Detailed itinerary of the Yucatán Journey
Yucatán Journey - 17 days trip
Our Tour
Come and discover with Explora Latin America the Yucatán Peninsula. Enjoy Caribbean beaches that can easily come out of one of your dreams, explore ancient temples in the jungle and learn about Mayan Culture. Be prepared to immerse yourself in three different countries that have endless possibilities for you to be amazed: underground rivers, colonial towns, waterfalls, coral reefs, wildlife, ancient civilizations, delicious cuisine, nightlife and some of the friendliest people in Latin America.
Day 1
Bienvenidos! -Arrival in Cancun
Welcome to Mexico! Our hotel is located in downtown Cancun. We are going to be there to help you with everything you need on your arrival day. In the afternoon we will have a welcome meeting, where we can get to know each other and we are going to go over the details of the trip. Afterwards, for those interested, we go out for our first dinner in the land of Tacos.
Day 2
Day trip to Isla Mujeres
Today you can recover from your long journey on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean sea at Isla Mujeres. We cross with a ferry for 30 minutes to the island surrounded by unbelievable tones of blue. You can just enjoy the white sandy north beach sipping Coronas or you can do any of many optional activities: Dive, snorkel or explore the 7 km long island by
bike or with a golf cart. At night we head back to our Hotel in Cancun.
Day 3
Chichen Itzá - Mérida
Today we travel to Mérida, the capital of the Yucatán state. On the way we stop to visit one of the new seven wonders of the world: Chichen Itzá. Here you will have a guided tour of the site so you can immerse yourself into Mayan history. We have two nights in Mérida so you will have time to do any of the activities in the area.
Day 4
Mérida
Enjoy a free day in Mérida. Discover the city on your own or during a gratis city tour, explore the shops, the market and the museums, or come with us to the water sinkholes close by and refresh in crystal clear water.
Day 5
The Jungle of Palenque
Travel day. We head south to Palenque. We stay in bungalows in the jungle near the ruins.
Relax by the pool, enjoy the sounds of the jungle and listen to the call of the howler monkeys.
Day 6
The Ruins of Palenque
After breakfast we go to the archeological site, where you are going to explore the site on a guided tour. Marvel with ancient mayan structures and climb pyramids.
Optional activities: A trip to Roberto Barrios waterfalls, a jungle walk with a guide
Day 7
Travel day to Lacanjá in the Lacandona jungle
We travel west with a private van towards Lacandona Jungle near the border of Guatemala. We stay in simple cabins at Lacanjá, a little village near a river where you can swim and cool down.
Optional Activities: Tour of Yaxchilán and Bonampak
Day 8
Flores, Guatemala
Travel day. We head to the border and we cross the Usumacinta river with a boat into Guatemala. After the border we have a private van to Flores, an island on Lake Petén Itzá.
Optional Activities: Sunset drinks overlooking the lake. Happy hour time!, boat trip on the lake
Day 9
The Ruins of the ancient Mayan City of Tikal, Guatemala
Early start to the ruins of Tikal. Learn more about the history and culture of the Mayas and explore the impressive UNESCO world heritage site. You will have a guided tour on the site that is located in a national park. If we are lucky we will see howler monkeys, tucans, coatis... Tikal is one of the few ruins that you are still allowed to climb and enjoy the beautiful view from the top as recorded on the Star Wars movie in the seventies. We go back to Flores to spend the night.
Day 10
San Ignacio, Belize
Short travel day to Belize, a small country in Central America with a Caribbean vibe. We stay in San Ignacio, a town 30 minutes after crossing the border. We will spend 2 nights in this town.
Optional Activities:
Visit to Xunantunich Ruins, Cahal Tech Ruins, Iguana Sanctuary tour
Day 11
Free day in San Ignacio
Optional activities:
San Ignacio is the starting point to explore the famous caves in the area. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) and Crystal Cave are among the popular ones, Cave tubing, horse riding...
Day 12
Caye Caulker, Belize
We travel to an island in the Caribbean, we take a local bus (old American school buses used for transport) to get to Belize City. Then a boat to Caye Caulker. A paradise as you have imagined it. You betta belize it!
Days 13 - 14
Free days in Caye Caulker
Optional Activities:
Full day snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, rent a bike and stroll around, guided or self-guided kayak trip, sunset sailing tour, dive or fly over the famous Blue Hole.
Day 15
Travel day to Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Today we travel north back to Mexico. We will be taking taxis, buses and a boat to get to Playa del Carmen, our last destination of the trip. Purchase your last souvenirs, relax on the beach and don't miss out on the impressive and colorful nightlife.
Day 16
Free day in Playa del Carmen
Optional Activities:
Day trip to Tulum Ruins, day trip to more amazing Cenotes, diving, day trip to Coba Ruins....
Please allow extra nights in Playa del Carmen if you want to enjoy more of this beautiful coast full of adventure. We are still going to be around to give you advice on places to go and help you organize whatever you need.
Day 17
Departure Day