Mexico honeymoon: nature & island bliss

Cancun Airport - Cancun

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun

Your tour begins with your arrival at the Cancun Airport. From here, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and prepare for your amazing Mexican tour over the coming days.

Cancun - Tuxtla Guitérrez - San Cristobal De Las Casas

Day 2: Ride on a Boat to Sumidero Canyon

Wake up and get ready to go to the airport for your flight to Chiapas. Once you arrive in Tuxtla Gutierrez, capital of Chiapas, you will get into your vehicle and travel to the Sumidero Canyon, a natural canyon with the Grijalva River running through it. Hop on to a boat along with other travelers to explore the canyon that began forming more than a hundred million years ago. As the boat goes along the river, you can see the superb canyon with its imposing height that reaches more than 800 meters.

After your boat ride, you will proceed to the beautiful city of Chiapa de Corzo, located along the river. It has a very ancient history and wonderful structures in different architectural styles including Moorish and Renaissance. Enjoy a visit here before heading to San Cristobal de las Casas where you will rest for the night.

Tonina Archeological Site - Agua Azul Waterfalls - Palenque

Day 3: Visit Tonina Site and Agua Azul Waterfall

Today, you will journey in the direction of Palenque. En route, you will stop to visit a Mayan archaeological site–Tonina–that is not as well-known as some of the others but equally fascinating. Walk along the site to discover the ruins of the temple pyramids, a large ballgame court, and other monuments that tell the story of a time gone by. You will then continue to your next stop, a scenic one in the form of the spectacular Agua Azul waterfalls. Flowing in cascades over a series of natural steps creating pools of water and surrounded by greenery, the waterfall creates a stunning visual. There are areas to swim in the pools of the waterfall as well.

Later, you will arrive in Palenque where you will rest for the night.

Palenque - Yaxchilan - Bonampak

Day 4: See the Superb Yaxchilan and Bonampak Sites

You can never get enough of the splendid Mayan sites in Chiapas and you will discover two more today. Start off early and have breakfast on the way. After you arrive in Frontera Corozal, you will go on a motor boat ride along the Usumacinta River to Yaxchilan (Green Stones). Take a tour of this amazing site located amidst a jungle with its fabulous structures. It will take you back to the time of the Mayas. Return to Frontera Corozal for a meal and then continue your exploration of the ancient world at the Bonampak archaeological site situated deep in the Lacandon jungle. One of the main aspects that makes Bonampak unique is the series of exquisite murals that have survived even after all these years. You can see the paintings of human figures depicting royal life and battles that are a great form of visual storytelling.

Return to Palenque for the night.

Palenque Archeological Site - Calakmul

Day 5: Explore the Spectacular Ruins at Palenque

Home to one of the most popular and largest Maya sites, Palenque is on your itinerary for the day. Set out in the morning for a three-hour tour of the Palenque archaeological site during which you will explore various structures. It has some of the most splendid architecture and carvings that can be found in Mayan sites, and well-preserved ruins. You will discover the Temple of the Skull, Temple of the Red Queen, the Temple of the Inscriptions or King Pakal’s tomb, the palace, and the ball game court on your visit. Next, you will explore the museum with various exhibits including original pieces from various eras and a replica of Pakal’s tomb.

Head to Calakmul in the state of Campeche for an overnight stay.

Calakmul Reserve And Archeological Site - bacalar

Day 6: Discover the Calakmul Nature Reserve and Site

Get off to an early start as you make your way to the captivating archaeological site of Calakmul, located in a natural biosphere reserve. Pack a box lunch from the hotel since the site is in a remote place with no eatery services. After a journey of around 90 minutes, you will enter the biosphere. Early morning is a good time to spot animals and you may be able to see a few. If you are really lucky, you may even see a jaguar as these wild cats inhabit the reserve.

After a while, you will find yourself at the extensive archaeological site with some structures half covered in jungle vegetation. You can imagine what the place looked like when it was a major Mayan city back in the day. Take some interesting photographs before traveling to Bacalar in the state of Quintana Roo. Check in at your hotel for a good night’s rest. 

bacalar

Day 7: Enjoy a Catamaran Ride on Lake Bacalar

Today’s all about some water fun and relaxation. A taxi will pick you up after breakfast and take you to the idyllic Lake Bacalar. Here, you will get on board a lightweight catamaran for a three-hour tour of the large and serene lake. Enjoy this fun, safe and eco-friendly activity on the crystal-clear waters. Take in the views of the water in lovely shades of blue as you sail along. You will also discover cenotes–sinkholes with water–on your tour. Just sit back, unwind and enjoy the picturesque ambience.

