Eleven-day trip across Yucatán and Palenque states in Mexico to experience colonial cities, world wonder archeological sites, and nature adventures! Enjoy local foods, Mayan ruins, turquoise waterfalls, and underground swimming holes!
Join us this January 2027 for our tour of the Yucatán and Palenque, Mexico! On this 11-day, 10-night adventure tour 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!
Dates: January 4-14, 2027
Price: 1 Person Shared Room $2450 / 1 Person Private Room $2950 / Couple’s Room $4700
Travel: Fly in and out of Cancún, Mexico, a short and cheap flight from many places in North America!
Explore the Yucatán peninsula, Campeche, and Chiapas in Mexico for 11 days on the new electric Tren Maya! Experience ancient Mayan pyramids and ruins, world-class food, subterranean cenote swimming holes, vibrant and safe colonial cities, and jungle waterfalls.
Travel at 99mph (160kph) across the Mexican Yucatán on the new Tren Maya! Our trip includes all train travel, accommodations, archeological site entries, and more. All you have to do is show up at Cancún International Airport and let us take care of the rest.
Dates: January 4-14, 2027. We will offer additional dates once this first trip fills up!
Ancient wonders, jungle ruins, colonial cities, and crystal-clear cenotes, all seamlessly connected by the scenic Tren Maya. This is Mexico at its most magical.
Meet your guides near Cancún Airport and hop on the Tren Maya for a quick, comfortable ride to Valladolid. After settling in, we’ll explore this colorful colonial town on a relaxed walking tour—your first taste of authentic Yucatán culture.
Today we ride! Cruise along a safe, scenic bike path to some of the region’s most stunning cenotes. These natural freshwater sinkholes perfect for swimming and cooling off. A perfect mix of adventure and chill.
Step into history at Chichén-Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. With a local guide, uncover the mysteries of this iconic Mayan city. Spend the night nearby to fully soak in the experience.
Travel to Mérida, the vibrant heart of the Yucatán. In the afternoon, we’ll explore its lively plazas, markets, and colonial streets on a guided walking tour.
Visit the breathtaking ruins of Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate architecture and fewer crowds. Return to Mérida with time to enjoy amazing food, shopping, or a relaxing evening in the city.
Ride the train to Campeche, a pastel-colored coastal city rich in pirate history. Explore the walled old town, stroll the oceanfront malecón, or visit the lush botanical gardens.
Venture to the lesser-visited Edzná ruins—an impressive and peaceful archaeological site. Back in Campeche by midday, enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore.
Head south into the lush jungles of Chiapas. Arrive in Palenque and unwind—this is where the landscape turns wild, green, and magical.
Explore the breathtaking ruins of Palenque, hidden deep in the jungle and alive with monkeys and tropical birds. Visit the museum and take a guided jungle walk through this unforgettable site.
Swim in surreal turquoise waterfalls like Agua Azul or Roberto Barrios—some of the most beautiful natural pools in Mexico. A perfect adventure day before heading back north.
Travel back to Cancún via the Tren Maya. From here, head home or continue your journey with some well-earned beach time.
Train transportation to and from Cancún International Airport on Mexico’s brand new Tren Maya
10 nights accommodation
Transport to and from accommodation and Tren Maya stations to all activities and archeological sites
One day bicycle rental
Two colonial city walking tours with local guides in Valladolid and Mérida
Campeche Botanical Gardens entry
Campeche trolley tour
Entrance to two cenote swimming holes
Small group of like-minded, active individuals
Three included group meals + food and restaurant recommendations from Carrie + Zach
Entrance and transport to a guided tour of Chichen-Itza, one of the Wonders of the World near Valladolid
Entrance and transport to Edzna archaeological site
Entrance to Palenque archaeological site with local guide
Entrance and transport to a guided tour of Uxmal Archaeological Zone near Mérida
One-hour Spanish crash course with a Mexican teacher
Bilingual guide(s)
A small group of like-minded individuals who are interested in traveling with intention. As always, this experience is alcohol and substance-free, supportive of sobriety and recovery in all its forms, and a safe space to share about your healing journey. We believe that all of us are recovering from something. The only reason we are able to do this work is because we walked the difficult but worthwhile path from substance abuse to sobriety. Although you don’t have to be sober in real life to attend, you do need to be willing to maintain sobriety from all recreational substances throughout the entire trip.
This will not be a yoga retreat as we normally offer. We are expanding our offerings and trying something new! While there will still be a group traveling together, we won’t be eating every meal together or having daily yoga classes. There will be opportunities to do yoga at local studios or in your own time, and an optional morning meditation at our accommodation each day.
