10 Cultural Tours in Yucatan Peninsula That You Shouldn't Miss

August 24, 2021 Emerita Lamoureux

Hidden gems of Yucatan, such as Tulum, Akumal, Chetumal, Chichen Itza and Merida, offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Akumal and more Caribbean-style Chetumal, near the Belize border, deliver delectable white-sand beaches and great snorkelling. Merida, Chichen Itza and Tulum, with their ancient ruins, offer a passage into the Yucatanâs native history. Nature lovers can jungle trek and swim in subterranean sinkholes filled with crystal-clear water. Bike around the ruins and hop between towns in colectivo vans.
Restaurants in Yucatan Peninsula

1. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins with Cenote Swim and Lunch

Captain's Cove, Blvd. Kukulcan KM16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Cancun Travel Experience
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

The day starts with a convenient and easy pickup at your hotel or meeting point of your choice, aboard an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle, you will be shuttled to Tulum. This archeological site is a local landmark, since it served as a main port in the ancient Mayan civilization. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way on this nature-filled ride. You will priority access the archaeological site and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the temples to see and learn about the main attractions such as the astronomical observatory of the Mayan city of Tulum and cultural buildings throughout the limits of the walls. As you leave Tulum and its turquoise background waters, you will start on your way to the next leg of the journey, a scenic cenote that as expected, has cultural and traditional significance to the Mayan culture. Enjoy a tasty deli-style lunch with beautiful scenery surrounding you before a smooth-ride back.

Inclusions: Admission fees and priority access at Tulum archaeological site, Deli-Style Box lunch and bottled water, Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (If selected)

Exclusions: Natural reserve fee at Cenote for conservation efforts (15USD), Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the meeting point option, Optional snorkel gear and locker rental at Cenote, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Gratuities

Reviewed By Robert S

Had a great time. The catamaran was in great shape. The crew was fantastic on the boat and very attentive to those that went snorkeling. Always ensured you had a drink if wanted. Good party on boat. Only negative, buffet not very good. Would have liked the buffet on a sandy beach with lounges available.

2. VIP Tulum Private Tour

My Quest Concierge Private Tours
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds. - Open the Fortress & avoid the midday heat. - Admire the only Mayan ruins facing the Caribbean Sea. - Jump & refresh in an open sky Cenote. - Feel the crystalline cold water of the underground rivers in your body. - Explore a cave. - Eat the best fresh ceviche in the Riviera Maya from local fishermen restaurant. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.

Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Professional and disinfected premium snorkel equipment., Open Cenote entrance fee., Cave & Underground River entrance fee., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Cold bottled water all day.

Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included - Lunch at a Local Restaurant (optional)., Not included - Tips (optional)

Reviewed By ZestyChic

Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!

3. Chichen Itza Private Tour with Sacred Cenote

Living Dreams Mexico
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5.0 based on 362 reviews

WE ARE THE NUMBER ONE tour operator in all the Riviera Maya ON TRIP ADVISOR check out our reviews!!!!! • Private tour • Enjoy at your own pace • Private air-conditioned vehicle with pick up and drop off at your hotel or rental home • Enjoy Chichen Itza archaeological exploration with a "Living Dreams Mexico" private guide • Sacred Cenote swim • Colonial city Valladolid • The most talented and passionate guides in the region • Secluded Locations • No gimmicks, No upsells, No Souvenir Shops • Included: entrances, archaeological federally licensed guide, parking fees, toll road (if applicable), soft drinks, beers, water, snacks • Photos taken during your expedition are a courtesy from Living Dreams • Although we do not include lunch, you can request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgeable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer. We are sure that you will be provided with the option that best suits your tastes and interests

Inclusions: Private tour with professional archaeological licensed guide, Local taxes & National Park fees, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Beverages are provided inside your vehicle, Private transportation, Round-trip transportation from all hotels in Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Snacks, Free time if desired

Exclusions: Gratuities, Alcoholic drinks (In restaurant) * Only included on board vehicle., Feel free to request free time at no additional cost. Consult with your knowledgable guide about the many culinary options colonial Valladolid has to offer.

