Venture into the heart of the Mayan world on a wonderful self-drive adventure through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. From the turquoise lagoons of Bacalar to the picturesque UNESCO towns of Merida, Campeche and Valladolid, the itinerary explores both colonial and Mayan treasures culminating in the magnificent site of Calakmul, one of the largest and least visited citadels of Mexico’s ancent world. The route weaves from the Caribbean to the Gulf of Mexico and back through to the Riviera Maya past steamy rainforest, traditional henequen plantations and golden beaches. Wander through hidden Mayan ruins, swim in remote cenotes and explore crumbling haciendas on an off-the-beaten-track adventure that still finds time to take in the classic sites of Uxmal and Chichen Itza.
Itinerary Highlights
Experience the Yucatan Peninsula away from the crowds
Take a boat trip into Bacalar’s 7 coloured lagoon
Marvel at the vast Mayan site of jungle-drenched Calakmul
Explore Merida’s historic henequen route
Visit haciendas, cenote sinkholes and Chichen Itza
What’s included
Vehicle rental & driving maps
24 hours support from our local partners
Unique boutique accommodation incl. traditional estancias
Journey recommendations & guides where desired
flexibility
This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.
12
Nights
Price Guide
From approx $5750 pp
Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more
Start
Mexico
Day 1-2
bacalar & the Southern lagoons
Fly to Chetumal, collect your car and drive 45 minutes to the laid-back waterfront town of Bacalar. Tucked into the southern corner of the Yucatán, a good 200km from Tulum, Bacalar is a quiet fishing village and an oasis of peace and tranquility that offers an ideal blend of relaxation, nature, and authentic Mexican culture. Here, you can swim, paddle and enjoy boat-trips onto the “Lake of Seven Colors” where the crystal-clear waters shift between brilliant shades of turquoise, blue, and deep indigo, creating a spectacular natural landscape. Close by, you can set out with your vehicle to discover historic sites such as the impressive San Felipe Fort, or the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben, Kohunlich or, better still, Ichkabal whose vast pyrmids cloaked in jungle even rival those at Chichen Itza. Either way, no visit to Bacalar is complete without an evening cruise to Pirate’s Bay where you can enjoy a mesmerising sunset across the reippling water.
Day 3-4
Drive to Calakmul, the Kingdom of the Snake!
Your self-drive adventure starts in earnest as you drive 4 hours west into the Yucatan’s wild interior. The journey takes you through small rural towns, agricultural clearings and patches of secondary scrub forest until you reach Xpujil. From here, the road is embraced in ever thicker jungle canopy as you turn off the highway and drive the final leg into the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, “The Kingdom of the Snake”. Ancient rival to Tikal in Guatemala, Calakmul is an extraordinary site, a colossal ancient Maya city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At its peak during the Classic period, it became the dominant regional superpower supporting a population of roughly 50,000 people. Today, 90% of the complex lies shrouded in rainforest yet the excavated archaeological zone is still vast and uncrowded, offering a rare sense of discovery as you explore plazas, stelae, and ancient causeways. Climb temples I & II that rise above the endless rainforest, look out for spider and howler monkeys swinging through the canopy or follow in the foosteps of explorers and archaeologists alike as you delve into the jungle. Beyond the ruins, the reserve shelters jaguars, tapirs, and vibrant birdlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Day 5-6
North to Campeche & the Gulf Of Mexico
Head out of the biosphere reserve and drive 4 hours to reach the picturesque UNESCO port of Campeche. The most direct route takes you along the bustling highway towards Escarcega although time and energy allowing, you may prefer the slower “Route of the Chenes” which swings by the Mayan sites of Dzibilnocac, Hochob and Tabasqueño. In Campeche, take a day to wander the cobbled, colonial streets and walled ramparts or visit the the Fuerte San Miguel & Fuerte San Jose El Alto fortresses. The archaeological museum is also fascinating, displaying various treasures from Calakmul itself.
Day 7-8
Uxmal, Kabah & State capital Merida
Continue north to the state capital Merida, another picturesque colonial city. On route, do visit the spectacular Mayan sites of Uxmal and Kabah, a short detour that will lead you on nicely to the historic Hacienda Mucuyché as well as various eye-catching cenotes. Merida is a bustling regional hub, brimming with markets, restaurants, colonial monuments and excellent musuems – the modernist Mundo Maya Museum is unmissable! Explore the city, arrange a cooking class or a street food tour and stroll along the Paseo de Montejo, past the grand stately mansions built on the back of the henequen boom. The surrounding countryside is dotted with sumptuous haciendas that hark back to a golden age while for nature lovers, head to to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, home to some 35,000 Caribbean flamingoes.
Day 9-10
Chichen Itza, a Wonder of the World!
Head east out of Merida on the final leg that takes you back towards the Caribbean Ocean. This is henequen country, the Yucatan’s “Green Gold” that defined the fortunes of the region and boomed from the mid-19th century through the early 20th century. Visit the “Yellow City” of Izamal, famous for its magnificent, 16th century “Convento de San Antonio de Padua” and climb the “Firebird” pyramid for sweeping views across the countryside. The road takes you through to the sleepy town of Valladolid replete with its own urban cenote (“Cenote Zací”), an ideal base for exploring the surrounding highlights. North of the town, Ek Balam is fascinating, and little visited, while of course, Chichen Itza is the face of the Yucatan Peninsula and one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” – the ball court is something to behold!
