Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Mysteries of the Cenotes - A Journey into Mayan Culture
Excursions & day trips

Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Mysteries of the Cenotes - A Journey into Mayan Culture

4.6/5
Excellent
Based on 9 reviews
from
140.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 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.

Why you’ll love this…
  • Dive into sacred cenotes on this National Geographic Day Tour where you can have a refreshing swim in Cenote Cueva and Cenote Piraña, revered pools historically linked to the Mayan underworld, Xibalba
  • Paddle Through Crystal Waters with an adventurous canoeing experience on the pristine waters of Cenote Naval, followed by a relaxing stop at Cenote Azul
  • Gain unique insights into the cultural and ecological significance of the cenotes and the surrounding Mayan jungle with your National Geographic-trained guide
  • You'll go behind the scenes at a traditional Mayan kitchen as you get hands-on in an exclusive 'art of tortilla-making' demonstration and learn all about the deep cultural roots of its key ingredient, masa – corn dough.
  • Support local heritage and promote ecological preservation while exploring 300 hectares of Tankah Park's lush forests, sacred cenotes, and diverse wildlife
What to expect

On this National Geographic Day Tour, explore Tankah Park in Mexico's Riviera Maya. After an orientation, swim in two cenotes, once considered portals to the Mayan underworld. Enjoy a canoeing session at the third cenote, then end with a refreshing swim at the forth cenote.

With insights from a National Geographic guide, trek through the jungle to Cenote Cueva and Cenote Piraña for a refreshing dip. You'll also visit Cenote Naval for an adventurous canoeing session and Cenote Azul for another invigorating swim in its crystal-clear waters. These cenotes were not only sources of fresh water for the ancient Maya but were also believed to be passageways to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, and were sites for important rituals.

Next, head over to a traditional Mayan house to learn about the Melipona bee, a stingless bee that has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal honey. Enjoy exclusive access to a traditional Mayan kitchen and take part in a demonstration of the art of tortilla-making, where you'll get hands-on with shaping the dough and learn about the secrets of ‘masa' (corn dough). Then, tuck into a buffet meal featuring dishes rooted in the local heritage that highlight the day's discoveries and flavours.

Finally, hike to a fifth cenote, learning about the discovery and preservation of these natural sites. Spanning 300 hectares, Tankah Park's cenotes and forests offer Mayan heritage and ecological diversity. This tour also supports the local community and promotes sustainable tourism, helping to preserve these remarkable lands.

Read more
What's included
  • check Transport
  • check Guide
  • check Admission fees
  • check Buffet
  • check Soft drinks
  • check Lifejacket
  • check Swim stops
  • check Exclusive TUI itinerary
What to remember
  • Please note: The use of sunscreen is not permitted for swimming in the cenotes
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to moderate walking distance during tour
  • Not suitable for those with reduced mobility due to uneven paths or steps
  • Children must be supervised by an adult (over 18 years) at all time
  • Bring a towel
  • Bring a hat
  • Bring suitable footwear
  • Bring money for extras or gratuities
  • English-speaking guide for all nationalities
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.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.6/5

Based on 9 reviews from verified customers

78%
22%
0%
0%
0%
  • Kevin Freeman

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    An absolutely brilliant day out and have/did recommend to others and would do it all again ??

  • Ann-Marie Walsh-pattison

    From United States of America - July 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The only thing that let it down was the transfer . The location was only 30 mins away but took us 2hrs 30 mins on a small bus because he had so many p ...

  • Janice Wilson

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • David M

    From United States of America - June 2025

    Solo traveller

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The whole experience was amazing. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. Enjoyed every second of it thoroughly ...

  • Becks&Nev

    From United States of America - May 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Would give this trip 11/10! Absolutely fabulous from start to finish

  • De vakantie gangers

    From United States of America - May 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    De cenotes waren prachtig en uitleg was ook goed. Alleen de show cooking was er niet zoals gezegd werd. Eten was goed ,alleen personeel was kort af en ...

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On this National Geographic Day Tour, explore Tankah Park in Mexico's Riviera Maya. After an orientation, swim in two cenotes, once considered portals to the Mayan underworld. Enjoy a canoeing session at the third cenote, then end with a refreshing swim at the forth cenote.With insights from a National Geographic guide, trek through the jungle to Cenote Cueva and Cenote Piraña for a refreshing dip. You'll also visit Cenote Naval for an adventurous canoeing session and Cenote Azul for another invigorating swim in its crystal-clear waters. These cenotes were not only sources of fresh water for the ancient Maya but were also believed to be passageways to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, and were sites for important rituals.Next, head over to a traditional Mayan house to learn about the Melipona bee, a stingless bee that has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal honey. Enjoy exclusive access to a traditional Mayan kitchen and take part in a demonstration of the art of tortilla-making, where you'll get hands-on with shaping the dough and learn about the secrets of ‘masa' (corn dough). Then, tuck into a buffet meal featuring dishes rooted in the local heritage that highlight the day's discoveries and flavours.Finally, hike to a fifth cenote, learning about the discovery and preservation of these natural sites. Spanning 300 hectares, Tankah Park's cenotes and forests offer Mayan heritage and ecological diversity. This tour also supports the local community and promotes sustainable tourism, helping to preserve these remarkable lands.

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