The Yucatan Peninsula has tons of them sinkholes that open up into underground rivers with the clearest water youve ever seen. It also has a rope swing, which adds a thrilling element. Hiring your own car will cost around US$30 per day for car hire. You can also head a little out of town into the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve for awesome mangrove & wildlife tours. 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. Entrance to attractions, such as archaeological ruins, sometimes involves payment of both state and federal admissions. Be sure to check out our guide to the rest of the Mexico. Individually-decorated rooms are themed around different precious stones and feature added touches such as a hammock, traditional cookies and local Mexican coffee. One of the more unique touches from the resort is the Soap Concierge who providing artisanal soaps formulated with organic ingredients on the Yucatan Peninsula for all guests. Experience Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I also suggest hiring a guide, as there arent many plaques or information. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. With ancient Mayan ruins, jaw-dropping cenotes, incredible beaches, islands, and more, road tripping the Yucatan Peninsula in eastern Mexico is worthy of a bucket list checkmark! 9 /10 Telegraph expert rating. This is great for those seeking a semi-inclusive experience, but it can get crowded and closes at 5pm. Learn more about the lives of mysterious civilisations at the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal; try traditional cuisine and get cultured in the likes of Merida and Campeche; and bathe in the crystal clear waters of hidden cenotes and pristine beaches. Re: Mexico Tourist Card and immigration form . To help you plan the perfect Yucatan road trip, Ive put together this action-packed Yucatan itinerary that will show you the best beaches, colonial cities and ancient sites in just 10 days. No paved roads, no cars, no hassling. We parked the car at the hotel and mostly walked everywhere, but used to it to explore outside of the historic center like the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and Uxmal. I hope this Yucatan road trip itinerary has been useful to you. The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary 8,987 forum posts. You can also hunt down local colectivos, shared transportation, where youll be squeezing into cars with locals (this isnt a great option if you have a lot of luggage). The Yucatan Peninsula is a place of emerald waters turning to turquoise waves crashing on perfectly white coral-sand beaches. My favorites are La Negrita Cantina and El Cardinal Cantina. Here I aim to inspire others to travel more by sharing honest travel guides from around the world. The location just outside the hub of town is convenient, but encourages some walking in the local neighborhoods. Read More THE MYSTERIOUS MAYA Who are the Maya? Check rates here. Leave the city of Merida behind at around 8 am and drive to one of Mexico's best-preserved Maya sites, Uxmal. Enjoy a free morning relaxing around Balacars lake before heading in a private vehicle towards Tulum. Buses are cheap, ranging from $2 to $25 depending on the distance. A beautiful budget option for solo travelers, this centrally-located hostel has beautiful rooms with a garden, terrace and small pool. Manage Settings 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. Go beyond Cancn and dive deeper into the Yucatan for culture, nature & beach life, by Tiffany Mead Some offer luxury or de lujo services with lots of legroom, reclining seats, and TVs. All photos unless otherwise stated by Tiffany Mead,La Mesa Mariposa. One of the best we visited was Cenote Saamal, a very deep cenote with a gorgeous tumbling waterfall. There is still one big pyramid overlooking the town that you can actually climb. When tide is out, Punta Mosquito reveals a large sandbar perfect for day-time water and sand play. Staying in Valladolid overnight makes this much more feasible. youll find MANY speed bumps (topes) on the roads of Yucatan, including on the federal highway. These were some of the most overpriced souvenirs I have found at any of the major tourist destinations in Mexicoand many were certainly not from Cob. . We Have the Perfect Adventure for You!!! Valladolid - 1 Night. Always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours. spent 3 months traveling the Yucatn Peninsula. Youll also find lush green forests dotted with Mayan ruins, colonial-era architecture, and sea life ablaze with color all under Caribbean blue skies. Each one is totally unique and beautiful in its own way. Golf carts and bikes are easily rented, but cant be taken out much further than the town in order to preserve the coastal ecosystems. Playa del Carmen is a favorite digital nomad hangout. The are beautiful places. Valladolid is another good base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula with affordable accommodation, close proximity to Chichn Itz (only 45 minutes away), and a bunch of different freshwater cenotes nearby. I chose to include Ek Balam on my itinerary after seeing photos of the temples massive stucco sculptures and tomb at the main temple, El Torre. Cancun - Collect Hire Car. Kick back and relax in the lakeside town of Bacalar, known for its deep