Mexico, Cancun

Driving in Yucatan 3^*

Welcome to Mexico!

On arrival at Cancún airport, you pick up your vehicle and drive to your hotel.

By car: Cancun airport - Cancun 20km (30min)

Hotel: Ambiance Suites 3* (or similar)

In the morning, you visit Ek Balam or "black jaguar" in Mayan, ancient religious center of great importance in the region, comprising some 40 structures. All the temples are accessible to visitors, allowing you to take in the views of the city and surrounding jungle from a variety of vantage points. Ek Balam is not as famous as Chichen Itzá, yet it is a city full of serenity and mystery. Visitors are few and far between, and that's what makes it so charming.

Around 1,500 metres from the town lies le cenote Xcanche. To get there, you can rent bicycles or go on foot. On site, you'll find abseiling, hammocks and a zipline to keep you entertained.

Lunch available at the cenote ecotourism center, surrounded by jungle.

Return to Valladolid at the end of the day.

By car: Valladolid - Ek Balam 30km (30min)

Hotel: Saastah 3* (or similar)

Departure for Rio Lagartos. Around 100 km north of Valladolid, this small fishing village is the gateway to the national park reserve of the same name. A true paradise for nature lovers. It's the ideal place to discover the Yucatán "differently". Climb aboard a "lancha" - a small motorboat - and take a tour of the mangroves. Then head for the famous pink lagoon called Las Coloradas.

Return to Valladolid at the end of the day.

By car: Valladolid - Rio Lagartos 110km (1h30)

Hotel: Saastah 3* (or similar)

You'll discover the marvellous archaeological site of Chichen Itza, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, and considered one of the "New Wonders of the World" since 2007. You'll soak up the majesty of this site and the echoes of its past glory. You'll reach the Yokdznonot cenote for a refreshing dip in its clear waters before heading on to Izamal, "magic village". You'll visit the Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, whose atrium is second in size only to that of the Vatican. You can also climb the Kinich Pyramid for a breathtaking view of this yellow city. End of the day in Merida, the cultural capital of Yucatán. A city of one million inhabitants, it is famous for its cathedral and its paseo Montejo lined with the sumptuous mansions of the old masters of henequen. As you stroll through the colonial streets of the white city, you'll feel the romantic, provincial atmosphere of a past rich in history and legend.

By car: Valladolid - Chichen Itza 45km (45min) / Chichen Itza - Yokdzonot 25km (25min) / Yokdzonot - Izamal 55km (55min) / Izamal - Mérida 70km (1h10)

Boutique Hotel: Marionetas (or similar)

After breakfast, you'll head off to visit Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Located in the heart of the Yucatecan jungle, Uxmal means "three times built" in Mayan. The architecture of this site is particularly faithful to the Puuc style, with its geometric shapes, mosaics and representations of the god Chaac, god of rain and thunder. You then have a choice of several cenotes in the region. The closest to Uxmal are the wonderful cenotes of San Antonio Mulix : X'batún y Dzombakal. The village is home to a community center that manages entry to the cenotes, as well as mountain bike rentals for a more complete experience. You can also head north, to the village of Mucuyche where you'll start your tour with a visit to the hacienda and then cool off in the two cenotes Carlote and Azul Maya. The third option is to visit the Santa Barbara cenotes, located in the village of Homun. You'll get from one cenote to the next by means of an astonishing form of locomotion: the truck, a small wagon pulled by horses on rails, on a track in the middle of the bush, adding an incredible taste of adventure. For the more adventurous, you can rent bikes. On the way back you'll stop at Yaxcopoil to admire an old hacienda that once made the peninsula rich.

By car: Merida - Uxmal 85km (1h10) / Uxmal - San Antonio Mulix 50km (45min) / Uxmal - Mucuyche 50km (45min) / Uxmal - Homun 105km (1h50)

Boutique Hotel: Marionetas (or similar)

You'll take the road to Campeche. Stop en route at Becal, the hat capital. Here, you'll witness the creation of the famous "panama", the favorite headgear of Latin American planters. In the afternoon, you'll discover the picturesque town of Campeche, capital of the state of the same name. A port city facing the Gulf of Mexico, it exudes a tranquility and nonchalance befitting the warmth and rhythm of its inhabitants. The historic center gives the impression of a small Cuban town, with its typical architecture of colorful houses, Fort San Miguel, "malecón" (promenade) and colonial port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

By car: Mérida - Becal 90km (1h20) / Becal - Campeche 95km (1h20)

Hotel: Lopez Campeche 3* (or similar)

Early departure for the archaeological site of Calakmul. Located in the Campeche region, just a few kilometers from the Guatemalan border, Calakmul is a must-see for all history and nature lovers. Surrounded by lush jungle, the site is classified by UNESCO as Mexico's only Mixed World Heritage Site for its biosphere and Mayan remains. You'll set off along the paths leading from one temple to the next, as you gradually make your way through a jungle filled with the sounds of howler monkeys. This pre-Hispanic city was one of the largest metropolises in the south-east of the country during the Classical period (250-700 AD). With over 720 thousand hectares of forest, the biosphere is home to a large number of animal and plant species, some of which are in danger of extinction. With its warm, humid climate, Calakmul is an unspoilt area with many hidden structures to discover.

