Rise early and board your air-conditioned transport from your Cancun or Riviera Maya hotel. Spend your morning at a Maya village, either Pac Chen or Chimuch. Both villages offer you the opportunity to see how Mayas live today and visit sites sacred to Maya culture. Part of your tour proceeds are used in the sustainable development of local Maya communities.
In Chimuch, meaning ‘mouth of the frog’ in the Mayan language, you’ll find a traditional small village. In contrast, Pac Chen offers a mix of palm-thatched and cinder-block homes. After you meet some of the people from the village, your guide whisks you away for a series of outdoor activities in the nearby jungle.
Cenotes, or sinkholes, dot the Yucat□n Peninsula, many of which provide great swimming pools, thanks to an underground water system. Hear from your guide about some of these that hold historical and religious significance, like Cenote de la Vida at the edge of Chimuch. Rappel your way down to a cenote and then enjoy a refreshing swimming break in turquoise waters.
Sail through the rain forest on two ziplines, and settle in for an easygoing canoe ride on a lagoon populated with birds. Afterward, head back to the village and participate in a blessing ceremony performed by a Maya shaman, and learn about the native plant life.
For lunch, dig into a feast of Maya cuisine: chicken prepared with Maya ingredients, vegetable soup, rice, beans, potatoes, pasta, empanadas and handmade tortillas.
Refueled, hop aboard your transport and head to the ruins of Coba, an archaeological site spanning approximately 43 square miles (70 square km). Learn about this ancient Maya civilization dating back to some time between 500 and 900 AD. During your two hours here, discover a network of roads, large stone monuments called stelae, as well as hieroglyphic texts.
Last but not least, climb the steps of Nohoch Mul Pyramid, the second-tallest Maya pyramid on the Yucat□n Peninsula. Standing 140 feet (42 meters) above the rain forest floor, take in breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding jungle.
Please note: A minimum of two people per booking is required. Depending on the day’s schedule, the trip to Coba may precede the visit to the Maya village.