village?

Oh yes! Absolutely yes. This was, without a doubt, one of the most interesting weekends my family has had since moving to Merida. I don’t doubt our near fluent Spanish helped make it that little bit more special for us as we really got to connect with everyone we met but even without that this tour would have been eye-opening, fascinating, and a real treat.

What I really noted was the total lack of cynicism on the part of the family looking after us. They seemed genuinely pleased to host us, to chat with us and to talk to us about their homes, traditions and also to learn about our lives too.

Note: Because we know the region well and speak Spanish we decided that we wouldn’t take a guide with us from Merida. If you wanted to do this tour from Merida and don’t speak Spanish I recommend taking a guide as no one in the village speaks any English. I did, however, have WhatsApp contact with a member of the Co’ox Mayab team on our journey there and back (there’s no reception in the village). This was super helpful, especially when we were offered a great lunch recommendation on our way home, somewhere we’d probably never have found for ourselves.

I have nothing but respect for Co’ox Mayab. They have been professional and attentive throughout my time working with them and I loved that they were on hand via WhatsApp (when we had reception) should I have needed anything.

What To Take With You When Visiting A Mayan Village

• Small denomination bills to buy souvenirs, water and to leave as a tip when you leave (we actually struggled to persuade our hosts to take a tip but we prevailed!).

• Mosquito Repellent

• I wish I’d thought to take something like a box of chocolates with us to give to Rita and her family.
• Swimming stuff in case you fancy a cenote dip on the way home

Check With Co’ox Mayab Before Going

• Pillow if you need one (none were provided)
• Bedding (we would have liked an under-sheet and a top sheet)

Contacts Details For Co’ox Mayab

Website: www.cooxmayab.com

Email: [email protected]

Tel: + 52 1 999 447 8395. I know there is an English speaker in the office if you’re worried about getting in touch.  (not that they ever let me speak to this person, the meanies made me do everything in Spanish!!)

Cassie is a British-born travel writer who lives in southern Spain. Prior to moving to Spain, Cassie and her family lived in Yucatán, Mexico for many years. Something of a self-confessed-all-round travel-nerd, Cassie has a deep love of adventure, and of learning as much as possible about every place visited. This blog is testament to that.

Emese · 27/05/2019 at 4:35 pm

What a great experience, Cassie! I love the all-Maya villages of Yucatan, we stop often, but with our limited Spanish, our experiences don’t compare. On the other hand, we learned to sleep in a hammock – and love it; so maybe if we do the same tour, they’ll offer us hammocks instead ;). Your daughter is so sweet; the people in the village will always remember her – and your whole family. Thanks for sharing your experience. Needless to say, I’m jealous ?

Cassie · 27/05/2019 at 11:39 am

Thanks so much Emese, of course, I should have known you guys would also love this. And you’re right, she is sweet!

Keith Paulson-Thorp · 27/05/2019 at 5:00 pm

What a great post, Cassie – and the photos are really wonderful!

Cassie · 27/05/2019 at 12:40 pm

Thanks Keith, so kind of you to say. Makes me smile.

Kathryn Dickson · 31/05/2019 at 3:39 pm

Phenomenal photos (like your daughter and the woman) and moments for the children, Cassie! Even if the swinging tyre is the highlight in their eyes (right now). Hopefully they will remember the rest as time goes on.

Cassie · 31/05/2019 at 4:26 pm

Thank you so much. And yes, I agree that this was an experience to remember.

Nora · 01/06/2019 at 12:29 am

Lovely post of a completely different experience of Mexico. I’ve travelled to Mexico a lot over the years and even took Spanish lessons in Veracruz but have since forgotten most of it. My latest destination is El Cuyo, Mexico and hoping to explore the state of Yucatán more. Thanks for the lesson on Maya vs Mayan, it’s good to know the correct use of the word even though Google doesn’t play along.

Faith Coates · 01/06/2019 at 3:29 am

I never got the chance to do this when I lived there and always regretted it. I did get to make a hammaca though with the community centre in Chuburna which was cool and I always wanted to learn more about the Melipona bees really cool stuff.

Bridget · 01/06/2019 at 5:19 pm

It sounds like it was such an amazing excursion! Small personal touches like popping in for lunch to spend some time and learn from the locals is such a highlight!

