We Love —
- The freedom of the open road in the gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula filled with history and natural wonders.
- Experiencing incredible history of the Ancient Mayan sites including Chichen Itza and exploring the cenotes in the area.
- Soaking up the sun at the iconic Play de Carmen while enjoying the nightlife and delighting in Yucatecan cuisine and culture.
Customer reviews —
Your itinerary in brief —
Swim in azure waters at impeccable white sandy beaches, be captivated by ancient civilizations at the Maya ruins and visit historic colonial-style towns on the Yucatán peninsula. With the freedom of your own car and the open road before you, embark on an incredible adventure through Yucatán. This itinerary starts off in iconic Cancun, with stops in Valladolid and Playa de Carmen and Chichen Itza. Buckle up, your Mexican road trip awaits.
Choose the length of your stay:
7-night road trip
Day 1: Cancún
Day 2: Valladolid
Day 3: Rio Lagartos - Las Coloradas - Ek Balam
Day 4: Pueblo Magico de Izamal - Mérida
Day 5: Uxmal, bike tour and swim
Day 6: Mérida - Chichén Itzá - Playa del Carmen
Day 7: Playa del Carmen, relaxation day
Day 8: Return to Cancun airport
10-night road trip
Day 1: Cancún
Day 2: Valladolid*
Day 3: Rio Lagartos - Las Coloradas - Ek Balam
Day 4: Pueblo Magico de Izamal - Mérida
Day 5: Uxmal, bike tour and swim
Day 6: Mérida - Chichén Itzá - Playa del Carmen
Day 7 to 10: Playa del Carmen, relaxation day
Day 11: Return to Cancun airport
Please note that the order of activities may be changed without affecting the interest of the programme.
Your itinerary in detail —
7-night road trip
Please note that some of the activities mentioned below are chargeable and you have the option to add them at the next stage of the booking process.
Day 1: Cancun
- Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by an Xplorer agent who will give you your itinerary information and take you to your hotel.
- You will collect your hire car the next day.
- Arrivals are usually in the late afternoon or early evening, so the first night of your stay will be in Cancun.
Includes: Overnight at the hotel + transfers. Meals are not included.
Day 2: Valladolid
- At around 9am, our Xplorer will pick you up to collect the rental car.
- Set off for the colonial city of Valladolid, a charming and very typically Yucatacan city.
- Visit the Zocalo, in the shadow of its white cathedral, this small city is classified as a 'Pueblo Magico'. Take time to walk through the historic centre with its colourful streets, passing by the municipal bazaar and the convent of San Bernardino.
- Take the opportunity to visit a beekeeping centre where the renowned Mayan bee is still kept, or the local distillery to learn about the making of Mexico's most famous spirit: tequila.
Included: Overnight at the hotel + breakfast
Day 3: Rio Lagartos - Las Coloradas
- Depart for Rio Lagartos, a small fishing village and gateway to the Rio Lagartos National Park Reserve. This is a paradise for nature lovers. Here you will find more than 200 species of birds. You can choose to embark on a boat trip (optional at an extra cost) through the mangroves and visit the surrounding area.
- Then head to the famous pink lagoon of Las Coloradas, named after the salinity of the water which gives it an incredible pink colour.
Optional excursion: Why not choose to add an advantage pack and enjoy a boat trip in the Rio Lagartos and a visit to Ek Balam?
Included: Overnight at the hotel + breakfast
Day 4: Magic City of Izamal - Merida
- At approximately 9 am, depart for the capital of Yucatan: Merida.
- Visit the 'Pueblo Magico' of Izamal. Visit the convent famous for its Virgin and the town centre, where you will be able to appreciate the harmonious atmosphere that reigns in the village.
- Then we head to the white city of Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan, famous for its cathedral and its Montejo Promenade, lined with the sumptuous residences of the old Henequen masters. The itinerary includes a visit to the Zocalo, the Governor's Palace and the city centre.
Included: Overnight at the hotel+ breakfast
Day 5: Uxmal
- After breakfast, drive to Uxmal which is renowned for the Governor’s Palace. This is an important site on the 'Ruta Puuc', which is a specific route through the Yucatán that connects various ancient ruins.
- You can choose to add an optional bicycle ride in the morning, for an additional fee, and cycle from cenote to cenote. You can then opt to have lunch in a hacienda and dine on local Yucatecan cuisine. A cenote is an underground cave or chamber containing water.
- The afternoon will be dedicated to nature, with a mountain bike ride and a swim in a cenote, in the Yucatecan jungle.
- Return to Merida at the end of the day.
Included: Overnight at the hotel+ breakfast
Day 6: Merida - Chichen Itza - Playa del Carmen
- At 8 am, drive towards the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, classified a 'wonder of the world' by UNESCO.
