Yucatán: Mayan Adventure – RY Marketplace

Explore Yucatán Peninsula: Stunning Caribbean waters, Mayan culture, and colonial architecture await.
Experience Merida’s Charm: A blend of Maya and Spanish traditions in a booming colonial city.
Delve into History: Learn about Cenotes, which are underwater rivers connected to one another. Visit Chichen Itza, a Wonder of the World and explore the tropical city of Merida.

Description

Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with colonial architecture, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters, and colonial cities all in one fell swoop. Actually, there’s only one: The Yucatán Peninsula. The peninsula comprises parts of Belize and Guatemala, as well as three separate Mexican states: Yucatán, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. On this trip, you’ll be visiting the state of Yucatán. Enjoy a full weekend in one of México’s most beautiful and trendy territories, The Yucatan Peninsula. This amazing place will dazzle you with ancient Mayan culture, colonial architecture, magic towns, underground water sinkholes, and gorgeous sunny beaches with white sand, all in one fell swoop.

You will stay in the booming colonial city of Merida, the capital of the state and two times named the American Capital of Culture. It was founded on top of an ancient Maya city called T’ho whose stonework was repurposed by the Spaniards as foundations to erect the building we see today such as lofty catholic churches and colonial mansions. Merida’s culture is a distinctive blend of traditions inherited from the ancient Maya civilization and customs brought by Spaniards with a vibrant cultural identity that continues to shape this dynamic city and one of the best Mexican cuisine.

During this side trip, you will be able to visit one of the new seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza. The pre-Columbian Mayan city was one of the largest and most diverse and features a mix of architectural styles. It’s also popular for equinoxes when the Castillo (castle) temple forms a shadow evoking the appearance of a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s steps. On both days, you will enjoy the fresh and crystal waters of the cenotes. These natural formations were created by a deadly asteroid that slammed into the seafloor off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, 66 million years ago, wiping out the dinosaurs and creating freshwater sinkholes and caves called cenotes.

If you are looking to experience things for the first time again, and visit places you’ve never seen before, this is the side trip for you.

Who Is This Good For

Anyone who is interested in exploring a new area, learning more about the Mayas, and likes adventure! Good for a foodie and people who enjoy outdoor activities and nature.

Meet Our Local Host

Rodo was born and raised in CDMX, Mexico. He’s 30 years old and has been working with Remote Year and in the tourism industry for about 7 years. He’s passionate about Merida city where he now lives and loves to share his city with visitors from all parts of the world. He’s a big fan of sunsets in Merida and spending a day by the beach. Foodie, and a tequila lover!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday
Arrival and check in to the hotel
Free evening (a list of recommendations will be provided)

Day 2 – SaturdayToday you will discover two fantastic gems of the Yucatan, Cenotes! We will be visiting “Cenotes Santa Barbara” You will swim in the majesty of the cenotes (water sinkholes) and their crystalline water to refresh, you will explore three cenotes in the jungle. You will be able to bike ride to each one of them or let a horse-drawn sleigh take you to each Cenote. Breakfast at the hotelDeparture from the hotelVisit Cenotes Santa Barbara Complimentary lunchTime to relaxGo back to MeridaFree evening
Day 3 – Sunday

You will visit the famous site of Chichen Itza, recently declared one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. A guide will explain the splendid Castle and share with you the vast knowledge the Mayas used to have about the cosmos, math, and science. There, you will find the biggest ball game court in the Mayan world. To finish the day we will head to a cenote, a refreshing treat to swim in its crystalline waters and relax. A delicious Yucatecan menu will be served for the group to enjoy.

Breakfast at the hotel

Departure from the hotel

Visit Chichen Itza archaeological site

Visit Cenote and complimentary lunch at the cenote

Go back to Merida

Free evening

Day 4 – Monday

Breakfast at the hotel

Free day to work, we recommend booking a late flight so you can visit playa Progreso.

Fly back to Mexico City

What’s Included

3 nights in shared double rooms (2 full beds and a private bathroom per room)
Breakfast at the hotel every day
Pool, high-speed internet, and workspace in the hotel
Visit Cenotes: transportation, entrance, cooler, cenotes, lunch.
Visit Chichen Itza: transport, entrance, cooler, and lunch
Local Host during day trips

What’s Not Included

Flights from/ to Mexico City
Shuttle to and from airports (but we can help arrange it)
Any extras that were not mentioned above
Lunches not specified and Dinner every day
Extra drinks and snacks during activities
Other tours, museum entrances, etc

Know Before You Go

Minimum Needed: 5 people
Maximum Capacity: 10 people
Booking Deadline: 7 days before start date

Dinner is not included on any day
3 Continental Breakfast at the hotel included
Lunches are included on just the days of the experiences (2 lunches: Sat / Sun)
There is WIFI at the accommodations
Great biodiversity and unique landscapes
This is a tropical region
Yellow fever vaccine is recommended but not obligatory
Plastic bags are not allowed inside the Cenotes
Please bring: Sneakers and comfortable shoes for water areas, Clothes for 30ºC-34ºC (86ºF-94ºF) May can get hotter, Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, and Repellent (sensitive to mosquitoes), A swimsuit, most of the activities will be water-related, Identity documents and medical insurance proof.

Duration | From Friday to Monday

Time | We recommend booking a late flight on Monday so you visit Progreso Beach.

What is the refund policy? All cancellations, by customer or Remote Year will be given in Marketplace credit within 3 days of the cancellationWhen a customer cancels, credit value will be subject to any associated cancellation fees.Credit can be used toward anything on the Marketplace or toward future program fees. If you’d like to use toward Program Fees, please email [email protected] Credit is valid for 24 months from date of the email. Unless the original purchase was via RY Gift Card.If you would prefer a cash refund, please email [email protected] within 3 days of receiving the marketplace credit.

Note that any cash refund for customer cancellations will incur a minimum 10% transaction and handling fee

What happens if my booking is changed/cancelled due to weather?

Let’s be real – no one can control the weather, and sometimes things just don’t go as planned. But don’t worry, your City Manager is here to help and will do their best to come up with a solution if an event is affected. We understand that everyone’s schedule is different, so while we can’t guarantee a make-up option will work for everyone, we promise to try our hardest. If you’re unable to attend the make-up date, no problem – we’ll give you a full refund for your booking.

I have a discount or gift code, can I use it to complete my purchase?

Yes, once you add your item to your cart and check out, you will be able to input the code before completing the purchase. If you need help finding your code, please double check your inbox. You received an email from Marketplace with the code.

Can I book for a friend / family member?

Sure! We welcome your friends and family coming to visit you while you travel the world. We do, however, reserve the right to deny access to Friends / Family who are over using RY Services.

I haven’t received a booking confirmation email, can you help?

Please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll help. In some cases, you may have multiple emails associated on the Marketplace and this is causing some confusion. Reach out and we’ll do our best to sort it out!

If I cannot attend, can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes, you may transfer your booking to another Nation Member or Family/Friend. Please notify the City Manager as soon as possible to confirm the change. Please note, in the case of special dietary requirements, we might not be able to accommodate special requests on last minute changes. Any bookings that require advanced ticketing linked to an individual’s ID might not be approved.

Will I be able to work on this experience?

If you have to check in with work at any point during the scheduled time, we recommend confirming with the City Manager before booking.

I’m a Nation Member but not on an active program, can I still book?

We will always prioritize Remotes who are traveling with an active program on experiences. You may be able to book but there is a chance the City Manager will reach out to let you know we have to release your spot for an active Remote. If you’re in a city but not traveling with a program, we recommend reaching out to the City Manager on the Hub to confirm before booking.