If this is too much or you don’t have enough time off, check out our 6 day trip!
Day One of this Yucatán and Palenque Mexico Tour begins at the Tren Maya Station near Cancún International Airport, where your guides Zach and Carrie 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.
On Day Two, 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 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 Four in the morning we board the Tren Maya again for a longer but 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 Five of the 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.
On Day Six, 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. After arriving, you’ll have the option to explore the city on a guided tour or visit the nearby botanical gardens, known for their impressive collection of tropical plants and palms.
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 on a self-guided excursion. This lesser-visited but highly impressive pyramid complex 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.
On Day Eight, 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 Nine is one of the highlights of the trip. We’ll visit the incredible ruins of Palenque, our personal favorite archaeological site in Mexico. With a local guide, we’ll explore this ancient Mayan city set deep in the jungle, surrounded by towering trees, howler monkeys, and tropical birds. We’ll also visit the site museum and take a jungle walk to fully experience the beauty and mystery of the area.
On Day Ten, we’ll venture out on a nature excursion to some of the region’s प्रसिद्ध 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 toward Mérida.
On the 11th and final day of our Yucatán and Palenque Mexico Tour, 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 beach time in Quintana Roo.
Tren Maya is a large-scale project in Mexico, a new railway network spanning approximately 1,500 miles in the Yucatán Peninsula. The project was proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador as a means to boost tourism, stimulate economic development, and address social and environmental concerns in the region. The railway connects major tourist destinations, archaeological sites, and cities, promoting connectivity and fostering economic growth.
The project faced criticism and controversy from the start, with concerns raised about its environmental impact, potential displacement of indigenous communities, and the lack of comprehensive consultation with local stakeholders. However, now that the project has been constructed, the high-speed electric train is by far the most sustainable and easy way to get around the Yucatan and surrounding states.
We’ve kept the price low by not including all the food on this trip. This allows you to experience the great food of Mexico in whatever way you would like. We will provide three group meals along with lists in each destination of our favorite places to eat. These recommendations will be for plant-based or meat eaters. Food can range in price from $2 to $15+ per meal, depending on how local or extravagant you go. Tacos and local food are quite cheap, while western flavors can be more expensive. The cities we’ll be visiting have many plant-based restaurants that are very good. Check out our post on what it’s like being vegan in Mexico.
We have spent many months of our lives traveling all over Mexico. After our wedding in 2013 we got in our old car with our old dog and drove from California to the tip of the Baja Peninsula. The fun we had on that adventure started what is no doubt a life-long love for Mexico; the people, the food, the beauty, the language, the history!
In the time since we gone on many Mexico adventures. In 2022 we drove in our Prius from our home in Arizona to Oaxaca, Mexico and back, a trip of over 5000 miles! It was maybe our greatest journey yet, with never-ending new things to discover! We climbed the highest mountain in Mexico (Pico de Orizaba 18,500ft) and ate amazing food the whole way!
We host many Mexico events and are so excited to add this one! We’ve taken people all over the USA, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Portugal, and Thailand. Mexico is always one of our favorite countries to show to travelers!
Read more about Carrie & Zach’s background and qualifications!
In each area we visit the weather is usually pretty warm, with the winter months being a really nice escape from the North American winter. Winter is also pretty dry, which is good because when it rains, it rains hard. Temperatures range from 65-90F and it can sometimes be humid.
Yucatán, Mexico is one of the safest destinations for international tourists in all of the Americas. Mérida is regularly featured as one of the friendliest cities of its size in the world and statistics show it is safer for travelers than most United States cities. Here is a crime comparison between Mérida and San Diego, CA. showing that you are almost twice as likely to experience a crime in San Diego compared to Mérida.
In this article from 2019, Mérida is ranked as the second-safest city in the Americas, behind only Quebec City in Canada. You can walk around town at any time of day or night, alone, and no one will bother you there.
Mérida has maintained safety throughout Mexico’s drug war because many affluent people in Mexico send their children to university in Mérida. Powerful politicians, ultra-rich CEOs, and top cartel families all send their kids to school in Mérida. None of these people want problems there, so the city and all of Yucatan have maintained a more relaxed atmosphere than other parts of the country. This safety ripples out to the entire Yucatan penninsula, making it a great destination for first-time Mexico travelers.
While some remote areas in Chiapas state have occasional issues and an interesting history of rebellion against the Mexican government, the area we will visit (Palenque) is safe and very touristy.
The economic and safety situation in most of Mexico has improved, even in the time that we have been traveling there. There are increasing numbers of Mexican families that are entering the middle class, and this means more money for travel. While Mexico does continue to have conflict in specific regions, the US media makes it seem as if the whole country is at war, which is far from true. We’ve found that almost 100% of the time when tourists experience trouble in Mexico, alcohol or drugs or involved. Since this is a substance-free group trip, that won’t be a problem for us!
