9-day Mexico self-drive with Mayan discoveries

Cancun - Puerto Morelos

Day 1: Arrival in the Yucatan

After arriving in Cancun, you will be welcomed at the airport by a member of staff who will help you obtain your rental car. With the keys in your hand, you can set off on your Maya adventure and drive to your hotel in Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos - Valladolid - Kantemo

Day 2: Valladolid & the Snake Caves of Kantemó

After breakfast, drive to the charming colonial city of Valladolid. Explore its quaint cobblestone streets and marvel at the history and architecture of this unique town. Valladolid was built on the site of a Mayan city and many of the buildings in Valladolid were made from the rocks of the ruined pyramids and temples. In the late afternoon, you will be picked up from your hotel for an excursion to Kantemó to see a true natural spectacle - the Cave of the Hanging Snakes. You’ll first ride a bike to the entrance of the cave. Inside the cave, you will see the hanging boa snakes that crowd the ceiling and snatch bats as they exit the cave. You can also observe some perpetual darkness species such as the blind eel, blind shrimp and aquatic cochineal. The cave is also home to fascinating fossils that showcase the underwater history of the peninsula.

Valladolid

Day 3: Bike tour & swimming in cenotes

In the morning you will be picked up from your hotel to visit a local market, where you can buy some provisions for your bike tour. After a stop at a convent, you'll make tracks for one of the most beautiful cenotes, Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman, for a refreshing dip. Cycle on to Dzitnup where you can swim in two of the more famous cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Xkeken and Samula. Spend some time with local villagers in either Dzitnup or Xocén, where at around 12pm you will learn how to make traditional Mayan crafts and food, from tortillas to your own hammock. On the way back to your hotel, visit the little village of Chichimila, where your guide will explain more about the Caste War of Yucatan that began in 1847.

Cichen Itza - Izamal - Mérida

Day 4: Exploring Chichen Itza

After breakfast, set off to visit Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and Mexico's most famous and magnificently-restored archaeological site. Admire the monumental Temple of Kukulkan pyramid, also known as El Castillo, as well as a variety of other impressive constructions. You'll then visit the Yokdzonot Cenote for a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters, followed by the ochre-hued Monastery in Izamal, before enjoying some time to explore this small city's quiet cobblestone streets. Continue on to today’s final destination and check into your hotel in the attractive city of Merida.

Mérida - Uxmal - Campeche

Day 5: The ancient Maya city of Uxmal

In the morning, take some time to explore the historic centre of Merida, a colonial destination known as the Yucatan region's White City, and famed for its spectacular regional cuisine. Later, continue to the archaeological site of Uxmal, the second-most important Mayan city on the Yucatan Peninsula. Finally, end your day in the quaint port town of Campeche, where you’ll be spending the night.

Campeche - Xpujil

Day 6: Away from the crowds

Campeche is a small fishing town famous for its colourful houses and historic centre, which was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1999. Begin your day with a guided walk through Campeche and learn about the San Miguel Fort which protected the city against pirates. You will also visit the cathedral, the Zocalo plaza, the boardwalk, and San Roman Church. Enjoy a slower pace as you stroll the cobblestone streets of this authentic Mexican town, far away from the tourists of the Riviera Maya. You'll continue to the remote archaeological site of Xpujil, and in the afternoon check into your hotel in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.

Calakmul - bacalar

Day 7: The Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

You will be picked up at your hotel today for a tour of the hidden archaeological site of Calakmul. Deep in the jungles of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, these beautiful ruins are well off the beaten path - at one point, they were even a major centre of Maya power. Explore the numerous tombs, courtyards and temples of this magnificent site before making your way to the Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours. The lagoon has deep blue, turquoise and green tones and invites you to relax, perhaps kicking back in a hammock. You'll spend the night in this magical setting, in a small eco-lodge close to the water's edge. 

bacalar

Day 8: Soak up the Lagoon of Seven Colours

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing day admiring the beauty of the lagoon. We recommend an optional boat trip to explore the mangroves and unique regional flora and fauna. Right before sunset, you will head on a kayak tour of the lagoon: out on calm waters, quietly observe the surrounding wildlife as it settles for the night, and let your kayak glide effortlessly across clear waters. Admire the beautiful shades of the setting sun as your guide helps you spot local fauna and explains the unique nature of the mangroves. Then, return to shore and make your way back to your hotel for a relaxing last evening.

bacalar - Tulum

Day 9: Return to Tulum

Today, enjoy a leisurely breakfast with one last view of the lagoon, before continuing to Tulum to drop off your rental car.