About the travel agency Terra Maya
Who is Terra Maya?
Terra Maya is a local travel agency based in Mérida, Yucatan Peninsula, specializing in custom travel experiences throughout Mexico. We’re part of the Terra Group network, which has operated across Latin America since 1998. As a receptive agency (also called a destination management company), we work directly with travelers and international tour operators to design and manage trips on the ground in Mexico.
Why book directly with Terra Maya instead of using a travel agency in my home country?
Most international travel agencies partner with receptive agencies or DMCs like Terra Maya to operate their Mexico tours. By booking directly with us, you eliminate the intermediary markup while working with the same local team that would handle your trip anyway. We maintain direct relationships with all our guides, drivers, and hotel partners throughout Mexico.
How can I reach Terra Maya if problems arise during my trip?
Our main office in Mérida is available during business hours at +52 999 944 53 59. For urgent matters, our 24/7 emergency line is +52 999 156 81 58. We respond to emails within 48 hours on weekdays and are available by phone until 2am Central European Time.
What languages does Terra Maya speak?
Our travel advisors are trilingual, speaking English, French, and Spanish. We respond to all inquiries in your preferred language and can accommodate communication via email, phone, or Whatsapp.
Planning Your Mexico Trip
What types of trips does Terra Maya organize?
Terra Maya specializes in customized Mexico itineraries that combine iconic archaeological sites with lesser-known destinations. We design trips around specific interests including cultural exploration, wildlife observation, adventure activities, culinary experiences, and relaxation. Most of our trips are built from scratch based on individual requests rather than pre-packaged tours.
Can I see sample itineraries before contacting Terra Maya?
Yes, our website features numerous trip ideas and sample itineraries for inspiration. However, most clients request modifications to these programs, which is why we work primarily on a custom basis. Browse our website to identify routes or activities that interest you, then contact us to build your personalized itinerary.
Why doesn’t Terra Maya list prices on the website?
Since we customize nearly every trip to match individual preferences, fixed pricing would be misleading. Variables like group size, accommodation category, season, and specific activities all affect the final cost. Contact us with your preferred itinerary or trip ideas, and we’ll provide a detailed quote with precise pricing for your customized program.
Who can travel with Terra Maya?
Our Mexico tours accommodate travelers of all ages, including families with children. Certain activities like scuba diving have age or physical requirements, but we design most itineraries to be accessible. Let us know about any specific needs or limitations when planning your trip.
How far in advance should I book my Mexico trip with Terra Maya?
Booking early provides several advantages: better hotel availability, more attention from our planning team, and potential discounts on flights or services. We recommend reserving at least two to three months ahead. However, Terra Maya can accommodate last-minute bookings, sometimes accepting clients just 15 days before arrival in Mexico.
How does Terra Maya calculate trip prices?
All prices are quoted per person and combine both group costs (like private transportation) and individual costs (like accommodations). We base our pricing on quality service and direct relationships with local providers. After we finalize your itinerary details, we’ll send a complete breakdown of costs.
Booking and Payment
How do I confirm my booking with Terra Maya?
Once we agree on your complete itinerary, services, and pricing, we’ll require a deposit to reserve all services with our local partners. We’ll send payment instructions via email. Reservations with hotels, guides, and transportation providers can only be confirmed after receiving your deposit.
What payment methods does Terra Maya accept?
Payment methods and procedures will be explained in detail via email once your itinerary is confirmed. Contact us for specific information about international transfers, online payment options, and deposit requirements for your Mexico trip.
Travel Logistics in Mexico
What is private transportation with Terra Maya?
Private transportation means a vehicle with a Spanish-speaking driver (typically Mexican) reserved exclusively for your group. The driver handles all navigation and logistics, with their expenses included in your trip cost. For groups of three or fewer, we provide a comfortable sedan. Larger groups receive an appropriately sized van. This option eliminates concerns about driving conditions, navigation, or vehicle maintenance in Mexico.
What is an autotour (self-drive trip) with Terra Maya?
An autotour is a flexible self-drive program that includes rental car, hotel accommodations with breakfast, local guides at specific stops, and entrance fees where guides are provided. Terra Maya supplies detailed day-by-day directions, kilometer distances, and must-see recommendations for each destination. You’ll have scheduled guide appointments at certain locations and free time to explore independently at others. Some activities like cenote snorkeling or kayaking are pre-arranged and included.
Your trip begins with an English-speaking Terra Maya representative meeting you at the airport to facilitate rental car pickup with Hertz, provide maps and a phone card, and answer any questions. Our 24/7 emergency support remains available throughout your self-drive Mexico journey.
Best Time to Visit Mexico
When is the best season to travel to Mexico with Terra Maya?
Mexico offers excellent travel conditions year-round. All Terra Maya itineraries can be completed in any season without major restrictions. The country does experience regional rainy seasons, generally from August through November, when afternoon precipitation increases. However, rain can occur anywhere in Mexico throughout the year; the volume simply varies by season. Northern desert regions follow different weather patterns.
Choosing the “best” time for destinations like Riviera Maya or Mexico City depends on personal preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.
When should I avoid traveling to Mexico?
We recommend avoiding peak Mexican holiday periods when domestic tourism surges: December through January (Christmas and New Year), Semana Santa or Holy Week (early April), and Día de Muertos or Day of the Dead (November 1-2). During these periods, Mexico’s 100 million residents travel extensively within their own country. Coastal destinations become especially crowded, hotels and restaurants book completely, beaches fill up, and prices increase significantly. Many hotels implement minimum stay requirements and all-inclusive mandatory packages during peak seasons.
What is the best time for whale watching in Mexico?
Gray whales visit Baja California from mid-December through late April. For optimal whale watching experiences with Terra Maya, we recommend:
February offers the best viewing as mother whales with newborn calves are more relaxed and approachable.
Protected viewing locations include Ojo de Liebre Lagoon (Scammon’s Lagoon), San Ignacio Bay, and Magdalena Bay. These whales are legally protected, and viewing is permitted only from authorized boats.
Here are a few exemples of tours tha oyr agency organises in Mexico
Baja California: Mountains, Beaches and Deserts of Mexico
Treasures of the Mayan world tour: Mexico and Guatemala trip
Yucatán, nature and authentic encounters
Off the Beaten Path Tour in Mexico Travel Itinerary in Chiapas
