If youve got more than 10 days in Yucatan, I would suggest continue driving down the coastline to Bacalar Lagoon, a gorgeous natural lake also known as Laguna de Siete Colores (or lake of seven colors). 30 Mexico Fun Facts that will surprise You, Book tickets online to ensure availability, best restaurants in San Cristobal de las Casas, 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula, 20 Cool Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico, Copper Canyon Mexico: My 10-Day Itinerary[2023], El Chepe Train: My Guide to Copper Canyon by Train, Pump your gas in advance, dont wait until your gas tank is completely empty. The ride is just a 15-minute skip across the calm channel on a comfortable . This traditional Mexican beverage is distilled from wood-fired agave giving it a unique smokey flavor. Enjoy a free morning relaxing around Balacars lake before heading in a private vehicle towards Tulum. Its the last day of your Yucatan road trip! Flying into Cancun from the US is really affordable. Its surrounded by the jungle, with tree roots hanging over the spearmint blue water and rickety wooden bridges running along the sides of the cenote. Xcaret. At Cuzam, youll access the cenotes by being pulled on a mule-cart 2 miles via an old railway system. Dating back to 1892, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) houses Yucatan states executive government offices and its open to the public. If youre on a budget, Id recommend spending one night on Tulum beach and one night in Tulum town. There is no other city larger than 100,000 people (Per wiki). Budget: Hotel & Hostal Boutique Casa Garza. Most major attractions cost between $10-15 USD, not including extras such as bike hire. Note: its closed on Tuesdays. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Despite its popularity, the town is a lot less party-oriented than its neighbors, and the nightlife isnt as crazy. Spend two hours exploring the ruins with your leader see the impressive so-called Pyramid of the Magician, marvel at the decorative details of the Governors Palace and take the opportunity to climb one of the pyramids for astounding views of the surrounding area. Back to tacos and margaritasthis place has amazing fish tacos and Maracuya (passionfruit) margaritas. Enjoy the beach and adventure in the Riviera Maya, 4 Days at Xcaret Parks, Mexico City & Merida City (Delight Mexican Cuisine). It is massive and there are very few signs, I highly recommend hiring a guide for this. Wanting to enjoy one of the Yucatns famous well-cenotes, I found that Cenote Ik Kil was certainly the most popular, but again came with Disney-like crowds. Mainly, thatched huts with locals weaving hammocks for sale line the two main roads. You must take a guide due to risk of getting lost in the underground cave system. Buses are abundant and can get you between destinations within a few hours in most cases. A short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, the island of Cozumel runs at a completely different pace of life. But the town of Valladolid its a treasure in itself. These are arranged by day, but of course you can re . The most famous and popular beach near Mrida is Progreso, but after a few recommendation from locals again, I and one other person from the hostel went to a place called Sisal which was really peaceful. To go deeper into the wilderness, consider driving down or taking a tour to Sian Kaan Biosphere. It feels rather quaint and small to me. I hope I have the opportunity to visit them one day. 1. Few Mexican destinations can dazzle you with ancient Maya ruins, azure Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico waters and colonial cities all in one fell swoop. If youre coming a long way here, then spend a few nights at a resort in Cancun and have some downtime. Who doesnt want to swim with sea turtles? However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether youre traveling for a year or a week. I need to go read up on True Mirror! For this Yucatan road trip, I recommend hiring a compact car. Well you can at Akumal beach, just 30 minutes South of Playa del Carmen. Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula is a lot more than just all-inclusive resorts and wide sandy beaches its dotted with gorgeous cenotes (underwater sinkholes), impressive ancient ruins and charming colonial towns. After 10:30 am, you can expect to share views atop the main temple with hoards of other people. With a major highway between Cancun and Mrida, youll find that access between Yucatn state and Quintana Roo is simple. There are currently no scheduled departures on our Yucatan Peninsula Adventure trip. First, a little background. Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is a lot more than just all-inclusive resorts and wide sandy beaches it's dotted with gorgeous cenotes (underwater sinkholes), impressive ancient ruins and charming colonial towns. Buses are cheap, ranging from $2 to $25 depending on the distance. Thousands of years of history mixed with a modern, laidback lifestyle means Mexico, and the Yucatan in particular, should be high on everyones bucket list. The ruins of a large Mayan palace have been discovered iin the north-east of Yucatn in Mexico, 100 miles west of Cancn. Edited: 9:08 pm . The owner partners with local community members to lead immersive cultural tours, morning village walks, and farm tours. It certainly deserves recognition, but also means that it is less than secret now. Hope this helps! Yucatan Travel Style In-depth Cultural, Family +6 more Operated in English, Spanish Operator Destination Services Mexico -15% Tour length 4 days Price per day $152 From $713 US $606 You save: $107 Download Brochure View tour View Map Its generally easy to drive in Mexico, especially outside of the