11-Day Sober Mexico Tour: Yucatán & Palenque
11-Day Sober Mexico Tour: Yucatán & Palenque
DATES
Jan 4–14, 2027
DURATION
11 days / 10 nights
STARTING AT
$2,450 / person
FLY INTO
Cancún (CUN)
🚆 Sustainable Travel
🌿 Sober & Intentional
🏛️ Mayan and Aztec Ruins
💧 Cenotes & Waterfalls
About Bigger Life Adventures’ Sober Mexico Tour
Join us in January 2027 for our sober Mexico tour of incredible ruins, colonial cities, “cenote” cave swims, and turquoise waterfalls! On this 11-day, 10-night adventure through the Yucatán and Palenque, you will travel on Mexico’s new and modern electric Tren Maya! The trip will take you to the colonial cities of Valladolid, Mérida, and Campeche, along with the Mayan archaeological sites of Chichen-Itza, Uxmal, Edzna, and Palenque!
Explore the Yucatán peninsula, Campeche, and Chiapas in Mexico for 11 days on the electric Tren Maya! Experience ancient Mayan pyramids and ruins, world-class food, subterranean cenote swimming holes, vibrant and safe colonial cities, and jungle waterfalls, all in a safe and sober community.
Travel at 99 miles per hour (160kph) across the Mexican states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Chiapas, stopping to explore five vibrant cities, incredible Mayan ruins, and stunning waterfalls and cenote swimming holes. Our sober Mexico tour includes all train travel, accommodations, archeological site entries, nature exploration, and more. All you have to do is show up at Cancún International Airport and let us take care of the rest.
Ancient wonders, jungle ruins, colonial cities, and crystal-clear cenotes — all seamlessly connected by scenic landscapes with transportation arranged for you. This is Mexico at its most magical.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Afternoon — Arrive Cancún, board Tren Maya to Valladolid (1 hr). Check into hotel.
Evening — Guided walking tour of Valladolid’s colonial streets. Welcome group dinner together.
9:00am — Bicycle rental and safety briefing. 1-hour Spanish crash course with local guide.
10:30am — Bike ride through countryside to Cenote Zaci and Cenote Samula. Swimming and snorkeling time.
Afternoon — Free time in Valladolid. Street food exploration with recommendations from your guide.
8:00am — Early departure to beat the crowds. Arrive at Chichén-Itzá with local archaeological guide.
9:00–12:00pm — Guided tour of El Castillo pyramid, the Great Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, and sacred cenote.
Afternoon — Optional swim in Cenote Ik Kil. Return to Valladolid for the night.
Morning — Tren Maya from Valladolid to Mérida (1.5 hrs). Check into hotel.
Afternoon — Guided walk through Mérida’s historic centro: Plaza Grande, Cathedral, Paseo de Montejo. Free evening.
8:00am — Day trip to Uxmal, one of the best-preserved Mayan sites. Guided tour with local expert.
Afternoon — Return to Mérida. Free afternoon for markets, food, and exploring. Group dinner optional.
Morning — Tren Maya from Mérida to Campeche (1.5 hrs). Check into hotel inside the walled city.
Afternoon — Trolley tour of Campeche’s UNESCO-listed historic center. Evening walk along the city walls at sunset.
Morning — Day trip to Edzná archaeological site. Explore the 5-story pyramid and ancient water system.
Afternoon — Visit Campeche’s botanical gardens. Free evening in the city.
Morning — Tren Maya south from Campeche toward Palenque. Landscape changes from limestone plains to tropical jungle.
Afternoon/Evening — Arrive Palenque. Check into jungle lodge. Group dinner and orientation for the next two days.
8:00am — Full day at Palenque archaeological site with local guide. Explore the Palace, Temple of Inscriptions, and jungle-covered temples.
All day — Howler monkeys, toucans, and parrots in the surrounding jungle. One of the most atmospheric sites in all of Mexico.
9:00am — Day trip to Agua Azul cascades. Swim in the famous turquoise-blue natural pools surrounded by jungle.
Afternoon — Optional visit to Misol-Ha waterfall. Farewell group dinner in Palenque.
Morning — Tren Maya back north to Cancún (approx. 5–6 hours with the scenic route).
Evening — Arrive Cancún. Fly home tonight or stay on for a few extra days at the beach — you’ve earned it!