By car: Campeche - Calakmul 305km (4h50) / Calakmul Ruins - Reserve entrance 65km (1h40)

Hotel: Casa Marán 3* (or similar)

Early departure for Bacalar. Renowned for its seven-colored lagoon, Bacalar is a pearl of the Caribbean, close to the Belize border, in the south of the Yucatán peninsula. This small town is known for its history and natural riches. The lagoon is made up of seven different cenotes, giving it its name, and is around 42km long and 2km wide. Bacalar was an important commercial crossroads for the Maya, a veritable trading center between Central America and the Yucatán Peninsula. Take a stroll through the town center and visit Fort San Felipe, built in 1729 as an example of New Spain's military architecture, which saw many battles and conflicts.

By car: Calakmul - Bacalar 180km (2h15)

Hotel: Aires 3* (or similar)

Day trip to Bacalar. Renowned for its seven-colored lagoon, you can discover it through a variety of activities, such as boat or kayak excursions. You can also visit Fort San Felipe, built in 1729 as an example of New Spain's military architecture, which has seen many battles and conflicts. If you'd like to learn more about Mayan culture, you can visit Kohunlich, 1 hour from Bacalar and part of la Ruta Rio Bec. Here you'll discover the incredible Temple of Masks, 5 of which have been restored.

Hotel: Aires 3* (or similar)

You leave Bacalar for the north coast. Discover Tulum, one of the jewels of the Riviera Maya. Tulum means "wall" in the Mayan language, and so it is, with one of the finest remains of this civilization. You'll discover this ancient city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, like an ancient fortress. A breathtaking panorama of the Paraíso and Maya beaches awaits you, as much for its contrasting colors as for its proximity to the jungle, sea and city. You can then head off to one of the beaches below and enjoy a moment of idleness. Tulum's combination of beach paradise and historic sites has earned it an unrivalled reputation among travellers.

By car: Bacalar - Tulum 215km (2h40)

Hotel: Casa Don Diego 3* (or similar)

You'll be heading for the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico's largest, just outside Tulum. This reserve includes tropical forests, mangroves and marshes, as well as a vast marine expanse crossed by a coral reef. It boasts an impressive diversity of flora and fauna, including jaguars, manatees, turtles, birds and dolphins. To get there, you'll pass through Muyil, where you'll find the entrance to the site. There, you can board a boat with a local guide who will accompany you through the lagoons. You'll join the canals created by the Mayans where you'll put on your life jacket and let yourself be carried by the current as you sit in the water. Return to Tulum in the late afternoon. Now you're free to stay in town or enjoy the sandy beach.

By car: Tulum - Muyil 30km (40min)

Hotel: Casa Don Diego 3* (or similar)

Departure for Coba. Arriving at the archeological site, you can rent bicycles to get around more easily. You'll reach the main and highest pyramid in the region, from where you'll enjoy an exceptional view of the jungle. Then continue on to Punta Laguna nature reserve. Here, you can enjoy a walk through the Yucatecan jungle and, with a bit of luck, come across spider or howler monkeys, kayak on the lagoon or explore a cenote accompanied by a local guide. Return to Tulum at the end of the day.

By car: Tulum - Coba 55km (1h) / Coba - Punta Laguna 20km (20min) / Punta Laguna - Tulum 70km (1h)

Hotel: Casa Don Diego 3* (or similar)

You're off to visit the site of Tulum, the only known Mayan port, which a few centuries ago saw the arrival of the first conquistadors. Tulum means "wall" in the Mayan language, and so it is, with one of the finest remains of this civilization. You'll discover this ancient city perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, like an ancient fortress, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Paraíso and Maya beaches, as much for its contrasting colors as for its proximity to the jungle, the sea and the city. You then head to one of the beaches below and enjoy a moment of relaxation. After lunch, you can visit one or more cenotes. These freshwater resurgences dot the entire peninsula. In fact, they are the only source of drinking water in the region. The Mayans considered them to be the gateway to the underworld. Discover this subterranean world in the cool waters of the splendid cenotes of Dos Ojos, Cristallino, Cenote Azul and Gran Cenote.

Hotel: Casa Don Diego 3* (or similar)

Your stay is coming to an end. Departure from the hotel to Cancun airport for your return flight.

By car: Tulum - Cancun airport 125km (1h45)

This price includes:
- Rental of an intermediate category Chevrolet Aveo or similar car for the duration of the stay (14 days), with pick-up and drop-off at Cancun airport.
- Unlimited mileage.
- 10% excess insurance.
- Insurance, airport taxes, government taxes and VAT.

This price does not include:
- GPS, fuel and any parking fees.
- Fines (fines will be invoiced directly by the rental company).
- Modification fees for the name of the main driver.

A credit card (not a debit card) must be in the name of the main driver.
If the driver is under 25 years of age, a supplement will be charged at the time of pick-up.

• Unforeseen changes to your itinerary may occur due to circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured that despite these eventualities, we are committed to maintaining the exceptional quality of our services to guarantee you a memorable experience.
• Please note that the program only includes car rental and the hotels mentioned. All activities and excursions mentioned in the itinerary are offered as suggestions and are subject to additional local charges.