Embark on an exhilarating 8-hour adventure from Merida, Mexico, and explore the Yucatan’s captivating natural wonders. This small-group tour takes visitors on a journey to discover the region’s iconic cenotes, hike scenic trails, and witness a breathtaking sunset. With a knowledgeable guide providing commentary in both Spanish and English, guests will explore the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan people and enjoy the stunning Yucatan landscape. From hotel pickup and drop-off to refreshing dips in the cenotes, this comprehensive excursion promises an unforgettable experience that just might leave you craving more.
Key Points
- This 8-hour tour departs from Merida and includes a 1-hour van transfer to Cuzama, where participants can explore Mayan trails and cenotes.
- The tour offers a guided 2-hour visit to three distinct cenote architectures and an opportunity to swim in the crystal-clear waters.
- Participants can engage in a 4-hour hiking, sunset, and off-road adventure, including exploring the region’s stunning Mayan trails and off-road terrain on ATVs.
- The tour is led by professional local guides who provide commentary in both Spanish and English, and the group size is limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as gratuities for the guide and personnel, are included in the tour cost of $240.05 per person.
Tour Details
This tour offers a comprehensive experience, costing $240.05 per person and lasting 8 hours in a small group of up to 12 participants, with a live tour guide providing commentary in Spanish and English.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.
The itinerary features a 1-hour van transfer to Cuzamá, where guests will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and swimming at the cenotes.
After a 30-minute transfer to Acanceh, the adventure continues with 4 hours of hiking, sunset viewing, and an off-road experience, before the 40-minute return trip back to Mérida.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with a pickup in Mérida 10 minutes before the scheduled time, followed by a 1-hour van transfer to Cuzamá.
Upon arrival, the group will enjoy a 2-hour guided tour and swimming at the cenotes.
Next, they’ll take a 30-minute van transfer to Acanceh, where they’ll embark on a 4-hour hiking, sunset, and off-road adventure.
The itinerary includes:
- 1-hour van transfer to Cuzamá
- 2-hour guided tour and swimming at cenotes
- 30-minute van transfer to Acanceh
- 4-hour hiking, sunset, and off-road adventure
Highlights
ATV tours allow visitors to explore the Mayan trails, while 3 types of cenote architecture provide opportunities for unique photo ops throughout the day.
The cenote tour showcases the diversity of these natural wonders, ranging from open, sunlit pools to cavernous, underground systems with stalactites and clear, tranquil waters. Guests can dive into the refreshing cenotes for a swim, capturing the beauty of these remarkable geological formations.
The sunset and off-road adventure further immerses participants in the stunning Yucatan landscape, allowing them to witness the sun dipping below the horizon from a vantage point on the Mayan trails.
Inclusions
Along With the guided tour and photo opportunities, the tour includes professional local guides who can provide commentary in both Spanish and English to enhance the overall experience. This multilingual support ensures that all participants can fully engage with and understand the cultural and historical significance of the sites visited.
The inclusions also feature:
- Gratuities for the guide and any other personnel, which are recommended to be 15-20% of the total tour cost.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off, providing a seamless transportation experience.
- An 8-hour duration, allowing ample time to explore the cenotes, hike the Mayan trails, and enjoy the sunset adventure.
- A small group size of up to 12 participants, fostering a more intimate and personalized tour.
Restrictions
Pregnant women are unable to participate in this adventure, given the physical demands of the off-road excursion.
Plus, large bags or luggage aren’t permitted on the tour, ensuring a comfortable and unencumbered experience for all guests. This policy helps to maintain the safety and efficiency of the small group dynamics.
Participants will be able to fully enjoy the Mayan trails and cenote exploration without the burden of excess items. The tour’s restrictions are in place to provide the best possible experience for travelers, prioritizing their comfort, security, and the overall enjoyment of the guided exploration.
Pickup and Transfers
The tour begins with a pickup from guests’ hotels in Mérida, with the van departing 10 minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a punctual arrival at the first destination.
From there, the group embarks on a 1-hour van transfer to the town of Cuzamá. After the cenote visit, the adventure continues with a 30-minute van transfer to Acanceh, where the hiking, sunset, and off-road portion of the tour takes place.
Finally, the tour concludes with a 40-minute van transfer back to Mérida.
The key pickup and transfer details are:
- Pickup in Mérida, 10 minutes before scheduled time
- 1-hour van transfer to Cuzamá
- 30-minute van transfer to Acanceh
- 40-minute van transfer back to Mérida
Cenote Exploration
After the van transfer, guests embark on a 2-hour visit to explore the cenotes in Cuzamá.
They’ll receive a guided tour and have the opportunity to swim in these natural, underground pools.
The tour showcases three distinct types of cenote architecture, allowing visitors to marvel at the unique geological formations.
The cenotes feature crystal-clear waters, providing a refreshing escape from the mid-day heat. Guests can swim and cool off before continuing their adventure.
The cenote exploration is a highlight of the tour, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich Mayan heritage and natural wonders.
With the guidance of a professional, local guide, guests can fully enjoy this captivating experience.
Hiking and Off-road Adventure
Following the cenote exploration, guests embark on a 4-hour hiking, sunset, and off-road adventure.
They’ll traverse Mayan trails, taking in the stunning landscapes as the sun dips below the horizon.
The off-road portion of the tour allows visitors to explore the region’s rugged terrain on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), providing an exhilarating and memorable experience.
With the guidance of a professional local guide, guests can fully enjoy this captivating outdoor adventure.
The highlights of this portion of the tour include:
- Hiking through scenic Mayan trails
- Witnessing a breathtaking sunset
- Exploring the region’s off-road terrain on ATVs
- Gaining insights from the knowledgeable local guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed on this tour. The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and participants are encouraged to enjoy the included meals and beverages provided throughout the day.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the ATV Ride?
The tour has a minimum age requirement of 16 years old for the ATV ride. Children under 16 are not permitted to participate in the ATV portion of the tour due to safety concerns.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
The tour itinerary can be customized to fit the preferences of the participants. However, specific details like the duration, transportation, and activities may vary and need to be confirmed with the tour operator prior to the tour.
Do I Need to Have Prior Experience With ATVS to Participate?
No, prior ATV experience is not required for this tour. The tour provides instruction and guidance to ensure participant safety, even for those who have never driven an ATV before. The guides will ensure everyone can participate comfortably.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – full refunds are available up to 72 hours before the tour, and partial refunds are offered within 72 hours of the tour. Specific details on the policy can be found on the booking website.
Recap
This 8-hour tour from Mérida offers an unforgettable adventure exploring the Yucatan’s natural wonders.
Discover hidden Mayan cenotes, hike scenic trails, and witness a stunning sunset.
With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and learn about the captivating Yucatan landscape.
Hotel pickup and drop-off, and refreshing cenote swims make this a comprehensive and immersive excursion.
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