After the end of your tour, you can relax and spend your time as you wish in beautiful Bacalar.

bacalar - Mayan Community Of Chunhuhub

Day 8: Spend Time in A Mayan Community

You have time to sleep-in or laze around in the morning as you will travel to your next destination only at noon. A driver will pick you up to take you to the community of Chunhuhub where you can delve deeper into Mayan culture. Check-in at your eco-lodge surrounded by the jungle, have lunch and rest. Afterwards, you will visit a traditional Mayan house, where you will be shown how the ancient Mayans lived as well as the meaning of the house.

Enjoy some time off until evening and then get ready to explore the vicinity with a two-hour night tour. You will embark on a mystical trek, before which, a purification ritual is carried out. Begin your trek with a torch in hand and after some time, arrive at a meeting point. Here, tales and fables of the Mayan community will be shared while you enjoy a typical drink of the region, called Balché. Return to your eco-lodge for dinner and an overnight stay.

Chunhuhub - Uxmal

Day 9: Go on a Jungle Trek

Rise early and munch on a light snack before setting out into the jungle. You will see the interesting process of extracting resin from the trees, which is used to make chewing gum. As you walk around, see the wonderful flora that is of immense use to the community. Learn about medicinal plants and other aspects of the area. After your trek, satisfy your hunger pangs with a delicious breakfast. Shower and rest for a while before bidding goodbye to your hosts. Journey to the next destination on your tour–Uxmal–with a stop for lunch en route.

Check in at your hotel in Uxmal for the night.

Uxmal Archeological Site - Mérida - Valladolid

Day 10: Take a Tour of the Splendid Uxmal Site

Today, you will explore an impressive Mayan site–Uxmal in Yucatán state. Uxmal means thrice-built in Mayan and refers to the imposing Pyramid of the Magician. This is the highest structure here built on top of existing pyramids. Five stages of construction have been found in this huge structure. On a guided visit, walk around to see the pyramid and other constructions with beautiful carvings at this amazing site. Uxmal was among the largest cities of the Yucatan Peninsula on the Puuc Route with a Mayan community numbering around 20,000.

Leave this impressive site behind as you continue to Valladolid. Along the way, make a stop at Merida for lunch and get a glimpse of this cultural hub with a colonial past. After you arrive in Valladolid, you have a free evening.

Valladolid - Chichen Itza - Holbox

Day 11: Marvel at the Impressive Chichen Itza

Set out early to visit one of the topmost Mayan sites–the ceremonial center of Chichen Itza. On a guided visit, you will explore this iconic site that was one of the most outstanding capitals of this Mayan region. See the well-preserved structures standing proud against the scenic landscape and understand more details about Mayan culture. Take a good look at the majestic Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo) with stairways on all sides to the top, the Temple of the Warriors, and other fascinating structures.

After the visit, if you wish, you can go to a lovely cenote run by a cooperative which is less known and has a restaurant. After this, continue to Chiquilá from where you will take a ferry to Holbox Island, your temporary home for the next few days.

Holbox

Day 12: Feel Bliss at Idyllic Holbox Island

Now that you have experienced the history, nature and culture of Mexico, it’s time to relax by the coastal waters with over a week on the sublime Holbox Island. Discover the pleasures of doing simply nothing, just enjoying the beautiful beaches and the simple moments of life.

Holbox

Day 13: Have Fun at the Beach

Wake up to beautiful views on the island paradise of Holbox. Laze on the beach or just go around on golf cart taxis or bicycles from place to place as no other vehicles are allowed. Kayak or boat tours too are a great way to have fun on the island.

Holbox

Day 14: Stroll, Swim and Unwind

Spend the day at leisure walking along the beaches, going for a refreshing swim or just lazing on the shore.

Holbox

Day 15: Explore Holbox Island

Holbox is full of wonderful experiences. There are no typical tourist traps, just authentic local activities. Relax on a sundeck or go exploring–it’s your choice.

Holbox

Day 16: Relish Time at Leisure

Use your free time as you wish. Walk along the roads on the island to take a look at local life or interact with other tourists. The roads will give you a glimpse of wonderful street art. In the evenings, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset views from different parts of the island.

Holbox

Day 17: Live the Island Life

With the beautiful waters, lovely shores and a tranquil ambience, Holbox is the perfect place to relax. In the evenings, you can head to a bar if you want to. All through your stay here, you can savor the amazing cuisine especially seafood.

Holbox

Day 18: Relax on the Beach

It’s your last complete day on Holbox Island. Linger on the beach and feel the bliss!

Holbox - Cancun

Day 19: Journey to Cancun

Have a lazy morning before heading to the port to take your ferry to Chiquilá. From here, you will proceed to Cancún and spend the night there.

Cancun - Cancun Airport

Day 20: Goodbye, Mexico!

After a fabulous tour over all these days, you will be taken to the Cancún airport to catch your flight. Safe travels!