Mexico
Hidden Villages and Backroads of the Yucatan
Balam Tour - 18 Night Itinerary
Journey the backroads discovering seldom visited corners of the Yucatan. History unfolds in the colonial splendour of Merida and pyramids of ancient civilisations.
Select your Preferred Departure Date OR Default to Today's Date
Travel Highlights
- Journey the back roads to discover the Yucatan's seldom visited side
- Discover the delightful colonial city of Merida
- Stay 2-nights in a country boutique hotel, full of colonial charm
- Visit Izamal, known as the "yellow city" for its ochre facades
- Compare lesser-known Mayan ruins with the famed Puuc style ruins at Uxmal
- Watch pink flamingos and exotic bird life at the Celestun Nature Reserve and Rio Lagartos
- Avoid the midday sun and day-trippers at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza
- Admire the cliff-top ruins of Tulum, perched over an idyllic beach
Tour Route
- Valladolid - 3 Nights
- Espita - 2 Nights
- Izamal - 1 Night
- Merida - 3 Nights
- Santa Rosa - 2 Nights
- Chichen Itza - 3 Nights
- Tulum - 4 Nights
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Request QuotationTour Itinerary
Valladolid
3 NightsDay 1 - Departure on daytime flight to Cancun, onwards to Valladolid
Day 2 - Tour of Valladolid
Day 3 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Cancun, onwards to Valladolid
Fly from London Gatwick direct to Cancun. On arrival you will be met and taken to the colonial city of Valladolid, where we stay for 3 nights including breakfast.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
Tour of Valladolid
Enjoy a guided tour of Valladolid today including a visit to the San Bernardino convent in the historic centre of the city. Also enjoy a dip in the nearby Dzitnup cenote.
Monday, 26 May 2025
At leisure
Enjoy the charms of Valladolid at your leisure.
Frances Monarca
Meson del Marques
This cosy, family friendly Valladolid hotel is located in the historical district, within a 10-minute walk to the Cathedral of San Gervasio, Cenote Zaci, and Casa de los Venados. Cacao Factory and Convent de San Bernardino de Siena are also within 15 minutes. Restored in an old Casona style dating from the early seventeenth century…
Espita
2 NightsDay 4 - Ek Balam & Espita
Day 5 - Rio Lagartos and San Filipe Town
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Ek Balam & Espita
Today we transfer north to Ek Balam, a beautiful Mayan archaeological site dating back to 300 BC. From the main pyramid you can see the ball court, the Oval Palace and 360 degrees of the jungle surrounding the site.
Later, check-in to Casona Los Cedros, a charming boutique hotel in the quiet country town of Espita well off the tourist track. Here we stay for 2-nights including breakfast.
Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Rio Lagartos & San Filipe Town
Today we visit the small town of Rio Lagartos, located on a lagoon and a nature reserve. Here, we explore the nature and mangroves of the Lagartos River and the nearby biosphere reserve by boat. Accompanied by an experienced guide, observe much birdlife and wildlife including flamengoes. We also visit "Maya Bath", where you can bathe in a typical white clay bath on the beach or a in a freshwater spring.
We also visit the magical fishing village of San Filipe, located on the coast.
Casona Los Cedros
Located just over 50km from Valladolid in the historic centre of Espita, Casona Los Cedros is designed to offer a relaxed stay in a quiet, comfortable and green environment.
There are 9 rooms, either king bedrooms or double queens located in the tranquil garden. Each has air-conditioning, private bathroom. The double queen rooms has 2…
Izamal
1 NightDay 6 - Izamal
- Full Description
Izamal
Today we travel to Izamal, where we stay for 1-night including breakfast. Known as the 'Yellow City' due to its yellow coloured colonial buildings, the city is a tranquil and laid-back place to explore. Explore the Mayan ruins and visit the Convento de San Antonio de Padua.
Merida
3 NightsDay 7 - Drive along the coast to Merida
Day 8 - Guided tour of Merida
Day 9 - Celestun Nature Reserve
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Drive along the coast
Enjoy a scenic drive this morning along the coastal road with the Gulf on one side and lagoons with flamingos on the other. We visit Xambo, an important trading centre with impressive Mayan temples, and Progresso where you can take a stroll and have lunch. Continue to Merida where we stay for 3-nights including breakfast.
Saturday, 31 May 2025
Guided tour of Merida
Today enjoy a full day tour with our local guide exploring Merida. We visit the historical centre, Paseo Montejo, the Quinta Montes Molina Museum and in the afternoon the Musuem of Yucatecan gastromony.
Sunday, 01 June 2025
Celestun Nature Reserve
A full day to visit the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a vast wetland reserve that is home to over 200 species of birds including pink flamingos, herons, pelicans and sea turtles. We travel on foot and by local boat exploring the mangroves and lakes getting as close as possible to photograph pink flamingos in their natural habitat. We also visit the town on Celestun, a sleepy coastal fishing town full of character.
Hotel Caribe
Previously a catholic school, the Hotel Caribe is a comfortable base to explore Merida. Colonial style, yet contemporary.
