Itinerary - Mexico: the Yucatan of the Maya

Experience the best of Mexico with the flexibility to choose your own flight itinerary. Roundtrip flights are not included, giving you the freedom to decide where to depart from, at what time, and with which airline. 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 start off our journey by saying goodbye to Cancun and hitting the road. Our first stop is a small slice of paradise, the picturesque town of Las Coloradas in the Rio Lagartos biosphere reserve. This unique destination is known for its striking pink water, a result of the tiny crustaceans that release a substance that colours the water. Get your cameras ready, as this pink hotspot is sure to be a highlight of the tour for everyone, even the most camera-shy among us. Prepare to be mesmerised by the beauty of this natural wonder, and capture the perfect shot of this once-in-a-lifetime destination.

After lunch, we'll set off to the ancient Mayan city of Ek Balam, but not before taking a break to cool off in a cenote, a natural freshwater pool formed in caves. The perfect way to beat the heat of the afternoon. Upon arrival, we'll discover the rich history of the Maya civilization as we explore the powerful city of Ek Balam, whose name in the ancient Mayan language means "black jaguar." Admire the intricate paintings, vaults and murals as we climb the main Acropolis, 32 meters high to take in the unique view of the archaeological site from above. As the day comes to an end, we'll arrive in Valladolid for our welcome dinner and overnight stay.

This morning, we'll take a short tour of the charming town of Valladolid, starting with a stroll through the colonial Francisco Canton Square, the heart of the town. The atmosphere here is truly magical and will transport you to the world of a Zorro film. Visit the majestic San Servasio Cathedral, originally dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and later to San Gervasio, the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, known for its colorful external murals and the Iglesia de Candelaria. As the heat starts to rise, cool off by diving into one of the most beautiful and photographed cenotes in Mexico, Xkeken and Samula.

We set off to discover one of the most beautiful and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world, Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Despite its history of violent wars, Chichén Itzá has been masterfully preserved, making it one of the best examples of Mayan construction in the world. Here, you'll have the opportunity to experience the ancient Mayan sport of Pelota Field, similar to football, on one of the largest fields in the Yucatan. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the Kukulkan temple offers a fascinating optical illusion, where the god Kukulkan, a feathered serpent, appears to descend the 365 steps of the temple. Rest assured, we'll be here at the right time to witness this spectacular phenomenon. In the evening, we'll reach the enchanting colonial city of Izamal, also known as the magical pueblo of Mexico, where we'll spend the evening.

We'll start the day by exploring the charming town of Izamal, known as the "yellow city" due to its buildings painted in saffron yellow. This town offers a unique blend of three different cultures, Mayan, Spanish, and Mexican. We'll visit the four grand pyramids, the Convent of Sant'Antonio da Padova and the atrium, the second-largest arcaded courtyard in the world. After immersing ourselves in so much culture, we'll visit one of the many local workshops where you can purchase authentic handmade crafts as a souvenir of your trip.

In the afternoon, we'll have the opportunity to discover the ruins of Kinich Kak Moo, where we'll climb the pyramid to take in the breathtaking view. Immerse yourself in the magic of this natural setting. We'll then head towards Merida, known as the "white city" due to the limestone used to construct its buildings and monuments. The city is also called "white city" due to its cleanliness, according to its inhabitants. Take a stroll through the historic center, admiring its fortified, modern and cosmopolitan atmosphere, filled with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shops. In the evening, Merida comes alive with street vendors and music. So, let's raise a glass to the traditional Mezcal and cheers to those brave enough to try the worm!

Today we embark on a journey to the beautiful archaeological site of Uxmal, where a sense of mystery will envelop us from the moment we arrive. Legend has it that if you clap your hands in front of the steep staircase of the Temple of the Soothsayer, you'll hear the chirping of the sacred bird of the Maya, the Quetzal. Let's put it to the test! The name Uxmal means "city built three times" and it is said that a king who could predict the future once lived in this Mayan temple. We'll admire the mask of Chaac, the god of rain, in several temples, and the fascinating iguanas that will accompany us throughout our journey. Be warned, they may keep a watchful eye on us!

