Itinerary - Mexico: Discovering Yucatan from Cancun to Mayan Ruins

Roundtrip flights or transportation to reach the destination are not included in the package, so you can decide from where and when you want to leave! This gives you complete freedom of choice to adjust your travel itinerary to your needs.

Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel in Cancun and get ready to discover the city's vibrant nightlife. We'll kick off the tour with a celebration, indulging in delicious tacos, guacamole and of course, tequila. Cheers to the start of an unforgettable journey!

We're kicking off our Mexican adventure in style!

Today's first stop is Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve - literally paradise on earth. We will take a boat tour on the river and we will be able to observe many of the animal species that inhabit this place - birds, flamingos, crocodiles and more!

Next, we will have the opportunity to observe Las Coloradas, an incredible area of the Rio Lagartos reserve. You won't believe your eyes when you see the lagoon and salt marshes here. The water has the most extraordinary color, thanks to tiny crustaceans that release a substance turning it pink! Get your cameras ready because even the least Instagrammers among us won't be able to resist capturing this magical sight!

After a satisfying lunch, we hit the road towards Ek Balam, but not without treating ourselves to a quick refreshing dip first. We make a stop at a cenote, those magnificent caves where natural freshwater pools form. It's the perfect way to escape the scorching midday heat! Once the temperatures become more bearable, we continue our journey to uncover the mysteries of the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam. Its name, derived from the Mayan language, translates to "black jaguar," indicating its significance and grandeur. This powerful city boasts incredible paintings, vaults, and complex murals. We ascend the main Acropolis, a towering structure that reaches 32 meters in height, granting us a breathtaking aerial view of the entire archaeological site. It's a sight like no other!

As evening approaches, we reach Valladolid. We will take a stroll through the charming town center starting at Francisco Canton colonial square where we'll be immersed in a magical atmosphere reminiscent of a Zorro film. We'll visit the impressive San Sevasio Cathedral, the vibrant San Bernardino da Siena Convent with its colorful murals, and the Iglesia de Candelaria. To beat the heat, we'll take a refreshing dip in the breathtaking Xkeken and Samula cenotes, known for their beauty and popularity among photographers.

This morning we embark on a journey to explore Chichén Itzá, one of the world's most magnificent and well-preserved archaeological sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World has endured violent conflicts throughout history. Fortunately, it remains an exceptional example of Mayan architecture. Here, we can imagine ourselves playing in one of the largest Pelota Fields in all of Yucatan, where the Maya practiced a sport similar to football.

After this incredible dive into history, we head to Cenote Santa Barbara for a well-deserved lunch. This cenote, with its freshwater pools nestled in caves, offers a truly enchanting experience in close communion with nature. We take our time to relish our meal and fully appreciate the magical surroundings before retracing our steps back to our van. Our destination for the evening is the vibrant city of Mérida.

This morning, we explore the vibrant city of Mérida. For history enthusiasts, there's the option to visit the ruins of Kinich Kak Moo, where we can climb the pyramid for a panoramic view. Alternatively, those craving beach vibes can choose to visit Playa de Progreso, a stunning beach with turquoise waters. In the evening, Mérida comes alive with bustling stalls and music. It's the perfect time to raise a toast with traditional Mezcal and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Let the festivities begin!

Today, we visit Uxmal, a very impressive archaeological site that exudes an aura of mystery. Legend has it that if we clap our hands at the Temple of the Soothsayer's steep staircase, we may hear the sacred Quetzal bird chirping. Uxmal, meaning "city built three times," holds the story of a king with prophetic abilities. We'll encounter the fascinating masks of Chaac, the rain god, and be accompanied by charming iguanas throughout our journey. The allure of Uxmal awaits us!

In the afternoon we can choose to either visit the Chocolate Museum in Uxmal, or discover the art of making the sombrero - one of the symbols of Mexican culture. Although it may seem ominous, a culture also expresses itself through its funeral rituals and a stop at the Pomuch Cemetery could reveal something really interesting. If, on the other hand, we still want archaeological sites, we can stop at the Edzna site. But the options don't end there, for a true spiritual experience we can also arrange to enjoy a Temazcal - a type of ceremonial sauna typical of pre-Hispanic indigenous peoples. After our activity, we continue our adventure and head to Campeche, where we spend the night.

