Sample Itineraries: Overnight Trips

Land of the Maya (7 nights)

Day 1:  Arrival and overnight in Cancun. Cancun Hotels

Day 2:  Cancun - Chichen Itza. Visit the Mayan site. Overnight in Chichen Itza.  Chichén Itza Hotels

Day 3:  Chichen Itza - Merida. Sightseeing in Merida. Overnight in Merida. Merida Hotels

Day 4:  Visiting the country around Merida. Overnight in Merida.

Day 5: Merida - Campeche visiting Edzna en route. Overnight in Campeche. Campeche Hotels

Day 6: Campeche - Uxmal. Visit the stunning Mayan site at Uxmal

Day 7: Uxmal - Tulum via the Mayan site at Coba Overnight in Tulum. Tulum Hotels

Day 8: Departure to Cancun or extend your stay in the Mayan Riviera.  Hotels

Colonial Cities

Day 1:  Arrival and overnight in Cancun.  Cancun Hotels

Day 2:  Cancun - Merida via the Mayan site at Chichén Itza. Overnight in Merida. Merida Hotels

Day 3 & Day 4:  With your base in Merida explore the city and the surrounding area including Izamal with its stunning Franciscan convent and the haciendas at San Jose and Katanchel.

Day 5:  Visit the flamingo nesting site on the west coast at Celestun and stay overnight at Eco Paraiso Xixim.

Day 6:  Follow the Convents route and overnight at Hacienda Temozon.

Day 7:  Return to Cancun

Ruta Maya - 21 Days

Day 2:  Uxmal ruins, overnight Campeche. Campeche Hotels

Day 3/4:  Palenque ruins, optional jungle tour & ultralite flight, overnight two nights Palenque.

Day 5:  Agua Azul Cascades, Misol-ha, overnight San Cristobal de las Casas. Chiapas Hotels

Day 6:  Drive to Guatemala, overnight at La Democracia or Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

Day 7/8:  Chichicastenango, Highlands of Guatemala, Lago Atitlan, overnight two nights Panajachel

Day 9/10:  Cultural sites, overnight Antigua

Day 11/12:  Copan ruins, Honduras, overnight Chiquimula, Guatemala.

Day 13/14/15:  Geothermal Waterfalls, horseback riding, or River Cave trip, overnight Rio Dulce / two nights Poptun,

Day 15 or 16:  Tikal ruins, overnight Tikal..

Day 16 or 17:  Border crossing Belize, overnight San Ignacio, Belize. Possible Canoe & Jungle Tour.

Day 18/19/20:  Border crossing to Mexico, Overnight Caribbean Coast, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Cenote swimming, Tulum ruins, Beach Activities, or Cavern Snorkeling and Scuba Diving.  Hotels

Day 21:  Playa del Carmen, Cancun Airport.

Western Yucatan: From the Past Towards the Sea   Merida Hotels

This route provides a magical path where you can experience both archaeological marvels and beaches.

Dzibilchaltun, located only 22 kms. from Merida, holds an incredible amount of stone constructions. One of these, the House of the Seven Dolls, is the site of a beautiful light shown every equinox. This site is also famous for its Cenote, where visitors can take a swim. 

Heading north we arrive at the Port of Progreso. Its visitors are wrapped in its special atmosphere, enjoying the malecon and brilliant sunsets.

Further on we find the typical fishing village of Chicxulub, known for its coastal customs and delicious cuisine. 

Close to Uaymitun is the Scenic View, where from the thatched roof of a building the visitor can observe the beautiful sight of pink flamingoes in their natural habitat.

A must-see is Nuevo Yucatan in Telchac. This tourism development on the Yucatan coast offers a wide variety of recreational options. Visit the beautiful Pink Lagoon, sanctuary and home of the many-colored migratory birds.

Close to Telchac is Xcambo, with ancient Mayan Pyramids, roads and buildings.

Eastern Yucatan: The Eternal East   Merida Hotels

One of the most complete and fascinating tourist routes. Here you will find haciendas now converted into tourist sites and hotels.