blue cenote and aquamarine lagoon. Despite being the closest town to Chichen Itza, Valladolid is surprisingly quiet and laidback. However, a centurys worth of excavations means the rest of Chichen Itza is equally cool. Cancun to Valladolid - 161km / 1 hour 45 minutes. hi Rachel, yes! If you walk a few blocks back, youll find more local establishments, such as Pescaderia San Carlos, which serves up massive plates of ceviche for cheap. Comments are manually moderated. Have you tried the holbox lobster pizza? While I opted out of Ik Kil, the San Lorenzo cenote appears to be very similar and through mid-morning it was relatively secluded. This shallow blue-green water is home to 3 different kinds of sea turtles that you can swim with. On Friday nights at 8-9pm, the ancient sport is reenacted in front of Merida Cathedral luckily though, sans sacrifice. First, a little background. Throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, especially along the Riviera Maya, youll find a series of outdoor adventure theme parks built to take advantage of the natural landscape. Time seems to move slower, the heat can be downright oppressive, and preservation of local traditions and ecosystems is certainly at the forefront of community members minds as tourism continues to take off. A lovely homely budget option, this place feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel and even has a lounge and communal kitchen. You could visit the Regional Museum of Yucatan, located within the pretty Palacio Canton; chill out in the shady Plaza Grande, admiring the 16th-century cathedral; or seek out slow-roasted, citrus-marinated pork dish and Yucatan speciality, cochinita pibil. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-mexicotravel_blog-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'mexicotravel_blog-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mexicotravel_blog-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Listed as one of Mexicospueblo magico(magical towns), Valladolid is lined with cobblestoned streets, pastel colored houses and old colonial buildings converted into art galleries or indie boutiques. Tulum the place in Mexico I have had perhaps the most difficult relationship with. Of all the cenotes Ive been, my absolute favorite isCenote Suytun. Thank you for your support! When it comes to Playa del Carmen, aka Playa, Im a little biased I spent over a year living and working here. It serves mainly cities in Mexico, but also Houston and Toronto airports. Its wealth, however, was also deeply rooted in slavery and with a class war as well as the invention of synthetic rope, Mrida was abandoned by many. Valladolid to Chichen Itza - 53km / 50 minutes. The sparkling blue water and stalactites and stalagmites in the cave are a sight to behold. However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether youre traveling for a year or a week. Travel Yucatan is the top resource since 2000. The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. View Dates-Adventure Packages include round trip transportation if you are staying within the Tulum or Akumal areas, all entrance fees, non alcoholic drinks, snacks, and a delicious local lunch!-Standard Tours are our half day tours.These tours include all entrance fees, bottled water, a snack, and round trip transportation if you . Here's how to take a week-long road trip to explore the best of the Yucatn Maya archaeological sites. 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. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites of Maya culture, along with Chichen Itza, Caracol and Xunantunich in Belize, and Tikal in Guatemala. Much smaller than Mrida, Valladolid also sports predominantly colonial architecture and has been greatly restored. Izamal earned its nickname from the traditional golden-yellow buildings that spiral out from the center like a budding daisy. Cozumel deserves mention as one of the top tourist destinations boasting some of the most breathtaking water in Quintana Roo. Once a sleepy coastal town, Tulum has transformed into a trendy beach destination loved by hipsters, honeymooners and yogis alike. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Not far from town, you will stop for a couple of hours at the underrated Muyil ruins, within the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve, where you can also sail or swim in the clear fresh waters of a Mayan canal lined with mangroves. Mangroves of Dzinitun tours are highly recommended for their attention to the environment, having reforested hundreds of acres of mangroves and committing to non-motorized tourism. Other popular fillings include Nutella and fruit for those with a super sweet tooth. A spectacular view awaits at the top: ancient pyramids poking above the tree canopy and lush green jungles for as far as the eye can see! Tulum has ample scuba diving, snorkeling, kite surfing, yoga, and cenote opportunities. 10 Best Yucatan Tours & Trips 2023/2024 - TourRadar If you dont want to drive in Mexico, it is absolutely possible to follow this Yucatan itinerary by bus. Weve compiled some tips to help you navigate this world of geological wonders,, Mrida, the capital of the state of Yucatn in the south of Mexico, is a city set to music. Chichen Itza. Nearby ruins at Uxmal give some insight into the lives of the predecessors of the conquistadores, who arrived in 1542. The magic of the Yucatn starts with an incredible array of natural wonders, historical and archaeological sites, great food, and a laid-back vibe. 