Reviewed By beachnuttylaura

I was referred to Living Dreams when I was inquiring concerns regarding a different company. I am so happy I was referred to Living Dreams! We booked 2 tours with them... The Coba Jungle Tour and Cenotes, and the Underground River Tour and Turtle Snorkeling. We had Hector as our guide and enjoyed him so such we requested him as our guide for our second tour. These are private tours so you are not rushed and they go to less crowded sites which makes each experience more memorable and pleasurable! They helped us design our tours based on our likes and desires and I must say every place they suggested and took us to exceeded our expectations! This company is very professional, honest, and have a wonderful staff working for them! I recommend you book all your tours Living Dreams you will not be disappointed :-)

4. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

My Quest Concierge Private Tours
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5.0 based on 87 reviews

- Deep clean and sanitize van and equipment (done for every tour). - VIP Private Tour. Just for you. - Avoid the crowds & the midday heat. - Shortest travel time (Toll highway). - VIP Access (no lines). - Be one of the firsts to arrive & take the best pictures. - Stay as long as you like in the archaeological site with your certified guide. - Jump & refresh in an amazing open sky Cenote. - Everything is done at your pace. No rush. - Customize the schedule if you want.

Inclusions: Certified archeological guide., English speaking local expert all day., Toll highway (shortest travel time)., Entrance fee to the archeological site., Lunch buffet at Ex-Hacienda Mayaland., Open Cenote entrance fee., Visit to Valladolid Colonial Town., Free time in all activities., Private Transportation., Air-conditioned vehicle. , Passenger insurance., Cold bottled water all day.

Exclusions: Don’t forget your towel & swimsuit., Don’t forget comfortable shoes., Don’t forget a good sunscreen., Not included – Drink at the Buffet. , Not included - Tips (optional)

Reviewed By ZestyChic

Fantastic tour!! Damien promptly responded to all our tour related questions. He communicated well and provided great background on our ride to 45 min drive to Tulum. Joel was an amazing tour guide for The Tulum ruins and 2 Cenotes we visited. He is so passionate and proud he is of his heritage. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and provided great history facts and old photos of the Mayans ruins in all their glory. He was cheerful, fun, polite, professional and helpful along the tour. He’s a gem on this tour. He also had great recommendations for the best photos along the tour. He swam with us in the Cenote underground cave and pointed out places to check out or avoid as we snorkeled. He’s a genuinely positive and happy-go-lucky guy. He drove us to the beat keep secret Cenotes and the did not disappoint! They were truly beautiful and magical. We were the only ones at the Taak no-ha Cenote underground cave and it was truly a special experience to swim and snorkel there. The second Cenote was a swimming hole with some diving planks (Xunaan-ha). Also very fun. Both were pretty chilly water - but definitely refreshing after walking the ruins in 90’. Thanks for sharing your beautiful secret spots- Cenotes with us! This private tour was so worthwhile. We got to go at our own pace, take our time and enjoy our day. The owner, Damien followed up with us to confirm we enjoyed our tour were happy customers. You can tell they love what they do and they do it well. We would highly recommend this tour company!

5. Tulum Bike Tour Tulum Maya Ruins Cenote Swimming Pueblo History Art Tacos Lunch

Mexico Kan Tours- Eco Tours Tulum Riviera Maya, Avenida Tulum S/N. Entre Orion y, Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Tulum Bike Tours
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

A slice of everything Tulum has to offer, providing a great overview of the area and lots of local history, information & tips. You will ride quiet roads, forest trails & beach paths to see a variety of natural attractions and witness the cultural legacy of this exceptional town. The perfect way to explore Tulum, this tour is full of art, culture, history & fun - taking in the ancient Maya ruins, a swim in the wonderful waters of a cenote, the mural art scene, the tastiest tacos, the local heart of Tulum & the cosmopolitan town of today. You will also learn about Mayan traditions & beliefs, the art of native beekeeping and the where to find the best street food, mojitos, ice-cream & music in town. This is an insider's view of Tulum, led by experienced & dedicated guides who share their love of nature, history, biking & fun with you.