cities. No roads or cars of any kind. Some of the most popular ones are Xcaret, Xel Ha, Xplor and Rio Secreto. Here are the top day trips from Playa del Carmen - and how to do them - so you can hit the road and check out the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula. No paved roads, no cars, no hassling. Other highlights include visiting the largest Maya pyramid in the region at Cob, plus an . The best time to visit the Yucatan is during the dry season between December and April, when there is virtually no rain. Its also still possible to climb to the top of the pyramids. Kick back and relax in the lakeside town of Bacalar, known for its deep blue cenote and aquamarine lagoon. Manage Settings The Yucatan Peninsula has tons of them sinkholes that open up into underground rivers with the clearest water youve ever seen. In terms of the quintessential trip to Chichen Itz, some travelers waiver on whether its worth it. Tulum is famous for its turquoise water, snorkelling spots, ancient ruins and general magnificence, so no-one can blame you for wanting to stick around for a few more days. Among the many interesting structures found at this archeological site are two gigantic pyramids with the largest one reaching 55 meters high (165 feet). If youre dreaming of sunny days in Mexico, I get it this magical destination has long been a top choice for a getaway to paradise. Cancun does have a lot going for it though, with all sorts of fun things to do. One of the best we visited was Cenote Saamal, a very deep cenote with a gorgeous tumbling waterfall. My wife and I are going on a 8/9 day trip at the end of November and I want to make sure we dont end up rushing around too much. While petty crime is common here, it has one of the lowest rates of homicide in Mexico (10 times lower than the rest of the country). Snorkel with sea turtles off the coast of Mexico. Check rates here. Yucatan is one of the safest places in Mexico for travelers. Its built in a rustic colonial style and has two tranquil swimming pools. We drove our car and stayed in the center of the historical city. hi Rachel, yes! One of the most popular is Dos Ojos, and you should drive there, but then continue past it to make it to Cenotes Sac Actun. Historic plazas, churches, shops, and cobblestone streets line the town center and walking is by far the best way to enjoy this place. Ah yes.. Merida is a big city, but honestly the town center doesnt feel that way. I did a volunteering at a hostel in Mrida for a month this autumn. Valladolid to Chichen Itza - 53km / 50 minutes. This is a summary of my recommended Yucatan itinerary. Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided and youll spend about an hour navigating through various caverns and enjoying the aquamarine waters. Check out my guide on where to stay in Tulum. I was curious how much downtime there is factored in. Read our full list of 30 best things to do in Merida. Between the Mayan cities and mystical cenotes, the colorful towns and delicious food, the lagoon of Bacalar and the stunning beaches the region is known for, a Yucatan road trip truly has something for everyone. Plus, of course, the awesome nightlife youll find there. Some included activities, such as guided tours of archaeological sites, can be quite strenuous. Find something that suits your pocket or adventure type, and check in weekly for fresh new deals. A small car with all coverages cost me about $28/day and they were extremely helpful on each of my trips. But with an almost perfect circular opening and lush green vegetation dangling over the water, the cenote definitely has a stunning setting. The tomb is being restored, but you can see carvings, paintings, and murals. Almost every major expanse of wall and building facade was painted a deep golden yellow for a special visit from Pope John Paul II in 1993, and they just never changed it. The tours provide opportunities to bird-watch at Isla Pajaros, swim in an open mangrove cenote at Yum Balam Ecological Preserve, and potentially see flamingos at Isla Pasin. This spectacular venue has behind the brilliant mind of its founder Pepe Soho, one of the most recognized Mexican photographers. Its hard to imagine this sedate lakeside town being overrun by pirates but thats the history in these parts. These experiences are best for multi-day tours in Yucatan Peninsula: Xcaret, Chichen Itza & Isla Mujeres Catamaran 3 days Combo; Birding South of Mexico; 5 Days Mayan Heritage History Tour; Jaguar Route Private Circuit; Combo Saver: Chichen Itza & Cenote + Isla Mujeres Catamaran; See more multi-day tours in Yucatan Peninsula on Tripadvisor Nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (the Yellow City). Its also on the cruise ship route, as clearly seen from the amount of gift shops near the docks at San Miguel, home to most of the islands population but get away from town and the islands rich emptiness reveals itself. I will be more than happy to help! Visitors to Valladolid will find many day trips to other ruins as well as breathtaking cenotes and small traditional Maya villages. Ive worked hard putting it together for you. One of the best and newest hotels in Valladolid, Le Muuch is full of charm and color. Thats actually misleading since the peninsula itself is made up of four different states: Yucatan, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Tabasco. Admission is $15 USD, which gets credited towards your food bill. Mexico requires purchase of third party liability insurance, and so while many people find quotes online for cars renting at $1 a day, after added insurance people often get scammed into spending a lot more once theyre at the counter. $2,265 $988 per person Aug 23 - Aug 30 Roundtrip flight included Dallas (DFW) to Cancun (CUN) 8.4/10 Very Good! In this Yucatan itinerary, we cover roads that are in relatively good conditions. Quintana Roo is probably the best known thanks to the tourism mega-destinations of Cancn, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, where millions flock annually to get their share of vitamin D on brochure-perfect beaches or resort infinity pools. I think staying in Progreso is a better choice or Ixmal. 2. for Yucatan Peninsula, Chetumal, Mahahual. Markets and street booths offer cheap fresh produce that you can wash and prepare yourself, as well as traditional dishes, such as pibil (pit roasted pork) tacos and soda de lima for $1-2 per serving. The Mayan Port region, located in the northeast of the state, is made up of the municipalities of Panab, Ro Lagartos, San Felipe, Sucil and Tizimn. A great way for families to spend a day in Mexico, but adults will have a good time at these theme parks too. Later, you might like to share an optional final meal with the group to say farewell and salud to Mexico. The peninsula, which consists of Yucatn state and Quintana Roo states, also touts some of Mexicos most accessible, safest, and cheapest destinations for adventuring out independently or with a small group. Cantinas dont typically require a minimum purchase, but it is good practice to order 2-3 drinks. I also suggest hiring a guide, as there arent many plaques or information. Visit the Tulums ruins via bicycle, cruise around town, try some fresh tacos, and hop into a refreshing cenote. For information on careers, PR, marketing or responsible business Still, this island is simply breath-taking with palm-lined beaches, hammocks strung throughout the island, and decidedly rustic island vibes. Sip zingy margaritas, munch on local cuisine and soak up as much culture and history as you can in Merida, Yucatans charismatic capital. Of all destinations in the Yucatn peninsula, Valladolid impressed me most with its selection of truly locally-crafted souvenirs, such items made from sisal, hand-carved masks, ceramics, and paintings. Its hard to, Wandering barefoot through the contemporary art museum at Azulik hotel, you feel like youre in a giant cocoon. Local beers run about $2-3, but at a cantina will include several small plates of food, giving you much more bang for your buck. Just outside of Cob, Punta Laguna is a remote lake and natural wildlife sanctuary home to spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguars, pumas and more. Required fields are marked *. Texas123_7. Here's how to take a week-long road trip to explore the best of the Yucatn Maya archaeological sites. anywaylike your photos of the Yucatan. For example, Cancun Shuttle runs from Cancun to Chiquila (ferry departure point for Isla Holbox) for a little less than the bus, but with less comfort. Overall, the buses are economical and you will find local, 2nd class, and 1st class options available to major destinations. In town, Bateys Mojito Bar is another fun choice for drinks and atmosphere, where the sugarcane for your drinks is manually pressed in front of the restaurant. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next: Have any questions about the Yucatan Peninsula? Having traveled to over 140 countries and lived in six of them, I am now a long-term expat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. If you would like to spend some more time in Tulum, let us know in advance and well be happy to book additional accommodation (subject to availability). My favorites are La Negrita Cantina and El Cardinal Cantina. Its one of the poorest states, but its the richest in terms of natural attractions like spectacular waterfalls, canyons, and mountains. The magic of the Yucatn starts with an incredible array of natural wonders, historical and archaeological sites, great food, and a laid-back vibe. 2. Also a great place to start if its your first time to Mexico I felt, especially since it is the safest city in all of Mexico and is a peaceful place and a good place to start from to explore other parts of Yucatn. Everything that happens in this place is excellent, from parties to natural events, is a magical place that you should visit at least once in your life. 5. Youll meet your leader and fellow travellers at an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. Marcel Proust. There are actually many things to do in Valladolid, from exploring archaeological sites to cenotes and charming colonial architecture. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below. Peregrine Adventures is coming to the end of its journey. The Yucatan Peninsula is a place of emerald waters turning to turquoise waves crashing on perfectly white coral-sand beaches. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. The two areas are around 2.5 miles (4km) away apart. Chichen Itza. But for those who dont like lazing at an all-inclusive resort (like us), I recommend heading straight to Valladolid. Renting a car offers the best flexibility for exploring and visiting some of the more remote attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. As the water evaporates, salinity causes an explosion in the growth of red algae, plankton and brine shrimp, tinting the water reddish-pink. spent 3 months traveling the Yucatn Peninsula. However, to help preserve the area, theyve implemented some new rules. The streets arent too messy or hectic to navigate and theres not a lot of traffic. Cancun - Collect Hire Car. Dont miss the Casa de Montejo, a 16th-century mansion, is a landmark of colonial plateresque architecture. On Tulum Beach, a delicious, unpretentious, and affordable option for eats is Taqueria La Eufemia. 