In the afternoon, we'll delve deeper into the history and mystery of the ancient Lol Tun caves. With origins dating back to the Maya civilization, these caves are a true treasure trove of history and art. Inside, you'll be awestruck by the intricate rock paintings that have been preserved for centuries, depicting the daily lives, beliefs and customs of the ancient Maya people. But the human presence in these caves extends far beyond the Maya civilization, as evidenced by the discovery of bones from animals such as cats, mammoths, and bison. This discovery suggests that the caves were used by human populations dating back to the Pleistocene era. As we explore the caves, we'll be accompanied by the fascinating iguanas that call the caves their home. After the visit, we'll continue our journey and head towards the charming city of Campeche, where we'll spend the night, taking in the sights, sounds and culture of this enchanting place.

As tomorrow promises to be an action-packed day, we thought we'd take it a little easier today and explore some lesser-known gems of the Mayan civilization. We have the option of visiting the Museum of Mayan Masks, to gain more insight before our visit to Calakmul, or visiting the less-crowded archaeological site of Edzna, where we can leisurely explore the ancient ruins. After a day of discovery, we'll return to Campeche in the evening and enjoy a delicious meal together, sampling some of the local specialties. Afterwards, we can spend the evening taking in the sights and sounds of the city, whether it's strolling through the streets or taking a walk along the scenic promenade.

After an early start, we'll embark on a 4-hour journey by van to the heart of the Yucatan, in the Xpujil area, where we'll spend the day exploring the breathtaking ruins of Calakmul. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient city boasts over a thousand buildings, with the towering "two stone giants" standing at over 50 meters tall. Climbing the 115 steps of the first and 150 of the second may be tiring, but the views of the surrounding jungle are well worth the effort. Unlike the other sites we've visited, Calakmul is nestled in the midst of Central America's lush nature, providing a feast for the eyes and soul. We'll return to Xpuijil tired but with minds full of incredible memories. The first part of our journey is over, and now it's time to fully embrace the rest of our time in Mexico and make the most of it!

We're taking it easy this morning, there's no rush. For those who want to continue exploring the rich Mayan heritage of the Yucatan, we have the option of visiting the archaeological site of Balamku, where a 20-meter painted frieze is perfectly preserved. Or, for those who are eager to experience the sea, we can bid farewell to the inland and head to Bacalar to get a taste of what's to come in the following days...

Bacalar is truly a hidden gem, often referred to as the "lagoon of seven colors" by the Maya. It's like stepping into the Caribbean with its crystal clear water and tropical atmosphere. We'll make the most of our time in this paradise, taking in all its natural beauty. For the adventure seekers among us, we can even take a boat trip on the lagoon to explore its many coves and inlets. As the day comes to a close, we'll have the opportunity to watch the sun dip below the horizon and spend the night in Bacalar, fully immersing ourselves in this idyllic setting.

No trip to Mexico would be complete without a visit to the iconic Tulum. Just a short drive from Bacalar, this ancient Mayan city is famous for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and impressive ruins. We'll spend the morning exploring the Tulum archaeological site, where we'll discover the Great Pyramid, the Temple of the Descending God and the Palace, to name just a few highlights. After working up an appetite, we'll take a refreshing dip in the ocean, the perfect way to cool off and relax. As the day comes to an end, we'll spend the evening in Tulum, enjoying the vibrant nightlife and all it has to offer, before retiring to our hotel. And don't worry, we have the whole next day to explore this beautiful place and make more memories!

Reluctantly we have to say goodbye to Tulum, but the next stop will be unforgettable: Have you ever heard of Holbox? If you haven't, then fear not, we chose it for a reason! Here, we are far away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera Maya, which means we can finally enjoy some peace and quiet!

Are you ready for paradise?

As our Mexican adventure comes to a close, we'll spend our last few days in the idyllic island of Holbox, where there are a plethora of activities to choose from. Depending on the season, we may have the opportunity to swim with the gentle giants, the whale sharks. Other options include taking a boat trip, snorkeling, cycling, or exploring nearby islands. On our final day, we'll depart from Holbox and return to either Playa del Carmen or Cancun. We'll leave as late as possible to make the most of our time in this paradise and arrive in time for a farewell dinner. We'll indulge in traditional Mexican cuisine, raise a glass of tequila and dance the night away at Coco Bongo to celebrate the memories we've made.

And with that, our journey comes to an end. It's time to check out, say goodbye to your newfound friends, and look forward to your next WeRoad adventure. The memories and experiences shared during this tour will stay with you forever. We hope to see you again soon on another WeRoad adventure soon.