Inclusions: Quality 7-gear Urban bike and helmet, Professional guide, Tacos (the best in town), Visit to a local beekeeping foundation, Entrance to a beautiful cenote, Bottled water, Homemade granola bars & fruit

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off NOT INCLUDED

Reviewed By 771toddl

We booked a private tour with two families. Our guide, Juan Carlos, was fun, friendly, and informative and we thoroughly enjoyed the excursion. The cenotes were beautiful, the brunch was fabulous, and we learned a lot along the way. We highly recommend this tour and Juan Carlos! Must-do for first time visitors to this area.

6. Cenote Triple Adventure Tour in Tulum

Adventure Tour Center, Av. Tulum Mza 4 Lt 5 (Entre Piola y Santino, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77780 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Adventure Tour Center
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5.0 based on 88 reviews

On this 4-hour tour, you will visit three different cenotes in the area. At each of them, you can free dive, snorkel and cliff jump. You will be provided with all necessary equipment and enjoy a great time at these unique sinkholes in Tulum. This tour is available Wednesday and Saturday for groups of 5 or less people and Monday-Saturday for groups of 6 or more people.

Inclusions: Snacks, Snorkel gear, Round-trip transportation from central meeting point, Professional guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch add on is $15

Reviewed By yachtmasterjohn

I had 5 great cenote dives with the chilled Happy team here. Everything was easy and relaxed from the moment I walked in the door to the end of my last dive. They were flexible throughout and guaranteed my dives would go ahead even if nobody else booked. My dive master & guide was Martin. Obviously very experienced and knowledgeable, super chilled. If you’ve never dived the cenotes, you must. The Pit, Dos Ojos, Angelita & Car Wash. An other worldly experience. You will not regret diving with these guys.

7. The Original Jeep Tour Revamped by Tortugas Cozumel® (Private)

Tortugas Cozumel
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4.9 based on 52 reviews

There are several Jeep Tours in Cozumel, but ours is simply in a league of its own! Start by driving a state of the art A/C Sahara Jeep Wrangler guided by the most friendly and professional Staff in Cozumel. Discover secret spots reserved only for the locals by driving along Cozumel's eastern coastline, world famous for its stunning views of unspoiled white sand beaches like Playa San Martin and El Mirador. Choose to visit one of two amazing theme parks: El Pueblo del Maiz for a leap back in time to discover the Mayan culture, traditions and history; a true hidden gem! Or visit Punta Sur Eco Park for breathtaking views and photo opportunities climbing its lighthouse overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Then stop by the fun filled Tortugas Beach Club for a guided snorkeling from the shore at the famous Chankanaab area and savour a mouth-watering Mexican lunch before return to your starting point. The perfect All-In-One adventure in paradise!

Inclusions: A/C Jeep Wrangler , Purified bottled water, sodas and beer during the Jeep Tour, Entrance Fee to El Pueblo del Maiz or Punta Sur Eco Park (one to choose), Mexican Lunch of fajitas, quesadillas or tacos; made of beef, chicken or fish, Use of Snorkelling equipment, Tequila Tasting, Free Wi Fi at Tortugas Beach Club

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities

Reviewed By 376terran

This tour was AWSOME! MY husband and I had thw WHOLE tour to our selves. Out tour guide Ronney was amazing! He took us to a natural cave and the Jade Cenote. Again, we were the only people there so we got the VIP experience! Ronney took our pictures and made us feel super welcome! HIGHLY recommended ????????

