Wellness
Wellness
Wellness
12 Days Starting and ending in Cancun, Mexico
Visiting: Cancun, Río Lagartos, Ek Balam, Chichen Itza, Izamal, Uxmal, Bacalar, Sian Ka'an, Punta Laguna, Akumal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
12558
Guide Type:
Partially Guided
Group size:
2 - 99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wellness Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a rejuvenating 12-day wellness tour through Mexico, exploring its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Begin your journey in Cancun, where you'll pick up your rental car and set off to discover the crocodile reserve at Rio Lagartos, the ancient temples of Ek Balam, and the iconic archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Bathe in the serene cenote of Tsukan, wander through the magical village of Izamal, and immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Uxmal. Experience the stunning seven-colored lagoon of Bacalar, the diverse ecosystems of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and the tranquil beaches of Tulum. Enjoy comfortable stays at charming hotels and participate in unique activities like a traditional temazcal ceremony and a private boat ride in Rio Lagartos. This tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Mexico!
Location: Cancun
Accommodation Name: Adhara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Cancún airport, you will pick up your vehicle. Drive to your hotel.
Day 2 : Ria Lagartos And Crocodile Reserve
Location: Río Lagartos
Accommodation Name: Zentik
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, you will board a "lancha" - a small motor boat - and go for a ride in the mangrove of the national park. A real paradise for nature lovers. It is an ideal place to discover the Yucatán "differently". Then head to the famous pink lagoon called "Las Coloradas". Afterwards, you take the road to Valladolid, where you will spend the night.
Driving time: Cancun - Rio Lagartos 251km (3h21) / Rio Lagartos - Valladolid 106km (1h33)
Day 3 : Visits To The Temples Of Ek Balam
Location: Ek Balam
Accommodation Name: Zentik
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you visit Ek Balam or "black jaguar" in Mayan, an ancient religious centre of great importance in the region and comprising about 40 structures. All the temples are accessible to visitors and allow you to get a good view of the city and the surrounding jungle. Ek Balam does not have the fame of Chichen Itza, yet it is a city full of serenity and mystery at the same time. There are few visitors and this is what makes it so charming. The Xcanche cenote is located about 1500 metres from the town. To get there, you can rent bicycles or go on foot. There is an abseiling trail, hammocks and a zip line to keep you entertained. Lunch is available at the cenote ecotourism centre, surrounded by jungle. You will also participate in a temazcal ceremony, an ancestral ritual of the Aztec culture that was adopted by the Mayans and introduced into their customs. This purification ceremony consists of a steam bath with volcanic stones performed by a shaman (Spanish/Maya). Medicinal plants are used in order to obtain complete healing of the body. Return to Valladolid at the end of the day.
Drive: Valladolid - Ek Balam 30km (30min)
Day 4 : Visit To The 7Th Wonder Of The World
Location: Chichen Itza
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Chichen Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit the centre of Valladolid. On the agenda are the Zocalo and its cathedral, the market, the colourful Calzada de los Frailes street and the San Bernardino convent. Afterwards, you can go to the Secreto cenote, which also has a spa. The cenote can be privatized on request. In the afternoon, you will discover the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, and considered one of the "New Wonders of the World" since 2007. You will be immersed in the majesty of this site and the echo of its past glory. Possibility to attend the sound and light show projected on the main pyramid of the site at nightfall.
Drive: Valladolid - Chichen Itza 45km (50min)
Day 5 : Discovery Of The Magical Village Of Izamal And Its Cenotes
Location: Izamal
Accommodation Name: Rosas y Xocolate
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will bathe in the wonderful cenote of Tsukan. Continue to the "magic village" of Izamal. You will visit the Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, whose atrium is second in size only to that of the Vatican. You can also climb the Kinich Pyramid for a breathtaking view of this yellow city. Departure for Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán. City of one million inhabitants, it is famous for its cathedral and its paseo Montejo lined with the sumptuous residences of the old masters of henequen. Walking through the colonial streets of the white city, you will feel the romantic and provincial atmosphere, bearing witness to a past rich in history and legends. Although it has modernised over time, Mérida has retained its colonial "toque", characterised by its lights and colours. At night, it is transformed for the pleasure of passers-by. Several activities are possible: sitting at a café terrace, attending a street performance of dance, music or theatre, which make this city a wonderful cultural crossroads.
