Solo-ish Mexico
Solo-ish Mexico
Solo-ish Mexico
9 Days Starting in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and ending in Tulum, Mexico
Visiting: Playa del Carmen, Chichén Itzá, Mérida, Bacalar, Tulum
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26304
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Solo-ish Mexico" adventure, a vibrant journey through the heart of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. This small group tour invites you to explore the rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders of the region. Begin with a tantalizing taco walking tour in Playa del Carmen, then marvel at the grandeur of Chichén Itzá's pyramid. Dive into the refreshing cenote pools and savor the flavors of Yucatán cuisine in a Mayan pueblo. Discover the charm of Mérida, the tranquility of Bacalar's Lagoon of Seven Colors, and the historical allure of Tulum's coastal ruins. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this trip offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, all while fostering connections with fellow travelers. Enjoy the comfort of hotel accommodations and private transport, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Dinner Party: Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Playa del Carmen. Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport, then join your CEO and fellow travllers for a welcome meeting before an authentic taco crawl experience featuring the best local carts from around town. Get to know your other Solo-ish travellers while walking through the lively streets and find the most delicious tacos led by your trusty CEO. Learn more about Mexican cuisine and witness for yourself how the joy of sharing a meal has the power to bring strangers together.
TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in an immersive taco truck walking tour with your CEO in the lead. Gain a true sense of the atmosphere in Playa del Carmen and listen as your CEO tells stories and offers facts about Mexican cuisine, while you fill up on the delicious tacos from the best local spots in town.
Day 2: We Day: Chichén Itzá
Location: Chichén Itzá
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is all about the impressive historical sites and local communities of the Yucatán. Beginning with a guided tour of the most iconic Mayan ruin to visit in Mexico, Chichen Itzá. Join your local expert who will teach you about the area, including the great pyramid and largest Maya ball court in the Americas. Gain a sense of Mexico’s past and imagine how life must have looked and felt in this deeply spiritual place. Then, head to a nearby local community for a demonstration of how cochinita pibil is prepared, a traditional and delicious regional delicacy made from many different ingredients and then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked. Deepen your connections to the landscape and its generations of people working to live from its soil by walking through the community, learning about day to day life, and sitting down for a delicious meal together bridging the gap between differences and sharing what we all have in common, curiosity and love. There will be one last stop for dessert along the way. Native to the area, marquesitas are crepes rolled and filled with various sweets like condensed milk, cajeta, or queso de bola. Try some for yourself in one of the local stands. Arrive in Valladolid in the early evening and treat yourself to dinner. After a full day, a little alone time might be just what you need.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Begin with a guided visit to Chichén Itzá and learn about the beliefs and rituals that have defined the ancient Mayan civilization. Visit the 30m (98 ft) high temple, known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, famous for its balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides. Then, stop by other area like, the famous Castillo, the ball court, the cenote, and the Nunnery. Afterwards, travel about an hour to the community of Yaxunah, located in the central part of the state of Yucatán. Enjoy an introduction to the community's history as well as demonstration of how Cochinita Pibil is made. The visit will end with some tortilla making and a group lunch alongside a local family.
ACTIVITY: The community of Yaxunah is located in the central part of the state of Yucatán, México about 19km southwest of the great Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá. This location itself is historical with ruins of colonial era haciendas and a nearby church. During your visit here, the group will be given an introduction to the community's history as well as a demonstration on how the traditional Cochinita Pibil dish is made (lots of marinated and braised pork in achiote paste, orange juice, and lime). Afterwards, try your hand at tortilla making as a family before sitting down for a delicious traditionally cooked lunch.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle. Between Chichén-Itzá and Valladolid the group will stop in Yaxunah for a community visit and locally-prepared/hosted traditional meal.
FREE TIME: EVENING Enjoy a free evening in Valladolid on your own. Choose to grab dinner and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and connecting with locals.
