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
The Palapa Tour
Travel Itinerary
Cancun & Tulum
Days 1 - 2
Day 1 - Departure from UK
Day 2 - Tulum
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
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
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
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
Day 10 - 11
Day 10 - Chichén Itzá
Day 11 - Depart to UK
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 | - |
Travel
Enquiries
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