Yucatan Mexico Tour - Travel Lemming

Yucatán, Mexico Tour

Join our small group tour to explore the culture and colors of Mexico’s Yucatán, Travel Lemming’s #1 place travel in 2024.

Reserve Your Spot

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED SOON (8 days / 7 nights)

Transport Included

Some Meals Included

Stay Included

Airport Transfers

Sightseeing

4 Star Comfort

Discover the colors, tastes, and sites of Mexico’s Yucatán, a deeply authentic Mexican state that we named the world’s top place to travel in 2024.

Join us for Travel Lemming’s inaugural group tour as we show you the secrets of this unique region of Mexico, home of the Mayans. This trip will offer 4 star accommodation, more premium inclusions than typical group tours, and a good mix of culture, gastronomy, history, and nature.

Leveraging Travel Lemming founder Nate Hake’s extensive experience in the region, we’ve crafted a truly special itinerary led by a knowledgeable local tour guide. You’ll explore local markets, discover ancient Mayan ruins, marvel at Mexican art, and get introduced to jungle swimming holes called cenotes. You’ll also visit flamingos on a boat tour, and even try your hand at cooking the local cuisine.

If you are the type of traveler who loves culture, nature, and food, you’ll love this trip. And you’ll leave Mexico with lots of memories and lots of friends!

Watch This Video Introducing Valladolid, Our Home for 4 Nights:

Trip Overview

A map that shows the itinerary for the Yucatan tour

Start: Mérida (April 6, 2024)
Finish: Mérida (April 14, 2024)
Airport: Mérida International (MID)
Theme: Discover the colors & hidden gems of the Yucatán
Physical Rating: Mild to moderate
Style: Culture, history, nature & gastronomy
Quality Level: Premium (4 star)
Ages: 18+
Group Size: Max 15

What’s special about this trip?

Explore authentic Mexico. We’ll take you off the beaten path through this lesser known but unique region of Mexico. Yucatan is a longtime Travel Lemming favorite. We could have picked anywhere in the world for our first group tour, but we very deliberately chose Yucatan because we want you to experience it.
Travel in comfort. This is not a budget trip. We’re going for 4 star accommodation and 4 star comfort. We’ve crafted a premium itinerary filled with many more inclusions than is typical, while still leaving you some free time to explore on your own.
Make new friends. We can’t wait to bring the Travel Lemming community together in person for the first time. We’re committed to making this a special experience for everyone.
Taste Yucatecan cuisine. Think you know Mexican food? Well, you may be surprised by the unique regional gastronomy! Get your taste buds ready for an adventure.
Discover the land of the Mayans. From ancient ruins to underground cenotes to natural reserves, you’ll discover what’s so special about this storied civilization that lives on today through the friendly local people.
Leave with epic memories and a camera roll full of stunning photos. The Yucatan is one of the most colorful places on the planet. If photography is your thing, it’s hard not to take a good picture here!

You’re eager to discover the Yucatán with new friends. This is a group tour. Travel Lemming readers are a diverse community spanning all adult age groups. Bring a friendly attitude and let’s make some memories together!
You’re prepared for moderate physical activity. There won’t be any adventure sports or hiking on this tour, and we’re aiming for a comfortable and quality experience accessible to all age groups. But be aware this trip may involve somewhat long days, walking tours, and steps to access sites such as cenotes.
You are ready for the Yucatán’s jungle climate. The land of the Mayans is hot and humid! Our hotels and transportation will be air-conditioned, and we’ll strive to build in breaks from the heat such as cenote swims.
You’re hungry for delicious Yucatecan cuisine, which features a fair bit of meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and bread. We will do our utmost to accommodate dietary restrictions. But gastronomy is one highlight of this tour, so we want to be upfront that the regional cuisine isn’t always veg-friendly. With that said, our founder Nate Hake is lacto-ovo vegetarian, and has never gone hungry during his extensive travels in the Yucatán.

Is this trip right for you?

Yucatan Tour Itinerary

Our group arrives at different times. An included private transfer will pick you up from Merida International Airport and bring you to the hotel.

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Merida
Meals
Welcome dinner

Our first full day is a busy one! We’ll start off with a walking tour of Merida’s historic centre, then stop off for an included lunch at a local market offering an array of local cuisine from fresh seafood to traditional street food.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a trip outside the city to see the Dzibilchaltún ruins. We’ll then continue on to discover Reserve el Corchito, a pristine mangrove forest and wildlife sanctuary.

In the evening, we’ll give you free time to explore the charming beach town of Progresso. Grab dinner on your own (not included) and enjoy sunset before we head back to Merida.