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Jungle adventure + zip-lines + cenote swimming + cliff jumping + canoeing on the largest cenote in the riviera maya + visit a traditional mayan village, my mayan village private tour.

Adrenaline in the Jungle! Enjoy a perfect half-day adventure flying, cliff jumping, canoeing and a relaxing swimming experience. No doubt this is will be the best day of your vacation!

My Mayan Village Private Tour takes place in a hidden Eco-park called Tankah Pueblo , inside a local Mayan community surrounded by beautiful Cenotes in a pristine environment. You’ll get in contact with nature while zip-lining above Mayan waters and you’ll be able to canoe on the largest open-air Cenote in the entire Riviera Maya. Cliff jumping is also one of our favorite things to do here, in case you dare to dive into one of the most beautiful Cenotes. Get to meet a traditional Mayan Village. You will be able to see the homes of the friendly locals at their quiet little town.

We will pick you up in a comfortable AC touring vehicle (or two, depending on the size of your party) right from your hotel or villa, and accompany you throughout the day to offer you an unforgettable tour experience. Go at your own pace, this will be a private excursion just for you and the people you love. Only your group will participate, making this experience the most intimate and personal tour ever. Get ready to feel the jungle and explore its secrets and hidden gems.

This half-day jungle adventure is a great tour option for groups of friends, extended families or wedding groups . This private Eco-park is located 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, in the Riviera Maya, just a short 10 minute drive north of Tulum.

Are you also a foodie?

You may add the Authentic Mayan Lunch. One of our favorite culinary experiences available in the area. You won’t find this experience elsewhere so… Don’t miss out!

My Mayan Village Private Tour Experience will definitely become the highlight of your trip if you love outdoor activities and authentic adventures away from the crowds.

TripAdvisor recognizes The Custom Tour for consistently delivering great service. We ’re part of an exclusive group, ranking among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor

Private Tour Highlights

• A morning full of action, safety and fun!
• Zip-lining above water through the jungle.
• Canoeing on the largest open-air Cenote in the area.
• Cliff jumping and relaxing in a beautiful Cenote.
• Observe the homes closely in the Mayan Village.
• You may encounter fresh water turtles, exotic birds, iguanas and other intresting wild life.

Private Tour Rates

• $125 USD pp (party of 10)
• $130 USD pp (9 participants)
• $140 USD pp (8 participants)
• $150 USD pp (7 participants)
• $160 USD pp (6 participants)
• $175 USD pp (5 participants)
• $185 USD pp (4 participants)
• $215 USD pp (3 participants)
• $235 USD pp (2 participants)
• $465 USD pp (1 participant)

Rates are per person in US Dollars. Hotel pick-ups in Playa del Carmen Dowtown area are included. Additional transportation charges may apply per vehicle, depending on hotel location: Corasol/Mayakoba (+$25) Maroma/Paraiso (+$50), Puerto Morelos/Petempich (+$60), Royalton/Moon Palace (+$75), Cancun (+$95), Playa Mujeres/Puerto Juarez (+$120). Tulum: Hotel Zone, Aldea Zama, Veleta (+$50).

What's Included in My Private Tour?

• Early arrival at the Mayan Village, admissions without lines.
• 3 different Zip-lines suitable for all ages!
• Canoes, paddles and life jackets.
• Meet the real locals at the Mayan Village.
• Experienced tour guide: passionate about nature, photography, history and culture.
• Comfortable A/C transportation and licensed driver.
• Cooler with welcome snacks and ice-cold bottled water.
• Shaded resting areas for non-participants.
• Changing rooms available.
• BONUS! Free Photos of your tour in a digital album.

Customize Your Trip!

Add swimming with turtles for just $50 usd p.p..

Add Lunch at our favorite Beach club for just $20 USD P.P.

You may consider donating second hand toys or gently used clothes to the villagers.  Learn more about our Giving Back Program.

8:15 – Exclusive pick up from your hotel.

9:00 – exploring the mayan village:.

Zip-lining Canoeing Cliff-jumping Relaxing and swimming in the Cenote Visiting the Mayan Village

12:30 – Estimated time of arrival at your hotel.

*The tour schedule is an example and will be customized according to the location of your hotel and group size. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed by email during the booking process.

What to bring?

