The land of enchantment
6-day visit to the Riviera Maya
tati
Destination: Tulum, Mexico
Time: 5 days
"Olga created a schedule that was flexible and allowed me to have days where I could choose among spa, yoga, meditation, Temazcal cleansing rituals (that was a first for me and I loved it!) and other Mayan mystic journeys."
HIGHLIGHTS
✈ Cancún International Airport ☀ 32˚C
Location:
5 nights at Hotel Esencia: Originally built as the private home of an Italian duchess, this heavenly oasis sits where the Yucatán jungle meets the pristine sands of Xpu-ha's undeveloped shores.
Adventures & Activities:
Aerial tour of the Mayan Riviera; Swimming and snorkeling in the cenotes; Exploring Sian Ka'an biosphere by boat; Discovering the lagoons of Boca Paila and Campechen; SUP Yoga; Ancient Mayan Spa treatments; Temazcal cleansing ritual; A visit to a chicle camp.
OLGA
Chief Kaif Creator
TAILOR-MADE JUST FOR YOU
At Kaif, our travel and lifestyle experts design a fully customized itinerary for you, curating experiences and adventures that best fit your personality and interests. The itinerary below was created for an existing client and is an example of what a trip to the Riviera Maya could look like.
day 1
Bienvenidos, Mexico
Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Cancun International Airport, your guide will meet you and ensure a smooth private transfer to Hotel Esencia. Refreshing beverages and snacks will be waiting upon your arrival. Get settled into your suite, and get familiar with the hotel's many luxurious amenities. The rest of the day is free to use as you wish; take a stroll or lounge on the beach at your leisure.
Day 2
Aerial Tour of the Mayan Riviera, swim in the cenotes
Rise and shine! Start your day with a traditional Mexican breakfast, then enjoy a morning yoga class, swim, or gym session - you'll want to feel fully energized for today's activities! Head to the Playa del Carmen Airport for a scenic aerial tour of the Mayan Riviera. Soak in stunning views of Mayan Ruins, Sian Ka'an Biosphere, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. After lunch, choose your own afternoon adventure: snorkeling in the cenotes, deep sea fishing, exploring trendy Playa del Carmen, or discovering Aktun Chen, an eco water park.
DAY 3
Romance and awe in Chemax, Valladolid and Ek Balam
After a lazy breakfast, venture into Mexico's past with a visit to Chemax village. Time seems to stand still in this cheerful traditional village, where you'll lose yourself in Mexico's romantic past. Venture to the Spanish colonial town of Valladolid, where you'll fall head over heels for the gorgeous 16th-century architecture. Enjoy charming plazas, shady boulevards, colorful haciendas and rich Mexican folk art. Escape the crowds at the Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, and marvel at the awe-inspiring ancient temples surrounded by dense jungle.
Day 4
Sailing to Xpu Ha, visit a Chicle Camp
The sea is calling! Embark on a morning sailing trip to the remote reefs of Xpu Ha, where you'll snorkel in turquoise water surrounded by tropical fish. Alternatively, you may also choose to simply relax by the pool or beach, enjoy an adventurous horseback ride, or play a round of golf. After lunch you'll visit a "chicle" camp to learn about the history and harvesting process of this natural chewing gum, which plays an interesting role in Mayan culture and tradition.
DAY 5
Adventure in the lagoons of Boca Paila and Campechen
Journey to the Sian Ka'an biosphere, where you'll set sail and discover the pristine lagoons of Boca Paila and Campechen. This virtually untouched region of the Mayan Riviera will inspire you with its stunning vistas and azure natural beauty. Float down the river in search of native wildlife like crocodiles, manatees, and exotic birds. Explore Campeche's ancient ruins, and discover stories of sacred traditions and sacrifice. Enjoy a swim in the cenote before returning to the hotel for happy hour and dinner under the stars.
Day 6
Adios, Mexico
Enjoy a poolside breakfast and a lazy stroll on the beach before your private transfer to Cancún International Airport. Time to plan your next adventure!
Relax and unwind
Discover the mysteries of Xpu-ha, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
Activities
Rituals, ruins, sailing, snorkeling and the call of the ancient.
Your adventure begins by air with a dramatic glimpse of the ancient landscape that is your new home for the next six days. Explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel. Discover Playa del Carmen, Aktun Chen Park, swim and snorkel the cenotes, or enjoy world-class deep sea fishing. Tour of Ek Balam Ruins and colonial villages. Go deeper into ancient mysteries at Tulum, Cobá, Chichen Itza and Muyil.
additional activities:
1. Mayan Ruins: Tulum – Cobá – Chichen Itza – Muyil
2. Cenotes: Gran Cenote –– Aktun Ha – Escondido – Calavera
3. Snorkeling
4. Diving: Reef diving – Diving with sea turtles and sharks – Night and deep diving – Freediving
5. Deep Sea fishing: By boat or yacht – Catches cooked by the chef for your dinner
6. Explore Cozumel and Akumal
7. Spiritual Journeys: Tribal Yoga – Temazcal – Shamanic Healing – Mystical Tours
KAIF RECOMMENDS
Schedule
You took your vacation to relax - not rush and burn out.
Rest assured we have your back when it comes to planning. We’ve allowed for drive times and the ideal amount of time to spend at each location so you won’t end up rushed and overwhelmed.
We’ve also accounted for much needed rest and relaxation time, so you can process and reflect on all of the amazing sights and activities you’ll experience on your Mexico adventure.
Beach Reads
1. Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan by John L. Stephens
2. Don't Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk
Gastronomy
In 2010, UNESCO added Mexico's cuisine to their "List of Intangible Cultural Heritage."
Discover Mexico's culinary traditions firsthand by learning about ancestral customs and rituals, as well as indulging in local farm-to-table delicacies and authentic dishes...and let's not forget the tequila!
Ready for an adventure?
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