Driving directions: Chichen Itza - Tsukan 13km (16min) / Tsukan - Izamal 58km (58min) / Izamal - Merida 70km (1h10)
Day In The City Of Uxmal
Location: Uxmal
Accommodation Name: Rosas y Xocolate
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take the road to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Located in the middle of the Yucatecan jungle, Uxmal means "three times built" in Maya. The architecture of this site is particularly faithful to the "Puuc" style with its geometric forms, its mosaics and its representations of the god Chaac, god of rain and thunder. A few meters before the entrance to the site is the cacao museum, Chocostory, where you can learn more about the use and importance of cacao in Mayan culture. There is a tasting session and the opportunity to participate in a Mayan ceremony. Back in Merida, you can take the guagua located on the Santa Lucia plaza, an unusual and folkloric activity. This short 2 hour tour will give you a good overview of the city.
Driving directions: Merida - Uxmal 85km (1h10)
Day 7 : Bacalar's 7 Colours Lagoon
Location: Bacalar
Accommodation Name: Rancho Encantado
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early departure for Bacalar. Famous for its seven-coloured lagoon, Bacalar is a pearl of the Caribbean, close to the Belizean border, in the south of the Yucatán peninsula. Bacalar is a small town known for its history and natural riches. The lagoon is made up of seven different cenotes, which gave it its name, and is about 42km long and 2km wide. Bacalar was an important commercial crossroads for the Maya, a real place of exchange between Central America and the Yucatán peninsula. Walk around the city centre and visit Fort San Felipe, built in 1729, an example of the military architecture of New Spain, which saw various battles and conflicts.
Driving time: Merida - Bacalar 350km (4h25)
Day 8 : Relaxation Day In Bacalar
Location: Bacalar
Accommodation Name: Rancho Encantado
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day trip to Bacalar. Famous for its seven-coloured lagoon, it is possible to discover it through various activities, such as boat or kayak excursions. It is also possible to visit Fort San Felipe, built in 1729, an example of the military architecture of New Spain, which experienced various battles and conflicts. If you want to learn more about the Mayan culture, you can visit the Kohunlich site, 1 hour from Bacalar and belonging to the Ruta Rio Bec. There you will discover the incredible Temple of the Masks, 5 of which have been restored.
Day 9 : Sian Ka'an Mangrove Day
Location: Sian Ka'an
Accommodation Name: Ikal
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will head to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest in Mexico and located near Tulum. The reserve includes rainforests, mangroves and swamps, as well as a vast marine area with a coral reef running through it. It has an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including jaguars, manatees, turtles, birds and dolphins. To get there, you will pass through Muyil where the entrance to the site is located. There, you can take a boat with a local guide who will accompany you through the lagoons. You will reach the canals created by the Mayans where you will put on your life jacket and let yourself be carried by the current sitting in the water. Continue to Tulum, one of the jewels of the Riviera Maya and the only Mayan port known as such, which saw the arrival of the first conquistadors a few centuries ago. Tulum means "wall" in the Mayan language, and it is indeed the case since it has one of the most beautiful vestiges of this civilization. This ancient city is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea like an ancient fortress, offering a breathtaking view of the Paraiso and Mayan beaches, both for its contrasting colours and its proximity to the jungle, the sea and the city. Tulum combines paradisiacal beach scenery with historical sites, making it a popular destination for travellers.
Driving directions: Bacalar - Sian Ka'an 190km (2h10) / Sian Ka'an - Tulum 30km (40min)
Day 10 : A Day In The Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Location: Punta Laguna
Accommodation Name: Ikal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Afterwards, you will continue to the Punta Laguna nature reserve, where you can take a walk through the Yucatecan jungle and, if you are lucky, come across spider or howler monkeys, kayak on the lagoon or explore a cenote accompanied by a local guide.
Day Trip To Akumal
Location: Akumal
Accommodation Name: Ikal
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will go to the Yalku lagoon, where you can snorkel and see the fish that are found in this place where salt and fresh water meet. Also, if you feel like it, you can go to the beach of Akumal, where turtles abound all year round.
Day 12 : Hasta Luego Mexico
Location: Cancun
Meals Included: Breakfast
Perhaps it's time to say goodbye to Mexico and its beaches? Your stay is coming to an end. Leave the hotel for Cancun airport for your return flight.
Driving time: Tulum - Cancun airport 125km (1h45)
What's Included
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Accommodation and breakfast
Accommodation and breakfast included from day 1 to day 12 in the establishments below or similar.
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Car rental
Car rental from day 1 to day 12, including a cat. Intermediate type Chevrolet Aveo or similar.
