Modern Adventure makes the Fast Company list of the world's most innovative travel companies in 2020.

Stimulate Every Sense
Experience Yucatán's rich traditions and culinary heritage with Chef Mary Sue Milliken
March 24 - 29, 2023
One exclusive departure—reserve your spot today!
6 Days, 5 Nights
Best of the Yucatán including Mérida, Chichén Ítza, Uxmal, Vallodolid
Price from
$4,800
Per person based on double occupancy
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
You wake up and wander the colorful market stalls, each overflowing with bright vegetables and earthy spices as the smoky aroma of pit-roasted pork beckons you towards the best breakfast you’ve ever had. Though it’s hard to believe, in just a few hours you’ll be floating in the ethereal blue waters of a cenote as the jungle canopy brims with birdsong. You’ve already witnessed so much of the true Yucatán; you’ve explored Mayan ruins, met local artists in their home studios, and explored the region’s vibrant colonial towns. And tonight, you’ll toast the entire experience—after a traditional poc chuc meal of marinated pork—in the lush garden of a 17th-century hacienda, accompanied by a million stars. This is the authentic Yucatán, and there’s nothing like it.
With us on this incredible journey is Mary Sue Milliken, the James Beard and Julia Child award-winning chef and author, and co-owner of LA’s iconic Border Grill restaurants and trucks, Socalo Santa Monica, BBQ Mexicana and Pacha Mamas in Las Vegas. This isn’t just any Modern Adventure with Mary Sue, it’s a trip to the Yucatán that showcases the land, food, and culture, an opportunity to taste what it means to make authentic, modern, and sustainable Mexican cuisine.
If your idea of the perfect adventure involves slowing down and experiencing a place deeply, join us for a dose of Mexico few outsiders experience. Learn the meaning and tradition behind every bite, and experience the Yucatán at its most timeless and delicious.

Savor
Slow-cooked cochinita pibil, traditional street foods, specially prepared Yucatecan feasts
Explore
Ancient Mayan temples, underground cenotes, colonial towns and tropical forests
Meet
Traditional makers and local craftspeople, and modern artists in home studios
Connect
With Yucatán's culture and cuisine, and with like-minded travelers alongside Chef Mary Sue Milliken
3 Reasons to Travel with Mary Sue
When Mary Sue Milliken starts talking about Mexican food, specifically from the Yucatán, you can’t help but feel transported (or hungry) as she describes her recipe for cochinita pibil, or the perfect color of annatto seeds, or the textures of a seville orange when you run your finger along its skin. She’s an absolute force. We can’t wait to climb pyramids, cook, and learn alongside her.

The Trophy Case
Mary Sue’s accolades could fill an entire page, but the short list includes: the Julia Child Award, Los Angeles Times’ annual Gold Award, Top Chef Masters finalist, and multiple James Beard nods (and wins).
A Force for Good
Since the beginning of her career, Mary Sue has always been an advocate. As a No Kid Hungry/Share our Strength and James Beard Foundation board member, founder of the Regarding Her nonprofit, and thought leader in sustainable seafood practices, Mary Sue finds joy in helping move the hospitality business in the right direction for people and the planet.
Mexico on Her Mind
When it comes to the Yucatán, Mary Sue can’t wait to explore and reminisce—she first visited the Yucatán in the 1980s, and has been back many times since—in a destination that sparked her impressive career. Every shared meal and renewed connection will make each and every dinner a transformational experience.
Your Experience

“Travel is my church. It's sort of what I am. It's irresistible.”
Mérida, Chichén Ítza, Uxmal, Temozón



“The part of the Yucatán that I find so amazing is the overlap of Mayan and European culture.”
Where We Sleep

Footsteps from colonial city scenes or tucked inside a tropical forest, our boutique hotels make you feel right at home in the Yucatán's most stunning locations.
Künük Hotel Boutique
MéridaThe perfect basecamp in colonial Mérida, this intimate boutique hotel offers soft-spoken luxury and a glimpse into the city's storied past. The walls of all 13 rooms are lined with chocum, both an aesthetic complement to the colonial aura and a homage to Mayan architecture. Exquisite add-ons include a pristine pool and a can't-miss cocktail bar.

Hacienda Temozón
TemozónArriving to this forested hacienda wonderland will stop you in your tracks. Green gardens and candle-lit walkways lead to this stunning, sophisticated hotel refashioned from a hacienda built in the 1600s. Dark-wood furnishings and century-old black-and-white tile floors adorn the high-ceiling rooms. Sitting areas look through shuttered doorways into a sea of tropical forest and a row of stray pillars jutting from the expansive pool. Is this real? Yes, and it’s the ideal base for our Yucatán adventures.

People Love MO/AD’s Yucatán
I loved eating goat just after it was lifted from the pit, sipping on a mezcal.
This is more than just a trip. It’s authentic and joyful, and a powerful reminder of why we travel.
The meals made for us in local homes were just heavenly.
Book Yucatán with Mary Sue Milliken
Questions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.
-
What does the price include?
Five nights at luxury boutique accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and most dinners; local beverages with meals.
-
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; activities, food and beverage not included in itinerary; gratuity for tour leader.
-
Where does this trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at the Künük Hotel Boutique in Mérida, Mexico. The closest airport is the Mérida International Airport (MID). Our trip ends at our hacienda in Temozón; on our last day, we’ll organize an airport transfer to Mérida’s MID airport. Your flight home should be scheduled to depart at 1pm or later.
-
Who is going on this trip?
Our adventures typically have between 10 and 20 guests, and our Modern Adventure Team. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
-
Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure Trip Leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
-
What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are not required to have a visa for tourist visits to Mexico, but are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. On arrival in the airport, you will be issued a visitor’s permit, known as a FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple). For citizens of other countries, please check with the Mexico Embassy or Consulate for information and requirements.
-
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $1,500 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room.
-
Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.
-
What is the cancelation policy?
You may cancel before November 24, 2022 and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after November 25, 2022, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after January 23, 2022 there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being cancelled (see our Terms and Conditions for full details).