Top Riviera Maya & the Yucatan Cultural Tours

The Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a treasure trove of history, from the pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Maya civilization, to 16th century towns settled by the Spanish. Experience this history firsthand with a full-day tour from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. See the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza (admission not included) the pyramid of Kukulcan, and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of the Saamal, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Take a day away from the beaches and bars of Cancún and see a different side to the Riviera Maya. This guided tour takes you to see the pyramid temples and other monuments of Chichén Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid, and includes the opportunity to swim in an underground cenote.

Explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature in the Riviera Maya on an combination tour that features some of the best of Yucatan in a single day. Snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, and swim in a cenote, then explore a limestone cave and take a jungle walk. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Combine an in-depth tour of Tulum’s archaeological ruins with a refreshing dip in a cenote, or Mayan swimming pool, during this two-for-one tour. Departing from Cancun, you’ll enjoy a guided visit to the ancient, temple-filled Mayan site, with admission tickets and priority access included, followed by a swim in the region’s lagoon-like underground networks of water.

Escape for the day to Xcaret, Mexico's ecological and archeology park located in Riviera Maya. On this full-day trip from Cancun to Xcaret, swim in a lagoon, snorkel in the clear aqua waters of the Caribbean, and discover a network of subterranean rivers. Watch for monkeys, birdlife, and butterflies as you stroll through the jungle at Xcaret and take tours of the ancient Mayan archaeological sites. After the sun sets, enjoy folkloric entertainment that highlights the ancient Mayan culture around Cancun, Mexico. This Xcaret outing includes pickup and drop-off at most hotels in Cancun.

Journey to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on this full-day tour and experience this incredible archeological site with a local guide. Arrive first thing in the morning to take amazing photos of the archeological site, walk along El Castillo and the Pyramid of Kukulcan and learn how this pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan Civilization. Take a panoramic tour through the colonial town of Valladolid, stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim and enjoy a typical buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

This full-day tour from Cancun packs a sightseeing punch—see Valladolid, a 16th-century colonial city, visit the ancient Maya civilization of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO Site, and have a chance to participate in an ancient Mayan purification ritual of Temazcal guided by a real shaman. In the archaeological zone, admire the Kukulkan pyramid and the Temple of Warriors. A guide explains the cultural importance of the landmarks you stroll past. Spend leisurely time relaxing in the peaceful cenote of Ik-Kil. With round-trip hotel transport, this is a hassle-free experience you don’t want to miss.

Visit two of the biggest draws in the Yucatan on this tour to the Tulum Archaeological Site and Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa from Cancun. Not only do you get a guided tour of the massive archaeological site—a lot to cover on your own—but you get to make the most of your time in the area by visiting the beautiful cenote. You can swim there, too, if you pay a fee upon arrival.

This small-group tour of the Chacchoben Maya Ruins—one of the most popular attractions near Costa Maya—also offers an optional trip to a beach club. Meet your guide near the port in Costa Maya and head out to the archeological site, which you’ll explore for roughly 1.5 hours. On the return journey, stop at a beach club at Playa Mahahual (optional) before drop-off.

Your admission ticket lets you enter the archaeological site first so you can explore in cooler temperatures without the crowds. Enjoy a buffet lunch, and swim in a cenote. Experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with this early access tour of Chichen Itza.

Visit Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and the open-air Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman on your own terms, with this private guided tour. You'll head out to to Chichen Itza bright and early so that you can avoid the crowds and heat that come later in the day, continuing on to Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman for a refreshing dip. You'll finish your tour with an a la carte lunch in colonial Valladolid.

Free dive, snorkel, and cliff-jump at three different cenotes on this half-day guided tour from Tulum. Jump from tiered platforms at Cenote Zemway, explore the caverns and rock formations of Grand Cenote, and admire the mangroves of Casa Cenote. Or, simply climb down the ladder. Safety briefings, equipment, and transport from Tulum are provided.

Take an off-road romp in the jungle beyond Playa del Carmen on this half-day excursion. Drive or ride in a 2-person buggy and follow a guide first into scenic parts of the Playa del Carmen not frequented by tourists, before bouncing and bumping your way into the jungle. Wash off the grime during a swim at a gorgeous underground cenote and journey to an authentic Maya village. This small-group tour is limited to 14 passengers, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention. Hotel transport is included on this family-friendly outing.