8. Buggy Tour in Playa del Carmen with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit

Unnamed Road, Quintana Roo, Mexico Buggy Tour Playa del Carmen
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4.9 based on 488 reviews

Welcome to our unique rentbuggytour. A mixture of fun,adventure and discovery. In our rentbuggytour we have 2 activities: -a refreshing swim in a natural fresh water cave -the visit of the hidden side of Playa del carmen, meeting a real mayan community. Our rentbuggytour is well known for helping out this community, and if you wish you can take part in this. This community is an eye-opening experience. Our slogan: Forget the rest, this is the best. Cheers, rentbuggyteam

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), All necessary equipment, Cenote swim, Water and a snack, Driver/guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By MermaidwStyle

We did the buggy ride to visit a cenote and take food to a Mayan village. It was a great experience! He had lunch in a Mayan village home and delivered groceries to the villagers. The cenote was fresh and beautiful. It was a dusty day on the roads, but so much better than rain and puddles. The guides were fun, witty and entertaining. They made everyone feel safe and included. It was perfect! Thank you.

9. Chichen Itzá, cenote and Valladolid Small groups day Trip from Tulum

Mexico Kan Tours- Eco Tours Tulum Riviera Maya, Avenida Tulum S/N. Entre Orion y, Calle Centauro Sur, Tulum Centro, Centro, 77760 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico Mexico Kan Tours
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4.9 based on 249 reviews

Recently selected as one of the New World Wonders, Chichen Itza is without a doubt one of the most spectacular and important archeological sites of the Yucatan peninsula and Mesoamerica. The Maya-Toltec style; which can be appreciated in Chichen Itza is the result of the cultural exchange between the different cultures of Mesoamerica. The excellent restoration of this ancient city makes it an absolute “must-see” destination for any visitor to the Yucatan peninsula interested in history and culture. After visiting Chichen Itza we cool off in an impressive cenote (flooded cave) where nature and mysticism will bring you to a whole new dimension. Valladolid is a city where past and present come together to delight us with astounding sights of beautifully colored colonial architecture and tastes of an incredibly rich gastronomy. A visit to the main square of the town will absorb you in the peace and tranquility of its people while you learn about the local customs.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (revise confirmation email for pick up time), Lunch, Snacks and drinks

Exclusions: Extra Transportation Fees (North of Tulum). +$10USD per person extra for pick-ups between Bahía Puerto Principe and Puerto Aventuras. +$20USD per person extra for pick-ups between Puerto Aventuras and Playa del Carmen Colosio Street. +$30USD per person extra for pick-ups between Colosio Street (North of Playa) del Carmen to Iberostar Grand Paraiso.

Reviewed By anais_lfbvr

Good experience. Ursula, the tour guide was amazing and informative. We enjoyed a lot this tour!! Be ready to see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles !! Incredible experience.

10. Coba, Tulum, Cho-Ha Cenote and Paradise Beach, Premium Service.

Excursiones Riviera Maya
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4.9 based on 40 reviews

Join this small-group full-day tour to Coba, Cenote Choj Ha, Tulum and Paradise Beach. Visit the Yucatan jungle and Coba, swim in the spectacular waters of Cenote Choj ha, see the archaeological site of Tulum, and relax in Paradise beach while admiring the ruins of Tulum from the sea. There is a maximum group size of 15 for this tour.

Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Beverages, Professional art historian guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks

Reviewed By Goldfinger76

The trip was good, and the 3 stars are worth it thanks mostly to the very comptent, kind and forthcoming guide Ulysses who knows a lot about Mayan culture notably because he is of Mayan descendants. On the flip side : even though pick up at the hotel was clearly included in the deal, I was informed short before the trip that I had to take a cab (expensive in Tulum) to get to the assembly point, presumably because of dense trafic all over the region at that particular time of the morning. The same was asked of me on the way back. The consequence was I had to pay a total of $ 30.- more. Coba and Chichen Isa on the same day trip is a lot and there is not much time spent on either of the ruins. The trip started at 9:50 am. It would have been better to start much earlier.

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