- Then, just a few miles from the ruins, you can visit a cenote and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool water of the cenote before lunch.
- After lunch, set off to the infamous 'Playa del Carmen', a coastal resort town known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and its lively Quinta Avenida.
- Stroll along this famous 5th Avenue and discover its shops, restaurants, and bars or spend the rest of the day on the beach.
Included: Overnight at the hotel + breakfast
Day 7: Playa del Carmen
- Enjoy a relaxing day in Playa del Carmen.
- Should you to partake in optional activities or visit places in the area, these can be added on request and at an additional cost.
- Take the opportunity to snorkel the reef in front of Playa del Carmen and observe the incredible sea life of the Caribbean.
Includes: Overnight at the hotel + breakfast
Day 8: Return to Cancun
- Enjoy your last moments of relaxation and take the opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Then it will be time to pack your bags before heading to Cancun Airport, which lies approximately 45-minute's drive away.
Reminder: to consult the return schedule of your hire car*.
*Please note: Should you prefer, it is possible to request the return of the vehicle in advance and book a transfer back to the airport at an additional cost.
10-night road trip
Days 1-7: are identical to the 7-night road trip
Days 7-10: Playa del Carmen
- Enjoy an additional few nights to relax in the stunning Playa del Carmen.
- Optional tours and activities can be added upon request and at an additional cost.
- Take the opportunity to snorkel the reef of Playa del Carmen and observe the incredible sea life of the Caribbean.
Includes: Overnight at the hotel + breakfast
Day 11: Return to Cancun
- Enjoy your last moments of relaxation and take the opportunity to do some last-minute souvenir shopping.
- Then it's time to pack your bags before and head to Cancun airport, which is about approximately a 45 minutes’ drive.
Transfer to the airport included
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
At each of your stops, stay in Standard Rooms in carefully selected hotels.
Your hotels:
Cancun: Ambiance Suites 3*
Valladolid: Saastah 4*
Mérida: Hotel Boutique La Casona 3*
Playa del Carmen: Casa de las Flores 3*
The maximum capacity per room is 3 adults or 2 adults + 1 child.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions —
Chichen Itza trip
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Join this guided tour and discover the fascinating world of Mayan culture, with a stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim in its clear waters.
Detailed itinerary:
- 4.10am - 5.30pm: Pick-up (Pick-up time may change depending on the time difference between Quintana Roo and Yucatán).
- 8am - 10am: Guided tour of the ruins.
- 10.30am - 11.30am: Swimming in a cenote.
- 11.30am - 12.30pm: Typical local meal (buffet) with a flavoured drink included.
- 13:00 - 13:30: Visit to the Mayan village of Yalkoba.
- 13h30 : Return to the hotel.
- Guided: yes
- Languages: English
- Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday (except in exceptional circumstances)
- Accessible to people with reduced mobility: no. Not suitable for people with back problems.
- Accessible to pregnant women: no
- Recommended minimum age: 5 years old. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
- Duration: approx. 9 hours
- Timetable: 4am - 1pm
- Transfers: yes
Price includes:
- The services of a guide
- Transport
- Visit to the archaeological ruins
- Visit and swim in the cenote
- Buffet lunch of typical dishes (with one non-alcoholic drink)
- Visit to the Mayan village of Yalkoba
Price does not include:
- Photographs
- Souvenirs
- Tax for video cameras
- Drinks and meals not included in the price
- Any personal extras and tips
What to bring
- Swimming costume, towel and change of clothes
- Sun cream, hat and light, comfortable clothing for visits
- Water
Isla Mujeres & Isla Contoy Full Day Guided Tour
Don't miss the chance to snorkel off the incredible coast of Cancún! Discover Isla Contoy, an unspoilt paradise of captivating natural beauty, then head to Isla Mujeres, world-famous for its spectacular coral reefs and indigenous wildlife.
Detailed itinerary:
9am: Meet at Marina Marazul: continental breakfast and check-in
9.30am: Embarkation
10.15 am: Snorkelling activity
11.30am: Arrival at Isla Contoy
11.30am - 12.30pm: Guided walk around the island
12.30 - 1.30 pm: Buffet lunch
13h30 - 15h : Relaxation time
3.45pm: Arrival at Isla Mujeres
3.45pm - 4.45pm: Free time on the island
Practical information:
- Type of excursion: Guided tour
- Availability: French (Mondays), English and Spanish (Mondays and Thursdays), German (Tuesdays and Thursdays), Dutch (Tuesdays and Sundays)
- Guided tour: Yes
- Duration: 8 hours
- Times: 9am - 5pm (depending on the location of your hotel)
- Wheelchair access : No
- Recommendations: This tour is suitable for pregnant women.
- Minimum age: 4 years and over only. Minors are the responsibility of the adults accompanying them.
