8 Days
Merida
Cancun
8 Days / 7 Nights • Merida • Valladolid • Playa del Carmen
This 8-day expedition is a masterclass in Mexican diversity, designed for students to transition from the colonial and Mayan history of Mérida to the sustainable tourism challenges of the Riviera Maya. Students will not only visit world-class archaeological sites but also engage directly with Mayan cooperatives, participate in traditional workshops, and explore the unique hydrogeology of cenotes. This journey fosters global citizenship by contrasting ancient traditions with modern conservation efforts in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Arrival at Mérida International Airport and private transfer to our hotel in the historic center. The evening is dedicated to settling in and a group orientation to prepare for the week of cultural immersion ahead.
We begin with a Walking City Tour, analyzing the architectural layers of the Zócalo. After a sensory visit to the Lucas de Gálvez Market to learn about local trade, we participate in a Mayan Math Class. Students will learn the vigesimal system (base-20) and how ancient astronomers calculated time with extraordinary precision using dots and bars.
Exploration of Uxmal, focusing on Mayan urban planning and water management (Chultunes). Afterward, we visit the the Choco-Story Museum for a tour on the history of cacao, followed by a lunch at the Uxmal Resort Maya.
We visit the Sinanché Meliponario for a hands-on workshop with the sacred stingless Mayan bee. Students will learn about medicinal honey and the importance of native pollinators. We return to Mérida for a high-energy Salsa Class.
Check out from Mérida and head to Chichén Itzá to study its archaeoastronomy. Afterward, we visit Cenote Xkekén, a stunning cavern cenote run by the local community, highlighting sustainable community-based tourism.
We transfer to the Caribbean for a high-impact day with the Centro Ecológico Akumal (CEA). Students participate in a Coastal Awareness Session, learning about the protection of sea turtles and the health of the Mesoamerican Reef. The day includes a supervised reflection session on the beach.
A day for students to unwind and enjoy Playa del Carmen. This is an excellent opportunity for "supervised independence" where students can explore the Quinta Avenida, enjoy the white sand beaches, or participate in optional water activities. We conclude the day with a final Farewell Dinner to celebrate the success of the expedition.
After a final breakfast, private transfers will take the group to Cancun International Airport for their journey home.
Ready for this Experience?
At Adventures Mexico, we believe that the best education happens outside the classroom. This itinerary is fully customizable whether you want to deepen the scientific research with CEA or spend more time in the Mayan communities, our team is ready to adapt every detail to meet your school’s academic goals. Contact us today to co-create a journey that combines world-class safety with authentic, high-impact cultural experiences.

