THE GREAT TOUR OF YUCATAN

Travel date: 2021
12-day / 11-night self-drive

Our prices are per person and do not include international flights, we can add them on request and at a preferential rate.
We create all of our private itineraries ourselves and we know that your best vacations are the ones you can personalize, which is why all of our tours can be modified as you wish, and at no additional cost!

Prepare for the great tour of Yucatan with Xplore, this self-drive carved out of this exceptional region will take you to the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche.

In complete freedom, discover the wildlife and mythical Mayan sites. Meet local communities, land in a beautiful nature reserve, admire colonial architecture and end your stay on the paradisiacal beaches of the Riviera Maya. A great plan, whether as a couple or as a family ...

DURING THIS AUTOTOUR YOU WILL LIKE:

● Unmissable archaeological sites: Coba - Chichen Itza - Uxmal - Tulum ● Archaeological sites off the beaten track: Ek Balam - Calakmul - Becan ● Discovery of colonial towns: Valladolid - Izamal - Merida - Campeche ● Activities and walks entertaining: Snorkeling with turtles - Rio Lagartos - Cenotes - Bacalar
● Adapted travel times: 2h - 2h30 per day

This self-drive tour of the Yucatan Peninsula is one of our best sellers. And for good reason, the travel time is pleasant and we don't change hotels every day to avoid packing and unpacking all the time.
We have tried to produce the best possible compromise between cultural visits, refreshing swims in cenotes and discovering natural landscapes. If you are going to Mexico with your family, then this tour is well designed to meet the expectations of parents and children.
Important Notes:
Stages and visits are only suggestions and are not included in the price. Don't hesitate to add 100% authentic experiences to your self-drive. Find our Yucatan Xperiences Pack at the bottom of the page!

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun, Mexico

When you arrive at the airport, we will give you all the information you need to exit safely and join our Xplorer or pick up the rental car.
Arrivals are usually late afternoon or even early evening, so we plan your first night in Playa del Carmen (45 min drive).
We can also book a transfer for you on your arrival and deliver your car to the hotel the next day, this is to be defined when creating your tailor-made stay.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 2: Turtle watching - Coba site - Valladolid

After breakfast, head south to Playa del Carmen, a small fishing village and above all a pretty beach from where you can go snorkeling to observe turtles. Be careful, these are wild animals in their natural environment, it is important to respect them and not to try to touch them.
Then, continue your way to the archaeological site of Coba, this site being quite extensive we advise you to visit it by bike, it is possible to rent it at the entrance of the site.
Its pyramid is one of the tallest pyramids in Yucatan, offering impressive views of the jungle, it is also one of the few that can be climbed on foot.
Finally, you will reach the colonial city of Valladolid, classified Pueblo Magico, take the time to stroll through the historic city center and its colorful streets!
Overnight in Valladolid - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 3: Rio Lagartos reserve - Ek Balam site

After breakfast, departure to Rio Lagartos for a boat adventure in this nature reserve. The opportunity to discover the largest colony of flamingos in Mexico, nearly 400 species birds and even crocodiles. You will also be able to see the largest salt marsh in Mexico. Lunch in front of this unique landscape.
In the afternoon on the way back to Valladolid, stop at the Ek Balam site. A site rarely visited by tourists.
The archaeological site is not very big, but its pyramid is one of the tallest pyramids in Yucatan, you can even climb up to enjoy a magnificent view.
Halfway, you will have the opportunity to see the entrance to the tomb of Emperor Ek Balam in a perfectly protected state.
Weather permitting, on the way back to Valladolid, stop at Uayma Church, one of the most beautiful churches in Yucatan.
Overnight in Valladolid - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 4: Site of Chichen Itza - Pueblo Izamal - Colonial City of Merida

In the early morning, departure to Chichen Itza to take advantage of the morning freshness to visit the archaeological site. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for its pyramids (Kukulgan temple), which were built in a very specific place and reveal a snake shape during the equinoxes. You will find many temples and the largest pelota playground in Mesoamerica.
Then, take the road back to Izamal, also classified as Pueblo Magico because of its mix of pre-Hispanic heritage and Spanish architecture.
It is also nicknamed the Yellow City. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Yucatan. At the end of the day, arrive in the colonial city of Merida.
Overnight in Merida - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel.

