Yucatan & Quintana Roo: the Mexican Dream

Huge limestone plateau extending into the Caribbean Sea, Quintana Roo offers you dreamlike landscapes worthy of the most beautiful postcards. The Yucatan Peninsula is the land of the Mayas—the land of thick jungle and endless fields of sisal—that will continue to dazzle you throughout your stay!

Experience a unique adventure in Mexico over 2 weeks!

Day 1: Cancun - Cancun (Center)

Arrival in Cancun and collection of your vehicle at the rental counter. Head directly to the counter located at the end of the parking lot opposite terminal 2.

The rental agency will offer additional insurance, be careful as they can be very expensive.

A French-speaking guide will meet you at the rental counter. They will assist you with your arrangements and provide you with a road map of the region.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Cancun (Center) - Ek Balam - X'Canche - Valladolid

The black jaguar pyramids “Ek Balam”
Recently explored, Ek Balam remains the major discovery of Mayan archaeology in the late 20th century. We will enjoy climbing the pyramid steps to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle.

Forest swim at cenote X'Canche

After our lunch break, depart by bicycle from the site entrance (1.5 km, 20 minutes) to cenote X'canche. If luck is on our side, we might catch a glimpse of the famous Maya bird "Toh" with its dazzling colors. Arrive at the cenote for a swim in this sacred space where zip-lining or rappelling can also be enjoyed.

The capital of Maya Orient – Valladolid
After this swim, drive to Valladolid our stop for the day (30 min). This authentic Mexican town invites you to stroll around the zocalo, near San Bernardino convent. We'll enjoy pretty pastel-colored houses and have an ice cream at the central square's end.

Overnight in Valladolid.

Day 3: Valladolid - Chichen Itza - Cenote Yokdzonot - Izamal

Chichen Itza, Maya marvel

Built by the Mayas and then remodeled by the Toltecs, Chichen Itza symbolizes the unification of two religious cultures. The largest archaeological site in Yucatan was at its peak the main religious center of the peninsula.

Swim at Cenote Yokdzonot

After visiting Chichen Itza, nothing beats refreshing in a cenote. Just 3 kilometers from the site is cenote Yokdzonot off the beaten path (swimming possible). A water basin where it is pleasant to swim in a natural environment. We suggest stopping for lunch at a restaurant right next to the cenote.

The yellow town of Izamal
Then depart to discover the authentic colonial village of Izamal, a magnificent town colored with vivid yellows, whose Franciscan convent San Antonio de Padua, built on a Mayan ceremonial center, remains the largest monastic complex on the continent. Lunch on-site.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Izamal - Mérida

Free day

Suggestion for the day:

Meet Izamal’s artisans
This morning, set off to discover Izamal's authentic colonial village, a magnificent town colored with vivid yellows, whose Franciscan convent San Antonio de Padua remains the largest monastic complex on the continent.

Gabriel will open his home’s doors and teach you how he works wood to make jaguar-shaped statues, traditional Mexican toys, or fine chess pieces.

Then it's Don Esteban’s turn to explain his work on jewelry-making materials. A colorful character known for captivating his guests with stories and legends… A beautiful encounter.

Then we head towards Mérida.

Mérida, the white city

Visit Mérida, Yucatan's capital. Despite economic development, it has retained an enchanting colonial charm and strong personality. Numerous historical monuments are well-highlighted; pleasant small squares invite you to have a drink to marimba music. Its craft market offers many souvenirs: famous huipiles—embroidered and colorful women's tunics—a genuine "Panama," or an authentic Yucatan hammock made from pure cotton.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Mérida - Cenote Tour - Mérida

Off-the-beaten-path cenote tour

Cenotes are natural pools with clear freshwater where sunbeams create magical light shows. We travel through a typical Maya market, where fruit and vegetable colors compete with traditional women's clothing colors. Explore 2 cenotes and enjoy a refreshing swim in the forest. One thing is certain—you’ll come out transformed.

Maya craft workshop In the afternoon, meet Pedro—a passionate and recognized Yucatan artisan—who'll share his journey and present his work. We sit at the sculptor’s table and get hands-on. Children will make rain sticks while parents work with "Jicara," a traditional Yucatan fruit with multiple uses. We leave with our souvenir "hecho a mano en Mexico" (handmade in Mexico).

