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
16 reviews
from
$160.42
Free cancellation
Language: English, French
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.

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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


Review categories

Value for money

4.8/5

Staff

4.8/5

Service

4.8/5

Safety

4.8/5


56%
19%
19%
6%
0%

Sort by:

  • G

    Gemma

    Verified booking

    1.8

    October 2, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    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 control but maybe advising customers regarding long sleeves etc would help all our group were bitten to shreds. The Mayan village was also not a great experience not much to see. Buffet lunch delicious

  • C

    Cyd

    Verified booking

    5

    September 26, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    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 the lunch Would be helpful to mention when booking to bring insect repellent as we went and there were a lot of mosquitoes luckily the guide had repellent and kindly let us use it

  • V

    Vicky Jones

    Verified booking

    4.2

    August 3, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    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 lovely experience. The only downside was being bitten by the mosquitoes, but that’s what you get in the jungle after rainfall.

  • N

    NLV

    Verified booking

    5

    July 31, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    Everything good coach, likes there’s only small groups on the the excursion, excellent guide had extensive knowledgeable, friendly, great food.

  • K

    Kevin Freeman

    Verified booking

    5

    July 12, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


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

  • A

    Ann-Marie Walsh-pattison

    Verified booking

    4.6

    July 4, 2025

    Traveled as a couple


    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 pick ups very long and uncomfortable

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