Mexico is way too big to just have one route. You can opt to just visit the Yucatan peninsula where you start in Cancun, add city flavours with visits to Merida and Campeche. Put in an island or 2 with either Ilsa Mujeres or Isla Holbox or both. Calakmul will appeal to the jungle lovers as well as Palenque and the lagoon of Bacalar is really still off the beaten track. You can of course also start in bustling Mexico City and then work your way down via the amazing towns of Oaxaca and Puebla where can feel the corazon of Mexico beat at full strength. You can then chose to head for Chiapas or directly to Yucatan but whatever you chose the trip will be memorable.
Day 1 & 2
Upon arrival in Cancun all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. In roughly one hour we take you to Playa del Carmen. Here you have 2 nights to get adjusted to the tropics. Discover the 5th avenue which is the heart of the town. Amazing food and lots of people to look at. Of course there is the beach but if you want to get active then that is no problem at all. Visit the amazing Disney like parcs of Xcaret or Xnotes but a much more natural excursion like the Rio Secreto or Kantun Chi is also an amazing start of your trip.
Day 3
We make sure you get your rental car and you head to the famous ruins of Chichen Itza. We advise you to visit them in the late afternoon or the early morning when the crowds are just not there yet. The place is amazing even though it is no longer allowed to climb the pyramids themselves. Nearby there is an amazing cenote you might want to check out. Cenotes are sinkholes that have turned into an ecological paradise.
Day 4
Today starts with a drive to the sea. At Rio Lagartos your guide will be waiting for you to take you on a boat tour which crosses the mangroves. You should be on the lookout for crocodiles, raccoons and armadillos. Then you head for the salt pans and an abundance of flamingos. Then you head for Merida where your taste buds will be tickled.
Day 5
A full day to discover this amazing city. Lots of churches and squares give it a distinct colonial feel and then there is really a multitude of amazing restaurants where you can spoil your inner self. If you really want to have a Mayan food experience we will be happy to organise a cooking class for you. If you love just the eating part then head on down to Kuuk for an amazing authentic Mayan food experience!
Day 6 & 7
On the way to Campeche be sure to visit Uxmal where the Temple of the Sorcerer will be a highlight of your trip as it is one of the most impressive pyramids around. Campeche is a super laid back town which is super fun to discover. You might not know this but if you feel like chilling on a beach, no problem! The old fort walls are the other highlights of this cosy town.
Day 8 & 9
If Mayan temples are your thing then head for Edzna before driving onto Xpujil. You will notice that the selva (jungle) is closing in on you and at Xpujil we highly recommend to take a day and drive to Calakmul. A city found deep inside the jungle and this gives you the opportunity to spot wildlife which might even include a jaguar but is more likely to be dotted with colourful toucans and coatis! In any case this will be a highlight of your trip.
Day 10 & 11
The turquoise waters of the Laguna Bacalar are your next stop and it is time to start winding down slowly. Take a canoe across the lagune and look for colourful kingfishers while enjoying amazing views.
Day 12 – 14
You head for Cancun, drop your rental car and head for the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Even though it is right opposite funky Cancun, it still has a remarkable relaxed feel about it. The beaches are as tropical as you would want and there are beach clubs for every taste and budget. From June to September be sure to include an excursion to the whale sharks that visit the area and try the north of the island if you feel like snorkelling!
Day 15
Take the ferry back to the main land and we will be there to take you to the airport after which you fly back home.