• Adventurous spirit and your best mood.
• Swimsuit under comfortable clothing.
• A towel for each person.
• Hats and sunglasses.
• Organic sunscreen.
• Long-sleeve swimming shirt (rash-guard).
• Flip-flops or water shoes.
• Cash for souvenirs and tips (optional).

Reviews & Customer Satisfaction

• Tours & Excursions /
• Coba Maya Encounter

Coba Maya Encounter Tour

Description

Unforgettable excursion including a guided tour to Mayan ruins of Coba to continue with a lot of exciting activities including Zip-line, Cenote Swimming, Rappelling, Canoe paddling and much more.

• Hiking: walk through the jungle and learn about the flora and fauna of the region.
• Maya ceremony: delve into the natural wonders and participate in an authentic ceremony of blessings carried out by a maya shaman of the community and scented by copal.
• Rappel: descend approximately 15 meters (49 ft.) into the impressive Cenote Jaguar (sinkhole).
• Swimming: refresh in the wonderful Cenote Jaguar of crystal clear water.
• Two ziplines crossing: fly over the Cenote Caiman and the Mojarras Lagoon while admiring the lush vegetation.
• Suspension Bridge: overcome your fears through an imposing cenote on an amazing suspension bridge.
• Canoe or kayak: sail in tame lagoons of immense tranquility and beauty.
• Traditional meal: enjoy an authentic maya menu including soup, chicken, vegetables, rice, beans and hand-made corn tortillas.

What's included

• Round transportation in small groups,
• Traditional lunch,
• Archaeological tour guide
• Entrance fee to Coba
• Equipment required for activities
• Towels and lockers.
• Tips for guides
• Alcoholic drinks
• Souvenirs or photographs

What to bring

• Bring comfortable shoes (may we suggest sport shoes)
• Rashguard shirt, fresh clothing, bathing suit
• Hat, extra shirt
• Cash or credit card for souvenirs and photos.

Additional information

• From Riviera Maya this tour operates from Monday to Saturday.
• This expedition may represent an over-exertion for people with disabilities and/or moms-to-be.
• Children up to the age of six can enjoy the tour.
• Minimum height: 3.6 ft
• Maximum harness size at waist: up to 42 in
• Maximum harness size at thigh: up to 26 in
• Maximum weight: 264 lbs
• People under the influence of alcohol or toxic substances will not be allowed to participate.
• For safety reasons, hands should be kept free, the use of cameras and recording devices (including cell phones or tablets) is not allowed, except for action cams like Go-Pro, only if it is assembled on a chest or head mount during the excursion. This tour may have some restrictions on weather conditions.
• The use of sunblock and insect repellent is allowed only if they are labeled as biodegradable.

Pick-up Information:

• Pick up is available in most of hotels in the Riviera Maya. Exact time of your pick-up will be sent by email after booking.
• In case we dont have pick-up for a specific hotel or location will be sent you the nearest meeting point where pick-up is available

Other tours you might be interested in:

Xcaret Basic Tour

Xel-Ha Dolphinclusive Tour

Snorkel Xtreme Tour

Sea Life Discovery Plus

Book this tour

Select a tour option, select participants, select a date, pick me up at:.

• CHOWING GUM-MAYAN CEREMONY

Welcome to COBA MAYAN TRADITIONS

COBA MAYAN TRADITIONS is one of the TUI COLLECTION Exclusive Excursion in México! Offers you one of the most authentic insights of the Mayan culture, ancient and actual world in Coba archeological site, a real Mayan Village and a fabulous Cenote. In this tour you will visit the tallest Mayan Pyramid (Nohoch Mul) in the country. The only one still available to climb nowadays! The view on the top is mesmerizing!! Coba ancient city hosts two courts of the famous and mysterious “Ball game”. After our ancestral Mayan journey, we will transfer to the Mayan contemporary Village. Where our visitors enjoy and have a connection with this unique place inside the rain forest with a local lunch in an ecological restaurant, a Mayan Purification with a Chaman, a visit to the Mayan descendants, a demonstration of the extraction of the “Mayan Gum”.  The final activity, we will invite you in to immerse in a wonderful Cenote discovering one of the attractions that you can only find in the Mayan Riviera. Our archeological guides will be your host of the area and country they are very knowledgeable of all the information and service that you can imagine about Mexico. In COBA MAYAN TRADITIONS you will spend the day exploring and embracing the amazing Mayan World!