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. Car rentals can be a headache, but serve well for people who want to venture out to multiple places in a day. This weeklong escape begins in the well-preserved Spanish-colonial city of Valladolid, from which you'll take trips to cenotes and ancient ruins like Ek Balam and Chichn Itz. Explore all Intrepid Travel styles: Basix, Original, Comfort and Premium. Mexico has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements. Check the rates here. Thanks. There are actually many things to do in Valladolid, from exploring archaeological sites to cenotes and charming colonial architecture. Genesis may not be for those who would struggle with the sounds of roosters crowing early morning or the possibility of discovering small critters in their screened in cabana room. A common scam targeting visitors is money switching, particularly at gas stations. Be sure to bring suitably sturdy footwear. Uber and a local ride-share app, called THO are available in Mrida, offering safe and reliable transport around town. As Yucatan is massive, youll need at least 10 days to see some of the main highlights. Your information about the Yucatan is awesome. The tropical climate of Central America means conditions can be hot and humid. The winner (yes, winner!) We drove our car and stayed in the center of the historical city. Merida is also a perfect place to pick up a locally made Mexican hammock. Theres also a zipline over head, which our 6.5 year old daughter loved! 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. I arrived later in season and later in the day, discovering many birds, but unfortunately only one lone flamingo left in the lagoon and a few in the river. With its stunning beaches and pristine lagoons, Mexico's Yucatn Peninsula is a place of extraordinary natural beauty. For over a thousand years Chichen Itza was one of the great cities of Central America located here because of proximity to deep cenotes with access to fresh water. The streets arent too messy or hectic to navigate and theres not a lot of traffic. An economy rental car in Mexico averages just $200 for a whole week, which is less than $25 a day. I hope you enjoyed my guide on what to do in Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula! More than just . These are the best places for kid-friendly tours in Yucatan Peninsula: Living Dreams Mexico; Riviera Elite Private Yacht Tours; Absolute Adventure Mexico; MM Royale Yachts; H2OH Sun Cruises; See more tours for kids in Yucatan Peninsula on Tripadvisor Your Yucatan road continues further inland, to the cultural capital of Merida. Over the years, the water has yielded many artifacts including gold, jade, copper, shells and the bones of around 200 people who were thrown in as a sacrifice. 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). Can one safely travel with small children? Not many people make it out this way due to its remote location. Even so, the area near the beach hasnt been overly built up and the jungle comes right down the sand. Rent a beach cruiser bicycle and check out all of Tulums great beaches! Tulum is one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico and for good reason: its sublime. Admission is $15 USD, which gets credited towards your food bill. Save. As the name suggests, this gorgeous eco-boutique hotel sits right on the beach and offers a boho-chic vibe with a rustic charm. Today its a quiet spot to sit back, relax and take in the surrounding nature. Understandably, the Yucatan is an increasingly popular place to take a vacation, with cheap & easy flights from many major cities to Mexicos notorious party & resort town of Cancun. These are arranged by day, but of course you can re . Renting a car offers the best flexibility for exploring and visiting some of the more remote attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula. Sitting on the edge of town, the Coco Hacienda is a great option for those who dont want to pay the high prices on the beach, but still enjoy being surrounded by nature. The brothers who run the tour recommend arriving early morning (around 7 am) for wildlife viewing. Arte Rosa Mexicano has a unique, curated selection. A 20-minute drive from Cenote Suytun is the spectacular and less-visited archaeological site, Ek Balam. This cenote isnt my favorite, as its the most commercialized that we visited (artificial stairways, lookout points and too many tour groups). All your lodging choices (Look nice) are smack dab in the middle of the citywhich I guess is ok if you arrive by bus or what notbut Im not driving through that mess of streets in a car. What you will find is a brilliant array of diverse habitats, excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities, and relaxed beachside villages. Dont be fooled by the small size of Valladolid. Here's everything you need to know to explore the legends of the Maya at Chichn Itz, Mexico. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Located just one block from the main central square, Hotel Colonial Zaci is a graceful and elegant choice. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon), though this varies throughout the country. Izamal is built on a series of hills that once housed Mayan pyramids (and much of the town still speaks the Mayan language). Some of my favorite cenotes include Car Wash Cenote, Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido. You can hide and show different layers, or click icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this travel guide. (21 reviews) The property is gorgeous. However you dont have to worry about them eating you, as they prefer plankton. This is perhaps the most famous Maya site in Mexico, dominated by the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), a Mesoamerican step-pyramid. Having done the walk myself, renting a bike is the way to go. After breakfast, there are no activities planned for the day, but thats no reason to stop exploring. Make sure when you hand over the correct amount, keep your eyes on them and dont leave until you have the correct change. Mexican food is incredibly good and cheap everywhere. The Yucatan Peninsula stretches 320 km (200 miles) between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Ocean; it includes three states (Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan). Thats about what I can add to this I guess. It's a good idea to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Youll have a free day to do as you please. Refer to mytravel insurance guidefor more details. The peninsula comprises parts of Belize and Guatemala, as well as three separate Mexican states: Yucatn, Quintana Roo and Campeche. Well you can at Akumal beach, just 30 minutes South of Playa del Carmen. People often comment that culturally, the Yucatan feels very different from other parts of Mexico - almost to the extent that it feels like traveling to a different country entirely. The peninsula separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, and everything tropical you associate with the word Caribbean is on full display along its shorelines. Not to be confused with its Spanish counterpart, this sleepy colonial city is also built on top of an ancient Mayan settlement. Having rented cars numerous times in the Yucatn I can vouch for EasyWay Car Rental (in Cancun and Mrida) who gives up front, all inclusive pricing online. Best hotels in the Loire Valley | Telegraph Travel Marcel Proust. Accommodation usually ranges from $30 for a hostel room to $150 for a 4-star hotel. Texas123_7. The main gateway to Yucatan is Cancun International Airport (even though Cancun is not in the Yucatan state). Bus rides between states can be costly ($28 USD between Mrida and Cancun), but local buses typically cost about $1-5 to nearby destinations ($4 Mrida to Celestn). Isla Holbox is gloriously car-free and largely undeveloped. They look like paradise on earth. Actually, there's only one - the Yucatn Peninsula. Yucatn Peninsula - Wikipedia Mexico is generally very affordable, but the Yucatan Peninsula is slightly more expensive than other parts of Mexico that receive less tourism. Highway tolls between states are frequent, but can be avoided if you opt for the scenic, slow routes. Hopefully you found it useful. 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. In a corner of the Ra Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, about 3 hours from Cancun, youll find a magical place where sea water turns bright pink on an epic scale. This entire compact peninsula holds wonderful, varied and accessible travel surprises. For the more adventurous, scuba divers can also explore these underwater caves if youre a certified PADI diver. 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. Theyre like organized adventures that will take you zip-lining through the trees, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colorful fish. Peregrine Adventures is coming to the end of its journey. All rights reserved. If youve traveled to other places in Mexico, you will find that the Yucatn is a unique place. and didnt need any fancy photography equipment. Are you planning a visit? A lifejacket is required (which you can rent along with snorkel gear), and lifeguards patrol the water on paddle-boards. Holbox is a long strip of island, and as such, most visitors dont venture out far from the town. Yucatan Peninsula Vacation Packages 2023 from $477 Expedia Fewer visitors know about this place and it is simply breath-taking. Only a small part of the island is inhabited, and even then, it never feels overrun with visitors. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, growing up to 40 feet long and weighing up to 20,000 pounds. Many of them lie just outside these resort areas in the Yucatn Peninsula, the place I admiringly refer to as the Magical Land of the Maya.. 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). 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 As it is located a bit out of the center, the hotel has a large tropical garden filled with palms and banana fronds. Click on the top left of the map to find separate layers marking the route and points of interest. of the game was sacrificed, which was then the highest honor bestowed on a Mayan player. Expect lowland, coastal scenery. There is so much to do and see this side of Mexico that it's ideal for a loaded backpacking itinerary or road trip adventure. Want an in-depth insight into this trip? A small car with all coverages cost me about $28/day and they were extremely helpful on each of my trips. Once the introductions are out of the way, experience your first Mexican meal of the trip at an optional dinner with the group. A lunch plate runs the equivalent of about $5-6 USD and comes with a hefty portion of delectable chicken, rice, tortillas, a small salad, and the typical local spaghetti made with canned tomato sauce. 