The Palapa Tour

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 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.

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Day 2

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.

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). 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.

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Day 4

Chicanná & Calakmul

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

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.

Day 5

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.

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Day 6

Edzná

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

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Day 7

Labná, Kabah and 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.

Day 8

Oxkutzcab

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

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Day 9

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.

Day 10

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.

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Day 11

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.