Arrival in Cancún

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)

Cancún – Ek Balam – Valladolid – Chichén Itzá

After breakfast, your day starts to the secluded archeological site of Ek Balam, which translates as “shiny jaguar”. The facade of the main pyramid is especially impressive with beautiful artful stucco. At the entrance you can rent bicycles and drive to the Cenote Xcanché, before we recommend driving to the charming colonial town of Valladolid. Explore the cobblestone streets and visit the breathtaking Convent of San Bernardino de Siena built between 1552 and 1560 as well as the main plaza while learning all about the Yucatan´s history. Valladolid was built atop a Maya city and many of the buildings were made from rocks of destroyed pyramids and temples. Afterwards, continue to your hotel in Chichén Itzá, where you can spend the afternoon in your hotel. In the evening, we recommend a visit to the Light & Sound Show in Chichén Itzá. Overnight stay.(Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 250 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours

Chichén Itzá – Cenote Yokdzonot – Izamal – Mérida

Your first stop today is the world famous archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. In 1988, the ancient Mayan city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 2007 declared one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Let yourself be fascinated by the imposing, architecturally impressive buildings of the Mayas and admire, among other things, the famous pyramid of Kukulcán, which as a whole is a calendar turned to stone, and the huge ball court. Afterwards, continue to Cenote Yokdzonot, where you can take a refreshing bath in the bright blue water. Around the Cenote you can find 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. Before arriving in Mérida, visit Izamal the small colonial town, which consists mainly of yellow painted colonial buildings and the old beautiful Franciscan monastery. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 150 km | Total driving time: approx. 2 1/2 hours

Mérida – San Antonio Mulix – Hacienda Yaxcopoil – Uxmal – Campeche

Today you have earned some time to relax and cool off. Your first stop will be 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. Afterwards make a quick stop at San Antonio Mulix, where you will find two still undiscovered, quiet and idyllic cenotes which can only be reached via a bumpy and overgrown path of jungle vegetation. A must see off the beaten path secret! Your next stop will be the visit of the archaeological site of Uxmal, which is the Yucatan’s most important archeological excavation, apart from Chichen Itza. 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. After a full day continue on to Campeche which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, where you still should have a quick city walk. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 280 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 hours

Campeche – Palenque

This morning you start with your city walk through Campeche 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 drive to your hotel in Palenque. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 380 km | Total driving time: approx. 5 hours

Palenque – Misol Ha – Waterfalls Roberto Barrios – Palenque

Today you start early to the archaeological site of Palenque. It is not the biggest site in Mexico, but it is one of the most impressive as it is buried deep in dense jungle vegetation. The temples and pyramids are covered with vines and create a unique atmosphere. Climb the Templo de las Inscripciones for a spectacular view of the jungle canopy. Archaeologists estimate that there are still 1200 temples yet uncovered. Afterwards the tour continues to the waterfalls of Misol Ha, which at its highest point reaches 40 meters. On a tiny, winding path, you can walk behind the water curtain created by the falls for a refreshing experience. Afterwards your tour will take you to the waterfalls of Roberto Barrios. These little-known and treasured by tourists streams are characterized by their crystal clear, turquoise water, which form natural swimming pools. Afterwards you will go back to your hotel in Palenque. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 145 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours

Optional: Palenque – Yaxchilan – Bonampak – Palenque

Early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and after a quick breakfast (included) on the way, you are taken deep into the jungle to the ruins of Yaxchilan and Bonampak. Both of these sites were important centers of power for the Maya and are hidden gems rarely visited by tourists. The ruins of Yaxchilan are situated on the Usumacinta River bordering Guatemala and can be reached by boat only. Quite often, visitors come across monkeys which vociferously protect their territory by throwing sticks and screeching loudly. It is important to wear sturdy shoes because the terrain is sometimes unstable. After exploring these ruins you will stop for lunch (included) before continuing on to Bonampak. Here you will have time to marvel at the amazing mural paintings in the temple de Las Pinturas. This site was discovered in 1946 but most parts of the former temples are still hidden under the overgrown vegetation of the rain forest. You will leave the ruins in the late afternoon and arrive in Palenque after 7 pm. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast and lunch on the tour)

Palenque – Calakmul – Xpujil

Today you will drive deep into the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve where you will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon. Enjoy the sunset over the rainforest and end the day listening to the sounds of the jungle while relaxing in your hammock. Overnight stay.
(Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 330 km | Total driving time: approx. 4 1/2 hours

Calakmul – Laguna Bacalar

Start this morning with a visit to the excavation site Calakmul. Drive about 60 km through the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. Located in the middle of the rainforest, it is still one of the less discovered archaeological sites and was once the largest and most influential Mayan center of power and the greatest of all Mayan cities at that time. Explore the ruins and temples without the mass of tourists found in other sites. There are over 100 ruins spanning 2 km² and the view from the top compensates for every effort and is simply wonderful.

Afterwards, continue to the idyllic and peaceful Laguna Bacalar, also known as the lagoon of 7 colors. It shines especially in the afternoon in all its blue, turquoise and green tones and invites you to relax in the Mayan hammock. Luckily, this impressive location has been spared from large hotel complexes, and there are only small eco-resorts here, that attach great importance to preserving the pristine landscape. Overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 320 km | Total driving time: approx. 5 1/2 hours

Laguna Bacalar – Tulum – Playa del Carmen / Cancún

In the morning continue to Tulum. Explore these spectacular ruins which are situated on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. Afterwards take a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue water before returning your rental car in Playa del Carmen or Cancun. If you have booked an extended beach vacation we can arrange a transfer back to your hotel. (Meals: breakfast at the hotel)

Distance: approx. 280 km | Total driving time: approx. 3 1/2 hours