Mexico, Cancun

Combiné Yucatan & Chiapas

Welcome to Mexico!

On arrival at Cancún airport, your driver will take you to your hotel where you will settle in and relax after a long journey.

Route: Cancun airport - Cancun 20 km (30 mins)

Hotel: Three-star Ambiance Suites (or similar)

You set off towards Coba. Once you arrive at the archaeological site, you can rent bicycles to get around more easily. You'll be able to visit the main and the tallest pyramid in the region, from where you'll enjoy an exceptional view of the jungle. Afterwards, you can take a refreshing dip in one of the many cenotes that cover the region. Then on to Valladolid, a charming, typically Yucatecan town. It is proud to be known as 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 unique customs and traditions and the people who keep them alive. Visit to the Zocalo and its white cathedral. Lose yourself in the colonial streets of the city centre, passing through the municipal bazaar, and the San Bernardino Convent.

Journeys: Cancun - Coba 150 km (2 hrs 10) and Coba - Valladolid 60 km (55 mins)

Hotel: Four-star Meson Del Marques (or similar)

Departure for Rio Lagartos, a true paradise for nature lovers. Around a hundred kilometres north of Valladolid, this small fishing village is the gateway to the national park reserve of the same name. It's an ideal place to discover the Yucatán in a different way. You can board a "lancha" - a small motorboat - and set off on a tour of the mangrove. Then head to the famous pink lagoon known as "Las Coloradas".

Journeys: Valladolid - Rio Lagartos 110 km (1 hr 30)

Hotel: Four-star Meson Del Marques (or similar)

Today, you will discover the marvellous archaeological site of Chichen Itza when it is open to avoid the crowds, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, and considered one of the "New Wonders of the World" since 2007. You will soak up the majesty of this site and the echoes of its past glory. Continue on to the Yokdzonot cenote for a refreshing swim in its clear waters. After lunch, you will head for the "magic village" of Izamal. One of the places you'll visit is the Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua, where the atrium is second only to that of the Vatican in terms of size. You can also climb the Kinich Pyramid for a breathtaking view of **this yellow city. See out the day in Merida, the cultural capital of the Yucatán. A city of a million inhabitants, it is famous for its cathedral and Paseo Montejo, which is bordered by the lavish residences of the former masters of the Henequen industry. As you stroll through the colonial streets of the White City, you'll experience the romantic, provincial atmosphere that bears witness to a past that is rich in history and legend.

Journey: Valladolid - Chichen Itza 45 km (45 mins) Chichen Itza - Yokdzonot 25 km (25 mins) Yokdzonot - Izamal 55 km (55 mins) and Izamal - Mérida 70 km (1 hour 10 mins).

Merida: Three-Star Residencial Merida (or similar)

After breakfast, departure for Yaxcopoil to admire an old hacienda that once brought great wealth to the peninsula. In the afternoon, set off for Uxmal, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Located at the heart of the Yucatán jungle, Uxmal means "built three times" in Mayan. The architecture of this site is particularly faithful to the "Puuc" style, with its geometric shapes, mosaics, and representations of the god Chaac - god of rain and thunder. Continue on to Campeche, capital of the state of the same name. At the end of the day, you can explore this port city looking onto the Gulf of Mexico, exuding a tranquillity and nonchalance typical of the warmth and rhythm of its inhabitants. The Old Town gives the impression of a small Cuban town, with its typical architecture consisting of colourful houses, Fort San Miguel, its "malecón" (promenade), and its colonial port, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

Journeys: Merida - Yaxcopoil 35 km (40 mins), Hacienda Yaxcopoil - Uxmal 45 km (35 mins) and Uxmal - Campeche 160 km (2 hrs)

Hotel: Three-star Lopez Campeche (or similar)

After a final stroll through the town of Campeche, you will head off to Palenque, an oasis in the Chiapas jungle. You will drive along the coast and take a swimming break at Sabancuy, in the calm waters of the Gulf. Suggestion: lunch stop in Escarcega. Known as the place of great waters, Palenque is home to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maya world, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Palenque is a destination that enchants its visitors. The town was founded in 1567 by Fray Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada, who in 1573 donated three bells to the community as a symbol of the founding of the town. Today, only the largest bell remains in the town's church, bearing witness to its foundation. End of the day relaxation and rest at your hotel.

