Mexico
SELF-DRIVE through Yucatan's Mighty Ancient sites
Palapa Tour - 10 Night Itinerary
Visit the Aztec remnants of the past; Tulum, Calakmul for the pyramids of mighty civilisations, small villages, Chichen Itza, the walled city of Campeche and colonial Merida.
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Travel Highlights
- Our in-depth self-drive discovery through the heart of the Yucatan
- A comprehensive tour of Mayan ruins, visiting nine distinct archaeological sites
- Combine with exploration of colonial era cities and quiet provincial villages
- Avoid the crowds at Chichen Itza and Uxmal
- Visit the cliff-top ruins Tulum, overlooking an idyllic golden beach
- Receive local support and maps with a suggested route and places of interest
Tour Route
- Cancun - 1 Night
- Tulum - 1 Night
- Chicanná Ruins - 2 Nights
- Campeche & Edzna - 2 Nights
- Uxmal - 1 Night
- Merida - 2 Nights
- Chichén Itzá - 1 Night
- Return via Cancun
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 Quotation
Tour Itinerary
Cancun
1 NightDay 1 - Departure on daytime flight to Cancun
- Full Description
Fly to Cancun
Take a daytime flight to Cancun, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for a 1 night stay. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you with advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have.
Frances Monarca
Tulum
1 NightDay 2 - Tulum
- Full Description
Tulum
Early departure to collect your vehicle and then drive onto the striking ruins of Tulum, set on a cliff top offering stunning views over the turquoise ocean.
Stay one night with time to visit the archaeological site of Coba hidden in the dense forest.
Chicanná Ruins
2 NightsDay 3 - Kohunlich
Day 4 - Chicanná & Calakmul
- Full Description
Kohunlich
Continue to Kohunlich, visiting the nearby archaeological site famed for its unique 3m high stucco masks of the Sun God, from the early classic period (AD 250-500). The site is surrounded by dense rainforest with many of its buildings still lying entangled in the vegetation.
Continue to Chicanna, where you stay for two nights.
Tuesday, 20 May 2025
Chicanná & Calakmul
Start the day at the Mayan ruins of Chicanná, filled with beautiful structures with ornate facades. Seldom visited and with dense forest providing refuge for a wide range of wildlife.
The next stop is the Maya ceremonial site of Calakmul, where a large number of structures have been identified, including the tallest pyramid in Mexico. The ruins here are part of the an extensive Biosphere Reserve.
Campeche & Edzna
2 NightsDay 5 - Campeche
Day 6 - Edzná
- Full Description
Campeche
Continue your self-drive journey to the Gulf of Mexico to stay for 2 nights at the old walled city of Campeche on the coast.
The original colonial architecture and warm colours of the 18th century have been restored in the residential areas and historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll the streets and explore the churches, museums and the forts built to protect the city and the Spanish fleets, carrying the riches of Mexico.
Thursday, 22 May 2025
Edzná
Today explore the countryside to visit Edzná's massive complexes, once a large ceremonial centre which flourished around 650AD.
Uxmal
1 NightDay 7 - Uxmal
- Full Description
Uxmal
More fascinating exploration today. First stop are the Mayan ruins of Labná, noted for their tall corbelled archways and intricate mosaic reliefs. Next is Kabah, with its incredible façade adorned with nearly 300 masks of Chac, the Rain God.
Continue the drive to Uxmal, showing fine examples of the ornate Puuc style with intricate stone lattice work, mosaics and towering pyramids. Overnight at Uxmal.
Merida
2 NightsDay 8 - Oxkutzcab
Day 9 - At leisure in Merida
- Full Description
Oxkutzcab
Drive to Oxkutzcab, a small, picturesque Mayan town with a large and colourful fruit market. Continue to Mérida, for a 2 night stay.
Sunday, 25 May 2025
At leisure in Merida
Spend a day at leisure, exploring Merida's colourful colonial buildings painted in soft colours, enclosing delightful and tranquil patios. The museums and markets are also well worth a visit.
Chichén Itzá
1 NightDay 10 - Explore Chichén Itzá
Day 11 - Depart to UK
Day 12 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Explore Chichén Itzá
Drive to Chichén Itzá, one of the largest discovered Mayan sites, full of cosmological significance, with steps, panels and terraces depicting various stages of the Mayan calendar. El Castillo dominates the complex and affords stunning views of the sprawling ruins.
Chichén Itzá is close to Ik kil, a crowded, but beautiful cenote where you can have a refreshing swim. Overnight at Chichén Itzá.
Tuesday, 27 May 2025
Depart to UK
Opportunity to further explore Chichen Itza in the morning without the crowds of tourists. Late morning, depart to Cancún airport for your overnight to flight to the UK.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 25 Dec-21 Jun, 17 Aug-12 Dec | 22 Jun-16 Aug, 13 Dec-24 Dec | ||
| Room Arrangement | Tourist | First | Tourist | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £2,369 | £2,638 | £2,476 | £2,745 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £2,963 | £3,452 | £3,139 | £3,937 |
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
- 12 Days / 10 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Self-drive 2 door hatchback hire car
- Maps and other useful information to help you explore safely
- 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 - 14 May 2025
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