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

4.2/5
Excellent
Based on 16 reviews
from
£121.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: more than 8 hours
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.

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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

4.2/5

Based on 16 reviews from verified customers

56%
19%
19%
6%
0%

Review categories

Value for money

4.8/5

Staff

4.8/5

Service

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5

  • Gemma

    From United States of America - October 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Poor

    Overall rated

    2/5

    The trip oneself was good the cenotes were great particularly the last one. The mozzies however were out of control I know this is difficult to contro ...

  • Cyd

    From United States of America - September 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Guide was very good, very informative and funny Liked there was someone there to take photos when you were in the water Enjoyed seeing the village and ...

  • Jacco Denis

    From United States of America - September 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    In de informatie staat vermeld dat je gaat koken met de Maya bewoners. Dat is niet gebeurd. Meer van verwacht. Het is een veredelt pretpark weinig cu ...

  • Claudia

    From Netherlands - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Er stond kanoën op het programma. Dit was ons niet verteld, waardoor wij verrast waren. Mijn moeder heeft niet aan deze activiteit meegedaan, omdat ze ...

  • Eros

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Schwimmen in den Cenoten eher langweilig. Kanu fahren super. Führer war sehr gut. Laut Buchung länger als 8 Std. Nach 6,5 Std waren wir daheim. Essen ...

  • Vicky Jones

    From United States of America - August 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    We had a really good guide, Victor, who was able to point out interesting facts and guide us through the day. Being part of a small group made it a lo ...

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