There are a variety of room types, from standards to suites. All are air-conditioned, with private bathroom, TV, safe, ironing kit and tea and coffee making facilities.
The restaurant serves regional dishes and the pool on the…
Hacienda Mérida
Located in the heart of the colonial centre, the Hacienda Mérida is a luxury Boutique hotel, recognised for more than 15 years as one of the best hotels in the city.
Built in a late 18th century, this historic property has been designed to provide guests with a uniquely local experience; a haven of serenity,…
Chable Yucatan
Chable Yucatan is a small luxury hotel set in the jungle about 40 minutes drive from Merida, close the the village of Chochola where the jungle shelters the largest group of white tail, gray tail and red deer in the Yucatan. The location is also ideal for exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Celestun River,…
Santa Rosa
2 NightsDay 10 - Hacienda Yaxcopoil & Becal Magical Town
Day 11 - Uxmal and Kabah - the Puuc Route
- Full Description
Hacienda Yaxcopoil & Becal Magical Town
Tuesday, 03 June 2025
Uxmal and Kabah - the Puuc Route
Enjoy a full day guided visit to the magnificent archaeological sites of Uxmal and Kabah, with intricate, incomparable Puuc stonework.
Chichen Itza
3 NightsDay 12 - Travel to Chichen Itza
Day 13 - Visit Chichen Itza without the crowds
Day 14 - Yaxunah community & community cenote
- Full Description
Travel to Chichen Itza
Travel to the ancient pyramids of Chichen Itza, staying at your chosen hotel located close the site for 3-nights on a bed and breakfast basis. On the way to Chichen Itza, we stop on what is known as the Franciscan Route, where you can visit Mayan ruins and restored colonial convents.
Thursday, 05 June 2025
Visit Chichen Itza without the crowds
You have a full day to explore the extensive and impressive site on your own. We suggest visiting in the early morning and afternoon, avoiding the midday heat and crowds of day-trippers.
Friday, 06 June 2025
Yaxunah community & community cenote
Enjoy a visit to a local village, where you can observe the making of traditional hadicrafts, cooking and also have a swim in the community cenote. A very authentic experience.
Tulum
4 NightsDay 15 - Coba and a Caribbean beach
Day 16 - Tulum ruins
Day 17 - At leisure
Day 18 - Transfer for flight back to UK
Day 19 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Coba and a Caribbean beach
Today we drive to Coba, where we explore the great pyramids set amidst dense forest. We then continue along the Caribbean coast staying for 2-nights at your chosen hotel in Tulum on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax on the beach and enjoy the facilities of your hotel.
Sunday, 08 June 2025
Tulum ruins
This morning we visit the famous archaeological site of Tulum, a well preserved ancient Mayan port city. The main building is a castle (El Castillo), built in stone and positioned on a rocky cliff looking out over an idyllic white sandy beach and the turquoise sea. We return to your hotel to relax.
Monday, 09 June 2025
At leisure
You last day in the Yucatan. Relax on the beach or at your resort.
Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Transfer for flight back to UK
Transfer to Cancun Airport for your direct overnight flight to London.
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Arrive in the UK
Arriva back in the UK in the morning.
Dreams Tulum
Located on one of the most beautiful beaches, surrounded by lush tropical trees & fine white sand. The 458 luxury suites and guest rooms are elegantly decorated in a colonial style, have their own patio or balcony, with air-conditioning, TV, CD/DVD player. Ideal for families with a variety of activities including cycling, water sports, tennis,…
Cabanas Los Lirios
Los Lirios is a secluded hotel in Tulum located in the heart of Mayan Riviera and a short drive from the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. Offering unusual comfort and lovely spacious rooms to its guests. Surrounded by relatively undistributed tropical forest and set upon a beautiful beach, the hotel is the perfect combination between forest…
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | Year round | |
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £5,965 | £7,076 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £8,201 | £9,633 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 19 days / 18 nights
- International flights in Economy (1 overnight)
- Excursions with English-speaking guides
- Accommodation as shown in the itinerary
- Breakfast every day and meals as described in the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Exclusive list of restaurant suggestions
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
Specialist Advice & Ideas
Since 1999, we focus on carefully crafting unique and authentic travel experiences in Latin America and beyond.
Create Your Perfect Tour
Your holiday is tailored by our specialist advisors to fit your preferences using our extensive kowledge of each destination
The Best Local Guides
We have developed an extensive network of expert local guides, hand-picked to provide exclusive excursions and authentic insights.
Travel with Confidence
Our local guides are your hosts providing support, information and so you visit the main sites and experience life like a local.
READY - 18 May 2025
LANDMARK TOURS - Multi-Country Itineraries
INDONESIA - Rich Culture, Wellness, Lodges, Nature, Wildlife
PERU - Stunning Mountain, Ancient Culture, Wildlife & Luxury
PATAGONIA - Chile & Argentina Best from October to April
COSTA RICA - Rainforest Habitats, Wildlife & Unique Lodges
INDIA combined with MALDIVES - Amazing Island Resort
HONEYMOONS & CELEBRATIONS - "en Tete-a-Tete"
TRAVEL INSURANCE essential comprehensive cover