21 days of Mexican highlights

Mexico is way too big to just have one route. You can opt to just visit the Yucatan peninsula where you start in Cancun, add city flavours with visits to Merida and Campeche. Put in an island or 2 with either Ilsa Mujeres or Isla Holbox or both. Calakmul will appeal to the jungle lovers as well as Palenque and the lagoon of Bacalar is really still off the beaten track. You can of course also start in bustling Mexico City and then work your way down via the amazing towns of Oaxaca and Puebla where can feel the corazon of Mexico beat at full strength. You can then chose to head for Chiapas or directly to Yucatan but whatever you chose the trip will be memorable.

Day 1 & 2

Upon arrival in Cancun all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. In roughly one hour we take you to Playa del Carmen. Here you have 2 nights to get adjusted to the tropics. Discover the 5th avenue which is the heart of the town. Amazing food and lots of people to look at. Of course there is the beach but if you want to get active then that is no problem at all. Visit the amazing Disney like parcs of Xcaret or Xnotes but a much more natural excursion like the Rio Secreto or Kantun Chi is also an amazing start of your trip.

Day 3 & 4

After an extensive briefing we send you on your way and an hour later you will hit Tulum where you stay another 2 nights. Tulum is super hip! Bohemian lifestyle is what they call it but it really is much more than that. Amazing food, house DJ’s for every mood, you name it, Tulum has it. Of course there is the sea with the Mayan temples overlooking it and for nature lovers we recommend a visit to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.

Day 5 & 6

The turquoise waters of the Laguna Bacalar are your next stop and it is time to start winding down for a day or 2. Take a canoe across the lagune and look for colourful kingfishers while enjoying amazing views.

Day 7 & 8

If Mayan temples are your thing then you will love Xpujil. You will notice that the selva (jungle) is closing in on you and at Xpujil we highly recommend to take a day and drive to Calakmul. A city found deep inside the jungle and this gives you the opportunity to spot wildlife which might even include a jaguar! In any case this will be a highlight of your trip. Calakmul is the sister city of Tikal and only few people know of it and take the time to make the trip!

Day 9 & 10

More Indiana Jones feelings coming your way in Palenque where howler monkeys will be sure to wake you up early in the morning. The complex lies on the edge of the mountains, giving it an amazing backdrop!

Day 11 & 12

Up into the mountains we go! Your head for the state of Chiapas which within Mexico has a bit of a free state feel to it. San Cristobal de las Casas is where you will sleep and where you will find women in amazing outfits. On day 12 we will take you to the surrounding villages where local law is taken very seriously and their religion is a mix between Catholicism and ancient Maya rituals. You will never forget a church visit here!

Day 13

Via the amazing Canyon del Sumidero with its lively crocodile population you will end your drive in Villahermosa. Just a town for the night although they do have a nice museum.

Day 14 & 15

Campeche is a super laid back town which is super fun to discover. You might not know this but if you feel like chilling on a beach, no problem! The old fort walls are the other highlights of this cozy town. On the way to Campeche a visit to Edzna is recommended.

Day 16 & 17

On the way to Merida be sure to visit Uxmal where the Temple of the Sorcerer will be a highlight of your trip as it is one of the most impressive pyramids around. Then you head for Merida where your taste buds will be tickled. Day 17 is a full day to discover this amazing city. Lots of churches and squares give it a distinct colonial feel and then there is really a multitude of amazing restaurants where you can spoil your inner self. If you really want to have a Mayan food experience we will be happy to organise a cooking class for you. If you love just the eating part then head on down to Kuuk for an amazing food experience!

Day 18

The day starts with a drive to the sea. At Rio Lagartos your guide will be waiting for you to take you on a boat tour which crosses the mangroves. You should be on the lookout for crocodiles, raccoons and armadillos. Then you head for the salt pans and an abundance of flamingos.

The afternoon of day 18 – 20

Then you head for the port at Chiquila from where you take the ferry to Isla Holbox. Take a few days to enjoy the island atmosphere which is still super laid back! From June to September be sure to include an excursion to the whale sharks that visit the area and try the north of the island if you feel like snorkelling!

Day 21

Take the ferry back to the main land and we will be there to take you to the airport after which you fly back home.

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