Disembark your cruise ship at the port of Casa Maya and embark on a shore excursion to the ancient Mayan city of Chacchoben. Discover the mystifying archeological site as you admire colossal pyramids and sacred temples that were only discovered in the late 20th century. Experience the diverse wildlife of the surrounding jungle as your knowledgeable guide offers a captivating commentary of the atmospheric ruins. Round-trip transport from the port in an air-conditioned minivan is included in the tour.

Tulum, cenotes, and the terrific snorkeling site of Yal Ku Lagoon make this day tour from Playa del Carmen one you must book. Walk through the ruins of Tulum, a bluff-top city overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and one of the last places inhabited by the Maya people. Discover cenotes and explore a lagoon teeming with marine life—the perfect spot for snorkeling. This guided day of culture, history, and adventure includes lunch and hotel transport.

Combine a jungle zipline course, off-road ATV experience, and a cenote swim on a small-group adventure tour from Cancun to Extreme Adventure Eco Park. Take on a fun, family-friendly challenge in a scenic destination, with round-trip hotel transfer, refreshments, and all activities included.

Spend a full day exploring the highlights of the Riviera Maya on a small-group tour that takes you to Coba, Cenote Choj Ha, Tulum, and Paradise Beach. Take a refreshing swim in the fresh waters of Choj Ha Cenote; learn about the history and archaeology of Tulum; and relax on the sands of Paradise Beach or splash in the Caribbean Sea near the ruins of Tulum. Your guide shares commentary about the Yucatan region with your small group, which is limited to no more than 15 participants.

There's no need to go to the expense of car hire when you book this affordable tour that hits two Tulum highlights in a day—the beachfront archaeological site and a cenote in the jungle. Start with a guided visit to the archaeological site, backed by the turquoise Caribbean, then snorkel and swim in the Xunaan-Ha Cenote (conservation fee applies). Add pickup and drop-off direct from your hotel for maximum ease.

Discover one of the new seven wonders of the world on a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Traveling with a group tour simplifies the trip and enables busy travelers to see the UNESCO-listed site without worrying about transportation or logistics. Plus, this efficiently organized tour includes time for a stop to swim in a cenote (underground river) and the chance to explore the historic city of Valladolid.

Explore the archaeological site of Chichen Itza on this all-day guided tour from Playa del Carmen. Along the way, stop at a sacred cenote, an  underground cave, and go for a swim, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. From there, head to Chichen Itza, an important complex of Mayan ruins. On the return trip, visit the colonial city of Valladolid.

This small-group tour from Playa del Carmen takes you to three of the most popular sites on the Yucatan Peninsula: Chichen Itza, Coba, and the Ik Kil cenote. Stroll through the archaeological site of Chichen Itza and learn about its landmark ruins, including the Kukulcan Pyramid and the observatory. Then head for a refreshing swim in a deep cenote followed by a delicious buffet lunch. Your Maya history immersion continues at Coba, an archaeological site located in the jungle. Hotel transport by air-conditioned minivan included.

Skip the crowded bus tours at Chichen Itza. Instead, opt for a personalized excursion from Cancun or Riviera Maya. This private day trip lets you customize the itinerary with your guide and choose your own pickup time from the hotel. Entrance fees and a buffet lunch are included, along with beer and soda in a cooler aboard the air-conditioned vehicle. Bonus: swim in Ik Kil or Xcajum cenote.

See two of the most important Mayan remains in the Yucatan in just a day, plus Playa del Carmen and a cenote, without the stress of self-driving. Start at the waterfront ruins of Tulum; explore Coba, with its towering Nohoch Mul pyramid; soak in the cool waters of Cenote Zacil-Ha; and shop Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue. As well as transfers, your day includes a Mexican buffet lunch.

Combine a guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Tulum with a visit to the Casa Tortuga Cenote with this excursion. You'll start at Tulum, where you'll learn all about ancient Mayan culture from a professional expert. You’ll then head to Casa Tortuga Cenote, where you'll get the chance to go for a swim or even rent snorkeling equipment.