Mayan Civilisations, Caribbean Beaches & Endemic Wildlife
The Yucatán Peninsula was once the heartland of the Maya civilisation, a world shaped by powerful cities, ceremonial centres and sophisticated knowledge of astronomy and architecture. Many of these extraordinary sites still stand today, offering a compelling insight into a culture that continues to shape the region’s identity. This 13 day Yucatán In Depth holiday brings together ancient history, Caribbean coastlines and characterful towns, creating a rich and rewarding journey through one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions.
Your route reveals the peninsula’s remarkable variety, from white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters to elegant colonial towns and wildlife rich nature reserves. Along the way, explore atmospheric Maya ruins, swim in clear freshwater cenotes and spend time in places where daily life unfolds at an easy, welcoming pace. Each stop adds depth to your understanding of the Yucatán’s cultural traditions and natural landscapes.
For travellers who value added freedom, this itinerary can also be enjoyed as a self drive journey. With your own vehicle, you can explore at a pace that suits you, pausing to discover cenotes, spend time in towns such as Valladolid and visit lesser visited archaeological sites beyond Chichén Itzá. Whether guided or self driven, this journey offers an engaging and immersive way to experience the Yucatán Peninsula.
Visit several places in Yucatan
Accommodation detailed in itinerary
See details in itinerary below
11 breakfasts and 5 lunches
What you'll experience
- Visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Explore this remarkable Maya city and learn about its temples, rituals and advanced understanding of astronomy.
- Swim in a crystal clear cenote: Cool off in freshwater pools formed by limestone caverns, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquil surroundings.
- Wander the streets of laid back Mérida: Discover grand plazas, historic buildings and a lively local culture shaped by Maya and colonial influences.
- Delve into the history of Campeche: Learn about its fortified old town, pirate past and colourful streets overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
- Take a boat trip through the channels of the Sian Ka’an reserve and visit the Tulum ruins: Glide through mangroves rich in wildlife before exploring cliff top ruins overlooking the Caribbean coast.
What's Included
International flights
11 nights’ accommodation
16 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches
Excursions and tours as described
Transfers as per itinerary
Prices from £5,229pp
Excludes:
Meals not indicated in your itinerary
Local departure taxes payable locally
Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc
Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)
Camera or video fees at any sites
Quick Itinerary
Yucatán In Depth 13-day Itinerary
Day 1 UK - Playa del Carmen
Arrive in Cancun and transfer south along the Riviera Maya to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. This popular and bustling town is not quite as frantic as the Cancun Hotel Zone and makes a good base from which to head west to explore the treasures of the Yucatan the following morning.
Days 2-4 Mérida
Departing the Riviera Maya after an early breakfast, you’ll visit the colourful city of Izamal, this colonial gem has been nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (The Yellow City) due to its bright colouring. You’ll visit the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua and Mayan ruins devoted to the supreme god Itzamna, and the sun god, Kinich-Kakmo. Continue to Mérida and check into your hotel for the next three nights in this charming and laid-back city.
The following day brings an exciting private day trip to Celestun, a quaint fishing village located 90km west of Mérida. The Celestun Biosphere Reserve is home to abundant flora and fauna, including the Mexican pink flamingo. A boat ride through the estuaries is a highlight of this magical day, topped off with a refreshing dip in the freshwater springs.
Your third day in Mérida has been left free for you to explore at leisure, or perhaps book a trip to a nearby cenote or visit the small town of Sisal.
Days 5-6 Campeche
Onward to Campeche, once an important seaport and subsequently the focus of pirate attack, resulting in the Spanish Crown ordering the fortification of the city. Remnants of the original fortress walls still stand, giving the city a romantic atmosphere. The ramparts now house museums and the Land Gate is the site of a dramatic light and sound show that relives the pirate era. You’ll visit the small village of Becal en route, which is world famous for its Panama hat making, and enjoy a city tour of Campeche to uncover its swashbuckling history.
Days 7-8 Uxmal, Kabah & Chichén Itzá
Depart Campeche heading north-east to visit the impressive Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Kabah, enjoy lunch, before arriving at your accommodation near Chichén Itzá, ready for an early morning visit the next day.
The Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itza are arguably the most famous ruins in Mexico and are certainly among the most popular with visitors. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s an impressive place to discover. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the peak of the crowds and heat of the day. After your visit, you’ll continue east to the beach-side town of Tulum.
Days 9-11 Tulum
Explore the ruins at Coba, the only site where visitors are allowed to climb the structures, then cool off in a cenote and go in search of monkeys at Punta Laguna nature reserve. You’ll also discover the only Mayan-walled city and the impressive views of the Caribbean coastline before exploring the tropical forests and mangrove channels of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve by boat.
Days 12-13 Cancun - UK
Transfer from your hotel to Cancun International airport and board your flight. You'll land back in the UK on day 13.
Speak to a dedicated Mexico Holiday Specialist
All our Mexico itineraries can be tailored to your unique requirements. Enquire about our Yucatan in Depth holiday and let us plan your perfect Latin American adventure.What Makes a Latin Routes Holiday Truly Unforgettable?
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