Overview

 Highlights


  • Snorkel the area’s reefs, blue lagoons and cenotes (sink holes).
  • Walk the ruins and climb the temples of Mayan sites such as Chichén Itzá
  • Stay in a local Mayan community for 3 nights, participating in volunteer activities that help Mayan communities achieve a better quality of ife
  • Explore a jungle and wetlands; learn about jungle and wetland wildlife.
  • Observe and evaluate ecotourism alternatives for local communities
  • Discover the colonial town of Valladolid.

This journey through Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula combines adventure, nature, culture, and hands-on conservation. Starting in Cancún, you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs, tropical rainforests, cenotes, and coastal wetlands while learning about the region’s unique ecosystems and why they are so important to protect. Snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and short talks from local experts will give you a deeper understanding of the natural world around you. You’ll also spend time with a Maya community in Nuevo Durango, where you’ll take part in volunteer projects and experience everyday life in the village. Activities like traditional cooking, community work, and outdoor adventures create meaningful connections with the local culture. Along the way, you’ll swim in crystal-clear cenotes, spot flamingos and marine turtles, visit colorful towns like Valladolid, and explore the famous ruins of Chichén Itzá. It’s a great way to experience the Yucatán’s nature, culture, and history in an active and engaging way.

Countries:

Start and Finishing Point:

Cancun

Activities:

Grading:Adventure touring   

Addressing:


Arrive in Cancun and transfer to your eco-friendly hotel in downtown Cancun. If you arrive in the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour of Cancun Centre. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group and receive a full briefing from your trip leader about the adventure ahead. Note: Recommended arrival in the afternoon

Meals:  D

After breakfast, we begin the day with an insightful lecture on coral reefs, learning about their importance, biodiversity, and current conservation challenges. We will then experience these ecosystems firsthand by snorkelling along some of the most vibrant reefs near Puerto Morelos. After lunch, the focus shifts inland with an engaging lecture about the tropical rainforest and its unique ecological role. To conclude our first full day in Mexico, we will enjoy a scenic hike through a botanical garden, where we may encounter wild spider monkeys and a variety of other native wildlife in their natural habitat.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will start the day by giving back to the environment with a hands-on beach cleanup, helping to protect the fragile coastal ecosystem. In the afternoon, there will also be an opportunity to take part in an active coral reef restoration project within Puerto Morelos National Park—an inspiring way to contribute directly to the preservation of one of the region’s most important marine habitats.

Meals:  B,L,D

Snorkel alongside graceful marine turtles in their natural habitat and observe them as they move through the clear Caribbean waters. Afterward, swim in the crystal-clear waters of a pristine cenote, a natural sinkhole surrounded by jungle. Later, travel to the Nuevo Durango Maya community to learn about local traditions and daily life. Meet community members, experience authentic culture, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the region. End the day by spending the night in the community, surrounded by nature and local traditions.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we dive into a meaningful experience by participating in one of the local volunteer projects that support the community. These hands-on activities allow you to make a tangible difference while learning about the daily life and challenges of the residents. Some of the projects you may be involved in include: Reforestation: Join efforts to plant trees and restore natural habitats, helping to protect the local environment for future generations or Community Development Projects: Contribute to initiatives that enhance the community’s well-being and income. Examples include supporting honey production, constructing wells, building compost containers, or helping improve the local school. This immersive experience not only allows you to give back but also provides a unique opportunity to connect with the community, understand their traditions, and witness the positive impact of your efforts firsthand.

Meals:  B,L,D

In the morning, we roll up our sleeves and work on a carefully selected community project, contributing directly to meaningful local initiatives and experiencing the satisfaction of giving back. In the afternoon, get ready for an exciting adventure as we explore the natural wonders around us. Dive into thrilling activities such as caving, discovering hidden passages, and marvelling at breathtaking underground formations. This perfect balance of purpose and adventure makes for a truly unforgettable day.

Meals:  B,L,D

Begin your day with an early morning cooking class with the local Maya community, where you’ll learn traditional recipes passed down through generations. After preparing your meal, savor a delicious breakfast featuring the dishes you helped create. Later, we journey to Valladolid, a charming colonial town known for its colorful streets, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Here, you’ll explore the town’s main square, visit local markets, and gain insight into the lives of both modern and ancient Mayas, discovering how their traditions have blended with Spanish colonial influences over the centuries. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in nature as we swim and explore some of the region’s most stunning cenotes—natural sinkholes with crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off and experiencing the beauty of the Yucatán’s unique landscapes. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in Valladolid, allowing you to rest and soak in the peaceful charm of this historic town.

