We love —
- Seting off on an unforgettable self-drive adventure through ancient cities, hidden cenotes, and colourful colonial towns.
- Visiting the nearby Mayan ruins and learning about ancient civilisations before having a cool dip in one of the stunning natural "cenotes".
- Opting to slow the pace with a stay in Puerto Aventuras, a chic resort with white sands and turquoise waters on your doorstep
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Welcome to Mexico —
Discover the Yucatan at your own pace on a 7 night self-drive adventure, with a hire car included. Follow scenic roads fringed with lush vegetation, swim in crystal-clear cenotes, and explore ancient Mayan temples - all in complete freedom and autonomy. Every stage of your journey reveals a more authentic side of Mexico, blending pristine natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage.
Wish to make your holiday even longer? Indulge in a beachfront retreat at the Dreams Aventuras Resort & Spa 5*, a tranquil sanctuary in Arniente, where white sands and the Caribbean breeze provide the perfect finale to your escape.
Our offers:
Offer 1: 7 night road trip
Offer 2: 7 night road trip & Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya 5*
11 nights: 7 night road trip in Yucatan & 4 nights at the Dreams Aventuras Resort & Spa 5*
12 nights: 7 night road trip in Yucatan & 5 nights at the Dreams Aventuras Resort & Spa 5*
14 nights: 7 night road trip in Yucatan & 7 nights at the Dreams Aventuras Resort & Spa 5*
21 nights: 7 night road trip in Yucatan & 14 nights at the Dreams Aventuras Resort & Spa 5*
Your itinerary in brief —
Discover the treasures of the Yucatan, majestic Mayan cities, crystal-clear cenotes, shimmering lagoons, and vibrant, colourful villages. This captivating 7 night self-drive tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and local culture, all enjoyed at your own pace behind the wheel of your hire car.
Your itinerary at a glance:
7 night road trip
Day 1: Arrive in Cancún
Day 2: Cancún - Beekeeping Center – Cenotes – Valladolid
Day 3: Valladolid - Río Lagartos – Las Coloradas – Ek Balam – Valladolid
Day 4: Valladolid – Chichén Itzá – Cenotes – Izamal – Mérida
Day 5: Mérida – Uxmal – Mérida
Day 6: Mérida - Bacalar
Day 7: Bacalar
Day 8: Bacalar - Tulum – Depart from Playa del Carmen
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
7 night road trip
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN CANCÚN
Arrive in Cancún, where the turquoise Caribbean laps at white-sand shores and the city hums with energy. Collect your rental car and head to your hotel, taking time to unwind after the journey. Your first evening is free to relax, setting the tone for a stress-free start.
- Pick up your car hire
- Night at Hotel Adhara Cancún
DAY 2: CANCÚN – VALLADOLID
Wander through Valladolid’s historic streets, from the cathedral and lively market to the pastel façades of Calzada de los Frailes. Learn the secrets of stingless Mayan bees at the Xkopek beekeeping centre. Cool off with swims in nearby cenotes, mystical caverns of crystalline water like Dzitnup, Samulah, and Zací.
- Breakfast included
- Drive to Valladolid
- Night at Saastah Hotel Boutique
DAY 3: VALLADOLID - RÍO LAGARTOS – LAS COLORADAS – EK BALAM – VALLADOLID
Journey north to Río Lagartos, a peaceful fishing town and haven for flamingos and over 200 bird species. Consider gliding through the mangroves on a boat ride to spot wildlife in this tranquil reserve. Continue to Las Coloradas to marvel at its surreal pink lagoons, before exploring the evocative ruins of Ek Balam.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Saastah Hotel Boutique
DAY 4: VALLADOLID – CHICHÉN ITZÁ – CENOTES – IZAMAL – MÉRIDA
Stand in awe at Chichén Itzá, where the mighty Pyramid of Kukulcán rises as a testament to Mayan ingenuity. Later, travel to Izamal, the “Yellow City,” where cobbled streets lead to colonial convents and the Kinich Pyramid offers sweeping views. Its golden façades glow in the afternoon sun, creating a picture-perfect backdrop.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Hôtel Marionetas
DAY 5: MÉRIDA – UXMAL – MÉRIDA
Discover Uxmal, a jewel of the Puuc Route, with its intricate Governor’s Palace and towering Pyramid of the Magician. Refresh in a cool cenote nearby or cycle through sleepy villages dotted with old haciendas. Return to Mérida to soak up the lively Zócalo atmosphere as evening falls.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Hôtel Marionetas
DAY 6: MÉRIDA - BACALAR
Set out early for Bacalar, a serene lakeside town near the Belizean border. Stop at Kíichpam K’áax, an ecotourism centre deep in the Selva Bonita jungle, where Mayan traditions still flourish. Arrive in Bacalar to gaze at its shimmering Seven Colours Lagoon, once the heart of a thriving Maya trade route.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Hotel Aires Bacalar
DAY 7: BACALAR
Spend the day exploring the dazzling lagoon, where seven cenotes feed waters shifting from aquamarine to deep sapphire. Stroll through Bacalar’s laid-back centre and visit the 18th-century Fort San Felipe, built to fend off pirates. Embrace the calm rhythm of this hidden gem, where history and nature blend seamlessly.
