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SELF DRIVE through Yucatan's isolated sites

Explore the Aztec remnants of the past, stepping back in time at Calakmul for the pyramids of mighty civilisations, small villages, the walled city of Campeche and colonial Merida.

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
  • Stay close by to avoid the biggest 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

Journey Breakdown

Route Map

Click on a marker to read about each location.

The Palapa Tour
Travel Itinerary

Cancun & Tulum
Days 1 - 2

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Day 2 - Tulum

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 1 - Departure from UK

Take a daytime flight to Cancun, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for 1 night. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have.

 

Day 2 - Tulum

Early departure to collect your vehicle and 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
Days 3 - 4

Day 3 - Kohunlich

Day 4 - Chicanná & Calakmul

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 3 - 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), surrounded by dense rainforest with many of its buildings still lying entangled in the vegetation. Continue to Chicanna, for a two nights stay.

 

Day 4 - Chicanná & Calakmul

Start the day at the Mayan ruins of Chicanná, filled with beautiful structures with ornate facades.

Next stop is the Maya ceremonial site of Calakmul, where a large number of structures have been identified, including the tallest pyramid in Mexico, and is part of the an extensive Biosphere Reserve.

Campeche & Uxmal
Days 5 - 6

Day 5 - Campeche

Day 6 - Edzná

Day 7 - Labná, Kabah and Uxmal

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 5 - Campeche

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. Walk the streets and explore the churches, museums and the forts built to protect the city and the Spanish fleets, carrying the riches of Mexico.

Day 6 - Edzná

Visit Edzná's massive complexes, once a large ceremonial centre which flourished around 650AD.

Day 7 - Labná, Kabah and Uxmal

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
Days 8 - 9

Day 8 - Oxkutzcab

Day 9 - Merida

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 8 - Oxkutzcab

Drive to Oxkutzcab, a small, picturesque Mayan town with a large and colourful fruit market. Continue to Mérida, for 2 nights.

 

Day 9 - Merida

Spend one day at leisure, exploring its colonial buildings painted in soft colours, enclosing delightful, tranquil patios, museums, and markets.

Chichén Itzá
Days 10 - 11

Day 10 - Chichén Itzá

Day 11 - Depart to UK

View Description

Itinerary Description

Day 10 - 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.

 

Day 11 - Depart to UK

Depart to Cancún airport to fly home, arriving the following day, Day 12.

Travel Details
Palapa

What's Included

  • 12 Days / 10 Nights
  • International flights (1 overnight)
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
  • 12 Days / 10 Nights
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
  • 12 Days / 10 Nights
  • Internal flights
  • Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
  • Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
  • Transfers to and from airports
  • Transport  throughout the itinerary
  • Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
  • Prices are per person
  • Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request

Price Breakdown

Prices are per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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 Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room £1,562 £3,325 - £2,005 £3,768 -
Multiple Travellers - Own Room + £784 + £815 - + £784 + £815 -
Single Traveller - Own Room + £1,111 + £2,282 - + £1,111 + £2,282 -
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 Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room €974 €3,090 - €1,506 €3,898 -
Multiple Travellers - Own Room + €941 + €978 - + €941 + €702 -
Single Traveller - Own Room + €1,334 + €2,738 - + €1,334 + €2,462 -
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 Deluxe Tourist First Deluxe
Multiple Travellers - Twin Room $1,030 $3,322 - $1,606 $3,898 -
Multiple Travellers - Own Room + $1,020 + $1,060 - + $1,020 + $1,060 -
Single Traveller - Own Room + $1,446 + $2,967 - + $1,445 + $2,967 -

Booking Term's & Conditions

Travel
Enquiries

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Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.

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020 8762 0616 [email protected]

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