Meals:  B,L,D

Embark on a scenic trip to Río Lagartos, a vibrant coastal town renowned for its rich wetlands and extraordinary wildlife. Glide through the mangroves and lagoons as you observe the area’s iconic inhabitants, from graceful flamingos to elusive crocodiles, along with a variety of other bird species and aquatic life. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the ecosystem, conservation efforts, and the unique flora and fauna that make this region so special. After an immersive wildlife experience, we journey back to Valladolid, reflecting on the beauty of the wetlands and the unforgettable encounters with nature along the way.

Meals:  B,L,D

Embark on a fascinating journey to Chichén Itzá, one of the most iconic archaeological sites of the ancient Maya civilization. Explore the awe-inspiring Temple of Kukulkán, the sacred Great Ball Court, and other remarkable structures, while learning about the unique culture, history, and traditions of the Maya people. Your guide will share insights into their astronomy, rituals, and daily life, bringing the past vividly to life. After immersing yourself in history, cool off with a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote, a natural sinkhole surrounded by lush jungle—a perfect spot to relax, take photos, and connect with nature. Finally, return to Cancún, carrying unforgettable memories of Maya heritage, ancient architecture, and the region’s stunning natural beauty.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a comfortable transfer to Cancún Airport as you prepare for your flight back home, taking with you unforgettable memories of your journey.

Meals:  B


Addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health And Well-being:  Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being for all at all ages is essential to sustainable development.

Quality Education:  Obtaining a quality education is the foundation to improving people’s lives and sustainable development.

Clean Water And Sanitation:  Clean, accessible water for all is an essential part of the world we want to live in.

Gender Equality:  Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Decent Work And Economic Growth:  Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs.

Reduced Inequalities:  To reduce inequalities, policies should be universal in principle, paying attention to the needs of disadvantaged and marginalized populations.

Sustainable Cities And Communities:  There needs to be a future in which cities provide opportunities for all, with access to basic services, energy, housing, transportation and more.

Responsible Production and Consumption:  Responsible Production and Consumption

Climate Action:  Climate change is a global challenge that affects everyone, everywhere.

Life Below Water:  Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future.

Life On Land:  Sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse land degradation, halt biodiversity loss


Learning outcomes for students

World Expeditions Schools journeys are designed to encourage positive personal development and the learning of life skills, while leaving the communities and environments we travel to, in a better condition than when we arrived.
The programs are designed to:
• Build strong friendships and bonds with their peers, their teachers, and the local people they meet.
• Increase the confidence to engage with new people, and collaboratively make informed decisions.
• Discover the benefits of working cooperatively together as a cohesive team, to achieve a common objective.
• Increase the ability to face, and cope with, mental and physical challenges and therefore increase resilience.
• Give students a chance to appreciate and care for the natural world. The environments we travel through are beautiful and often pristine, invariably the students will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding about how their individual actions impact on the environment.
• Learn personal skills i.e., time management, personal hygiene, responsibility for personal gear, patience, tolerance, and public speaking.
We help encourage students to learn what it means to be a true global citizen.


Inclusions

  • All meals as per itinerary
  • 6 nights in hotel accommodation, 3 nights in community cabins
  • Private transport throughout
  • Experienced guide
  • All mentioned workshops
  • All activities as mentioned in the itinerary

  • Cost of laundry and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Visas, if required
  • Tips
  • Meals and beverages not included in the program

Grading

Adventure touring

These adventure tours sometimes involve travel at high altitude (rarely exceeding 4000m, except on certain trips in Tibet, Peru and India) and may visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity. To enjoy these adventures we suggest you are reasonably fit, healthy, have a moderately active lifestyle and have a positive attitude. Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.


Why travel with us

Why travel with us

Assisted over
14,000 Students Worldwide

Since the 1980's, we have helped students from around the globe to experience the world's most exciting destinations, allowing them to travel, give, grow.

400+ Service Learning
Programs

Together with students, we have completed over 400 Service Learning programs in developing countries. We will always continue to support causes including social justice, animal welfare, the environment and more.

Fully Customised
School Travel Programs

Want to include service learning, your school curriculum and a physical challenge, or any of the above? Contact us and we can design a program fully catered for your students and budget.

Safety and
Support - Our #1 Priority

Every school receives a detailed risk management plan that is guided by government advisories and the local partners we work with. We never compromise on the safety of your students to reduce the price of the program.

Testimonials


Want to find out more?

Our educational travel experts are ready to help you tailor an itinerary or service learning project to suit your school’s needs and budget. Contact us today to receive a free consultation.


Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips