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Yucatán

Discover Yucatán at your own pace by rental car!

Caribbean dream beaches, legendary Maya sites such as Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Ek Balam, colonial cities like Mérida and Valladolid, mysterious cenotes, turquoise lagoons, and the historic legacy of the “green gold” at magnificent haciendas – Yucatán is a feast for all the senses.

Travel to the roots of Maya culture, climb ancient pyramids, peer into mystical underworlds and experience the hospitality of the descendants of this ancient civilisation. During a traditional ceremony celebrating the fertility of the earth, while cooking in a pib earth oven, and through encounters that stay with you, you can truly feel that history is still alive. Río Lagartos reveals the wild side of the peninsula with flamingos, crocodiles and striking pink salt flats, while Tulum captivates with its boho flair and laid-back Caribbean spirit. With your rental car, you are free to find your own rhythm – whether discovering secluded beaches, following the scents of the tropics or simply pausing to take in the peaceful view over a cenote.

Notes

Possible Excursions and Tours (bookable locally, some free of charge):

Possible Excursions and Tours (advance reservation required):

Planned Accommodation

Day 1 – Bienvenidos to Cancún! Sunshine, Beach & Settling In

Welcome to Mexico! After arriving at Cancún International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and taken by shuttle to the car rental company. Once you have picked up your vehicle, your adventure begins: the warm air, tropical light and first hint of the Caribbean instantly awaken your sense of adventure. Only a short drive separates you from your beach hotel. Once you arrive, let yourself be embraced by Cancún’s cheerful Caribbean atmosphere: take a first dip in the turquoise sea or cool off in the hotel pool – the choice is yours. The evening is all about enjoying the moment: tacos al pastor beneath the palm trees, a cold drink in your hand and sand beneath your feet. Your holiday has begun.
Our overnight stay will be at a beach hotel (booked category) in CancĂşn (No meals included)
Drive time: 30min, 25km

Day 2 – Ek Balam & Flamingos: Following in the Footsteps of the Maya

The day begins on the white sands of Cancún, with the sound of the waves in your ears and the Caribbean sun on your face. After breakfast, head into the green heart of Yucatán, passing through tropical landscapes and traditional villages on your way to the Maya site of Ek Balam. Intricately carved reliefs and the imposing main pyramid rising above the jungle make this archaeological site a true hidden gem. A short trail leads you to a sacred cenote, where you can take a refreshing swim as the Maya once did – surrounded by limestone formations, tangled roots and the echoes of ancient legends. Next, discover the tranquil fishing village of Río Lagartos and embark on a boat trip through the lagoon. Keep your eyes open for crocodiles and flamingos, experience a traditional Maya mud bath, and cruise past the region’s striking pink salt flats – the “white gold” of Yucatán. In the evening, arrive in charming Valladolid, where colourful colonial façades and a lively Zócalo provide the perfect setting to end the day.
Our overnight stay will be at a colonial or boutique hotel (booked category) in Valladolid (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 5h, 400km

Day 3 – Cobá & Cenotes: The Underworld & Ancient Origins

Today takes you to the archaeological site of Cobá, once home to more than 55,000 people. By bicycle or rickshaw, glide along jungle paths, passing ancient roots, carved stelae and hidden temples. Climbing the Nohoch Mul Pyramid, the highest in Yucatán, rewards you with sweeping views across the endless green canopy. Then it’s time to cool off. Descend into three cave cenotes and enter a magical underworld, where stalactites, shafts of light and crystal-clear water come together in a silent symphony. At lunchtime, you are welcomed into the home of a Maya family. A shaman introduces you to the world of medicinal plants and the “sacred bees”, which were once revered by the Maya for their precious honey. Together, you prepare traditional tortillas, share stories and laughter, and experience a taste of the living heart of Yucatán.
Our overnight stay will be at a colonial or boutique hotel (booked category) in Valladolid (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 2h30min, 160km

Day 4 – Chichén Itzá, Izamal & Colonial Mérida

This morning, stand before legendary Chichén Itzá, where ancient stone structures seem to tell stories of a fascinating civilisation. The Pyramid of Kukulcán, the Great Ball Court, the Platform of the Skulls and the Sacred Cenote take you deep into the myths and rituals of the Maya world. Continue to Izamal, where golden-yellow buildings and a historic monastery built on the foundations of an ancient pyramid reflect the fascinating fusion of Maya and Spanish cultures. End the day in elegant Mérida, surrounded by colonial architecture, colourful markets, traditional music and a touch of tropical energy.
Our overnight stay will be at a boutique or city hotel (booked category) in Mérida (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 3h30min, 200km

Day 5 – The Magic of Uxmal, Maya Hospitality & the Drink of the Gods

Today takes you deep into the spiritual and culinary world of the Maya, with unforgettable encounters and flavours rooted in ancient traditions. In the morning, explore Uxmal, one of the most impressive Maya sites on the Yucatán Peninsula. The Pyramid of the Magician rises 35 metres into the sky, flanked by steep stairways and intricate masks of Chaac, the Maya rain god. The magnificent Governor’s Palace and the many iguanas basking on the sun-warmed stones bring this ancient site vividly to life. Then it’s time for a warm welcome into the home of a Maya family. Together, you prepare lunch in a traditional pib earth oven. Ingredients are chopped, roasted and seasoned – accompanied by stories and laughter that linger long after the meal is over. For a sweet finale, visit a chocolate project where you discover the ritual significance of the cacao bean, taste the sacred Maya drink and create your own chocolate. In the evening, return to Uxmal – this time beneath the warm glow of the setting sun. During the magical light show, the ancient temples come alive with projections, music and storytelling, creating the feeling that the spirit of the Maya itself is drifting through the night.
Our overnight stay will be at a hacienda hotel (booked category) in Ticul (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 2h30min, 160km

Day 6 – Jipi Sombreros & Colonial Charm: From Uxmal to Campeche

Leave Uxmal behind and set off for the charming port city of San Francisco de Campeche. Along the way, fascinating stops offer a glimpse into the region’s history, traditions and craftsmanship. In Bécal, discover how the leaves of the jipi palm are skilfully woven into traditional Panama hats – a craft preserved in the unique environment of humid limestone caves. In a nearby Maya village, gain a deeper insight into the spiritual traditions of the local community. The elaborately decorated ossuary buildings in the cemetery bear witness to the enduring connection between the living and their ancestors. And in one of the region’s traditional Maya bakeries, the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread awaits – a delightful experience for all the senses. Upon arrival in Campeche, colonial charm takes centre stage: pastel-coloured houses, wrought-iron balconies and cobblestone streets create the atmosphere of a beautifully painted city.
Our overnight stay will be at colonial hotel (booked category) in Campeche (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 2h30min, 190km

Day 7 – Milpas & Magic: Fertility Ritual & Boho Vibes in Tulum

Today, your journey takes you through the quiet bushland of central Yucatán – a rugged landscape of gnarled trees, thorny shrubs and fragrant dry flowers, perfectly suited to a way of life in harmony with nature. At an authentic Maya cooperative, discover the traditional concept of milpa farming – a combination of maize, squash, beans and other crops that has been cultivated by the Maya for centuries. At the heart of the cooperative, become part of a moving ceremony celebrating the fertility of the earth. Traditional chants, fragrant copal smoke, moist earth and a quiet expression of gratitude to the forces that sustain life create an intimate connection to Maya traditions. At lunchtime, enjoy handmade specialities prepared with freshly harvested ingredients – simple, wholesome and authentic. In the afternoon, arrive in colourful and inspiring Tulum. Surrounded by palm trees, street art and boutique shops, feel the laid-back Caribbean spirit and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Our overnight stay will be at city hotel (booked category) in Tulum (Breakfast included)
Drive time: 4h30min, 160km

Day 8 – Saying Goodbye Your Way: One Last Taste of Mexico

Whether you spend your final day browsing Tulum’s creative boutiques, take one last look at the Maya ruins perched above the sea, or go snorkelling with sea turtles – today is yours to enjoy exactly as you wish. Alternatively, let yourself be surrounded by schools of doctor fish in a cenote, for a fun and refreshing spa experience in the heart of nature. Whatever you choose, make sure to allow plenty of time for your journey back to the airport, so your farewell to Mexico remains as relaxed as your arrival.
(Breakfast included)
Drive time: 1h30min, 120km