Solo / Shared Room
$2,450
Share with same-gender roommate
Solo / Private Room
$2,950
Your own private room
Couple’s Room
$4,700
Two people sharing a private room
🏨 About Your Accommodations
Every place we stay will be slightly different — hotels or quality Airbnbs, each chosen for comfort and location. Solo travelers can share a room with a same-gender roommate, or opt for a private room. Couples get a private room.
Private ensuite bathrooms aren’t guaranteed at every property. Living in community is part of the experience!
💳 How to Book
A $400 deposit holds your spot. The remaining balance can be paid in monthly installments leading up to the trip.
Use the booking form below to get started. Once your deposit is received, you’ll get a welcome email with everything you need to know.
🌟 Recovery Scholarships
We believe everyone deserves a chance to travel and heal. A limited number of partial scholarships are available for people in recovery. Apply early — spots are limited.
Apply for a Scholarship →Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival & Valladolid
This tour begins at the Tren Maya Station near Cancún International Airport, where your guides will meet you and kick off the adventure. From there, we’ll hop on the train for a smooth 1-hour ride to Valladolid, a small and peaceful colonial city full of charm and color. After settling in, we’ll head out for an afternoon walking tour to get oriented, explore the historic streets, and enjoy our first taste of local Yucatán culture. Nights one and two will be spent in Valladolid at a comfortable hotel or Airbnb.
Day 2 — Cenote Cycling
We’ll explore the surrounding area by bicycle, riding along a safe and scenic bike path that connects several of the region’s most beautiful cenotes — natural subterranean swimming holes unique to the Yucatán. We’ll stop along the way to swim, relax, and soak in these magical freshwater pools before returning to Valladolid for another laid-back evening in town.
Day 3 — Chichén-Itzá
Day Three takes us to one of the most iconic sites in the world: Chichén-Itzá. We’ll take a short train ride to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, where a local guide will bring the ancient Mayan city to life. After exploring the temples, pyramids, and sacred grounds, we’ll spend the night nearby so we can fully take in the energy of this incredible place without rushing.
Day 4 — Mérida
We board the Tren Maya for a comfortable journey (about 4 hours) to Mérida, the cultural heart of the Yucatán. This vibrant and very safe colonial city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and amazing food scene. In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a guided walking tour to explore Mérida’s plazas, markets, and historic center.
Day 5 — Uxmal Pyramids
Day Five features a morning trip to the stunning pyramid ruins of Uxmal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological zones in Mexico. With a local guide, we’ll explore its intricate stonework, massive pyramids, and unique Puuc-style architecture. We’ll return to Mérida in the afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the city — whether that means trying local cuisine, shopping, or just relaxing in one of the many beautiful plazas.
Day 6 — Campeche
We continue west by train to the coastal city of Campeche (about 4 hours). Campeche is a colorful, laid-back city with a fascinating pirate history and one of the most picturesque historic centers in Mexico, surrounded by old protective walls and painted in pastel hues. After arriving, you’ll have the option to explore the city on a guided trolley tour or visit the nearby botanical gardens, known for their impressive collection of tropical plants and palms.
Day 7 — Edzná & Free Afternoon
Day Seven is a slower-paced day based in Campeche. In the morning, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby Edzná archaeological site — a lesser-visited but highly impressive pyramid complex that offers a more peaceful and immersive experience compared to larger sites. We’ll return to Campeche by midday, leaving the afternoon free to enjoy the waterfront malecón, relax, or continue exploring the city.
Day 8 — Into the Jungle: Palenque
We head deep into the jungle as we take the Tren Maya south to Palenque (about 4 hours), located in the lush state of Chiapas. After arriving in the afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in. The landscape here becomes greener, more tropical, and truly magical. Palenque town has a relaxed vibe with great local food, small shops, and plenty of spots to unwind.
Day 9 — Palenque Ruins & Jungle Walk
Day Nine is one of the highlights of the entire trip. We’ll visit the incredible ruins of Palenque, set deep in the jungle and surrounded by towering trees, howler monkeys, and tropical birds. With a local guide, we’ll explore this ancient Mayan city, visit the site museum, and take a jungle walk to fully experience the beauty and mystery of the area. This is our personal favorite archaeological site in all of Mexico.