Day 3: G Day: Mérida
Location: Mérida
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Prepare to experience what G does best and enjoy an unforgettable day in the Yucatán. Begin the morning in Valladolid with breakfast at the hotel and then transfer to Merída with a stop along the way at some local cenotes. These giant holes in the earth filled with clear, blue water in the lush foliage of the jungle evoke a different world. Lose yourself in time as you swim in these inviting pools, floating on your back and staring up at the open sky above. Lunch will be served along the way and you should be on the lookout for a fun surprise before reaching Merída in the evening.
ACTIVITY: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Head out in the morning after breakfast and travel deeper into the jungle. Visit some cenotes, or natural sinkholes in the earth that were sacred to the ancient Maya. Swim in the refreshing water and cool off from the hear before a delicious lunch to build those energy levels back up for more swimming. Be on the lookout for your G surprise before arriving in Merída for a free evening to yourself.
FREE TIME: EVENING Take advantage of a free evening to relax, rest, and rejuvenate your energy for the coming days.
Day 4: Mérida
Location: Mérida
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take advantage of a free morning to head out on one of many fantastic optional excursions in and around Mérida or to explore on your own. Perhaps visit to the Uxmal ruins, the anthropological museum, or head back to another cenote if you didn’t get enough yesterday. In the late afternoon when it's slightly cooler, set off with a local guide on a walking Tour of Merída. Get to know the layout of the area, stop by some of the iconic landmarks, and learn more about the history and culture of this place. The remainder of the evening is free to do your own thing or to join up for an optional dinner out with the group at one of the CEO's local favourites.
FREE TIME: After spending the morning getting to know the layout of the city, the afternoon is yours to do as you please. Explore on your own, choose to visit museums, or local sites, and if you need ideas, just ask your CEO because the options are practically endless.
ACTIVITY: Set off with a local guide on a city tour of Mérida. This vibrant capital of the Yucatán is rich in Mayan and colonial influences. Visit the city's focal point at Plaza de la Independencia, the fortresslike Mérida Cathedral, and the white limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden. All the while you will be learning the layout of the city while witnessing locals going about their daily lives here.
Day 5: Mérida/Bacalar
Location: Bacalar
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit the road today and leave Merída behind as the group drives south to the small town of Bacalar. Located all the way at the bottom of the Yucatán’s west coast, and close to the Belize border, this charming village should be on every travellers’ bucket list. Cross a time zone and arrive in the afternoon with some time to enjoy the town by yourself. Visit the “Lagoon of Seven Colors”, book a boat trip, or check out Los Rapidos for some active adventure. Bacalar is still relatively off the beaten path and a great place to relax and unplug.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle transfer to Bacalar. Please note that the group will cross a time zone on this route.
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON The afternoon belongs to you and Bacalar is the perfect place for some downtime to relax. Optional activities in the area range from exploring the San Felipe Bacalar Fort, or visiting the famous lagoon for some kayaking on the water.
Day 6: Me Day: Bacalar
Location: Bacalar
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Awake to the sounds of Bacalar coming to life as the locals go about their daily routines. Then, take the day entirely for yourself! That’s right, the choice really is all yours. Choose to head out on the famous lagoon during an adventurous boat ride and tour of the lagoon. If not, simply have a slow morning and wander around on your own. You can also choose to join your CEO on a walk to the San Felipe fortress. Later, keep the solo vibes going and have a night to yourself, or grab a buddy and find a fun spot to try some regional food staples.
ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a local activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.
Day 7: Bacalar/Tulum
Location: Tulum
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, the group will travel north up the coast to Tulum. Upon arrival, head out for a guided visit of the ruins to the only Mayan city built on a coast. Enjoy time exploring the ruins, learn more about their significance, and head down to the nearby beach for free time to swim or lay on the sand in the sun while the waves crash in the distance. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel where you’ll have some free time to shop, eat, and sightsee on your own in town.
TRANSPORT: Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Bacalar and Tulum. Please note that the group will pass through to another time zone along this route.
