Discovering Yucatan

Welcome to Mexico! Upon arrival at Cancun airport, your driver will take you to your hotel where you will settle in and rest after a long journey.

Driving directions: Cancun airport - Cancun 20km (30min)

Today you will pick up your rental car where a French speaking person will be waiting to help you in your first steps in Mexico. You will then drive to the colonial city of Valladolid, a charming little town that is typically Yucatecan. Valladolid is proud to be called the "Magic Village of Mexico", for its unique features, rich history, culture and gastronomy, as well as for its pre-Hispanic and colonial buildings, its strong customs and traditions, and for the people who keep them alive. Visit the Zocalo, in the shadow of its white cathedral, you will lose yourself in the colonial streets of the city centre, passing by the municipal bazaar and the San Bernardino Convent.
Take the opportunity to visit a beekeeping centre where the Mayan bee is still kept, or the local distillery to discover the making of the most famous Mexican alcohol: Tequila.

Driving directions:
Cancun - Valladolid 165km (2h)

Departure for Rio Lagartos. A hundred kilometres north of Valladolid, this small fishing village is the gateway to the national park reserve of the same name. A real paradise for nature lovers. It is an ideal place to discover the Yucatán "differently". You can go on a "lancha" - a small motorboat - and take a ride through the mangrove. You will then go to the famous pink lagoon called "Las Coloradas". At the end of the day, you will return to Valladolid where you will spend the evening at the hotel.

Itinerary :
Valladolid - Rio Lagartos 110km (1h30)

This morning you will head to the "magic village" of Izamal. You will visit the Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, whose atrium is second in size only to that of the Vatican. You can also climb the Kinich Pyramid for a breathtaking view of this yellow city.
Departure for Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán. City of one million inhabitants, it is famous for its cathedral and its paseo Montejo lined with the sumptuous residences of the old masters of henequen. Walking through the colonial streets of the white city, you will feel the romantic and provincial atmosphere, bearing witness to a past rich in history and legends. Although it has modernised over time, Mérida has retained its colonial "toque", characterised by its lights and colours. At night, it is transformed for the pleasure of passers-by. Several activities are possible: sitting on the terrace of a café, attending a street performance of dance, music or theatre, which make this city a wonderful cultural crossroads.

Journey by car:
Valladolid - Izamal 115km (1h25)
Izamal - Merida 70km (1h10)

After breakfast, you will visit Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Located in the middle of the Yucatecan jungle, Uxmal means "three times built" in Maya. The architecture of this site is particularly faithful to the "Puuc" style with its geometric forms, mosaics and representations of the god Chaac, god of rain and thunder. There are several cenotes in the area to choose from. The closest to Uxmal are the wonderful cenotes of San Antonio Mulix: X'batún y Dzombakal. The village is home to a community centre that manages entry to the cenotes as well as mountain bike rentals for a more complete experience. You can also head north to the village of Mucuyche where you will start your tour with a visit to the hacienda and then cool off in the two cenotes Carlote and Azul Maya. The third option is to visit the Santa Barbara cenotes, located in the village of Homun. You will go from one cenote to the other thanks to an amazing means of locomotion: the truck, a small cart pulled by horses on rails, on a track in the middle of the bush and which adds an incredible taste of adventure. For the more sporty, you can rent bicycles. On the way back you will stop in Yaxcopoil to admire an old hacienda that once made the peninsula rich.

Journey by car :
Merida - Uxmal 85km (1h10)
Uxmal - San Antonio Mulix 50km (45min)
Uxmal - Mucuyche 50km (45min)
Uxmal - Homun 105km (1h50)

This morning, you will take the road to the Yokdzonot cenote to refresh yourself in its crystalline waters before continuing your journey with a visit to the site of Chichén Itzá, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, and considered since 2007 as one of the "new wonders of the world". You will be immersed in the majesty of this site and in the history of its past glory.
Departure in the afternoon for Playa del Carmen. Unlike other more extravagant destinations on the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen is more like a quiet, romantic and friendly place. It brings together small charming hotels, restaurants and local craft shops, all along the pedestrian street called "5th Avenue". Relax or party, the choice is yours!

Journey by car :
Merida - Yokdzonot 105km (1h35)
Yokdzonot - Chichen Itza 25km (25min)
Chichen Itza - Playa del Carmen 185km (2h15)

You will enjoy the Caribbean beach as well as the atmosphere of the city. Relax or party, the choice is yours. You can also take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Between the archaeological ruins of Tulum and Coba, the biosphere of Sian Ka'an, the island of Cozumel, Akumal and its turtles, the cenotes and the parks of the Riviera Maya, there is no lack of activities!

Perhaps it's time to say goodbye to Mexico and its beaches? Your stay is coming to an end. Leave the hotel for Cancun airport for your return flight.

Drive: Playa del Carmen - Cancun airport 60km (50min)