Destination:
Days: 7On the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula, the Riviera Maya’s coastline runs south from the sleepy town of Puerto Morelos, through the buzzing Playa del Carmen, and culminates in Tulum’s barefoot luxury. The beachfront Andaz is located in the private, gated complex of Mayakoba, just north of Playa del Carmen. This beautiful resort looks out to the Mexican Caribbean’s crystal blue waters, surrounded by nature, and perfectly placed for exploring the area.
Connect with the natural, cultural and historical wonders of the Riviera Maya with this magical 5-night itinerary, based at Andaz Mayakoba. Explore Mayan history at Tulum archaeological site, spot colorful fish snorkeling at Yal-ku lagoon, and swim next to the gentle whale sharks around Isla Mujeres. Find the balance between action and relaxation as you bike and cave at Río Secreto, and enjoy seaview dinners at Andaz, with your feet in the sand.
HIGHLIGHTS
Andaz Mayakoba – Experience Mexico’s vibrant and stylish Andaz Mayakoba. Located in the exclusive Mayakoba complex in the Riviera Maya, this luxury resort is surrounded by tranquil lagoons and lush vegetation.
Tulum – Explore the ancient city of Tulum with a private guided visit, learn about Mayan history and observe the temples that were built hundreds of years ago.
Yal-Ku Lagoon – Swim and snorkel in the island lagoon near Akumal where fresh and saltwater meet.
Swim with Whale Sharks –
Rio Secreto – Enjoy an underground adventure exploring at Rio Secreto, an underground cave system, considered by the Mayans to be the entrance to the Underworld.
Chichen Itza – Visit Mexico’s most visited archeological site, Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 1: Arrive in Cancun and Enjoy a Private Transfer Playa del Carmen
Welcome to Mexico! Your private driver will meet you after landing in Cancun and you will be driven to Andaz Mayakoba.
Suggested Dinner Restaurant: Casa Amate
For your welcome dinner, you can enjoy the Latin American cuisine at Casa Amate, a highly acclaimed restaurant located in Andaz Mayakoba resort. Recognized as one of Mexico’s Top 250 Restaurants by Guía México Gastronomico, Casa Amate boasts a unique and sophisticated concept inspired by a traveler’s eclectic home. The restaurant features intimate spaces designed like rooms in a house, including Bar Studio, Library, Living Room, and Dining Room. The restaurant overlooks the resort’s lagoon, with a special Amate tree at the center of a picturesque courtyard that serves as the restaurant’s focal point and inspiration for its name.
Hotel: Andaz Mayakoba
Day 2: Private Experience to Tulum and Yal-Ku Lagoon
To start the day, you will be picked up from your hotel by your private, bilingual guide, and driven to the Tulum Archaeological Site.
Explore the ancient city of Tulum with your private bilingual guide, the only Mayan site with vistas over the Caribbean Sea. As you traverse the archeological zone, learn about Mayan history and cosmology, and observe the temples that were built hundreds of years ago to honor the gods of wind and rain. You will also get the chance to swim in the Caribbean Sea below the site, and see Tulum’s iconic “Castillo” from a different perspective.
After your time at the archaeological zone, you’ll continue around 35 minutes to the beautiful Yal-ku Lagoon in the Akumal area. Swim and snorkel in the tranquil inland lagoon, where fresh and saltwater mix to create a home for many types of fish. After a refreshing swim, you will be driven back to your hotel.
Suggested Experience on Property (Cost not included): Private Boat Tour with Lunch
Experience the beauty of Andaz Mayakoba’s lagoon and mangroves with the Private Boat Tour with Lunch. This tour is available every day for breakfast or lunch and includes a guided boat tour with fascinating insights about the local ecosystem. Enjoy a delicious meal aboard the boat featuring fresh, locally sourced Mexican and international cuisine. Don’t forget to reserve your spot for a truly memorable dining experience.
Hotel: Andaz Mayakoba
Day 3: Isla Mujeres Private Whale Shark Expedition
Journey Mexico invites you to take part in this amazing shared expedition. You will be picked up at your Hotel and driven North to Puerto Juarez/Punta Sam where you will be receiving an informative briefing with regards to the Whale Sharks; the rules and the safety.
On this private trip, you will snorkel alongside these gentle creatures, taking in their impressive size and beauty. After an informative briefing with regards to whale shark rules and safety, you’ll set out on a private boat ride to the natural migration route of the whale sharks. Your guide will tell you all about the graceful animals, before you slip into the water to swim and snorkel alongside the whale sharks that pass by this area annually between June and September. Despite their size, whale sharks are totally harmless to humans, consuming only large quantities of plankton.
Afterwards, head to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres to enjoy a tasty picnic lunch and time for a swim at the beach.
After a true bucket-list experience, you’ll head back to dry land.