Early start today! 4 hours journey awaits us to reach the Xpujil area in the heart of Yucatan. Today's highlight will be Calakmul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over a thousand structures, the site boasts two remarkable stone giants that stand over 50 meters tall. Climbing the stairs of these giants rewards us with a breathtaking view of the surrounding jungle. Unlike the previous sites we've visited, Calakmul is immersed in the lush greenery that characterises Central America, creating a truly mesmerising experience for our eyes and souls.

Afterwards, two days of relaxation await! Whether it's Bacalar or Mahahual, our coordinator will reveal our final destination. With the first part of our trip completed, it's time to fully enjoy the remaining days in Mexico!

If we choose to stay in Bacalar, we'll discover a breathtaking lagoon known as the "seven-coloured lagoon" by the Mayans. The water here resembles the Caribbean, displaying an incredible array of shades of blue. Can we accurately identify all seven colours with their Pantone numbers? Let's enjoy this paradise and consider taking a boat trip to fully immerse ourselves in its beauty. We'll spend the night in Bacalar, witnessing a spectacular sunset that is truly unforgettable.

Alternatively, if we opt for Mahahual, we'll be greeted by a picture-perfect village overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. White sandy beaches shaded by palm trees invite us to relax, while the shallow and crystal-clear waters are ideal for diving and snorkeling. The pedestrian street is lined with charming shops and restaurants, offering delightful experiences to explore. If we feel like a day trip, we can easily visit the seven-coloured lagoon in Bacalar, just an hour away. As the day comes to a close, we'll return to Mahahual to unwind and enjoy the evening, perhaps right on the beach.

A must-visit classic destination about 3 hours from Bacalar is the incredible Tulum. Known for its fortress, pristine white sand beach and crystal-clear waters, Tulum is one of Mexico's most iconic locations. Exploring the ancient city is a must, but the allure of the sea is irresistible. Time to dive into the waves and enjoy a perfect day by the beach. In the late afternoon, we say goodbye to Tulum and head to Playa del Carmen where we can enjoy the evening - and the night with some movida the Mexican way!

This morning, we have the option to explore the impressive Tulum Archaeological Site, including must-see attractions such as the Templo de las Pinturas, El Castillo, the Temple of the Wind God, El Palacio, the Temple of the Stele, and the Temple of the Descending God. Reluctantly bidding farewell to Tulum, our next stop is the unforgettable Playa del Carmen. Famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and stunning coral reef, it's a must-visit destination. We'll even spend a night there to fully experience the city's lively nightlife, with its bustling bars, restaurants, and music venues. This evening will undoubtedly be one to remember!

For our final two days in Mexico, we're soaking up the sea before heading off to paradise!

If you're visiting between April and September, we'll set course for Holbox. Haven't heard of it? That's exactly why we picked it—this hidden gem is perfect for some tranquility. If you're traveling between October and March, though, we'll head to the more popular Isla Mujeres instead.

Either way, we're steering clear of the Riviera Maya's busier spots, making way for total relaxation among stunning beaches, great vibes, and gorgeous waters.

Each day, we’ll decide how to spend our time—whether it’s a boat tour, snorkeling, biking, or even exploring a nearby island, there's no shortage of options! And, if we're in Holbox from mid-May to mid-September, we can even take on the unforgettable experience of swimming (no cage needed!) with the gentle giants of the ocean: whale sharks.

On our last day, it's time to say goodbye to Holbox and make our way back to Cancun. We might feel a twinge of sadness, but the incredible memories we've made will stay with us forever. In Cancun, we have a full day to explore. For those craving a final dive into Mayan history, we can check out the museum or visit the El Meco or El Rey archaeological sites. If we're looking to soak up the sun, we can head to popular beaches like Playa Tortugas. And of course, we can't forget about indulging in delicious tacos, tortillas, cervezas, and tequila to celebrate our Mexican adventure together. Let's toast and hit the dance floor for an unforgettable evening!

Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!