Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and Cenote from Riviera Maya

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

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.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch. During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.