We pride ourselves on being inclusive to all. However, international travel, heat, physical activities, and other factors do influence who is going to have a good time on this trip. There are a few things that are required to come on this trip:
You must be willing to spend the trip alcohol-free. This is what makes our trips really special and different from many others. We believe that time spent traveling should be healthy for our mind, body, and spirit. Even if you drink alcohol in normal life, it is good for everyone to take some time off. You will get to see Mexico in a different way than the average tourist, from beyond the haze of the cantina.
You must be willing to accept that Mexico is a developing county and try to not let the little things bother you. It is the imperfections that create the beauty, and Mexico really shows us this truth.
You must be willing to try to speak Spanish, even if that is just two or three words. We’ll include a 1-hour Spanish crash course on this tour but a good traveler would spend some time on Duolingo or studying before arrival. Luckily almost everyone speaks a little English, most quite good. We just feel it is respectful to at least try to speak the local language and people appreciate it.
You must have a valid passport and understand the entry requirements for your country of origin.
We also recommend that attendees purchase travel insurance for the length of their stay with us on this Mexico tour. We suggest World Nomads for this service. It will run you $50-100 per person and is really worth the money in case of an emergency.
Stingless bee tour in a cenote with samples of Mayan honey.
Ask us about other add-ons for this Mexico tour! There isn’t a lot of open time in the schedule, but I’m sure you could fit something!
Massages and yoga classes are available in the cities. We will send out options for this when you book!
If you don’t have the time off for this grand 10 day adventure, then check out our 6 day trips that still pack in loads of fun! We also offer yoga retreats with tons of additional activities like surfing, hiking, backpacking, and more!
After the Mexico tour, you can either return home from Cancún Airport or continue onwards on the train (or bus, rental car, etc.) to the beautiful Mexican beaches in Quintana Roo such as Playa del Carmen, Holbox, Cozumel, Tulum, Bacalar, Belize, Guatemala or other Central American destinations!
This Mexico tour, like all of our retreats, is a substance-free, recovery-supportive environment! Although you don’t have to be sober in real life to come on our retreat, you do need to be willing to take a break from any recreational substances throughout the entire retreat experience. We believe everyone is recovering from something, whether it’s addiction, stress, trauma, eating disorders, or just the disconnection of life in our busy, high-tech world. Bigger Life Adventures strives to create a safe and open space for vulnerability and openness about each and every healing journey. Our retreats don’t include formal recovery meetings, but our guests are always sharing and learning from each other as we all work to use the tools of yoga and community to become better and live bigger lives.
Transportation to and from Cancún International Airport on Mexico’s brand new Tren Maya.
Ten nights accommodation in hotels or Airbnbs similar to photos in Gallery. Every place we stay will be slightly different. Solo travelers can share rooms with same-gender roommates or pay slightly more for a single private room. Couples willing to share a bed will get a private room with either a queen or king bed. Each accommodation will likely have a different bathroom setup and private ensuite bathrooms are not guaranteed in every house. Living in community is part of the experience!
Transport to and from accommodation to Tren Maya stations.
One day bicycle rental for getting to cenotes outside Valladolid.
Two colonial city walking tours with local guides 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.
Small group of like-minded, active individuals.
Three included group meals.
Food and restaurant recommendations for each location.
Entrance and transport to Chichen-Itza, one of the Wonders of the Wold near Valladolid. Local guide included.
Entrance and transport to Uxmal Archaeological Zone near Mérida. Local guide included.
Entrance and transport to Palenque ruins. Local guide included.
Entrance and transport to Edzna Archaeological site.
Bilingual guide(s) that come on the journey with you.
One hour Spanish crash course.
A fun group of like-minded people down to experience Mexico alcohol free!
Not included:
Other meals. Local food is delicious and affordable and we will provide you with suggestions. Many accommodations will have kitchens with the opportunity to make your own simple meals. We recommend budgeting $25-75 per day for food, depending on how budget or fancy you like to eat! Street food, market, and restaurant recommendations for each location we stop will be provided for all dietary preferences!
Additional tours
Flights in and out of Cancun, Mexico
Yoga classes (we highly recommend trying out a class in Spanish at a studio in Mérdia or Valladolid).
