Delve Deep: Mexico

Wave adiós to Cancún – after brekkie we’re making tracks for Isla Holbox (‘ole-bosh’). This car-free island is an absolute mood: think sun-bleached beaches and emerald waters so dreamy even the Little Mermaid would want to stay here. And the best way to soak it all up? An included boat tour around the islands, obvs. Float through Yalahau Lagoon and try spot the resident iguanas, crocodiles, flamingos and dolphins. Take a dip at Yala-Hau, where legend has it the fresh water will make you feel 10 years younger (ready to re-live those awkward early teens?). And chill amid the tropical vibes of Passion Island. The day’s not done yet. Swap chillin’ for choppin’ at a local restaurant for a chef’s masterclass in Mexican dips. Avocados WILL be harmed in the process.

What’s that? A free day to explore paradise? Oh, go on then. Hunt down some mouthwatering marquesitas – crispy crepes filled with chocolate, jam or cheese. Three of each, pls. Stroll through the rustic thatched buildings and colourful street art of charming AF Holbox village. Or head to Punta Coco Beach for an afternoon lounging in hammocks and making sand angels. This is your chance to unplug and embrace the slow pace the locals love so much.

Act cool: today we’re leaving island life behind and heading to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World – Chichén Itzá. Our Trip Leader will show us the ins and outs of this iconic complex of ancient Mayan ruins, ticking off the likes of the Temple of Kukulkan (‘El Castillo’), the Platform of the Skulls, the Plaza of a Thousand Columns and the Sacred Cenote. Back in the present, next we've got our sights set on Mérida – the buzzing capital of Yucatán. A city steeped in colonial and Mayan heritage, here the evening’s yours for exploring. Make a beeline for Hidalgo Square’s lively café and bar scene. Or seek out Parque Santa Lucía to catch some local music (and flowery costumes). Later, gather your trip mates and track down a plate of mukbil pollo aka ‘buried chicken’ – traditionally offered to deceased relatives on Day of the Dead. But also tasty for the living.

You picked this trip specially for its out-of-this-world experiences, right? Well: here’s another. First up today, the Cenote (that’s ‘sinkhole’ to you and me) San Ignacio – a stalactite-filled cave complete with a crystal-clear natural pool. Float gracefully (read: doggy paddle) in the sparkling turquoise water before an included traditional Yucatán lunch. And then? Onwards to the walled port city of Campeche for more colonial architecture, Mayan history and bonus pirate legends. This evening: engage explorer mode, get lost in a maze of pastel-coloured streets, and snack yourself silly on coconut shrimp and salsa. Mmm...

Leave Percy the parrot in the coach – there’s a strict no-pirate rule this morning. We’re off to Fort San Miguel, built in the late 18th century to keep the seafaring baddies out of the city. After we’ve roamed the ramparts and checked the canons with our fact-filled Trip Leader, it’s on to the ancient city of Palenque. Here the evening’s yours for the taking, so swing by a not-so-ancient local eatery and spice up your life with a fill of tacos, tortillas and tamales. Yes. Please.

Want the kind of mind-blowingly awesome archeological site that Indiana Jones WISHES he’d been to? Enter: Palenque. Not to boast, but the ruins of this ancient Mayan city are some of the most impressive in the world. Nestled in thick, misty jungle, this incredible complex was built without metal tools or even the wheel (WTF, right?), and the grey stone would have been painted flashy red, blue and yellow. Gawp at the remains of The Palace and brush up on your hieroglyphs at the 7th-century Temple of the Inscriptions. Then: prepare to get the blues in the best possible way at the dazzling Agua Azul Waterfalls, where there’s time for a dip in the azure waters. And later? Another included group dinner at a local restaurant’s on the cards. This day in one word = epic.

Tums filled after another group breakfast, this morning we’re jumping back on the coach and setting course for the beaut lakefront town of Bacalar. But first: we’re stormin’ Becán archaeological site. Make sure those combat boots are laced up tight. You never know what mystery lurks within these ancient walls... Later, when we roll into Bacalar the evening is free for doing your own sweet thing. Want local recommendations? Your expert Trip Leader’s got your back. Rather see where the night takes you? You got it. Either way, you can’t miss the stunning ‘Lagoon of Seven Colours’ running along the town. Spoiler: all the colours are blue. But you’re still gonna love it.

Ready for bluer than blue scenes? Obvs. This morning we’re discovering a more remote part of Bacalar Lagoon. Expect: shimmering swim stops and seasonal snacks. Forget: filters and fakery. Then, we’re heading north to one of the last cities built by the Mayans. Discover the who’s who of Tulum with a guided tour – including the pyramid temple of El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Templo Dios del Viento. Google it and get excited. Finally, we’ll end the day in Playa del Carmen, where you’re free to explore the vibrant 5th Avenue or chill with the palm trees along the beach. These guys are living the dream.

White sands. Aquamarine water. Gently swaying trees. Hear that? It’s the sound of our last day together (and waves crashing). When you've finished siesta-ing on the beach, there are plenty of local bars to pull up a pew. If you’re keen to delve a bit deeper, take up the offer of a Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve tour – perfect for David Attenborough wannabes. Opt for a visit to the magical Rio Secreto caves and underground river. Hang with the sea turtles in Akumal. Or go all out with a fancy catamaran and snorkelling tour around the jaw-dropping Riviera Maya coastline. Tonight, it’s time for one last fiesta with the gang. Salud to this adventure of a lifetime!

You came. You saw. You cultured. Wash the salt from your hair and shake the sand from your undies. It’s time to say so long to Mexico – and your trip mates. But who says the fun has to stop now? We’re booking the next flight to LA... coming?