Itinerary
- Day 1
Cancún to Valladolid
Pick up your rental car at Cancún airport and drive out to Ek Balam, a large Mayan archaeological site covering 12 square kilometers. You'll walk through the acropolis, check out the ball court, and see the archways and stelae scattered across the grounds. Later, head to Cenote Xcanch in the Yucatán rainforest where you can swim either by walking down wooden stairs or rappelling if you're up for it. From there, drive to the colonial town of Valladolid for an evening walk through the old alleyways and around the Zócalo, then settle into your hotel for the night.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Ek Balam archaeological site - acropolis, ball court, archways and stelae
- Swim at Cenote Xcanché
Optional Activities
- Abseil down the cenote (mountaineering style descent)
- Overnight stay at Cenote Xcanché premises
- Guided tour of Valladolid colonial town
- Visit Franciscan churches and monasteries in Valladolid
Landmarks Ek Balam Cenote Xcanché Valladolid 
- Day 2
Valladolid to Uxmal
After breakfast, drive to Chichén Itzá, one of Mexico's most significant Mayan sites. You'll explore El Castillo, the main pyramid standing 30 meters high, and El Caracol, an ancient observatory that was used to track Venus. Head next to Mérida, the Yucatán capital, known for its colonial architecture, narrow streets, and horse-drawn carriages you'll see around town. Then continue to Uxmal where you'll stay overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Chichén Itzá archaeological site - El Castillo and El Caracol
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Mérida colonial town
- Horse-drawn carriage ride in Mérida
- Explore Paseo de Montejo boulevard
Landmarks Chichén Itzá El Castillo El Caracol Mérida Paseo de Montejo 
- Day 3
Uxmal to Chetumal
Spend time at Uxmal, whose name means 'the thrice-built', and see Late Classic Mayan structures with ornate facades, terraces, squares, columns and archways. Drive to Tekax and visit the 17th-century church of San Juan Bautista and the colonial 'Casa de los tres pisos' building. Climb up to the San Diego hermitage for views looking out over the town. After that, head to Chetumal for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Uxmal archaeological site - facades, terraces, squares, columns and archways
Optional Activities
- Visit church of San Juan Bautista in Tekax
- Explore Casa de los tres pisos in Tekax
- Climb to San Diego hermitage in Tekax for town views
Landmarks Uxmal San Juan Bautista Church Casa de los tres pisos San Diego Hermitage 
- Day 4
Chetumal to Tulum
Drive to Bacalar, a quiet town on the lagoon, and visit the Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar fortress built in 1733. Walk through the small museum covering pirate history and regional development, and take in the views of Laguna Bacalar from the battlements (that's the lagoon of seven colors). Head to Chacchoben to see the Mayan ruins that were rediscovered in 1972, then continue on to Tulum for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar fortress and museum
- Visit Chacchoben Mayan ruins
Optional Activities
- Boat tour or water activities on Laguna Bacalar
- Birdwatching in mangrove forests
Landmarks Fuerte de San Felipe Bacalar Laguna Bacalar Chacchoben 
- Day 5
Tulum to Cancún
After breakfast, head to the Mayan fortress of Tulum, which sits dramatically on the Caribbean coast overlooking the water. You'll walk through the temple district seeing the palace, Templo del Dios Descendente, and Templo de los Frescos. You get this unique combination of ancient ruins, white sand beaches, and turquoise water all in one spot. Then drive back to Cancún airport to return your rental car and end the trip.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tulum Mayan ruins - temple district, palace, Templo del Dios Descendente and Templo de los Frescos
Landmarks Tulum Templo del Dios Descendente Templo de los Frescos
