Private Guided Day Trips from Riviera Maya

Day Trip Options

When booking your private day trip from Riviera Maya, you'll be able to choose from the following options. Both options include pickup and drop off at your hotel, transport, and an English-speaking guide just for you.

Temazcal purification ceremony (5 hours)

After pickup from your hotel, we’ll head to the Dos Palmas Ecological Reserve, where we’ll learn about the traditions of a Maya community. We’ll then take part in a purification ceremony, during which you’ll learn how to play the conch shell, a symbol of connection with nature.

Next, we’ll take part in a temazcal ceremony with a shaman, following a purification ritual inside a sacred steam bath. Afterward, we’ll go on a walk through the jungle and enjoy a nighttime swim in a cenote. To finish, we’ll have a hot Maya chocolate served in a handcrafted gourd and share a traditional dinner with a Maya family.

Please note that the minimum age for this activity is 16. This experience is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, claustrophobia, or heart conditions. It’s also not suitable for children or for anyone under the influence of alcohol or hallucinogenic substances.

Days of operation: this activity runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Tulum & Gran Cenote Day Trip (7 Hours)

After picking you up from your hotel, we'll head to the Tulum Archaeological Site, located by the Caribbean Sea, south of the Riviera Maya. Once we've arrived, we'll stroll around the pre-Columbian ruins and learn about the history of this ancient walled city. We'll see magnificent buildings that are still standing today, such as the Temple of the God of Wind and the Tulum Castle.

We'll continue our day trip to the Gran Cenote of Tulum, where you'll be able to spend 1.5 hours snorkelling. At the end of this experience, we'll return to your hotel. We'll arrive back at your hotel between 2:30 and 3 pm.

Tulum & Cobá Day Trip (9 Hours)

If you choose this option, we'll begin by taking a guided tour of Tulum. Our next stop will be at the Cobá Archaeological Site, where we'll see incredible pyramids and some other remains of the Maya civilization.

At the end of our tour in Cobá, you'll have 1 hour 30 minutes of free time to have lunch on your own locally. We'll then head back to your hotel, where we should arrive between 4:30 and 5 pm.

Chichén Itza Day Trip (9 Hours)

Having picked you up from your hotel, we'll head to one of the most important Mayan sites in the Yucatán Peninsula. This would be Chichén Itzá, a symbolic Mayan ceremonial centre and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. We'll visit some of the most iconic parts of this archaeological site, such as the Temple of Kukulkan, the Temple of the Warriors and the Ball Game, which was the main sport played by the Maya. 

After the guided tour of Chichén Itzá, you'll have the rest of the day free to finish exploring the site and have lunch. Then, we'll finally return to your hotel.

Ek Balam, Río Lagartos and Las Coloradas Day Trip (12 hours)

On this excursion, we’ll explore the fascinating archaeological site of Ek Balam, where we’ll see its great Acropolis, the governor’s palace, and the largest known Maya monument. You’ll observe the areas where sacrifices were carried out and uncover the mystery of the altar that guards the entrance to the realm of the dead.

Next, we’ll take a boat ride through Río Lagartos in search of flocks of flamingos, crocodiles, and other unique species from the region. You’ll also learn about the local legend of the “sea cockroach,” a symbol of good luck.

Finally, we’ll visit Las Coloradas, where we’ll admire the striking pink lakes created by the high concentration of minerals and salt. You’ll experience the surprising similarity of these waters to the Dead Sea, where their density allows you to float effortlessly. We’ll then return to the starting point.

Mérida and Uxmal Day Trip (12 hours)

With this option, we’ll take you to visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture and great historical significance. We’ll see the iconic Pyramid of the Magician and visit the Temple of the Turtles, which once housed female religious leaders.

Afterwards, we’ll head to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, a city rich in history and vibrant culture. There, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center, admiring colorful colonial-era buildings, strolling along its main avenues, visiting the main square, and seeing a historic church that reflects the unique fusion of Spanish and Indigenous heritage.

Next, we’ll visit the cacao museum, where we’ll discover the fascinating world of ancestral Maya chocolate. We’ll watch a demonstration of the traditional process of transforming cacao beans into chocolate and learn about its cultural and historical importance.

Finally, we’ll visit a traditional Yucatecan hacienda, once the luxurious residence of colonists and their workers. We’ll explore its beautiful gardens, learn about its colonial history, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s past. We’ll then return to the starting point.

Pickup Info

All of these private day trips include pickup from the following locations in Riviera Maya: Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum.

Tour Schedule

The starting time will be different depending on the activity you book:

• Temazcal Purification Ceremony: 3 pm
• Tulum and Grand Cenote Trip: 7:30 am
• Tulum and Cobá Trip: 7:30 am
• Chichén Itzá Trip: 8:30 am
• Ek Balam, Ría Lagartos, and Las Coloradas Trip: 6:30 am
• Mérida and Uxmal Trip: 6:30 am

Why Book a Private Day Trip?

By booking this private guided day trip from Riviera Maya, you'll have a much more personalised experience. You can also choose your preferred starting time and day of the week.