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Full insurance and unlimited mileage
Full insurance and unlimited mileage for one driver.
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Airport transfers
Pick Up & Drop Off at Cancun airport.
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Private Rio Lagartos boat
A private boat ride in Rio Lagartos.
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Temazcal ceremony
Participation in a traditional temazcal ceremony.
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Tsukan cenote
Visit to the Tsukan cenote.
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Yalku Lagoon
Visit to the Yalku Lagoon.
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Rental car insurance
Full insurance and unlimited mileage for the rental car.
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Hotel stays
Stays at various charming hotels including Adhara in Cancun, Zentik in Valladolid, Hacienda Chichen Resort in Chichen Itza, Rosas y Xocolate in Merida, Rancho Encantado in Bacalar, and Ikal in Tulum.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included.
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Domestic flights
Domestic flights are not included unless mentioned in the inclusions.
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Personal equipment
Personal equipment is not included.
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Health and repatriation insurance
Health and repatriation insurance are not included.
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Cancellation
Cancellation is not included.
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Meals and beverages
Meals and beverages are not included unless mentioned in the inclusions.
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All activities
All activities are not included unless mentioned in the inclusions.
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Tips
Tips in restaurants or with guides are not included.
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Environmental taxes
Environmental taxes in some hotels in the Riviera Maya are not included.
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Personal purchases
Personal purchases are not included.
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GPS gasoline
GPS gasoline is not included.
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Parking and other fees
Parking and other fees related to the use of the rental car are not included.
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Tolls
Tolls are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with a rental car from day 1 to day 12, including full insurance and unlimited mileage. Pick up and drop off your vehicle at Cancun airport.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at various charming hotels including Adhara in Cancun, Zentik in Valladolid, Hacienda Chichen Resort in Chichen Itza, Rosas y Xocolate in Merida, Rancho Encantado in Bacalar, and Ikal in Tulum.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of vehicle will I be driving during the tour?
You will be driving a rental car, specifically an intermediate type Chevrolet Aveo or a similar vehicle, with full insurance and unlimited mileage included.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay at various charming hotels including Adhara in Cancun, Zentik in Valladolid, Hacienda Chichen Resort in Chichen Itza, Rosas y Xocolate in Merida, Rancho Encantado in Bacalar, and Ikal in Tulum.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Accommodation and breakfast are included from day 1 to day 12. Other meals and beverages are not included unless specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a private boat ride in Rio Lagartos, participation in a traditional temazcal ceremony, visits to the Tsukan cenote and Yalku Lagoon, and exploring various archaeological sites and natural reserves.
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What is the driving distance and time between key locations?
Driving distances and times include: Cancun to Rio Lagartos (251km, 3h21), Rio Lagartos to Valladolid (106km, 1h33), Valladolid to Ek Balam (30km, 30min), Valladolid to Chichen Itza (45km, 50min), Chichen Itza to Tsukan (13km, 16min), Tsukan to Izamal (58km, 58min), Izamal to Merida (70km, 1h10), Merida to Uxmal (85km, 1h10), Merida to Bacalar (350km, 4h25), Bacalar to Sian Ka'an (190km, 2h10), Sian Ka'an to Tulum (30km, 40min), and Tulum to Cancun airport (125km, 1h45).
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What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include visiting the Rio Lagartos crocodile reserve, exploring the temples of Ek Balam, the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, bathing in the cenote of Tsukan, discovering the magical village of Izamal, spending a day in the city of Uxmal, exploring Bacalar's seven-coloured lagoon, and visiting the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and Tulum.
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What is the significance of the temazcal ceremony included in the tour?
The temazcal ceremony is an ancestral ritual of the Aztec culture, adopted by the Mayans. It is a purification ceremony consisting of a steam bath with volcanic stones performed by a shaman, using medicinal plants to achieve complete healing of the body.
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What are some optional activities available during the tour?
Optional activities include renting bicycles or walking to the Xcanche cenote, participating in abseiling, hammocks, and zip line activities, attending a sound and light show at Chichen Itza, and exploring the Kohunlich site near Bacalar.
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What is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve known for?
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, swamps, and a vast marine area with a coral reef. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including jaguars, manatees, turtles, birds, and dolphins.
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What can I expect to see at the Punta Laguna nature reserve?
At the Punta Laguna nature reserve, you can take a walk through the Yucatecan jungle, potentially encounter spider or howler monkeys, kayak on the lagoon, or explore a cenote with a local guide.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.