Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Underworld and Mayan Culture
Activities

Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Underworld and Mayan Culture

Free cancellation
Language: Spanish, English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 4 hours to 8 hours

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Do this because
  • The ancient Maya believed that cenotes were portals to the underworld. On this National Geographic tour you'll learn more from specialist guides and enjoy private access to a newly discovered cenote, walk the Maya Path of Xibalba and feast on local dishes
  • Your National Geographic-trained guides are specialists in Maya culture and heritage. As descendants of the Maya, they possess extensive knowledge and can provide insight into the traditions and beliefs of ancient Maya society
  • Walk the Maya Path to experience the journey of Maya gods through Xibalba – the gate to an unknown underground world
  • Take a purifying plunge in the cenotes revered by the Maya, a unique opportunity to connect with ancient rituals
  • Get a taste of Mexican cuisine by indulging in traditional local dishes for lunch
What to expect

When you imagine the ancient Mayans peering into mysteriously deep and limpid underground pools, it's easy to see how they came to believe these cenotes were windows to the underworld. This National Geographic Day Tour is a journey into the deepest aspects of Mayan culture, bridging the gap between the tempting beauty of the cenotes the region is so famous for, and the significance they hold in local tradition.

You'll begin the day with a descent into either Abuelo or Zoi Che cenote, where you can choose to enjoy a cooling dip. These water-filled caverns offer a tangible connection to the Mayan way of life. Your National Geographic-trained guide will explain how the fresh water of cenotes was crucial for the survival of Mayan settlements, especially given the scarcity of rivers and lakes in the Yucatan. As well as their spiritual status, the guide will also describe the Mayan concept of the underworld, or Xibalba, and it's nine layered structure which is reflected in many of Mexico's Mayan pyramids.

Next, you'll take a guided stroll along the Mayan Path of Xibalba where thirteen representations of Mayan gods punctuate the route, and your guide will unravel their stories on the way. National Geographic guests will have private access to the park's recently discovered fifth cenote, steeped in the aura of the ancient world.

After your exploration of the connection between cenotes and Mayan culture and beliefs, it's time to relax over a traditional homemade local lunch, a homage to the region's culinary heritage.

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What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Admission fees
  • check Lunch
  • check Soft drinks
  • check Lifejacket
What to remember
  • Height, weight and/or age restrictions may apply
  • Bring bathing gear and sunblock
  • Bring a towel
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
Read more
Provider
TUI MEXICANA SA DE CV
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

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