The Best of Yucatán

Today, your journey begins as you depart from your selected airport, heading towards Cancún on the Yucatán Peninsula in marvellous Mexico.

After collecting your luggage and passing through immigration, a driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel in Valladolid. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

The next couple of days are yours to explore Valladolid as you wish. Wander the vibrant streets or choose from our exciting range of optional tours.

Valladolid is one of the oldest and most enchanting colonial towns on the Yucatán Peninsula. Famed for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in authentic Mexican culture.

Founded by Spanish conquistadors in 1543 and named after the city of Valladolid in Spain, this Mexican colonial gem was originally established on the site of present-day Campeche. However, in 1545, Valladolid was relocated to its current position to benefit from a better water supply and to avoid swarms of mosquitoes.

Experience local life as you stroll along the cobbled streets and make your way down the picturesque Calzada de los Frailes, where brightly coloured houses line the avenue. You might like to visit the historic San Bernardino de Siena Monastery or discover the fascinating Zaci cenote—a natural underground pool right in the heart of the city, perfect for a cooling midday swim. In fact, there are more than 6,000 cenotes scattered across the Yucatán Peninsula. Read more about cenotes on our blog here.

Spend your afternoon at Parque Francisco Cantón Rosado, the lively central square that buzzes with local life. Here, you'll also find the beautiful Catedral de San Gervasio, its majestic towers rising high above the square.

If you’re curious about what lies beyond Valladolid, we highly recommend one of our optional tours. For instance, join us on an excursion to the Ek Balam ruins—a hidden treasure offering impressive details and the chance to climb some of the ancient temples. This adventure can be combined with a visit to Rio Lagartos, a spectacular natural area where you can spot flamingos and crocodiles in their natural habitats.

Keen to learn more about underground cenotes? Why not take part in our tour, where you’ll visit three stunning waterholes—a truly mystical experience, with ample opportunity for a refreshing swim. Afterwards, the tour continues to a local Mayan village, where age-old traditions are still very much alive.

Today is packed with unforgettable experiences. Your journey continues towards Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán. But before you arrive in Mérida, you’ll stop at two of the Yucatán Peninsula’s main attractions: the majestic ruins of Chichén Itzá and the vibrant Yellow City, Izamal.

Your first stop is Chichén Itzá, one of Mexico’s most renowned attractions and part of the UNESCO world heritage list. The ruins reveal traces of two historical eras—the original Maya civilisation and the later Itzá period—and the site has earned its place as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Maya’s impressive knowledge of astronomy and architecture is clear to see in the city’s buildings. Among the highlights is the iconic El Castillo pyramid, standing 25 metres high—a physical embodiment of the Maya calendar. Twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the angle of the sun creates a mesmerising light effect, making it appear as though a serpent is slithering down the pyramid’s staircase—a tribute to the feathered serpent god, Kukulkán.

Next, you’ll visit Mexico’s largest ancient ball court. With its staggering dimensions of over 180 x 70 metres, it speaks to the scale and cultural significance of this remarkable site. The tour then moves on to the Temple of the Warriors, famous for its distinctive chac-mool statue, followed by the observatory, where the Maya charted the stars and developed their highly advanced calendar system.
At the Sacred Cenote, Cenote Sagrado, you’ll gain a rare insight into the spiritual world of the Maya. While originally a vital water source, the cenote also played a crucial role in religious rituals. Here, the Maya offered valuables—and, at times, even human sacrifices—to the rain god, Chaac. Archaeologists have uncovered both human remains and ceremonial objects at the bottom of the cenote, bearing witness to its dramatic and symbolic importance. 

After a short lunch break (lunch is included), you will continue your journey to Izamal, also known as The Yellow City.

Izamal is among the most enchanting colonial towns in Yucatán, with its instantly recognisable yellow-painted houses and peaceful atmosphere. Here, you can visit the impressive San Antonio de Padua monastery, built atop an ancient Maya pyramid. Take a walk up the Kinich Kakmó pyramid for panoramic views of the city, or simply wander the charming yellow streets to discover where they might lead you.

The journey then continues to Mérida, where you’ll be free to enjoy the rest of your day at your own pace.

