On this Mexico Rental Car Tour you will stay in the Yucatan´s most majestic Haciendas while visiting the most spectacular sites of the region. These former Haciendas feature an area of up to many thousand hectares once used for the production of henequen and which are now immaculately maintained stately grounds. The Haciendas have been rebuilt into wonderful hotels. Each of them is unique in their very own way and combine the atmosphere of the 17th century with modern amenities and absolute luxury!
After arriving in Cancún, please pick up your luggage and go directly to the Rental Car Desk within the airport. They will arrange your transport to the Rental Car office where you will pick up your rental car. With the keys in your hand, you are off on your Yucatan adventure and can drive to your hotel. Overnight stay. (Meals: none)
After breakfast you will start your day with a visit to Cobá. Explore this large Maya archaeological site hidden away in the dense rain forest. Climb the highest pyramid where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the jungle canopy and surrounding lagoons. Afterwards, stop for lunch (optional) in a traditional Mexican restaurant located on the Lagoon of Coba. Afterwards continue to the Caves of Balancanché which were discovered only a few decades ago. Here you will explore the underworld of Xibalba where locations used for sacrifice remain untouched. They were used by Priests and Shamans to worship the ancestors and gods. Finally, head to the Hotel Hacienda Chichen Resort in Chichén Itzá, located next to the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. We recommend to visit the famous Light & Soundshow (optional) in the evening. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Distance: approx. 250 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 1/2 hours
After breakfast visit Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and Mexico’s most famous and magnificently restored archeological excavation. Admire the monumental Kukulkan pyramid, which is also known as “El Castillo” and a variety of other impressive constructions this magical place has to offer. Afterwards, stop at the wonderful Cenote Yokdzonot for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water. Around the cenote is a still typical Yucatecan Mayan village, which, with the support of the government, maintains the water hole, looks after the small restaurant and thus ensures the income of the inhabitants. Afterwards continue to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán and also known as the “white city”. Explore the charming historical center and visit the oldest Cathedral of the Americas and the Government Palace with its beautiful murals. Then continue to the breathtaking Hacienda Temozon. Enjoy the evening walking through the stately grounds or spoil yourself with a relaxing Maya massage (optional) before having dinner. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Distance: approx. 170 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 hours
Your first stop today is the ancient Hacienda Yaxcopoil, considered one of the most important sisal Haciendas of Yucatan in the 17th century. Feel transported back in the old history while admiring the original furnishings of the former residents and landlords. After that and if your tour is on Friday, you should stop in the Yucatec village Uman. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the weekly market of the Mayan population. The rest of the day will be of pure nature and relaxation. Continue to Celestún Beach where you can observe one of the most extensive flamingo colonies during a boat trip (optional) through the unique mangrove swamps. Enjoy your free afternoon afternoon to take a stroll and experience the amazing flora and fauna, relax on the beautiful beach or let one of the famous restaurants spoil you with delicious seafood (optional). Afterwards you will drive through many small Mayan villages to Hacienda Santa Rosa, where you will be enchanted by the intimacy of this 12-room Hacienda. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Distance: approx. 170 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 hours
Today you will visit the archaeological site of Uxmal, which is the Yucatan’s most important archeological excavation, apart from Chichén Itzá. The architecture of Uxmal is an example of that present in the Puuc region. The temples have smooth low walls which represent traditional Maya huts and many figures of the rain god Chaac. You will be filled with respect and admiration at the extent of this beautiful city completed without technical help in the 9th and 10th Century. Afterwards, enjoy a break for lunch (optional) in a Maya Restaurant where you will have the opportunity to taste traditional Maya cuisine. In the afternoon drive through picturesque villages on your way to the rarely visited ruins of Labná, one of the most magical places of the Puuc Region. In the afternoon you will return to the Hacienda Santa Rosa. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Distance: approx. 210 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours
This morning you head to Campeche. Explore the beautiful small town and learn about the San Miguel Fort which protected the city against pirates, the Cathedral, the Zocalo, the boardwalk and the San Román Church. Campeche is a small fishing town famous for its colorful houses and restored testimonies of its colonial past. The historical city center was included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1999. Enjoy the cobblestones streets of this authentic mexican town far away from the masses of tourists found on the Riviera Maya. Afterwards you go straight to Edzná, located 45 minutes south-east of the capital. Admire the diversity of the House of the Itzá, which indicates a possible connection between Edzná and Chichen Itzá. The archaeologically interesting area covers an area of approximately 25 km². There are several very large buildings there, which are dated to the classic period of Mayan history. Spend the night at Hacienda Puerta Campeche, located in the downtown Campeche. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Distance: approx. 250 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours
After breakfast, drive to the charming village of Tixkokob which is a place of production for famous high quality woven hammocks. From here you will visit Aké, a hidden archaeological site in the middle of a former sisal Hacienda. The Hacienda has been reopened by neighboring Maya farmers. After exploring the ruins you will leave for the Hacienda San Jose Cholul. This former sisal Hacienda is situated in a wonderful park and shines with the splendor of the colonial era. It also has a restaurant with delicious Maya specialties, large suites and bathrooms, a swimming pool filled with natural spring water and vast gardens, making your stay at the Hacienda a special event. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)
Distance: approx. 225 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours
After breakfast you are off to Izamal, the town of three cultures. The custard yellow colonial buildings are surrounded by huge pyramids, like the Kinich Kakmo and the Izamatul which tower above town, reminding you of the famous Itzas and their forcible downfall. The main attraction in this charming town is the extensive Franciscan Convent. Today it is a pilgrimage site for the Virgin of Izamal, the Patron Saint of the Yucatan. After this visit you will continue to Tulum, an absolutely beautiful Maya ruin of the post classical period which is spectacularly situated on a cliff face overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Continue to your connecting hotel in Playa del Carmen/Tulum/Cancún.
Distance: approx. 215 km | Total driving time: approx. 2 1/2 hours
– Pick up: Airport Cancún
– Drop off: Airport Cancún o. Playa del Carmen
– Unlimited kilometers
– Taxes
– Full insurance
– A/C