15 Awesome Things To Do In Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, scuba divers can also explore these underwater caves. Youll also find lush green forests dotted with Mayan ruins, colonial-era architecture, and sea life ablaze with color all under Caribbean blue skies. More than just . When it comes to Playa del Carmen, aka Playa, Im a little biased I spent over a year living and working here. If you dont want to drive in Mexico, it is absolutely possible to follow this Yucatan itinerary by bus. Valladolid - 1 Night. Its fun to watch and it gets pretty crazy towards the end, when the ball is literally ON FIRE, prompting faster passes, for sure. Their tour travels through the mangroves providing spectacular opportunities for viewing birds and other critters, such as caiman. By visiting this sparkling natural pool youll be supporting the local Mayan community. Isla Holbox is gloriously car-free and largely undeveloped. https://www.intrepidgroup.travel/contact-us, Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (Entrance fee, Guide & Transport), Merida - Regional Museum of Yucatan - MXN90, Merida Rio Lagartos (entrance and transport) - MXN1300, Campeche - Uxmal Archeological site entrance fee( INAH ), Campeche - San Miguel Fort (Entrance Fee) - MXN65, Cenote Azul - Natural rock pool with option to swim (Entrance fee & Transport) - MXN35, Muyil - Archaeological site (Entrance fee), Dos Ojos Cenote - Fresh Water Rock Pool (entrance fee with snorkelling gear & life jacket included) - MXN550, Tulum - Archaeological Site (entrance fee, no guide) - MXN90. Hotel Tulum, Mexico. Much further down is Punta Allen, and it is not advised to drive here due to poor road conditions. If youre looking to discover some of the Yucatns rich and interesting culture, history, and natural sites, then youve likely heard about this colonial gem, Mrida. Flights from Los Angeles to Cancunare slightly more expensive around US$350 return (4.5-hour flight). agent and received 90 days. While I opted out of Ik Kil, the San Lorenzo cenote appears to be very similar and through mid-morning it was relatively secluded. After a mid-day siesta, spend the evenings crawling to the various cantinas, where small plates of food are includedin the price of your drinks. For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles Ive written on Mexico: Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: its sublime. Its a great place to base yourself for exploring the rest of the peninsula. 7,686 forum posts. Here's everything you need to know to explore the legends of the Maya at Chichn Itz, Mexico. Make sure when you hand over the correct amount, keep your eyes on them and dont leave until you have the correct change. I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. Its gained a reputation over the years for parties, sun, tacos and margaritas on the beach. The morning walks gave me deeper connection with the area as we stopped and conversed with various local people along the way and even discovered remnants of old archaeological sites. Of all the cenotes Ive been, my absolute favorite isCenote Suytun. The area is filled with Mayan ruins, which sit high above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, as well as numerous iguana and tropical flora. As the name suggests, this gorgeous eco-boutique hotel sits right on the beach and offers a boho-chic vibe with a rustic charm. Remember to bring a mask and snorkel with you (or rent one when youre there) as a variety of fish and turtles live beneath the surface. Welcome to another city obsessed with a primary color! Tourist hubs, like Cancun, have capitalized on these experiences leading many vacationers to kitschy all-inclusive resorts. Book tickets online to ensure availability. There is a variety of activities including free nightly cultural events, art markets and tours, a great array of restaurants and bars, and convenient access to neighboring attractions. Meals in local restaurants cost the equivalent of $4-7, while mid-range options cost $7-10. Theyre like organized adventures that will take you zip-lining through the trees, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colorful fish. It is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. The ball game was part of a sacred, sacrificial ceremony, pitting good against evil. But there is sooooo much more to the Yucatan Peninsula than Cancun! The location just outside the hub of town is convenient, but encourages some walking in the local neighborhoods. If you can get a room in town at Hotel Howlita, youll enjoy the comforts of a boutique hotel with more opportunities for interactions with the local community nearby. The most popular month to go is November, which has the most tour departures. Heymondo offers great coverage, no excess or deductibles, and an app with 24/7 assistance & doctor chat. A rough translation of the word Cancun in Mayan is pot of snakes and this accurately describes how you might feel about this riotous city of hotels, bars and every kind of party you can dream up. I hope this Yucatan road trip itinerary has been useful to you. Cozumel deserves mention as one of the top tourist destinations boasting some of the most breathtaking water in Quintana Roo. Try to avoid driving at night, as you wont be able to see the speed bumps. Both Cancun and Mrida host international airports. Location is perfect. The most popular bus company in the region isGrupo ADO. Skip the line at Mexicos most famous archaeological site, visit a colonial town, and swim in a cenote. Tulum has the best beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula. It refers to the construction of its highest structure, the Pyramid of the Magician which was built on top of existing pyramids. All Rights Reserved. Mayan Port. Entrance to attractions, such as archaeological ruins, sometimes involves payment of both state and federal admissions.
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