What to expect
Explore Chichen Itza
Swim in unique Cenotes
Feast on Mexican Cuisine
Join your fellow solo travellers to relax on Mexico’s white sandy beaches, explore Mayan ruins, and discover its mysterious sunken water-filled Cenotes. Our Mexican adventure takes us all the way from the bustling colonial cities to the stunning ancient ruins and their towering temples left by the mysterious Mayans. We soak up epic scenery, jump into torquoise waters, feast on Mexican cuisine and delve deep into the heart of this destination’s fascinating heritage. All this and so much more.
Who can discover the many wondrous riches of Yucatan? You can.
Extras
Upon arrival at Cancun Airport, we’ll proceed through immigration, collect our luggage and meet our local guide. We then transfer to our hotel. After check-in, we’ll have some free time to rest after our flight.
In the evening, we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast, we leave for Valladolid. Before arriving at the hotel, we will visit two cenotes where we can cool off and swim. The first is the Hubiku cenote, surrounded by lush vegetation. It has an elevated platform where you can jump into the water, with stairs leading down to the water level for those who prefer a gentle dive. The next one is the Saamal cenote, one of the largest cenotes in the area, characterized by an opening of approximately 50 meters in diameter. To access its fresh waters, you have to descend almost 20 meters through rock stairs and finally, wood. Its depth is greater than 50 meters and it has an artificial waterfall.
Today we enjoy a boat ride through the reserve to explore the mangroves and observe the diverse fauna, such as aquatic birds, crocodiles and when in season – pink flamingos. Afterwards we can enjoy a Mayan bath which is an ancestral ritual where the body is covered with clay taken from the white sand of the estuary. It contains a high concentration of sulphur, algae, salts, and minerals that exfoliate and generate many benefits to the skin, so we recommend that you bring your bathing suit, as well as another change of clothes.
Our last stop will be Las Coloradas which are a series of pink lagoons due to the high concentration of salt and micro-organisms. The colour may vary depending on the weather. We then return to Valladolid.
Today will be one of the highlights of our Mexican adventure as we enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, located 120km east of Merida. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is the most restored of Yucatan’s Mayan sites. While here, we will explore the magnificent ruins set in a dense jungle. These include the Pyramid of Kukulcan – its height and striking geometric design the most prominent of this site, the Great Ball Court – the largest and most impressive in Mesoamerica, the Sacred Cenote – a natural well used for human sacrifice. We’ll also see many other beautiful temples.
From Chichen Itza, we head to Yaxunah, Primera casa or La casa de color verde is a Yucatecan Maya community of 700 inhabitants, in the municipality of Yaxcabá, where you can learn to cook cochinita pibil (Mayan slow roasted pork dish) and learn about the production process of this important food for the Mayans. In this place, you will have the opportunity to swim in a cenote, so don’t forget your bathing suit. We then continue to Merida.
Today we visit Izamal, known as ‘The Yellow City’ – a colonial town full of history and culture. During the visit, we will see the Convent of San Antonio de Padua – an impressive Franciscan monastery built on the ruins of a Mayan pyramid.
Then we return to Merida City to enjoy a tour visiting this beautiful city, founded upon the arrival of the Spaniards in 1542, on the remains of the ancient Mayan city of Tho. Part of its colonial architecture corresponding to the 17th and 18th Centuries, can be appreciated in the centre of the city. During the 19th Century, urban architecture acquired French features in harmony with the economic boom for the cultivation of henequen. The Paseo Montejo is an avenue built at the time and inspired by the great boulevards of Paris, imposing mansions were built on its sides.
After breakfast, we visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, a World Heritage Site, located 80km south of Merida. Its architecture is characterized by low, horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with a profusion of symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the long-nosed rain god – Chaac. We explore the magnificent buildings, including the Nunnery, the House of Turtles, and the House of the Magician, which dominates the site. We’ll continue to Kabah, with its amazing Palace of the Masks, covered in nearly 300 masks of Chaac, before arriving to Campeche.
Today we depart to Calakmul, stopping off at Edzná – a Mayan archaeological site. The ancient city of Edzná flourished during the Classic period of Maya civilization, between 600 and 900 AD. When planning a visit to Edzná, you can expect to explore several impressive structures and learn about the rich history of the region.
Then we continue to the hotel located in the jungle of Calakmul.