The colorful signage of the Progresso town

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Merida
Activities
Walking tour of historic centre
Mayan ruins at Dzibilchaltún
Reserva el Corchito wildlife sanctuary
Free time in beach town of Progresso
Meals
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local market

We’ll pack our bags and get an early start in the morning so we can beat the crowds and heat at Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World (and the only truly “famous” site on this hidden gems tour).

In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Valladolid, one of the most magical small towns in Mexico. After you unpack and settle into our hotel, we’ll offer you an optional guided city walking tour to help you get your bearings.

The evening is free and yours to explore Valladolid (we’ll give you plenty of ideas for what to see and where to eat!).

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Valladolid
Activities
Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza
Guided city walking tour (optional)
Meals
Breakfast at hotel

We’ll begin the day exploring Ek Balam, a lesser-known but magnificent archaeological site. Climb the ancient pyramid, uncover intricate sculptures hidden in the jungle, and immerse yourself in Mayan history.

After Ek Balam, we’ll cool off with a dip in a cenote. Cenotes are stunning natural open air swimming holes that dot the Yucatecan jungle, and are fed by underground springs.

Next, we’ll discover the fascinating world of Meliponas Abejas (stingless bees) on a guided tour. Learn about the vital role these unique bees play in the local ecosystems and traditional Mayan culture.

We’ll return to Valladolid, where you’ll have another free evening to explore the town.

Scenic view of the sinkhole in Cenote Samula

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Valladolid
Activities
Mayan ruins at Ek Balam
Cenote visit and swim
Meliponas Abejas guided tour
Meals
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at cenote

In the morning, we’ll drive to Rio Lagartos, a coastal area known for its flamingos and natural beauty. We’ll take a boat tour where you can spot flamingos and other exotic birds. We might even see a crocodile.

We’ll savor a ceviche lunch right on the boat, surrounded by serene natural beauty.

After lunch, we’ll return to Valladolid. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore the historic town, shop for crafts, or just relax and soak in the local atmosphere.

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Valladolid
Activities
Rio Lagartos boat tour
Meals
Breakfast at hotel
Ceviche lunch on boat

We’ll explore two enchanting cenotes, including an open-air cenote in the middle of town (Cenote Zaci) and another in an impressive underground cavern just outside Valladolid (Cenote Samula).

We’ll have lunch at a local market, where you can sample authentic Yucatecan dishes.

In the afternoon, you have the option of a guided tour of Casa de los Venados, a private house museum showcasing an impressive collection of Mexican folk art. Alternatively, if you prefer a more leisurely afternoon, you can explore Valladolid on your own or relax at the hotel’s pool.

The evening is yours to enjoy your final night in Valladolid.

Clara Kesseler posing for a photo with the Valladolid Sign

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Valladolid
Activities
Two cenote visits
Guided house museum tour (optional)
Meals
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local market

We’ll visit the monkeys and other wildlife at Punta Laguna Natural Reserve.

For lunch, we’ll visit a local Mayan community and participate in a hands-on cooking experience to learn their traditional culinary secrets.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to Merida. If we have time, we’ll make a short stop for a snack break in the yellow town of Izamal.

In the evening, we’ll gather for our final farewell dinner together.

Accomodation
4 star hotel in Merida
Activities
Laguna Natural Reserve
Mayan community culinary experience
Meals
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at Mayan community
Farewell dinner in Merida

Private transportation will take you to the airport for your flight home.

Meals
Breakfast at hotel

Yucatan Photos

Clara with the Valladolid Sign
Food Cart in Valladolid
Clara in Valladolid, Mexico
Valladolid Center
Izamal, Mexico
A local food court in Valladolid
Valladolid, Mexico
Downtown Valladolid is very walkable
Mayan Art
A marquesita (local street food dessert) in Valladolid
Nate at the Ek Balam Ruins
Chichen Itza
An example of a cenote

Inclusions

Meals

Breakfast all days.
Lunch all days, except arrival and departure days.
Welcome dinner, including one beverage, the first night.
Farewell dinner, including one beverage, the last night.

Transportation

Transportation in a spacious, modern, and comfortable air-conditioned Sprinter van. We’ll have a single local driver the whole trip to maintain consistency of experience.
Arrival and departure transportation to and from Merida International Airport.

Accommodation

4 star accommodation at comfortable local hotels.
Standard single tickets come with a private room.
Double tickets are for couples or friends booking together and sharing a room.

