Community Engagement in Yucatán, Mexico

What did this region look like before the Spaniards arrived? Journey to Uxmal, one of the largest and most powerful ancient Mayan cities, to find out. A licensed local guide will lead you through wooded valleys and wide, uncrowded plazas, showcasing some of the best-proportioned Mayan architecture. Visit the restored Magician’s Pyramid, a three-tiered structure built between the 6th and 10th centuries, the grand Governor’s Palace, and the Nunnery Quadrangle—four buildings surrounding a central courtyard, reminiscent of a monastery.

Visit a local home where families introduce you to Yucatán and Mayan living—how houses are structured and divided, and how “Yucatecos” sleep in hammocks every night. Learn about outdoor spaces with abundant produce gardens and open-air kitchens. Please note: This activity is subject to family availability at the time of visit. If unavailable, a replacement activity will be offered.

Just south of Mérida lies Tekit, a traditional Yucatecan town where daily life centers around its beautiful church, bustling market, and small local shops. Spend the day with a local cooperative and take part in their daily activities. Bake and taste traditional bread in a stone oven at a local bakery, and meet Ana and Manuel, who will introduce you to agro-ecological production systems. Learn about stingless melipon bees and sample different varieties of honey. Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan lunch at Ana’s home, then visit a guayabera factory to see how these iconic shirts are made and shop for high-quality clothing directly from the producers.

Visit the charming city of Valladolid, where locals still wear traditional Mayan clothing and pastel-colored 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.

Experience the melding of Mayan and Catholic culture in Izamal, where the enormous 16th-century Convent of St. Anthony stands atop the ruins of an ancient Mayan pyramid. The church’s atrium, nearly as large as St. Peter’s in Rome, features newly discovered frescoes. Surrounded by the remains of other Mayan temples, Izamal is known as the City of the Hills.

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.

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.

Learn more about the Mayan culture with a sound and light show - a visual blast from the past.

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.

It’s not just exposure to new places that fosters growth—it’s active participation and personal engagement that empower travelers to make a meaningful impact. We collaborate with trusted organizations and charities around the world to coordinate community-based projects that support local needs. When your group travels, you may take part in activities such as helping plant aloe vera for soap and shampoo production or maintaining lagoon paths and eco trails to promote sustainable tourism.

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.

See the Mayan idea of a beach town in Tulum, the largest coastal city of its kind and one of Cancún’s favorite day trips. Explore limestone ruins surrounded by lush jungle and gaze out at the brilliant blue Caribbean Sea, all with insights from your Tour Director.