Day 5: Refreshing walk around Merida

Take advantage of this day to explore the caves and cenotes that you can find all over the city.
colonial. Some are equipped with lianas to the delight of young and old. Some Cenotes are more touristy than others and almost all are chargeable.
If you wish, our local DMC can organize the day for you with our contact Maya. All day long, he will show you the cenotes and caves of his village aboard his tuktuk, he will show you his little "homemade" catalog, and you can choose each of them. You will appreciate the cenotes of this small village far away from the crowded cenotes which look more like municipal swimming pools.
Overnight in Merida - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 6: Merida - Uxmal site - historic town of Campeche

After breakfast, direction the archaeological site of Uxmal, a site not very touristy but essential in Yucatan according to us. Uxmal is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in Mexico, famous for its long Puuc-style buildings decorated with
magnificent stone mosaics. Then you will arrive in Campeche, behind these historic ramparts, it is undoubtedly the most beautiful coastal town in Mexico. Stroll through its beautiful streets lined with magnificent colonial mansions in various colors.
Overnight in Campeche - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 7: Calakmul archaeological site

Departure from Campeche for Calakmul, another unmissable site in the heart of the virgin forest. To access it, you will need to enter America’s second largest forest after the Amazon. Because of
Its location, the site of Calakmul was only discovered more recently, preserved as a treasure by mother nature, your first impression is truly that of an adventurer discovering ruins in the heart of the jungle.
You will be able to climb on these 2 pyramids offering a privileged point of view on the jungle as far as the eye can see. It is very likely that roaring monkeys, spider monkeys, coatis, tropical birds are part of the decor. This is the wealth of Yucatan.
Overnight in Chicanna - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 8: Becan site - Bacalar lagoon

Departure in the morning for Bacalar, a small fishing village, also known as the 7-colored lagoon, which refers to the gradient of blue, turquoise and green visible on the lagoon. (1h30 drive). Near the hotel, you will have the opportunity to visit the Becan site, far from mass tourism, it is rarely visited.
You will have lunch on the terrace next to the large Azul cenote, where you can also swim, then you can admire the sublime lagoon with its fresh and warm water!
Overnight in Bacalar - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 9: Bacalar - 50 shades of blue!

Bacalar is a freshwater lagoon, a real outdoor swimming pool and a must-see attraction during a self-drive in Yucatan. You can visit the Fort de Bacalar and take a boat ride on the lagoon, where you will see the cenotes under the lagoon, they are distinguished by a much darker blue and the "pirate passage" where you will discover a local practice, s 'coating the body with sand with exfoliating properties, this is called a "Mayan bath".
After lunch, we advise you to go to a place suitable for pretty vacation photos with hammocks, swings and translucent waters. Take the opportunity to admire this incredible landscape and swim in the warm waters of the lagoon.
Overnight in Bacalar - Meal not included. Category 4 or 5 * hotel

Day 10: Sian Ka'an Nature Reserve - Tulum

Departure from Bacalar to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, which could be translated as “where the sky begins” in Mayan dialect!
The Sian Ka'an reserve is managed by the Mayan community, to visit it you will have to board a boat that can wander through the lagoons and canals dug by the Mayans. After about half an hour of sailing you will have a refreshing break, all in the water! Keep your life jacket on and let the current carry you through mangroves and emerald canals.
Then in the afternoon, take the road towards Tulum to visit the archaeological site of Tulum and its breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.
In the evening, head to Playa del Carmen for a more lazy end of stay.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel.

Day 11: Playa del Carmen or Tulum

Spend a relaxing day in Playa del Carmen, if you want to do sightseeing or activities, it is possible to add more.
Overnight in Playa del Carmen or Tulum - Meal not included
Category 4 or 5 * hotel.

Day 12: It's already over ...

Unless you extend to one of the islands of the Riviere Maya
Take advantage of your last moments of relaxation, perhaps an opportunity to do some souvenir shopping.
Then it's time to pack your bags before heading to Cancun airport.
Do not forget the timing for the return of the vehicle
It is possible to request the return of the vehicle earlier and to book a return transfer to the airport.

Our Yucatan Xperiences Pack: from 520 NIS / person
Discover our package of excursions and authentic experiences to add to your self-drive:

● Visit of a Tequila distillery and a beekeeping center
● Boat tour in the mangroves of Rio Lagartos
● Lunch with a Mayan family and swim in cenotes
● Entrance fees to the Uxmal and Chichen Itza sites.

THE GREAT TOUR OF YUCATAN will be the trip of a lifetime.

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