Yucatan Self-Drive

Arrival & Car Pick Up
Today you will arrive in Cancun and pick up your rental car.

Cancun - Ek Balam - Rio Lagartos
Drive to the Mayan site of Ek Balam, known for its architecture, its walls that surround the site and the location in the Mayan jungle. On a bicycle you can drive to the natural cenote for a refreshing swim. Continue cycling to the natural reserve of Rio Lagartos. There will be an evening boat trip which will let you have the possibility to view crocodiles and night time activities in the reserve.

Rio Lagartos - Chichen Itza - Merida
You will begin the day with a very early boat tour through the natural reserve to see flora and fauna, native Pink Flamingos and the Salines La Colorada where you can take a mud bath in the mineral rich shores. Upon your return, breakfast will be served. You will then drive to Chichen Itza, the most important and awesome Mayan site in Mexico, declared World Heritage by UNESCO as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. We will find advanced archaeo-astronomic knowledge in this city. After that we will visit the pyramid site known as the "The Castle" or Temple Kukulcan. You will then jump back in to your car and take a 2-hour panoramic drive to Merida where you will arrive at your hotel. This will be followed by a walking city tour including a visit of the Zocalo, the Cathedral, and the colourful marketplace.

Breakfast included.

Merida - Uxmal - Campeche
Today you will drive for around 1.5 hours to the archaeological Mayan site of Uxmal. Once here you will visit the Quadrangle of the Nuns, the Governor´s Palace, and the Sorcerer´s pyramid. You will then continue to Campeche and check-in to your hotel. We suggest that for the remainder of the day you enjoy a walk though the colourful streets of this UNESCO World heritage city.

Breakfast included.

Campeche - Laguna de Terminos - Palenque
Drive along the golf coast towards the green jungle area of Chiapas. Your day's first stop will be at the natural reserve of Laguna de Terminos. In Isla Aguada you will take a boat trip where you may have the chance to see dolphins and local Manatees (sea cows) if you are lucky. You will then continue to visit the site of Palenque nestled in the jungle with its pyramids and temples.

Breakfast included.

Palenque - Bonampak - Yaxchilan
Today you will have an early morning transfer towards the ancient Mayan site of Bonampak, well-known for the murals located within the three-roomed Temple of the Murals. You will then continue on to Yaxchilan located 20m above the Usumacinta River in the heart of the Lacandon rainforest, and one of the most dramatic Maya sites. Yaxchilan was as powerful as Palenque or Tikal, and it ruled over several surrounding cities including Bonampak. We will explore the temples before making our way to our rustic eco cabins located in the Lacandon Jungle.

Breakfast included.

Return to Palenque
This morning you will have some free time in the jungle. Opt to book a tour of the jungle led by a local native Lacandon Indian (not included) before returning to Palenque.

Breakfast included.

Drive to Calakmul
Today you will head towards to site of Calakmul nestled in the Biosphere of Calakmul. This great Mayan site is considered one of the most important of the Peten with the highest pyramid. Tonight will be spent in a hotel close to Calakmul. As this hotel is nestled in the jungle, local guides can be hired for a short nightly walking tour in the surrounding forest.

Calakmul - Laguna Bacalar
Jump in your car and head towards the Lagoon of the 7 colours, Laguna Bacalar. On the way, we suggest that you stop at various small sites including: Rio Bec dinasty, Xpujil, Chicanná and Kohunlich. Upon arrival at the lagoon, enjoy the clear water and the enchanted hotel atmosphere.

Laguna Bacalar - Tulum
Drive from Laguna Bacalar to your beach hotel in Tulum where you will spend the next two nights. Here you have the option to either drop the car back to the rental station or keep it for the remainder of your stay - the choice is yours! If you do keep it for longer, additional charges will apply.

*Please note, if you decide to leave your car in Tulum, you will need to make your own way to your accommodation from the car rental office.

Breakfast included.

Day at Leisure
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the magnificent beaches and crystal clear waters of the Riviera Maya. Apart from its excellent beaches Tulum possesses some impressive cenotes (underwater sinkholes) which offer fantastic snorkelling opportunities and you should also consider a side trip to its breathtaking Mayan ruins.

Breakfast included.

Transfer to Cancun Airport
At the appropriate time today you will be met at your hotel by our representative and transferred to Cancun airport. This transfer should take around 2.5 hours.

Breakfast included.