- Transfers: Yes from the hotel
Price includes:
- Continental breakfast
- Lunch
- Guide
- Snorkelling equipment
- Open Bar (beer only available after snorkeling stop)
Price does not include:
- Tips and personal expenses
- Photographs
Nature excursion package (min. 2 people)
Immerse yourself in the unspoilt nature of Mexico with the Nature excursion package! Marvel at the famous cenotes near Santa Barbara, discover Mexican cuisine during a cookery course and observe Mexico's fascinating birdlife in Rio Lagartos.
Your excursions:
Boat trip to Rio Lagaritos and Las Coloradas
You will travel to San Felipe, a small fishing village that is the gateway to the Río Lagartos National Park reserve. A true paradise for nature lovers. You board a "lancha" - a small motorboat - and take a trip through the mangroves to spot flamingos. Then continue to the famous pink-coloured lagoon "Las Coloradas", where you are guaranteed breathtaking scenery.
Duration: 3 hours
Cenote Yokdzonot with cookery course
On an excursion to Yokdzonot, you can swim in a cenote. Cenotes are freshwater outlets that are spread across the entire peninsula. They are the only access to fresh water and were the reason for the development of the Mayan civilisation. You will take part in a cookery course to learn the secrets of Yucatecan recipes.
Duration: 2 hours
Cenote of Santa Barbara
You will visit three of the most important cenotes of Homun (Cascabel, Chaksikin and Xoch). You take a seat on board a "truck" to reach each cenote.
Duration: 3 hours
Boat on the lagoon
Discover the Mexican flora and fauna, relax and take a dip. Here you can discover "La Laguna de los colores" (The Lagoon of Colours).
Culture excursion package (min. 2 people)
Immerse yourself in Mexican culture and history with the culture excursion package! Turn back almost 100 years and explore the phenomenal historical Mayan relics of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your excursions:
Chichen Itza: entrance to the site and local German-speaking tour guide (duration 3 hours)
Uxmal: entrance to the site and local German-speaking tour guide (duration 2 hours)
Excursion package combined (min. 2 people)
Combine the Nature and Culture excursion packages and experience an unforgettable adventure on the trail of the fascinating history and unspoilt nature of the Yucatan!
Your excursions:
- Entrance to Uxmal with a local English-speaking tour guide
- Cenotes of Santa Barbara
- Cookery course and entry to the Yokdzonot cenote
- Entrance to Chichen Itza with a local English-speaking tour guide
- Excursion to Rio Lagartos
Your journey to the Yucatán Peninsula —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking. This flight may include one or more stopovers. The stopover may be technical (without a change of aircraft) or transit (with a change of aircraft).
Luggage information
Baggage, meals and other services on board certain flights may be subject to a charge. You will find out whether your airfare includes baggage when you choose your airline and timetable. If your fare does not include baggage, please go to the airline's website before your departure with your travel file reference to find out the exact fare and purchase your extra baggage. If you choose a low-cost airline, you will be able to add your baggage during the booking process. For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving baggage, so you will have to pay for it at the airport counter. You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Car hire:
This package includes car hire, granting you autonomy to explore new horizons at your own pace! Embrace spontaneity as you journey through diverse landscapes, whether it's a scenic coastal drive, an adventure through rugged mountains, or a leisurely tour of charming towns. Renting a car empowers you to tailor your road trip experience to your preferences, turning each twist and turn of the road into a thrilling adventure. Important information if you are planning to book your own flights: In order to organise the pick-up of your vehicle at the airport, please inform us of your flight times within 48 hours of your booking by filling in the dedicated form in your member account. Without this information, you will not be able to collect your vehicle.
Your destinations —
Cancun
Cancun offers something for everyone, promising the best of the country's sun-soaked beaches, opulent all-inclusive resorts and dazzling turquoise waters, alongside fascinating Mayan ruins, quintessential Mexican culture and authentic cuisine.
By day, Cancun offers its visitors first-class service and total relaxation, as the sprawling hotels showcase endless entertainment, delicious dining opportunities, blissful wellness facilities and contemporary furnishings, all nestled on a stretch of unspoiled sand. By night, entertainment beckons as the legendary clubs open up their doors ...and the party begins.
For those hoping for a sense of tradition and culture during their stay on the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun also offers up ancient treasures, where towering stone temples and astounding cities that date back centuries lay nestled in verdant surroundings. From the dramatic coastal setting of Tulum to the jungle scenery and magical lagoons of Coba and the iconic Es Castillo pyramid of Chichen Itza, Cancun's surrounding ruins provide an incredible day trip in total, sun-kissed paradise.
Please note, Mexico’s coastline is susceptible to large amounts of Sargassum seaweed and can be extreme quantities at times.