Ride Tren Maya to Valladolid
Colonial Valladolid walking tour
Welcome lunch at local restaurant
Check-in to hotel or Airbnb in Valladolid
Mayan Bee Experience add-on or free time
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Guided bike trip to cenote swimming holes
Lunch on own
Free time to enjoy colonial Valladolid
Spanish crash course at hotel
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Train to Chichen-Itza
Enjoy Chichen-Itza with guide
Arrive at local hotel or Airbnb
Dinner on own or with friends
Breakfast on own
Train to Mérida
Check-in to hotel or Airbnb
Lunch on own
Mérida colonial city walking tour
Dinner on own
Local breakfast on own
Pickup for Uxmal archeological site
Enjoy Uxmal archaeological site
Return to Mérida
Lunch on own, time to explore city
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Train to Campeche
Arrive in Campeche, check-in to hotel
Lunch on own
Explore old town, trolley tour
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Leave for tour of Edzna Pyramids
Return to Campeche, lunch on own
Botanical Gardens
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Train or van Palenque town
Arrive in Palenque
Free time to relax or enjoy town
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Tour to Palenque Archaeological zone
Lunch on own and free time to relax
Dinner on own
Breakfast on own
Tour to Palenque waterfalls, buy lunch on own
Van to Mérida
Group dinner in Palenque town
Breakfast on own
Board train or van to Cancun Airport
Accommodations will be in quality, well rated hotels or Airbnbs in safe neighborhoods that are walkable or a short taxi ride to city centers. Rooms may or may not be exactly what is pictured but will be of similar value and style. The group will usually be together but could be split depending on availability.
There are three room options available:
Solo traveler shared room (with same-gender roommate):
$2450 USD per person
Solo traveler private room:
$2950 USD per person
Two travelers sharing a bedroom (king or queen bed):
$4700 USD per couple
We will make attempts to put couples into private rooms but do not guarantee it depending on availability.
The $400 per person deposit paid here reserves your spot on this trip. Full price bookings help to fund our discounted recovery scholarships. 1 recovery scholarship is still available for this tour. After the deposit, your remaining balance will be due in equal monthly payments leading up to your departure date.
Arrive at Cancún International Airport where the train trip will begin.
US Passport or proof of US residency is required for return travel to the US. No visa is required for entry into Mexico for US citizens. If you live outside of the USA, please check your visa requirements.
No vaccination or covid test is required for border crossing. Please don’t arrive sick.
Yucatan is a very safe, touristy state in Mexico. Zach and I have traveled extensively in the region. If you haven’t been to Mexico before you can trust in our competency and Spanish speaking abilities as guides! Please let us know if you have any questions!
Travel booking option:
Since I get a lot of requests for assistance anyway, I decided to offer a new flight booking service for all my retreat guests and friends!
You provide me with your desired travel dates and airports and I will find you the cheapest, best flights possible and book them for you for just a $50 add-on fee.*
I’m a pretty good “travel hacker” thanks to years of experience. We can do this together via Zoom to confirm everything or I’ll make sure to triple check everything with you before booking!
This benefits YOU if online flight searching stresses you out or you just don’t find it fun.
It benefits Zach and I because I book most of our travel using our credit card points. We have a lot of travel planned this year so we need as many points as possible. You’ll reimburse me and I’ll get the frequent flyer miles to fund my own travel habit!
Could be a win win for all of us?
-Carrie
***after flight is booked you are responsible to handle all flight-related issues and manage any changes made by the airline which are out of our control.****
) & Tina for being a real friend and coming with me bc idk if I would have done this alone lol y’all we slept in the middle of the jungle, in an opened aired hut (Palapa) doing yoga with strangers who became friends & going on multiple adventures from sea kayaking to volunteering at a children’s community center. Carrie’s itinerary was top notch 
& Zack’s culinary skills had me asking for recipes after every meal 
First time back-to Mexico in over 25 years and still a beautiful as I remembered . The people I’ve met, the experiences we’ve enjoyed together will stay with me the rest of my life . Thank you Carrie and Zach for hosting a perfect retreat with great music , food , yoga and entertainment.
Thanks Bigger Life Adventures!
-Tod, 2022
Carrie and Zach are incredible! My wife and I attended the retreat in Baja this year and it was truly so special. From morning yoga and meditation, to ziplining, surfing and the delicious food they provided- everything was perfect. I felt so safe and supported in the community they helped create for the long weekend. Definitely recommend booking a trip with these guys !!
-Kelly, 2021
Since all retreat deposits and payments are used to secure venues, activities, and supplies, and since canceled spots require extra time and energy to re-fill, all deposits and payments are non refundable. In emergency situations, you may or may not be offered a credit for a future retreat or event, based on the decision of our team. Cancellations due to fear of travel are not transferable or refundable. Cancellations less than 1 month before your retreat are not refundable or transferable. We recommend travel insurance to protect your investment in the event you must cancel.