The next couple of days are yours to spend as you wish in Mérida. Set off on your own adventure as you explore the city, unwind by the hotel pool, or choose from one of our optional tours if you’d like to experience even more. We offer excursions such as a visit to the flamingo colony at Celestún, a refreshing swim in mesmerising cenotes, a trip to the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins at Uxmal, and a fascinating Mexican cookery class where you’ll learn to prepare authentic dishes from the region.

Mérida is renowned for its rich history, vibrant cultural diversity, and enchanting colonial architecture – a charm you’ll instantly sense as you stroll through the city’s atmospheric streets.

The city was founded in 1542 on the remnants of the ancient Mayan city of Tihó. It’s affectionately known as “The White City” thanks to its many whitewashed buildings and “the Paris of Mexico” by the locals due to its status as the most European city on the Yucatan Peninsula. During the past century, Mérida’s wealth was rooted in agave fibre production, a prosperity still reflected in its magnificent buildings and grand avenues.

Mérida is also celebrated for its gastronomy, with a wealth of culinary delights awaiting you. The Yucatán kitchen is particularly famous for dishes such as cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork) and sopa de lima (lime soup), as well as distinctive spices like habanero chilli and achiote. Be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing agua de chaya (a drink made with chaya leaves, lime, and sugar) and indulge in a marquesita (a crisp crepe-like dessert often filled with Nutella and cheese) for dessert.

After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel and whisked away to Campeche, the pastel-hued coastal gem. Upon arrival, there will be time for lunch before you set off on a fascinating afternoon city tour. The meeting point for the tour is just a five-minute stroll from your hotel—details will be sent to you before your departure to Mexico.

Campeche was founded in 1540 by Spanish conquistadors atop the remnants of the original Maya city of Can Pech. The city quickly flourished, becoming the key trading hub in southern Mexico and attracting a wave of wealthy merchants. However, its growing prosperity soon made Campeche an irresistible target for pirate raids. In response, the Spanish king eventually ordered the construction of a formidable city wall to protect its residents and valuable goods.

Today, you can still admire significant sections of the original walls and several of the old bastions—powerful reminders of the city’s dramatic past. This beautifully preserved colonial architecture is one of the main reasons Campeche’s historic centre is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.

On your city tour, you’ll delve even deeper into Campeche’s stories—its historical role during colonial times and tales of pirates and conquistadors vying for control. Your tour begins with a visit to the local cultural centre and a charming, carefully restored colonial house known as House No. 6, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s colonial-era heritage. From here, you’ll wander through the Sea Gate (Puerta del Mar), once the gateway to the port, and continue to the Baluarte de la Soledad, a 17th-century bastion that now houses the Museo de Arquitectura Maya, a captivating museum dedicated to Maya architecture. 

You’ll also visit the historic Palacio Cultural Centre and San Roque Church—both testament to the city’s religious and cultural roots. Along the delightful Calle 59, brimming with colourful facades and vibrant cafés, you’ll fully soak up the city’s charming atmosphere. The tour concludes at the old Land Gate (Puerta de Tierra) and the central plaza, where everyday life unfolds amid local music, ice cream stands, and a relaxed atmosphere beneath the shade of broad trees.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure—perfect for further exploring the city at your own pace. Meander among the colourful buildings and cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in Campeche’s warm ambience and rich history.

Round off your day with a stroll along the seafront promenade, El Malecón, where you can watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. Perhaps find a spot to savour some local culinary delights, such as pescado a la campechana—a flavourful fish dish rooted in Campeche’s coastal traditions, typically served with spicy tomato sauce, olives, and capers.

It’s time to bid farewell to Campeche as your next adventure awaits. Today, you will journey onwards to Bacalar, but before that, a hidden marvel awaits: Calakmul, one of Mexico’s most spectacular yet lesser-known archaeological wonders, nestled deep within the Yucatán jungle.

After a few hours’ drive winding through small villages and dense foliage, you’ll enter the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve—a vast expanse of protected nature where monkeys, toucans, and even jaguars roam. Here, the ancient Mayan city of Calakmul is concealed amidst thick, lush vegetation.

Led by a local guide, you’ll trek through the jungle towards the first Mayan ruins, the peaceful silence broken only by birdsong and the distant calls of howler monkeys. You’ll wander among temples and their remains, many still cloaked in earth and greenery.

