Since 2012
Sharing the real Yucatán with travelers who want more than just photos.
How it started
Back in 2012, our founder Carlos was working as a guide for a big tour company. Every day, he'd watch buses packed with 50+ people rush through Chichén Itzá. Fifteen minutes here, ten minutes there. No time for questions. No real connection.
One evening, an American couple pulled him aside. "We want to come back tomorrow," they said. "Just us. Can you show us what we missed?"
That next day changed everything. Without the rush, Carlos could share the stories his grandfather told him—the ones you won't find in guidebooks. They spent three hours at the pyramid. They swam in a cenote locals actually use. They ate at his aunt's restaurant.
"This is what travel should feel like," the couple said.
Carlos agreed. Two weeks later, he quit his job and started PrimeOne Tours with one van and a dream: to show people the Yucatán the way he grew up experiencing it.
What makes us different
Want to spend an extra 20 minutes at the pyramid? Go for it. Our tours move at your pace, not ours.
Most of our tours are private. When we do groups, it's max 8 people. You'll actually hear your guide.
Our team isn't reading from scripts. They're sharing their culture, their stories, their favorite spots.
We eat where locals eat. We swim where locals swim. You're not a tourist—you're a guest.
"We're not trying to be the biggest tour company. We're trying to be the one you tell your friends about."
We're a small crew. Everyone here actually leads tours—no suits in offices making decisions about places they've never been.
Founder & Lead Guide
Born in Valladolid, grew up listening to his grandfather's Maya stories. Certified guide for 15 years. Knows every cenote within 100km.
Fun fact: Can identify 47 bird species by their call
Operations & Guest Relations
The one who makes sure everything runs smoothly. Answers your emails at 11pm because she genuinely cares you have a great trip.
Fun fact: Makes the best cochinita pibil in Cancún
Senior Guide
Former archaeologist who traded the dig site for the tour van. His passion for Maya history is contagious.
Fun fact: Has a collection of 200+ obsidian arrowheads
Guide & Photographer
The guy behind those Instagram-worthy shots. Also happens to know everything about cenote geology.
Fun fact: Swims in a cenote every single day
Plus a rotating crew of 8 other certified guides, all locals who grew up in the Yucatán. You'll meet them on your tour.
They're in every decision we make, every tour we run, every person we hire.
We don't stage experiences. If a cenote is crowded, we'll tell you. If a restaurant isn't great anymore, we'll skip it. Honesty builds trust.
These aren't just ruins—they're sacred sites. We teach proper etiquette, share real history, and never let anyone climb where they shouldn't.
We eat at family-owned restaurants. Buy from local artisans. Hire guides from nearby villages. Tourism should help, not harm.
We could run 10 tours a day. We don't. Our guides do max 2 tours daily so they're fresh, engaged, and genuinely excited to be there.
We're not a charity, but we believe business should benefit the community. Here's how we're doing that.
In 2019, we started working with Doña Rosa's restaurant in a tiny village near Chichén Itzá. She was cooking for maybe 10 people a week.
Now? She serves 40-50 of our guests weekly. She hired her daughter and nephew. They expanded the dining area. Her grandson is studying hospitality management in Mérida.
That's what sustainable tourism looks like. Not handouts—opportunities.
No crowds. No rushing. Just you, a great guide, and the real Mexico.
Join 50,000+ travelers who chose the real experience