Day 10 — Turquoise Waterfalls
We’ll venture out on a nature excursion to some of the region’s most spectacular turquoise waterfalls and swimming holes, such as Agua Azul or Roberto Barrios. These cascading pools are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen — perfect for swimming, relaxing, and taking in the natural beauty of Chiapas. After the tour, we’ll begin our journey back north.
Day 11 — Return to Cancún
On the final day, we return to Cancún via the Tren Maya for airport drop-offs. From here, you’re welcome to head home or continue your adventure with some extra beach time. It’s been an incredible journey through some of Mexico’s most magical places, and we hope to see you on another adventure very soon!
What’s Included
Included ✓
- Transportation to/from Cancún Airport on the electric Tren Maya
- 10 nights accommodation in hotels or quality Airbnbs
- All transport between accommodation and Tren Maya stations
- One day bicycle rental (cenotes outside Valladolid)
- Guided walking tours in Valladolid and Mérida
- Campeche city trolley car tour
- Campeche Botanical Gardens entrance
- Entrance to two cenote swimming holes
- Day tour to waterfalls and swimming holes near Palenque
- Guided tour of Chichén-Itzá (entry + transport)
- Guided tour of Uxmal Archaeological Zone (entry + transport)
- Entrance to Edzná archaeological site
- Entrance to Palenque ruins with local guide
- Three included group meals + restaurant recommendations
- One-hour Spanish crash course with a Mexican teacher
- Bilingual guide(s)
- Small group of like-minded, intentional travelers
Not Included ✗
- Flights to/from Cancún, Mexico
- Yoga classes (we highly recommend finding a Spanish-language class in Mérida or Valladolid!)
- Personal spending, souvenirs, and extra meals beyond the three included
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended — see World Nomads)
- Optional add-ons (stingless bee tour, massage, additional excursions)
Accommodation Details
Every place we stay will be slightly different — solo travelers can share rooms with same-gender roommates, or pay a bit more for a private room. Couples sharing a bed get a private room (queen or king). Private ensuite bathrooms aren’t guaranteed at every property. Living in community is part of the experience!
This is an alcohol-free, substance-free, and supportive experience. All forms of sobriety and recovery are welcome — we believe all of us are recovering from something. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded, active individuals who travel with intention.
What Travelers Are Saying
“I was burned out and tired. I took a spontaneous adventure with Bigger Life Adventures and it literally changed my life. Carrie’s itinerary was top notch!”
— Denise, Mexico 2024
“First time back to Mexico in over 25 years — still as beautiful as I remembered. The people, the experiences, and the community will stay with me the rest of my life.”
— Todd, Mexico 2022
Reserve Your Spot on Our Sober Mexico Tour
Solo — Shared Room
$2,450
Solo — Private Room
$2,950
Couple’s Room
$4,700
Travel Info
✈️ Getting There
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). The tour meets at the Tren Maya station near the airport. Plan to arrive on Day 1 morning, or the evening before for a relaxed start.
Departures from Cancún are on Day 11 afternoon. Book your return flight for late afternoon or evening to give yourself plenty of time.
🛂 Entry Requirements
US, Canadian, UK, and EU passport holders do not need a visa for Mexico. A tourist card (FMM) is issued on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
We strongly recommend travel insurance. World Nomads offers excellent adventure-travel coverage for around $50–100 per person.
🎫 Carrie’s $50 Flight Booking Service
Not sure how to find the best flights? Carrie offers a personalized flight-search service for just $50. She’ll find you great routes with minimal layovers, tailored to your schedule. Note: once flights are booked, any airline changes are the traveler’s responsibility.
Sober Mexico Tour Photo Gallery
Is This Sober Mexico Tour Right for You?
- ✅ Willing to travel alcohol and recreational substance-free
- ✅ Open and flexible with Mexico’s beautiful imperfections
- ✅ Willing to try out your Spanish (beginner crash course included)!
- ✅ Valid passport · No visa needed for US citizens
- ✅ Moderate fitness required for walking, biking, light hiking
- ✅ Travel insurance recommended for any unexpected emergencies
Cancellation Policy
Since all deposits and payments are used to secure venues, activities, and supplies, all deposits and payments are non-refundable. Canceled spots require extra time and energy to re-fill.
In emergency situations, a credit toward a future retreat may be offered at our team’s discretion. Cancellations due to fear of travel, and cancellations less than one month before departure, are not refundable or transferable.
We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment — World Nomads is a great option.