Prepare to channel your inner Indiana Jones as you climb one of the tallest Mayan ruins, Structure II, towering at around 45 metres. From its summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views above the jungle canopy—and on a clear day, you might just glimpse the ruins of the rival city Tikal in far-off Guatemala.

After your visit, the journey continues through the jungle, onwards to Bacalar, where a couple of days of relaxation await you in some of Mexico’s most beautiful and tranquil natural surroundings.

Bacalar is a small, charming town nestled along the shores of the famous Laguna de los Siete Colores – the Lagoon of Seven Colours – named for its many dazzling hues of blue and turquoise.

Today, you’ll enjoy an exciting boat trip. After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and driven to a small harbour, where your boat awaits to take you out onto the breathtaking lagoon.

Look forward to gliding across the clear, tranquil waters and witnessing how the shades shift from light azure to deep cobalt, depending on the depth of the lagoon, the conditions of the lakebed, and the angle of the sun. It’s almost as if the surface is painted with watercolours, making it easy to see why it’s called the Lagoon of Seven Colours. During the tour, your guide will share fascinating insights into the local nature, the history of the area, and the importance of the lagoon to the community. There will be stops along the way where you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, and a selection of snacks and a drink will be served on board.

You’ll return to your hotel around midday, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.

Today is yours to do as you please, whether that means lounging by the pool all day, taking a dip in the lagoon’s crystal-clear waters, or setting off to explore the charming little town.

If you fancy beginning your day in an almost magical way, we recommend booking our sunrise kayak tour – a truly special experience where you will glide across the lagoon’s glassy surface in a transparent kayak as the morning light brings the landscape to life. 

In the afternoon, you might like to wander through the town and visit the Fuerte de San Felipe, a historic fort dating back to 1733, originally built to defend the town from frequent pirate raids. Alongside the fascinating stories of pirates and colonial times, you can look forward to fabulous views across the town and the lagoon.

The town’s pedestrian street is also well worth a visit. Here, you can browse for colourful souvenirs and locally made crafts and discover cosy cafés and small restaurants serving regional specialities. There are also bathing areas along the lagoon, known as "balnearios", which are perfect for a refreshing break from the heat. One of the most popular is the Balneario Municipal, offering toilets, changing rooms, shaded tables and chairs, and a small café. It’s an ideal spot to spend a couple of relaxing hours, take a swim in the clear waters, or simply soak up the views across the lagoon.

As evening falls, why not enjoy dinner by the lagoon, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere and watching as the lights are reflected in the water. 

After a relaxing stay by the tranquil waters of the Bacalar Lagoon, it’s time to set out on new adventures along Yucatán’s Caribbean coast. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning for your journey north to the popular holiday town of Playa del Carmen.

Here, you can soak up the relaxed holiday atmosphere, wander along powdery white beaches, and gaze at the azure waters – perfect for ending the day with a stroll along the seafront or dinner at a local restaurant.

You can also opt for a 'sightseeing transfer', so instead of heading straight to Playa del Carmen, you’ll stop off in Tulum on the way and experience its popular Maya ruins, uniquely located high on a cliff with stunning views of the azure sea.

The last days of your tour are yours to spend as you please, giving you time to unwind in Playa del Carmen’s laid-back atmosphere and reflect on the adventures of the past few days. The wide, white sandy beach is simply perfect for pure relaxation beneath the palms, but, if you’re still feeling energetic, there are plenty of opportunities for watersports such as windsurfing and jet skiing. You could also join a snorkelling or diving trip to Cozumel, an island famous worldwide for its coral reefs and underwater caves. The ferry to Cozumel departs directly from the beach and takes just 30–45 minutes.

In the heart of Playa del Carmen lies Plaza Mayor, the city’s central square, set right by the beach. From here, you can take a stroll and discover Avenida 5, the lively main street, home to everything from modern shops to local crafts stalls, cosy cafés, restaurants, and bars.

As the sun begins to set, it’s the perfect time to round off the day with a refreshing juice or cocktail at one of the inviting beach bars, where the vibe is distinctly more relaxed than on the main street – just right for savouring the final hours by the Caribbean Sea before it’s time to head home.

You also have the option to extend your tour to the paradise islands of Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres.

Today, it’s time to bid Mexico farewell. You’ll be transferred to Cancún airport, where your departure day begins.

You will arrive at your selected airport after an exciting tour of Mexico.