Journeys: Campeche - Sabancuy 130 km (1 hr 50), Sabancuy - Palenque 255 km (3 hr 30)

Hotel: Three-star La Aldea (or similar)

Early morning visit to the ruins of Palenque, one of the most impressive sites of the Mayan culture, surrounded by lush jungle. The name of the ancient city in Mayan is "Lakamha", which means "the place of great waters". Alongside Tikal (Guatemala) and Calakmul, it was one of the most important cities of the Classic Maya period, and the seat of the dynasty established by King Pakal from 615 to 683 AD. Its heyday was between 600 and 800 AD. Palenque has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. You then travel to the foothills of the Chiapas mountains. Your first stop is at Misol Ha. The cascade is a huge waterfall some 25 metres high, fed by the waters of the River Tzaconeja. You then continue on to the Agua Azul Biosphere Reserve. Known as the country's most beautiful and impressive waterfalls, they are formed by the Otolun, Shamuljia and Tulija rivers. You can follow the watercourse on foot and in some places you will see natural pools where you can bathe in the unique turquoise waters.

Routes: Palenque - Misol Ha 30 km (40 mins), Misol Ha - Agua Azul 45 km (1 hr 15) and Agua Azul - Palenque 75 km (1 hr 40)

Hotel: Three-star Aldea (or similar)

Free morning, where you can get some sleep and enjoy the facilities. We head for Xpujil at the end of the day.

Routes: Palenque - Xpujil 370 km (5 hrs)

Hotel: Maya Balam (or similar)

Early departure for the archaeological site of Calakmul. Located in the Campeche region, just a few kilometres from the border with Guatemala, Calakmul is a must for all lovers of history and nature. Surrounded by lush jungle, the site is classified by UNESCO as Mexico's only Mixed World Heritage Site on account of its biosphere and Mayan remains. You will set off along the paths leading from one temple to the next, gradually making your way into a jungle filled with the sounds of howler monkeys. This pre-Hispanic city was one of the largest metropolises in the south-east of the country during the Classical period (250-700 AD). With over 720,000 hectares of forest, the biosphere is home to a large number of animal and plant species, some of which are in danger of extinction. With its warm, humid climate, Calakmul is an unspoilt area where you can discover a wealth of hidden structures.

Continuation to Bacalar. Renowned for its lagoon of seven colours, Bacalar is a pearl of the Caribbean, close to the Belize border to the south of the Yucatán peninsula. This small town is known for its history and rich natural resources. The lagoon is made up of seven different cenotes, from which it takes its name, and is around 42 km long and 2 km wide. Bacalar was an important commercial crossroads for the Mayans; a veritable trading post between Central America and the Yucatán Peninsula. Take a stroll through the town centre and visit Fort San Felipe, constructed in 1729 - an example of the military architecture of New Spain, which has seen a number of battles and conflicts.

Route: Xpujil - Calakmul Ruins 116km (2 hrs), Calakmul Ruins - Bacalar 235 km (3 hrs 40)

Hotel: Four-star Villas Bakalar (or similar)

Start the day with a refreshing dip in a cenote in Quintana Roo before heading to the archaeological site of Tulum, one of the gems of the Riviera Maya and the only known Mayan port, which saw the arrival of the first conquistadors a few centuries ago. Tulum means "wall" in the Mayan language, and this is more than apt, with the city boasting some of the finest remains of this ancient civilisation. You'll discover this ancient city perched on a cliff like an ancient fortress overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the Paraíso and Maya beaches, sure to impress as much for its contrasting colours as for its proximity to the jungle, the sea, and the city. You can then head off to one of the beaches below and enjoy a moment of rest and relaxation. At the end of the afternoon, you will head to Playa del Carmen. Now you're free to relax or party on the Quinta Avenida.

Routes: Bacalar - Tulum 215 km (2 hrs 40) Tulum - Playa del Carmen 70 km (1 hrs)

Hotel: Three-star Casa de las flores (or similar)

It's time to say goodbye to Mexico...

Departure from the hotel to Cancun airport for your return flight.

Route: Playa del Carmen - Cancun airport 60 km (50 mins)

Please note that the order of tours may change due to local constraints (travel time, weather conditions, etc.), however, all the tours mentioned in the programme will take place.