The Mayan Trail

Visit a Mexican school to meet local students, practice Spanish and see the differences between schools there and schools at home. (Please note that school visits will not be possible on certain dates due to schools not being in session. WorldStrides will update you as early as possible.)

Dance the Jarana! Local folk dancers teach you this regional Yucatecan dance and explain its cultural significance.

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.

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.

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.

A walled Mayan “City of the Dawn,” Tulum features temples, a funeral platform, and a castle overlooking the sea. Continue to Xel-Há, a stunning natural pool connected to the ocean, where visitors can view colorful marine life in crystal-clear water nearly six feet deep.

Board your flight home or choose to extend your trip with a two-night stay on the island of Cozumel. Discover the vibrant marine life through snorkeling and scuba diving, explore the charming town of San Miguel de Cozumel, or unwind on the beautiful beaches.