This morning, we depart to one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Mexico called Calakmul. In 2014, Calakmul was declared Mixed Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, which recognizes a unique and unrepeatable value in the relationship that occurred between the Mayan culture and the jungle (or local landscape). This recognized heritage covers an area of about 300,000 hectares, and includes about 350 archaeological sites, most of them not yet open to the public. Walk the paths of the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul, one of the main capitals of the Mayan world and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the last century. Discover the surrounding jungle’s exuberant wildlife, we may come across animals such as monkeys, toucans, ocellated turkeys, deer and possibly jaguars and pumas if we’re lucky. We continue to the hotel in Chetumal.
Today, we visit Laguna Bacalar or Lagoon of Seven colours. This huge expanse of shallow water, with very soft white sand, shows a slight wave of faint blue tones where the composition of the crystals generates a fascinating spectacle. We then continue to Riviera Maya.
After breakfast, we enjoy the day at our own pace. We could take in the sights & delights of the local area or spend time at the Akumal beach. Translated to ‘land of the turtles’ in the Mayan language, Akumal is famous for its sea turtle population. Its secluded white sand beaches and peaceful bays are also ideal for those seeking a little privacy.
Another relaxing day taking in the sights & delights of the local area or strolling the sands.
After breakfast at our hotel, we have some free time until the late afternoon. Then it’s time to wave adios to Mexico and get ready to head to the Cancun airport for our overnight flight back to the UK.
We stay in comfortable hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar);
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time for the main tour between Cancun International Airport and the Adhara Cancun Hotel is approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
The transfer time for the main tour from Akumal Caribe Hotel to the Cancun International Airport is approximately 1hr 10 min.
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required as we include plenty of sightseeing/travelling, sometimes with early starts and long coach journeys.
Please refer to Medical Conditions in Important Information.
Itinerary is subject to change according to traffic, weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances beyond control.
Luggage allowance per person is based on 1 piece per person + 1 carry on.
Mexican Peso (MXN; symbol M$) = 100 centavos
Your passport should have at least one day’s validity from the date you are leaving Mexico. If you hold a passport other than a British Citizen passport, different regulations may apply. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mexico/entry-requirements.
Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B*, tetanus, typhoid, Diphtheria, TB*, and Japanese B Encephalitis*. Risk from Malaria. (*Recommended in some circumstances; seek further advice from your GP). Please note that mosquito bites can be uncomfortable and occasionally the cause of various infections, therefore we strongly recommend that you over up with long trousers and long sleeves especially during the hours of dusk and dawn. Ensure that you use plenty of mosquito repellent.
As requirements change from time to time it is always advisable to check with your GP, especially just prior to travelling to be aware of any recent changes to the health information.
Please remember to pack any prescribed medication, as they can often be expensive and may not be readily available.
It is also recommended that you take insect repellent, antiseptic/antihistamine cream, lip salve, salt tablets, rehydration sachets, and a good sunscreen! Tap water should be avoided. We advise you to use bottled water for cleaning your teeth and avoid ice in drinks.
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. Please remember to pack any prescribed medication, as they can often be expensive and may not be readily available.
You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Travel Health Mexico
Dressing in layers is recommended. Casual evening wear is recommended and comfortable shoes for sightseeing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. Depending on the weather, it’s a good idea to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect against sunburn and mosquito bites. It’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
Don’t forget to take swimwear as there will be plenty of opportunities to swim. Towel and waterproof bag will be invaluable during excursions.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover guides, transfer drivers, and hotel staff. We recommend $ 10.00 per person per day for the guide and $ 5.00 per person per day for driver.
Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on.
As of 1 April 2021, the State of Quintana Roo (which includes Cancun) charges a tax for all tourists visiting the state. The new fee called Visitax will cost 224 pesos (USD $11) per visitor and must be paid before boarding your departure flight. Tourists can make the payment before or during their stay. Proof of payment must be presented at the airport prior to departure. The payment can be made on the VISITAX web portal, available in English. Assistance with the web portal is also available at Cancun Airport.
2. Once visitors have filled out the form, they will be redirected to a secure payment page to complete the online payment which can be made by credit card.
3. Once payment is completed, travelers will be provided with a QR Code that will need to be presented to airport security before boarding their departure flight.
New electronic terminals are also being set up at the airport where travelers will be able to make a cash payment for the new visitor fee.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| January | 26 °C | 22 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