ACTIVITY: The Maya built the ancient seaport of Tulúm in the late 13th century. Located some 130 km (80 mi) south of Cancun, this picturesque site features a number of limestone structures protected on three sides by a 7m (23 ft) thick wall. Visit “El Castillo” (the castle), overlooking the Caribbean coast, and the Temple of Frescoes, then head down to the beach. Dive into the warm aquamarine waters and imagine spotting ancient vessels laden with turquoise and jade.
FREE TIME: Take this time to soak in the spectacular coastline of Tulum. Swim in the cobalt waters off of the white sand beaches. Hunt down some delicious street food and have a picnic in the sand. Or simply window shop and find a nice spot to sit down and do some journaling or people watching.
Day 8: Tulum
Location: Tulum
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll visit the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, also known as “The Place Where the Sky is Born”. Known for its wetlands and vast biodiversity, the area is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel by boat along a network of canals that were dug out by the Mayans and search for wildlife like tropical birds, monkeys, and crocodiles as you float along. Keep an eye out for Mayan ruins in the mangrove forests as you go. Return to Tulum in the afternoon and spend the remaining time on your own. Relax on the beach, walk down the main street, or simply read a good book in the sand. Tonight, perhaps you’ll choose to have dinner together to celebrate the end of a successful Solo-ish adventure.
ACTIVITY: Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is one of Mexico’s most important protected areas due to its diversity in bird and animal species. The Reserve uses ecologically responsible technologies, including systems for wetland waste management, rainwater collection, and solar and wind energy generation to protect the environment.
Visit the reserve and take a boat ride across the lagoon before hopping into the crystal clear water of one of the canals. Next, enjoy nature's lazy river as you float past Mayan ruins and mangrove forests, letting the current slowly bring you down stream. It's just you, the sound of chirping birds, and the fish swimming around your feet - pure paradise!
FREE TIME: Enjoy time to yourself in Tulum. Hit the beach, read a book in the sun, or walk down the main street and get some exercise under the swaying palms.
Day 9: Tulum
Location: Tulum
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
What's Included
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G for Good Moment
Experience the Yaxunah Community Visit & Cochinita Pibil in Yaxuná.
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Welcome Moment
Join the Welcome Meeting to meet your CEO and group.
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Dinner Party
Enjoy a Taco Food Crawl in Playa del Carmen.
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We Day
Explore the unforgettable highlights of the Yucatan, including Chichén-Itzá.
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G Day
Have a magical day of cenotes in Valladolid.
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Me Day
Enjoy a day in Bacalar.
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Receive a complimentary transfer upon arrival.
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Free Time
Enjoy free time in Merida and Tulum.
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Tulum Ruins Guided Tour
Participate in a guided tour of the Tulum Ruins and enjoy free time at the beach.
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Sian Ka'an Tour
Take part in the Sian Ka'an tour.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Meals are generally not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
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Spending Money
Spending money for drinks, shopping, and tipping is not included.
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Solo Traveller Supplement
Solo travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, without a single supplement.
Mode of Transport
Private bus, ferry, walking.
Accommodation
Hotels (8 nts) on a twinshare basis. If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Group Leader
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
The tour uses a combination of private bus, ferry, and walking for transportation between destinations and activities.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
Accommodation is provided in hotels on a twin-share basis for 8 nights. There is an option to purchase your own room if desired.
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What is the group size for the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
The group size for the tour is a maximum of 16 people, with an average of 12 participants.
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Are meals included in the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner.
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What activities are included in the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
Activities include a taco walking food tour in Playa del Carmen, a guided tour of Chichén Itzá, a visit to a Mayan pueblo, swimming in cenote pools, a guided tour of Tulum ruins, and a visit to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
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Is there a welcome meeting at the start of the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
Yes, there is a welcome meeting where you will meet your CEO and fellow travelers.
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What is the role of the group leader on the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
The group leader, or CEO, is there to take the hassle out of your travels, provide information, offer suggestions, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends. They are not traditional guides but have broad knowledge of the countries visited.
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Is there a single supplement for solo travelers on the Solo-ish Mexico tour?
No, solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, and there is no single supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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