Mexico Family Adventure - MMF

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10 days - ex Cancun

An adventure to the less touristy parts of the Mayan Riviera, perfect for a family adventure! You will have a lasting impres-sion of the Yucatan and it's people on this active journey filled with Mayan ruins and great swimming beaches.

Included Highlights: Entry and guided tours of Tulum and chitzen-itza Half-day nature tour on Isla Hol Box , Full-day trip to Isla Contoy , Isla Mujeres, Arrival transfer and daily continental breakfast

The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Oc-casionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own re-search. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year.

Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experi-ence. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. 

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Oc-casionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own re-search. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experi-ence. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous
brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1, Arrive Cancun
A G.A.P Adventures representative will meet you at the air-port and transfer you to our joining point hotel.

Long a destination among sun-worshipping tourists and spring breakers, we only stay here long enough to meet and get primed for our adventure. As your fellow travellers are ar-riving at various times throughout the day, there are no planned activities other than a group dinner and info session. Look in the hotel lobby for notices on when/where the group meeting will occur.

The heat and humidity of Cancun affect you upon arrival, with a general sense of lethargy and/or loss of appetite. This is no cause for alarm, it’s simply a reaction to the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water (cold bottled water is available every-where) and do not attempt too much in any given day. We prefer fan-cooled rather than air conditioned rooms to avoid having to acclimatize to the heat and humidity every time you go outside.

The famous resort of Cancun the northeastern tip of the Yu-catan Peninsula, is a thriving town with skyscraper hotels and crowded beaches. Prices are higher in Cancun and else-where in Mexico because everything must be transported into the city. We use it as a starting and finishing point, and try not to spend too much time in this massive resort area.

Day 2-3, Valladolid / chitzen-itza)
Heading inland from the coast we stop to visit the Mayan ru-ins of Tulum on the way to our nightstop of Valladolid. An-other highlight is Crocozoo - this "crocodile farm" and zoo with many different species of crocs, snakes, spider monkeys, and parrots is sure to delight the kids.

It is also possible to explore local cenotes (undergound caves) or experience a thrilling, optional zip line excursion. The following day we'll take a short trip to the ancient Mayan ruin of chitzen-itza. Enjoy a guided tour of the ruins to fully ap-preciate the incredible history of the Mayan culture.

The city of chitzen-itza estimated to be founded in 432, houses some of the finest examples of Mayan architecture ever excavated, including El Castillo, with a balustrade of 91 stairs up each of the four sides, a ball court with a grandstand and towering walls. The attention to detail, and fusion of ar-chitecture, science and religion within the structures and throughout the city planning, will no doubt impress you.

Day 4-5, Merida (2B)
We make our way to the state capital of Merida via Izamal, a historic town known as the city of three cultures. Be sure to check out the Franciscan convent and the Kinich Kakmo Ma-yan pyramid. The following day is free to choose from one of the many available options, including a trip to Progresso Beach, seeing the flamingoes at Celestard Santuary, taking a horse drawn rail cart through the jungle visiting 3 beautiful cenotes in Cazuma, or exploring the nearby Mayan site of Uxmal.

After seeing parts of ancient Mexico, you can explore colonial Merida’s museums, plazas, architectures, open markets and outdoor cafes Known as la Ciudad Blanca, the white city, Me-rida offers the ideal opportunity to learn about Mexicos fasci-nating mix of cultural influences. Meridas also the gateway to the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, one of the Yucatans many ancient treasures. Merida the capital of Yucatan State, was founded in 1542 on the site of the Mayan city of Tihoo. Its centre, the Plaza Mayor, or Zocalo, is green and shady and surrounded by the twin-towered 16th Century Cathedral, the City Hall, the State Government Palace, and the Casa Montejo. There are several 16th and 17th century churches scattered about the city, as well as some interesting museums. Mornings are the best time to visit the busy and colourful markets. You can buy traditional crafts, such as hammocks or Guyabera shirts, and a good selection of Maya replicas. You can also try out new and wonderful food items, such as the delicious cochinita pibil, a local specialty. Hot sauce fans will also want to try El Yucateco, a fiery liquid made from habanero peppers. Be sure and stroll down the Paseo de Montejo (or take a caleche carriage ride), together with many shops and restaurants, you will see stately mansions dating from the late 19th century. Close by is the main shopping street, Calle 65. You are sure to find Merida a fascinating and beautiful city to explore on foot.

Day 6-7, Isla Hol Box (2B)
We head out by bus and ferry, via Chiquila, to the little-known Caribbean jewel of Hol Box Island! Hol Box means Black Hole in Maya and is so named for its proximity to a spring, nowa-days known as Yalahau. With a population of just under 2000, the people of the island still retain their traditional lifestyle based around fish and lobster fishing. There are very few mo-torized vehicles, mostly golf carts and bicycles, and one is quickly absorbed by nature and a feeling of timelessness as soon as you set foot on this magical island. The friendly Hol-boxe will happily chat to you about their daily lives and fami-lies, and are glad to receive visitors. Each evening the locals gather around the main square for a chat and to watch life pass by, whilst the youths play basketball or football nearby. You can even try to spot whale sharks in the right season (June to August)! We include a half day tour to visit Yalahau, a beautiful swimming hole and natural spring.

Day 8-9 Isla Mujeres (2B,1L)
Make a quick stop back on the mainland before heading off to stunning Isla Mujeres, a small idyllic sandy island just off the coast from Cancun where, we can again enjoy an ample se-lection of beachside activities such as swimming with dol-phins, snorkelling and exploring Mayan ruins. Scooters or golf carts are easily available and a great way to explore the Is-land. A nice selection of restaurants, shops and modest night-life gives the Island a great flavour. The beaches are also some of the best in the area. From here we include a full day trip to Isla Contoy, where you will enjoy an abundance of wild-life, great hiking trails, and superb beaches and snorkelling spots.

Day 10 Depart Isla Mujeres (B)
Depart Isla Mujeres at anytime aboard the included 30-minute ferry transfer to Cancun Transferring to the Cancunnterna-tional Airport is easily arranged.
Group Leader: G.A.P leader throughout, local guides at ruin sites.

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