Overview
Our program brings you the best of both worlds: the consistency you rely on and the flexibility your group needs.
Hit the ground running on this exciting adventure through Valladolid, Mérida, and Playa del Carmen! Your students will take a guided bicycle tour of Las Coloradas, take a dip in the cool waters of a cenote, and kayak through a lush mangrove forest. Your class can also look forward to relaxing on pristine beaches, snorkeling off the coast, and wander the ruins of Chichén Itzá.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Cancún
Meet your Tour Director
Your 24-hour Tour Director will meet you at the airport and remain with your group until your final airport departure.
Travel to Valladolid
Visit the charming city of Valladolid, where locals still wear traditional Mayan clothing and pastel-coloured buildings surround the lively main plaza. Browse handmade crafts like embroidered blouses and shawls, explore historic neighborhoods and seven local churches, and tour the impressive San Bernardino Convent for an authentic Yucatán experience.
Day 2
Ek-Balam archeological site visit
Ek-Balam is an ancient Mayan city founded around 100 BC and once considered one of the most powerful pre-colonial cities in Mexico. Explore its impressive ruins and discover intricate Mayan masks, hieroglyphics, and figurines that offer insight into the spiritual and artistic legacy of this remarkable civilization.
Las colouradas guided bicycle tour
Get active with an incredible bike tour around four crystallizers filled with pink waters. Ride through stunning landscapes and take photos in areas otherwise inaccessible. Led by an expert nature guide, you’ll learn about the sea salt production process and get tips for capturing the best memories of your visit.
Flamingo-watching tour at Rio Lagartos
Rio Lagartos beach time
Sit back, relax, and soak in the sunshine—you're in Mexico. Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and get ready to enjoy every moment under the warm coastal skies.
Day 3
Chichén Itzá guided visit
Join a licensed local guide for a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the country's most famous Mayan sites. The city dates to around the 7th century AD, though evidence shows farmers lived here as early as the 4th century BC. Known for its 365-stepped pyramid, El Castillo, the site also features sculptures, murals, and other ancient structures.
Cenote visit
Slip into the cool, shadowed world of Yucatán cenotes, where turquoise waters offer relief from the blistering heat. These underground caves were sacred to the Mayans and have fascinated travelers since ancient times.
Travel to Mérida
Day 4
Mérida Tour Director-led sightseeing tour
Tropical flowers in fuchsia, yellow, and orange bloom beside the dark green leaves of almond and tamarind trees. Couples in white relax on ornate stone benches around Mérida’s central plaza. As the capital of Yucatán, Mérida is the ideal base for exploring the ancient Mayan world—but start with the city itself. A licensed guide will lead you to the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, begun in 1563 and home to Mexico’s oldest true dome. Inside, admire its dignified Tuscan columns and coffered nave. Across the sunny plaza, the Government Palace showcases murals of the Spanish conquest and Mayan heritage. Then stroll down Paseo de Montejo, a grand boulevard inspired by the Champs-Élysées, lined with iconic buildings and monuments.
Progreso Beach free time
Enjoy time at Progreso Beach, a favourite seaside resort lined with turn-of-the-century mansions.
Mangrove kayaking tour
Take a kayak ride through the lush mangroves near the Yucatán capital, home to diverse regional flora and fauna that will leave you in awe. Learn about the local ecosystems as you paddle through tunnels and islets.
Day 5
Cobá Archaeological site visit by bike
Hop on a bike and explore ancient roads and walkways leading to Cobá’s great pyramid, Nohoc Mul, all surrounded by the lush Mexican jungle.
Travel to Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen, once a quiet fishing village, now holds a Guinness World Record as one of Latin America's fastest-growing communities. Drawn by its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, newcomers help maintain the town’s vibrant and friendly atmosphere. Relax on the beach or shop for souvenirs along the lively main strip.
Day 6
Tulum guided visit
See the Mayan vision of a beach town in Tulum, the largest coastal city of its kind and a favourite Cancún daytrip. Explore limestone ruins, lush jungle, and brilliant blue waters with your Tour Director.
Snorkeling at Akumal Bay
Playa del Carmen beach time
Spend an afternoon soaking up the sun on Playa del Carmen’s fine white sands, named for Cancún’s patron saint. The turquoise Caribbean waters invite you to explore vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Day 7
Playa del Carmen beach time
Spend an afternoon soaking up the sun on Playa del Carmen’s fine white sands, named for Cancún’s patron saint. The turquoise Caribbean waters invite you to explore vibrant marine life and coral reefs.
Xcaret visit & folklore show (optional)
Discover the diversity of Mexican wildlife at Xcaret, meaning “little inlet” in Mayan. This ecological park sits on the site of a former Mayan port and religious centre. Alongside archaeological ruins and a recreated Mayan village, you’ll find stunning beaches, a botanical garden with over 100 species, a butterfly pavilion, a dolphin arena, a coral reef aquarium, and more.
Day 8
Return home
TourFlex: Your Experience, Your Way
With TourFlex, available for tours departing October 2027 or later, you get the flexibility to shape an itinerary that's as unique as your group. Dial your trip up or down for more choice, more control, and more unforgettable hands-on moments, all while getting the right experience at the right value. Available options vary by program and destination.
Explore Your Way
- Add experiences like theatre tickets or unique excursions
- Swap activities for ones that better serve your group
- Extend the learning through go-aheads or stay-behinds
Go Your Way
- Choose the most accessible departure airport for your group
- Opt for 2-, 3-, or 4-star hotels that are centrally located or a convenient ride to major itinerary attractions
Dine Your Way
- Opt for pre-selected meals or encourage exploration by dining on your own
- Enjoy 2-3 course, culturally representative meals or opt for 3-course, authentic dinners at local restaurants
Already Included
WorldStrides Tour Director: A dynamic destination expert who makes learning come to life by leading your group's activities and discussions.
Transportation to & from your destination
Hotel accommodations
Daily meals, with options varying by program (ask your Program Consultant for details)
Admissions to top attractions (details in itinerary)
Guided sightseeing tours & city walks (details in itinerary)
Tips for local guides and drivers (excluding full-day bus drivers and Tour Director)
WorldAssist staff members available 24/7/365 should your group need extra help
Scenes from the Yucatán
Health & Safety
Additional health and safety measures may be available within your respective destination. Refer to your program-specific materials for complete details.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance
Through the WorldStrides Canada Financial Assistance Program (FAP), we provide travel grants to elementary and secondary school facing financial hardship. These grants, which can be up to $250 for coach tours and up to $1,000 for flight tours, are designed to make our programs more accessible to students from all backgrounds. Interested families are encouraged to speak with their school to learn more about our confidential application process.
Payment Plans
Monthly Automated Plan
Enroll with a deposit of $99 plus the cost of your travel protection plan (if included). We’ll automatically debit the rest of your tour fee from your chequing account in equal monthly payments, with the final payment due 35 days before you travel.
Please note: If two consecutive payments are declined, your account will be moved to the 4-Step Manual Plan.
4-Step Manual Plan
Manage your payments manually with a $249 initial payment plus your travel protection plan costs (if included). You’ll then make three more payments at key milestones as your departure date approaches. The final balance is due 65 days before your trip.
Please note: Payments on this plan are not automatically deducted and must be made manually.
Fundraising Tools
We are committed to helping you make your educational travel dreams a reality. We offer a comprehensive Fundraising Guide packed with creative ideas, tips, and resources to help you and your students reach your fundraising goals. From setting a timeline to brainstorming innovative campaigns, our guide provides a structured approach to make fundraising a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved.