Included option:

• local craft workshop
• lunch
• French-speaking local guide for your day (meet at 09:00 at your hotel entrance)

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Mérida - Hunucmá - Mérida

Share life with a Mexican family
Depart in the morning to Hunucmá, a small village for a wonderful day of exchange and discovery with a Mexican family. Upon arriving at the village, we meet a family member who welcomes us. We'll visit the market and buy all necessary local products for your cooking class. Bags filled with groceries, we head 10 minutes outside the village to discover their beautiful family country house. After greeting us and visiting their ranch, we'll learn how to prepare a typical dish. While it cooks, we'll visit honey production and taste rare Melipona Mayan bees' honey. It's tasting time! After lunch and some sharing and relaxation time, it's time to bid farewell before returning to Mérida late afternoon. Included option:

• cooking class
• French-speaking local guide for your day (meet in hotel lobby). Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Mérida - Uxmal - Campeche

Conquering Uxmal city
Depart for Uxmal site. The site is peaceful and less crowded... guaranteed enchantment! Uxmal means "Built Three Times" in Maya but was actually built five times. The region is very dry; rain god Chac images are omnipresent. En route, we'll stop to visit Hacienda Yaxcopoil (exterior only). Early afternoon, head towards Campeche, arriving late afternoon. Included option:

• Uxmal entry French-speaking local guide at Uxmal
• Meet at XXXX in The Lodge hotel lobby opposite main entrance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Campeche - Chicanna

Discover Campeche, pastel-colored harmonious city enhancing colonial-era style this morning. Settle into your lodge near Chicanna site; possible visits en route to Xpujil and Chicanna sites. Overnight at hotel Casa Ka'an. Breakfast prepared in-room. Note: Hotel is surrounded by nature; 10 minutes drive from Xpujil village.

Day 9: Chicanna - Calakmul - Chicanna Calakmul ruins Early morning walk through Calakmul Biosphere Reserve where many jaguars are recorded is possible. Like Tikal years ago, wild animals roam freely (toucans, monkeys, ocellated turkeys). Jaguars appear more likely at night but who knows?. Afternoon free visit Calakmul site (not included), located in Campeche state. This reserve's name comes from Maya meaning "the two twin mountains." During this four-hour walk discover this lesser-known site—one of Maya culture jewels—at its peak rivaled Tikal in Guatemala. Return to Chicanna hotel Overnight at hotel; breakfast served in-room Note: Hotel is surrounded by nature; 10 minutes drive from Xpujil village.

Day 10: Chicanna - Chetumal - Bacalar Depart morning for Chetumal, Belize border town in Quintana Roo state Foot exploration reveals city's beautiful Maya culture museum (closed Mondays) teaching counting/reading in Maya… child's play Beautiful models representing most archaeological sites invite comparison Stopover cenote Azul (40 minutes) swimming spot Arrive late afternoon Bacalar Overnight hotel overlooking Bacalar Lagoon Air-conditioned casita garden view room### Day 11: Bacalar - Mahahual - Bacalar Head towards Mahahual Close Belizean border small village paradise along Caribbean Overnight hotel overlooking Bacalar Lagoon Air-conditioned casita garden view room### Day 12: Bacalar-Tulum Head northwards reaching Caribbean coast Recommended visiting Tulum archaeological site witnessing first settlers arrival in 1518 when Spanish conquistador Juan de Grijalva anchored under amazed Batab's gaze (Maya governor then) Free visit ancient port (only known) built-in 1200 vanishing late XVI century Spend tranquil afternoon stunning Tulum resort town Overnight hotel Tulum village five km beach Air-conditioned room king-size bed NB consult family room supplement (two queen-size beds)### Day 13: Tulum Free day Activity suggestions: Enjoy beach sunshine Recommend visiting Tulum archaeological site beside Caribbean Sea At Akumal village (30 km from Tulum): Snorkeling mask snorkel observing turtles Equipment rental available Approximately thirty km Tulum Cenote Sac Actun: Cenotes are water-filled cavities With over one hundred fifty km underwater galleries Sac Actun largest discovered underground river network Mexico Swim magical spot intersected blue beam Finally inland lies grand ancient Cobá city (41 km Tulum) Among largest Maya cities intact amidst tropical jungle Overnight hotel Tulum village five km beach Air-conditioned king-size bed room NB consult family room supplement (two queen-size beds)### Day 14: Tulum-Cancun Hasta luego México Depart hotel five hours pre-flight time Cancun airport Return vehicle rental counter check-in international flight.