Tulum & Cobá — twin Maya cities

Two Maya cities in a day, fifty kilometres apart and opposite in character. Tulum stands on a cliff facing the Caribbean: the only Maya city built on the ocean's edge. Its walls enclose a compact space around the Temple of the Descending God and the Castillo.

The visit happens in the morning, when the low light brings out the limestone and the heat is still bearable. The road then heads inland to Cobá: older, larger, laid out around lakes and long stone causeways called sacbés. The Nohoch Mul pyramid rises to forty-two metres there, one of the tallest on the peninsula. You get around by bicycle or bici-taxi through the forest, and the day ends with a swim in the Tankach-Ha cenote. The guide accompanies the group in Spanish or English. A French-speaking guide is available at extra cost, but only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and not on departures from Cancún. Tell us when you book if you want one, and we will check the slot and the price with the partner.

Good to know: the 360-peso tax (17 €) is not included and is paid on site. On top of that come drinks, the compulsory life jacket at the cenote, 50 pesos, and bicycle hire at Cobá if you want one.