8 /10 Telegraph expert rating. Its a really weird sight and, curiously, the reason why flamingos are pink! Begin your 2-week Mexico itinerary in Cancun. A single supplement is available if youd prefer not to share a room on this trip. Midway to the top of the pyramids is the tomb of Ek Balams powerful ruler, Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, who reigned during the citys peak in 800 A.D. The central plaza is full of classic Spanish-looking buildings, museums, and many wonderfully tasty traditional Maya restaurants and food stalls! Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to share! Welcome to another city obsessed with a primary color! Most people come to Celestn to witness the spectacle of flamingos congregating in the estuary during early spring before flying to Rio Lagartos for breeding. Most major attractions cost between $10-15 USD, not including extras such as bike hire. Mexico is generally very affordable, but the. Among the many interesting structures found at this archeological site are two gigantic pyramids with the largest one reaching 55 meters high (165 feet). Most people visit Cancun for the all-inclusive resorts and late-night debauchery, but if you skip the rest of the Yucatan Peninsula, youre totally missing the best stuff in my opinion! Like Merida, the town of Izamal is designed to be walkable (be sure to check out the enormous yellow-painted Franciscan monastery in the historic center) but you can also get around by hiring horse-drawn carriages. The vibrant capital of the Yucatan Peninsula has a rich Mayan and colonial heritage. Many natural areas are highly regulated and require entrance with a guide. The name Uxmal means thrice-built in Mayan. Budget travelers can survive on around US$40 $50 per day. Your email address will not be published. Peregrine has been an important part of Intrepid since 2012, and with more than 30 years experience and hundreds of trips across all seven continents, you can trust you'll be travelling with the experts. The Yucatan Peninsula is a place of emerald waters turning to turquoise waves crashing on perfectly white coral-sand beaches. After 10:30 am, you can expect to share views atop the main temple with hoards of other people. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest. Its gained a reputation over the years for parties, sun, tacos and margaritas on the beach. The Ultimate Yucatan Road Trip - A 2 and 3 Week Yucatan Itinerary Having traveled to over 140 countries and lived in six of them, I am now a long-term expat in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. On your drive back to Merida, make a stop at Cenote Sacamucuy, where local shamans still perform traditional rituals. The 'Infinite . An important Mayan-Toltec city it spans a thousand years of history. Yucatn - The gateway to the Mayan world | Yucatn.Travel How would you adapt the trip to allow enough downtime? At an elevation of over 2,200 meters, San Cristbal de las Casas is the cultural capital of Chiapas. How many people will be travelling privately? Yucatan Peninsula covers the states of Yucatn, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Get to the heart of Yucatn Peninsula with one of our in-depth, The rest had already started their way to Rios Lagartos. Its Wayak Spa offers traditional Mayan healing techniques, treatments, botanicals and indigenous products, as well as a newly appointed Mak Bacab to lead the resort's . Playa del Carmen travel - Lonely Planet | Mexico, North America Continue with Recommended Cookies, Last Updated on April 25, 2023 by Nellie Huang. Drive 3 hours back to Tulum. Head to the Yucatan Peninsula at the start of the season (November to early December) when prices are lower. Skip the line at Mexicos most famous archaeological site, visit a colonial town, and swim in a cenote. Honestly, theres not a lot of downtime factored in. Hola! For this Yucatan road trip, I recommend hiring a compact car. Mexicos Yucatn Peninsula is full of cenotes - natural swimming holes - with clear waters and magical caves that transport you to another time. Includes kayaking, zip-lining, rappelling, and more! I argue, absolutely but definitely try to get their early in the morning, as tours arriving around 10 am make for a crowded, Disney-like experience. Visit the Tulums ruins via bicycle, cruise around town, try some fresh tacos, and hop into a refreshing cenote. Sean. Rise and shine for the long cross-peninsular drive to Bacalar today. This state is considered one of the safest in Mexico. Its fun to watch and it gets pretty crazy towards the end, when the ball is literally ON FIRE, prompting faster passes, for sure. One of the best things to do in Valladolid is to wander around town aimlessly. HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above youll find a map of highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. No car and want to take some day trips around the Riviera Maya?