In Izamal you will feel the mixture of three cultures: Mayan, Spanish and Mestiza. View the XVIth Century Franciscan Convent, site of the second largest indoor atrium in the world. The picturesque streets still conserve the enchantment of a bygone era.

The size and majesty of Chichén-Itza, one of the most important Mayan cities, will astound the visitor. The Castle is the most famous Mayan pyramid, and subject of a spectacular equinoctial light and shadow phenomenon which testifies to the ancient Mayas' knowledge of astronomy.

The streets, cenotes, parks, markets and squares of Valladolid will enchant you, as well as its tasty cuisine and historic buildings such as the Convent of St. Bernardino.

Ek-Balam, just a few minutes from Valladolid, is an archaeological zone rich in monuments and buildings.

Heading toward the cost you will visit Tizimin, site of cattle shows and fairs as well as religious celebrations.

San Felipe is a small, charming fishing village, where you can enjoy the delicious sea food fresh from the sea.

Rio Lagartos is a true paradise for nature lovers. Declared a Natural Reserve by the Mexican Government, it provides sanctuary for tens of thousands of pink flamingoes.

Yucatan: The Convent Route   Merida Hotels

This route provides a trip through time, featuring Mayan ruins, native Mestiza populations and colonial monuments.

Among the most important convents are The Temple dedicated to Our Lady of the Nativity, located in Acanceh only 30 kms. from Merida. Further on the road to Tecoh is the Temple and former Convent of The Ascension.

In Tekit we find the former Convent of St. Anthony of Padua and the Chapel of St. Christopher. The former Franciscan Convent located in Mama is famous for the beauty of its bell tower.

In Mani, the Convent of St. Michael Archangel is the site of the famous, or infamous "Auto de Fe" in 1562, when valuable Mayan writings and codices were destroyed and burned by the Bishop Fray Diego de Landa.

In Oxkutzcab you can visit the XVII Century church, or the Hermitage of the Virgin of the Pillar. This tour also includes a very important archaeological zone: Mayapan, the ancient capital of the Triple Alliance formed by Mayapan, Uxmal and Chichén-Itza.

Yucatan: The Puuc Route   Merida Hotels

To travel the Puuc route is to meet the ancient Yucatan with its great Mayan culture, past and present.

The tour begins in Uman, only a few minutes from Merida, with a visit to its church, an exquisite example of the superb colonial architecture. Another stop is Yaxcopoil, an ancient henequen hacienda converted into a museum.

Uxmal, the Mayan city known throughout the world for its beauty, majesty, and the purity and fineness of its architecture and decorative art.

Other stops might include Kabah, with its 250 masks of the God Chaac; Sayil, which peaked between 800 and 1000 A.D.; and Xlapac, site of some 114 mounds and 3 somewhat restored pyramids and famous for its Palace.

Labna holds one of the finest and most photographed Mayan constructions: The Arch.

In the Loltun Caves you find ancient wall paintings as well as delicate pieces of ceramic.  Then on to Tikul, famous for its ceramic handcrafts and fine shoes.  And Oxkintok, one of the most ancient Mayan cities of Yucatan.

Yucatan: Ecology & Adventure   Merida Hotels

Sisal, only 55 kms. from Merida, was once the main port for the Yucatan Peninsula, receiving and shipping a wide variety of products to the world. Today its warm beaches and exotic natural scenery make it the perfect place for rest and relaxation. It is also the home for beautiful migratory birds such as the Canadian goose.

El Palmar: The numerous flora and fauna species make this one of the most important ecological reserves in Yucatan. El Palmar is the ideal site for eco-tourism, providing scenic views, including the highest lighthouse in the State.

Celestun: The main attraction of this beautiful national park is the pink flamingo, found here in its natural habitat. Touring the river in comfortable motor boats is a unique experience, enjoying the sight of thousands of flamingoes, cranes, ducks and other birds.

Day Trips from Cancun