* Please note: Life jackets must be worn whenever you are on the water. This includes while you are on the boat and swimming with the whale sharks.
Suggested Experience on Property (Cost not included): Spa Treatment of your choice.
Naum Wellness and Spa at Andaz Mayakoba is an oasis of tranquility. Make sure to book your treatment in advance and arrive early to enjoy the sauna, steam room, and hydro-massage showers. We also recommend trying the hydrotherapy circuit to relax your muscles and release tension.
Hotel: Andaz Mayakoba
Day 4: Rio Secreto Private Experience
Your private driver will meet you at your hotel, and you’ll be driven to Río Secreto, a natural reserve in the jungle near Playa del Carmen. On this unique expedition, you’ll explore the natural beauty of an ancient cave and cenote system that was hidden for hundreds of years.
Arriving to the site, you’ll meet your private, specialist guide and receive all the necessary equipment for your visit. You’ll start the exploration on mountain bikes, riding through a jungle trail (1.5 km) full of vegetation. Observe and learn about local flora and fauna from your guide as you make your way towards the underground cave system, considered by the Mayans to be the entrance to the Underworld. Once you arrive to the dry cave, you’ll continue foot (1.5 to 2 hours), walking between the light and the shadows as incredible rock formations unfold in front of you. The walk will lead you to a jungle camp, where it’s time to enjoy your box lunch and get changed into your underwater gear for the next step of the adventure!
With your expert guide leading the way, you’ll continue to swim and walk as you make your way (up to 2 hours) through a semi-flooded cave system, or cenote. Admire stalactites and stalagmites reflected in crystal-clear water, as you take in the surreal and otherworldly environment. After your three-part exploration you’ll return to the jungle camp to change, before continuing back to base camp to enjoy some well-deserved, traditional Mexican dishes.
Once your experience at Río Secreto comes to a close, you’ll be privately driven back to your hotel.
Hotel: Andaz Mayakoba
Day 5: Riviera Maya Private Experience to Chichen Itza & Private Cenote Experience
Today you´ll enjoy the historical and natural wonders of the Yucatán with a visit to Chichen Itza and a tranquil afternoon at your own private cenote.
Your private guide will meet you at your hotel in Cancun to make the 2 hour 40-minute drive to Mexico´s most iconic archaeological site, Chichen Itza. Learn about the cosmology, religion, and everyday life of the Maya from your expert, who will paint a picture of what Chichen Itzá was like before the Spanish arrived.
One of the first structures you´ll see is the striking Castillo or Pyramid of Kukulkan, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Visit the Platform of the Skulls, a monument to both life and death, before heading to the ball court where archeologists are still undecided as to whether the winner or the loser was sacrificed. Outside the city walls, you´ll find a cenote where sacrificial drownings took place and learn about what was uncovered when attempts were made to drain this deep sinkhole.
After exploring Chichen Itza, you´ll be driven to a beautiful private cenote found within the ruins of a historic ranch. These natural, freshwater sinkholes were considered sacred to the Mayans and entrances to the underworld. Take a refreshing swim in the cenote´s crystalline waters and relax the afternoon away in total privacy in a truly unique setting. A delicious Yucatecan menu will be served beneath a magnificent tree in the ranch´s garden for lunch.
Having spent time in your private cenote, you will be driven back to your hotel in Cancun.
Suggested Dinner Restaurant: Sotavento
Enjoy a vibrant and modern restaurant at Andaz Mayakoba that serves international cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. With an open kitchen and a contemporary design, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Sotavento is a fantastic option for dinner, and a great way to round off the day.
Hotel: Andaz Mayakoba
Day 6: Day at Leisure
Enjoy the beauty of the Riviera Maya with a day at leisure. Relax in the lovely surroundings and take advantage of the many amenities and activities available in this tropical paradise. Speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner to arrange additional activities or excursions.
Suggested experiences not included:
Beach & Pool Day with Tequila Tasting – Enjoy a day of leisure at Andaz Mayakoba exploring the beach and pool areas where you can relax and soak up the sun. take advantage of the hotel’s kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Optional tequila tastings can also be arranged for those interested in learning more about Mexico’s national spirit.
Suggested Dinner Restaurant: Tinta del Pulpo
Located by the pool, Tinta del Pulpo offers a diverse range of Mexican and international cuisine, complemented by locally sourced ingredients, artisanal beers, and delicious sauces. With its inviting atmosphere and scrumptious menu, it is the perfect spot for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner under the stars. It’s an excellent option for a farewell dinner, with its delightful menu and stunning views of the pool and surrounding gardens.
Day 7: Playa del Carmen Private Transfer to Cancun
Your private driver will meet you in Playa del Carmen and you will be driven the 60km to Cancun.
Dates
Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.
Prices
Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.
Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this website. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.