- Breakfast included
- Night at Hotel Aires Bacalar
DAY 8: BACALAR - TULUM – DEPART FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Travel to Tulum, where cliff-top temples overlook a stunning stretch of Caribbean coast. After exploring the site, descend to the beaches below for a final swim in turquoise waters. Later, return your car and either fly home or linger longer on the Riviera Maya’s sun-soaked sands.
- Breakfast included
- Drop-off car hire
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 without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected hotels.
Your hotels:
Cancun: Hotel Adhara Cancún
Valladolid: Saastah Hotel Boutique
Mérida: Hôtel Marionetas
Bacalar: Hotel Aires Bacalar
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Dreams Aventuras Resort & Spa 5* by Inclusive Collection World of Hyatt —
Nestled along the coastline of the glorious Riviera Maya, a secluded bay in a charming, yacht-studded marina village, Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya 5* is packed with fun for the whole family.
From deep-sea diving in the colourful Caribbean waters to stretching out on soft sands, a range of stunning experiences awaits you. Explore Tulum's nearby Mayan ruins and the many natural wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula - such as the crystal cenotes and the long stretches of white sandy beaches. Put simply, this has everything you need for a truly unforgettable holiday experience.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your dining choices
Explore the array of international and speciality restaurants at Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya 5*, which are sure to please even the most discerning palates. Choose from five à la carte restaurants, a buffet, and a grill, none of which require reservations. A range of four different bars will also provide everything you need for moments of conviviality in wonderful settings.
Your time
Do as much or as little as you like at Dreams Aventuras Riviera Maya 5*. Soak up the sunshine poolside or find a spot to sunbathe on the private beach. For those looking for a taste of adventure, you can try swimming with dolphins, kayaking and sailing, while younger members of the family can run wild at Explorer's Club. Slow down and relax at the hotel spa and indulge in a treatment or a trip to the hydrotherapy circuit.
Your journey —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need 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.
Your destination —
Mexico
Nestled in the heart of Central America, Mexico offers a remarkable blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. With its dynamic cities and serene coastal retreats, it effortlessly caters to every traveller's desires. Mexico City, the former Aztec capital, boasts rich history and striking monuments, while the Yucatán Peninsula beckons with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Must-sees:
- Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Teotihuacan, home to the awe-inspiring Pyramid of the Sun.
- Xochimilco, a tranquil network of canals offering a serene escape from the city's hustle.
Culinary culture:
Mexico's gastronomic offerings are a celebration of diverse regional flavours. Street food enthusiasts will delight in tacos, tamales, and fresh ceviche, while the finer dining scene showcases modern takes on traditional dishes. Mole, a rich, spiced sauce, is a must-try, alongside mezcal, the country’s renowned spirit. Beyond its famous fare, regional specialties like the seafood of Baja California or the Oaxacan cheese will captivate your taste buds.
Dive deeper:
To truly understand Mexico’s cultural depth, venture beyond the major tourist sites. Visit the lesser-known town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, where indigenous traditions are still alive. Explore the colonial-era streets of Guanajuato, with its labyrinthine alleys and colourful houses. For nature enthusiasts, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve offers stunning landscapes and wildlife watching in an untouched environment.
Good to know:
The currency in Mexico is the peso, and it’s best to use cash in smaller towns. Mexico enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination, though the rainy season from May to October can bring heavy showers. Public transport is accessible in cities, but consider renting a car for more remote areas. Be mindful of local customs and always have a few basic Spanish phrases on hand.
