Mayan Treasures of Southern Mexico Tour from Chiapas to Tulum

Welcome to Mexico ! Upon arrival at the Cancún airport, you’ll pick up your rental car, accompanied by an English-speaking guide who will assist you with the process. You’ll be given a local SIM card to ensure you have complete independence right from the start.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Cancún

Head to Ek Balam, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Mexico from the 20th century. Still relatively uncrowded, it captivates visitors with the beauty of its Mayan structures.

Swimming at the X’Canché cenote. Cycling from the site entrance, you’ll reach this sacred cenote, nestled deep in the forest. You can try zip-lining or rappelling before taking a dip in the clear, fresh water, watched over by the colorful Toh birds.

Stroll through Valladolid. At the end of the day, arrive in Valladolid, a charming colonial town with pastel-colored facades. With a homemade ice cream in hand, wander around the San Bernardino Convent or sample the famous local longaniza sausage.

Overnight in a hotel in Valladolid

Early in the morning, head to the north to the Río Lagartos Reserve, renowned for its rich birdlife. Aboard a lancha, cruise through the mangroves and past colonies of flamingos.

Stopover in Las Coloradas. The visual contrast between the pink waters of the salt pans and the azure sky creates a surreal setting, popular with photographers. Return to Valladolid at the end of the day.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Valladolid

Early morning departure for Chichén Itzá, one of Mexico’s most iconic archaeological sites. This major site was the religious heart of the peninsula, a fusion of Mayan heritage and Toltec influences. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the vast esplanades leading to the ball court, the sacred cenote, and the famous Pyramid of Kukulkán.

Refreshing break at the Yokdzonot cenote. Just a few miles away, the well-preserved and less-visited Yokdzonot cenote invites you to take a dip in a lush natural setting. A traditional lunch is available on-site, next to the cenote. 

Izamal: the yellow city. On the way to Mérida, stop in Izamal, nicknamed “the yellow city.” There, you’ll admire the San Antonio de Padua Convent, built on an ancient Mayan acropolis. A vibrant place where colonial spirituality and pre-Hispanic heritage intertwine. Arrival in Mérida in the late afternoon.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Mérida

Free day in the “White City,” the cultural capital of Yucatán. Stroll along Paseo de Montejo, explore the colonial houses, museums, or art galleries. 

Suggested local experiences :

• Free cultural program every evening: outdoor dance, music, or theater
• Excursion to Sisal, a coastal village designated a “Pueblo Mágico”
• Explore the cenotes of Homún, true aquatic gems
• Wildlife watching at El Corchito Reserve, nestled among mangroves and natural springs
• End the day on the peaceful beaches of Progreso

Overnight stay in a hotel in Mérida

Drive to Uxmal, the jewel of Puuc architecture. Less crowded than other sites, it captivates visitors with its harmonious lines, richly decorated temples, and the Pyramid of the Magician.

Yucatecan cuisine in Santa Elena. After the tour, you’ll be welcomed at Gladys’s home in the village of Santa Elena for a traditional cooking workshop. Hand-made tortillas, family recipes, and a convivial lunch under the mango trees.

Optional add-ons:

• Visit to the small mummy museum
• Tasting of rare Melipona honey (from Mayan bees)
• Temazcal session (upon request)

In the late afternoon, drive to the walled city of Campeche, a colorful gem by the sea.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Campeche

This morning, you’ll leave the pastel-colored walls of Campeche behind and head toward Chiapas.

A final swim in Sabancuy. Stop by the seaside in Sabancuy, a quiet little coastal village, perfect for relaxing with your feet in the sand. In the late afternoon, arrival in Palenque, nestled in the heart of a lush forest.

Overnight stay in a hotel in Palenque

We’ll set out early in the morning to enjoy the cool, peaceful atmosphere of the Palenque site. Hidden beneath the canopy, this major site embodies the elegance of Mexico’s archaeological sites.

Swimming at Roberto Barrios. In the afternoon, head to the Roberto Barrios waterfalls, a 40 minute drive away. Less well-known than Misol-Ha, they offer a turquoise pool surrounded by jungle, perfect for swimming or a stroll with your feet in the water.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Palenque

After breakfast, depart for the Calakmul Reserve, located in a remote area of the state of Campeche. Arrive in the afternoon at your lodge on the edge of the jungle. Peace, tranquility, and total immersion are guaranteed for a night spent close to nature. Tomorrow, you’ll set out to explore one of Mexico’s most secluded and spectacular archaeological sites.

Overnight at a hotel in Calakmul

Early in the morning, depart for the archaeological site of Calakmul, located in the heart of a vast UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. Nicknamed “the twin mountains,” this forgotten Mayan city was the great rival of Tikal in Guatemala. Accompanied by birdsong and the distant cries of howler monkeys, you’ll explore a sacred city buried deep in the jungle. Toucans and spider monkeys may occasionally cross your path.

Drive to Bacalar. After this immersive experience, you’ll head back to Bacalar, the turquoise gem of southern Quintana Roo. Check in at your hotel on the lagoon’s edge.

Overnight at a hotel in Bacalar

Stretching 50 km, the Bacalar Lagoon is famous for its multiple shades of blue. Aboard a small boat, you’ll explore the submerged cenotes, Bird Island, and the Pirates’ Channel. Enjoy frequent swims in crystal-clear waters.

Relaxation and Contemplation. The afternoon is free to enjoy the tranquility, read by the water, or take a stroll through the village. This stop combines nature, silence, and color: another side of Mexico off the beaten path, perfect for slowing down.

Overnight in a hotel in Bacalar

This morning, visit the Mayan site of Chacchoben, still relatively unknown to the general public. Enveloped by lush vegetation, this mystical place reveals pyramids worn smooth by time and solemn plazas. A lesser-known site, yet a major one on the map of Mexico’s archaeological sites.

Drive to Tulum. In the afternoon, head to the Caribbean coast where you’ll enjoy a free evening.

Overnight at a hotel in Tulum

This morning, explore the Tulum site at your leisure—a one-of-a-kind archaeological site in Mexico: perched on a cliff, it looks directly out over the turquoise sea. Once a coastal trading center, its compact temples overlook an idyllic beach where you can go for a swim.

Suggested Excursions

• Akumal 
• Cenote Sac Actun
• Laguna Kaan Luum
• Cobá

A free day combining nature, culture, and relaxation, perfect for personalising your self-drive tour to your preferences.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tulum

A second free day to explore further or simply relax.

Suggested activities:

• Take another dip in the cenotes or go for a bike ride along the coastal trails.
• Enjoy Mexican cuisine at a seaside restaurant.
• Explore designer boutiques or artisanal markets.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tulum

Depart from your accommodation approximately 5 hours before your international flight. Return to the Cancún airport and drop off your vehicle at the rental counter.

See you soon on the roads of Mexico…!