Activities

Entry fees to three Mayan ruins.
Entry to three cenotes.
Flamingo boat tour and entry fee to Rio Lagartos
Tour of Meliponas Abejas
Entry to Punta Laguna Nature reserve
Walking tours of Merida and Valladolid

Other Inclusions

Knowledgeable licensed local tour guide
Social impact donation
Donation to Casa de los Venados
Tips for maids and bellhops at Merida hotel
All taxes and fees for listed inclusions

What’s Not Included

Flights to and from Merida
Passport or visa fees (if any for your home country)
Travel insurance (required)
Meals not listed
Beverages
Activities not mentioned above
Optional tips

Book Your Tour Spot

Colorful buildings lined on a street in Valladolid, Mexico

Yucatán Tour: Discover Mexico’s Hidden Gems (8 Days / 7 Nights)

$2,895.00 – Single Ticket (one person in your own room)
$5,390.00 – Double Ticket (two persons in one room, like couples or friends)

Have a coupon code? Enter it on the next page after selecting your ticket type below:

Ticket Type

Clear

FAQs About Travel Lemming’s Yucatan Tour

Fly in and out of Merida International Airport (MID).

Private transfers will take you to and from MID airport.

On arrival day, it is ideal to arrive by late afternoon, so you have time to settle in before our welcome dinner. On departure day, you can depart at any time.

You also have the option of extending your stay on either end with additional nights in Merida on your own. This may appeal to those who want more time to explore Merida, or in finding more ideal flights. You’ll need to pay for the additional hotel nights, which we’d expect to cost around $125-$150 USD per room per night. If you email us promptly at [email protected] after booking your ticket, we can show you how to make these arrangements.

Currently there are no visa requirements for US or Canadian citizens to visit Mexico, but you do need a passport with at least 6 months of validity. Some immigration officers may ask to see proof of a return ticket before stamping you in.

Note that you are responsible for determining your entry requirements based on your nationality, and for getting yourself to Merida.

All single tickets come with a private room in our 4 star hotels.

The double ticket is an option for couples or pairs of friends booking together who want to share a room. Since that reduces our costs, there is a discount built into the double ticket price.

A deposit of $500 USD is required to hold your spot. If you do not pay in full when booking, you must pay the remaining balance no later than 45 days before the tour start date (which for this tour is February 21, 2024).

After you book and pay your deposit, we will send you an email with a link to your account in our payment portal. Note it may take us up to 72 hours to send you this link (if you don’t receive it by then, email [email protected]).

You can log in and pay your balance anytime before the final payment date of February 21, 2024. We will send you reminders via email as that date approaches.

You can pay your balance using the original payment method you used, or select another supported method. Note that because our system doesn’t store your credit card information, there is no way for us to automatically bill you and you’ll need to manually pay the balance. Fortunately, it only takes a minute to do!

100% refundable, minus any credit card processing fees, up to 60 days before the Tour’s departure date;
50% refundable, minus any credit card processing fees, until 45 days before the Tour’s departure date;
Non-refundable less than 45 days before the Tour’s departure date.

There are no refunds less than 45 days before a Tour’s departure date.

For information about refunds, see our full Tour Conditions.

The tour involves mild to moderate physical activity. We’re aiming for a “light adventure” style that should be accessible to healthy adults of all ages.

Specifically, we will do a fair bit of walking around the cities and the Mayan ruins, and you should expect it will be hot and humid (especially during the afternoons). The Ek Balam ruins include a few pyramids with steps you can optionally climb (Chichen Itza does not allow climbing). You’ll also have the chance to swim in cenotes, and there will be some stairs required to get down into the cenotes.

But there is no hiking, no adventure sports, and no strenuous activity. If you are reasonably fit and mobile, and prepared for the hot climate, you should be able to manage this tour.

The Yucatan has a tropical jungle climate, with hot and humid weather year round. April is still the dry season, so the climate has little rain during this time.

You should be prepared for it to be hot. Historically spring temperatures reach the 90s during the afternoon, but drop down to to 70 degrees F or so during the night. The mornings are typically more comfortable, so we’ll get an early start on several days so that we can visit exposed sites like the ruins in more comfort.

We will have air con in the hotels and the Sprinter Van, and we’ll do our best to build in breaks from the heat. We recommend packing extra clothes so you can change and feel fresh.

If you struggle with tropical weather, this may not be the trip for you.

We’ll be staying in comfortable 4 star quality accommodations in local Mexican-style hotels. Rooms will be air conditioned.

Travel Lemming founder Nate Hake is currently planning to make significant appearances during this inaugural tour, although he is not your tour guide and you should not expect him to be present for every part of the entire trip (he does still have a business to run). Nate will likely not be present on any future runs of this tour, so if you want to meet him in person, this is your best chance!

We’re here to help! Just email [email protected].

Key Trip Notes & Documents

For further detail, please review this key trip information. When purchase a ticket, you must agree to our terms and conditions, including our tour conditions and these trip-specific documents.

Read Trip Docs