Secret Yucatán: A Tailor-Made Mexico Journey Into Hacienda Life

Upon your arrival in Cancún, an English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at the rental counter to assist with the pickup of your vehicle. You can then check into your accommodations. This first evening is an invitation to slow down and savor the start of your trip to Mexico.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Cancún

The day begins early, heading north along the peninsula. Time by time, the landscape changes: mangroves, saltwater lagoons, and bird colonies replace the beaches.

Boat Safari in Rio Lagartos

Embark on an exploration of the canals and lagoons of Rio Lagartos, a nature reserve designated for its exceptional biodiversity. Here you can spot numerous coastal birds, including pelicans, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and, of course, flamingos. Saltwater crocodiles occasionally make a discreet appearance.

Las Coloradas: a natural spectacle

A little further on, the salt pans of Las Coloradas surprise visitors with their pink and orange shades, caused by the concentration of microorganisms and mineral salts. A rare natural phenomenon.

End of the day in Valladolid

You arrive in Valladolid, a small colonial town perfect for strolling. The pastel-colored facades, benches under the trees, and the late-afternoon light provide a peaceful setting to end the day. 

Overnight in a hotel in Valladolid

Today we’re offering you a memorable experience. You’ll have the privilege of visiting a private cenote where you can enjoy a day surrounded by nature. The crystal-clear waters of this pristine cenote are breathtaking. An extraordinary, timeless experience for nature lovers, whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a family outing.

This break from the daily grind is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the environment.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Valladolid

This morning, your adventure will take you to explore Chichén Itzá, one of the most iconic sites of the Maya civilization. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichén Itzá symbolizes the unification of two distinct religious cultures, offering a fascinating glimpse into their history and architecture.

Swimming at the Yokdzonot Cenote. After this historical immersion, head to the Yokdzonot Cenote, located just a few kilometers away. This cenote offers a more intimate atmosphere. Its clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim.

In the afternoon, you’ll head to Tixkokob. This charming village is renowned for its artisanal hammock-making, a local tradition worth discovering. You’ll then settle into a restored historic hacienda.

Overnight at a hacienda in Tixkokob

Your hacienda invites you to slow down: read on the terrace, take a nap in a hammock, stroll through the gardens filled with orange trees, or take a dip in the pool shaded by trees. Far from the hustle and bustle, this is the perfect time to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Yucatán. If you wish, you can visit a traditional weaving workshop or explore the surrounding villages by car.

Overnight stay at a hacienda in Tixkokob

This morning, you’ll set out early, heading southeast toward the Caribbean. Along the way, you’ll pass through many small Mayan villages. In the early afternoon, you’ll arrive in Bacalar, a charming village home to the “Lagoon of Seven Colors.” This evocative name comes from its 50 kilometer-long lagoon, whose waters offer an incredible gradient of blues.

Bacalar: The Pearl of the Caribbean. Far from the hustle and bustle of more popular destinations, this is an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Here you’ll find underwater cenotes and stromatolites, rock formations that are among the oldest forms of life on Earth.

Overnight in a hotel in Bacalar

Aboard a small boat, you’ll cruise past open cenotes, bird-filled islets, and the Pirates’ Channel, a remnant of 18th-century raids. Swimming stops are planned in shallow areas with crystal-clear water. The experience is soothing, almost meditative. The rest of the day is free to spend by the lagoon.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Bacalar

This morning, you’ll enjoy a free morning in Bacalar. The choice is yours: get up early for a refreshing swim at sunrise in the lagoon’s multicolored waters, or simply savor your breakfast on the terrace overlooking the water while admiring the spectacular display of colors. Late in the morning, you’ll head north toward the magnificent Caribbean coast. You’ll arrive in Tulum, a beach town renowned for its idyllic beaches and bohemian-chic atmosphere.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tulum

Today, you’ll set out on a rare geological adventure just a few miles from Tulum.

Río Secreto: the river of shadows. Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll enter an underground world of flooded galleries, stalactites, silence, and darkness. The water is pure, and the lighting is controlled to preserve the ecosystem. This recently discovered underground river was considered by the Maya to be a gateway to the underworld. You’ll walk and swim at a leisurely pace, in an almost mystical atmosphere. Return to Tulum in the afternoon for one last swim in the sea or a cocktail on the beach.

Overnight at a hotel in Tulum

Depending on your flight time, you’ll leave Tulum and head to the Cancún airport. Return your rental car.