Day 11-12
The Riviera Maya – end of the road!
Your journey ends back on the palm-fringed sands of the Caribbean coast as you drive on to the Riviera Maya. If you have not yet had your fill of extraordinary Mayan ruins, you may like to route via the enigmatic site of Coba. The Riviera May stretches all the way south from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen and offers everything from bustling beachfront properties to luxurious secluded boutique hotels. Enjoy a final day of R&R as you wind down on the golden beaches, reflecting on the trip. Relaxation aside, you may like to snorkel off the Mayan Reef, take boat trips through the stunning Xel-Há mangroves or visit the stunning Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Day 13
Drive back to Cancun & hand back the vehicle
A note on price
The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.
Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).
Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.
Price Guide from approx $5750 pp
When to travel
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Mexico is a wonderful year-round destination although each region has its own separate micro-climate. In the south, temperatures range between 25 – 35° in the lowlands and on the Pacific and Yucatan Peninsula. Here, days are warmer and more humid between May and October, the rainy season where afternoons often end with a short tempestuous downpour. However, Mexico’s Caribbean coast does lie on the hurricane belt which is at its height between the months of September and October. Travelling north through Mexico’s colonial highlands up into the Sierra Madre Mountains, temperatures drop down into the 10’s and beyond owing to the altitude especially over Christmas although days tend to be bright and generally sunny. Baja California is dry, arid and hottest between January and February, a time that coincides with excellent walking in the Copper Canyon and whale-watching in the lagoons of Magdalena Bay.
If you're planning a trip to Mexico in January, it's important to pack accordingly for the weather. The average temperature in Mexico during this month is around 21°C during the day and about 12°C at night, so you'll want to bring light layers to accommodate for the fluctuating temperatures. While the weather can vary depending on your location in Mexico, it's generally a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evenings. Don't forget to check the forecast before you go, and be prepared for the possibility of rain in certain regions.
Mexico in February, you should expect slightly cooler temperatures than in January. On average, the daytime temperature is around 19°C and drops to about 10°C at night. It's still important to pack light layers to accommodate for the fluctuating temperatures, and a light jacket or sweater is advisable for the cooler evenings.
Mexico in March, you can expect warmer temperatures compared to February. The average daytime temperature is around 23°C and drops to about 14°C at night. However, it's still a good idea to pack layers as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day.
Mexico in April, you can expect warmer temperatures compared to March. The average daytime temperature is around 27°C and drops to about 17°C at night.
May, it's important to be prepared for the weather. The average temperature in Mexico during this time of year is around 26°C, so you'll want to pack light and breathable clothing. However, it's important to note that temperatures can vary depending on where you are in Mexico. In coastal areas, temperatures can be slightly cooler thanks to the ocean breeze, while inland areas can be much hotter.
Mexico during the month of June are expected to range from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather should be relatively warm and sunny, with a small chance of rain in some areas. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before traveling, but overall, June is a great time to visit Mexico and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.
Mexico is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius. While there may be a chance of rain in some areas, overall it is a great time to visit Mexico and enjoy all the amazing sights and experiences this country has to offer.
August, you can expect warm temperatures ranging from 23 to 34 degrees Celsius. Like in July, there might be a chance of rain, but overall it's a great time to explore all that Mexico has to offer.
Mexico in September, you can expect warm temperatures ranging from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. While there may be some occasional rain, overall it's still a great time to travel and explore the country.
Mexico in October, you can expect similar temperatures to September, ranging from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius. However, there may be a slightly higher chance of rain, so it's important to keep an eye on the weather forecast and pack accordingly.
Mexico in November, you can expect temperatures to range from 19 to 28 degrees Celsius. It's generally a dry month, but there may be occasional rain showers, so it's still a good idea to check the weather forecast before packing. Overall, November is a great time to visit Mexico and take advantage of the warm weather and beautiful scenery.
Mexico in December, temperatures will generally range from 17 to 26 degrees Celsius. It is also a dry month, but as always, it's good to keep an eye on the weather forecast before packing. December is a wonderful time to visit Mexico and enjoy the pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
Add on’s
This is a wonderful self-drive itinerary that takes you deep into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula to visit a number of lesser known Mayan sites. With less time to play with, you may prefer to bypass Bacalar and start your trip in Campeche (or even Merida). Alternatively, why not complete the loop by continuing south along the Riviera Maya to visit Tulum and Punta Allen before dropping the car off in Chetumal.
From Cancun, there are direct connections to Belize and Guatemala where you can continue your odyssey through the Mayan world. Or for a change of landscape, fly to Bogota and head into the Andes or the colourful coffee valleys. There is even a direct connection to Santiago which then opens up the magnificent mountains, glaciers and volcanoes of Patagonia or even the thunderous Iguassu Falls that straddles the borders of Argentina and Brazil.
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