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20 March 2010
Mexico family adventure
10 Days/9 Nights
Gateway:Cancun
Adult tour fr £759pp Child tour fr £729pp
Valid 2009
Day 1: Arrive Cancún
A G.A.P Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our joining point hotel.
Long a destination among sun-worshipping tourists and spring breakers, we only stay here long enough to meet and get primed for our adventure. As your fellow travellers are arriving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. Look in the hotel lobby for notices on when/where the group meeting will occur.
The famous resort of Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancún than elsewhere in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city. We use it as a starting and finishing point, and try not to spend too much time in this massive resort area.
Day 2-3: Valladolid / Chichén Itzá
Heading inland from the coast we stop to visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum on the way to our nightstop of Valladolid. Another highlight is Crocozoo - this "crocodile farm" and zoo with many different species of crocs, snakes, spider monkeys, and parrots is sure to delight the kids.
It is also possible to explore local cenotes (undergound caves) as they are not far from our hotel. The following day we'll take a short trip to the ancient Mayan ruin of Chichén Itzá. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins to fully appreciate the incredible history of the Mayan culture.
Nearby, you'll find the caves of Balankanché which contain beautiful natural stone formations and caverns that were once used for Mayan ceremonies. Enjoy an included tour to this site.
To Valladolid:
Estimated Travel Time: 5 hours
Approximate Distance: 160 km
To Chichen Itza:
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
Approximate Distance: 50 km
Includes 2 breakfasts
Day 4-5: Merida
We make our way to the state capital of Merida via Izamal, a historic town known as the city of three cultures. Be sure to check out the Franciscan convent and the Kinich Kakmo Mayan pyramid. The following day is free to choose from one of the many available options, including a trip to Progresso Beach, seeing the flamingoes at Celestún Bird Santuary, taking a horse drawn rail cart through the jungle visiting 3 beautiful cenotes in Cazuma, or exploring the nearby Mayan site of Uxmal.
Mornings are the best time to visit the busy and colourful markets. You can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. You can also try out new and wonderful food items, such as the delicious cochinita pibil, a local specialty. Hot sauce fans will also want to try El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers. Be sure and stroll down the Paseo de Montejo (or take a caleche carriage ride), together with many shops and restaurants, you will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Close by is the main shopping street, Calle 65. You are sure to find Mérida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot.
Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours
Approximate Distance: 120 km
Includes 2 breakfasts
Day 6-7: Isla Hol Box
We head out by bus and ferry, via Chiquila, to the little-known Caribbean jewel of Hol Box Island! Hol Box means ‘Black Hole’ in Maya and is so named for its proximity to a spring, nowadays known as Yalahau. With a population of just under 2000, the people of the island still retain their traditional lifestyle based around fish and lobster fishing. There are very few motorized vehicles, mostly golf carts and bicycles, and one is quickly absorbed by nature and a feeling of timelessness as soon as you set foot on this magical island. The friendly Holboxeños will happily chat to you about their daily lives and families, and are glad to receive visitors. Each evening the locals gather around the main square for a chat and to watch life pass by, whilst the youths play basketball or football nearby. You can even try to spot whale sharks in the right season (June to August)! We include a half day tour to visit Yalahau, a beautiful swimming hole and natural spring.
Estimated Travel Time: 6 hours
Approximate Distance: 160 km
Includes 2 breakfasts
Day 8-9: Isla Mujeres
Make a quick stop back on the mainland before heading off to stunning Isla Mujeres, a small idyllic sandy island just off the coast from Cancún. Here, we can again enjoy an ample selection of beachside activities such as swimming with dolphins, snorkelling and exploring Mayan ruins. Scooters or golf carts are easily available and a great way to explore the Island. A nice selection of restaurants, shops and modest nightlife gives the Island a great flavour. The beaches are also some of the best in the area. From here we include a full day trip to Isla Contoy, where you will enjoy an abundance of wildlife, great hiking trails, and superb beaches and snorkelling spots.
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours
Approximate Distance: 160 km.
Includes 2 breakfasts and 1 lunch
Day 10: Depart Isla Mujeres
Depart Isla Mujeres at anytime aboard the included 30-minute ferry transfer to Cancún . Transferring to the Cancún International Airport is easily arranged. Includes breakfast
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