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Family holiday through the Yucatán Peninsula

Itinerary Travel price Request a travel proposal More inspiration

15 days – from €3,970 per person

family holiday – rental car – nature – history – beach – Mexico

  • Drive around the authentic peninsula in your own rental car
  • Stay in traditional haciendas surrounded by nature
  • Climb ancient Mayan temples, hidden deep in the jungle
  • Relax in tropical temperatures by turquoise waters
  • Finish your trip in colourful Valladolid and explore the surrounding cenotes

Itinerary

Day 1 | Amsterdam – Mérida

Your family adventure on the Yucatán Peninsula begins as soon as you land at Mérida Airport. A private driver will be waiting for you there. As you are driven to your hotel in comfort, you’ll get a taste of the laid-back pace of this charming city. Mérida is often referred to as the ‘White City ’. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the whole of Mexico. This is not only due to its colonial architecture, but also because of its friendly atmosphere, lively squares and the rich Mayan culture that can be felt everywhere here. It is a city where history and modernity blend effortlessly: colourful, safe, welcoming and full of little surprises that immediately spark the curiosity of children and adults alike. After arriving at your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day free to recover from your journey. Tomorrow, the real exploration begins.
Overnight stay: Hotel Hacienda Mérida | bed and breakfast

Day 2 | Mérida – Santa Rosa

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up for a short transfer to the car hire office. Your rental car for the coming days will already be waiting for you there. Once all the formalities have been sorted, you’ll drive out of the city at your own pace and your family will set off on the first proper stretch of your road trip through Yucatán. You’ll arrive at Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima, one of the region’s most distinctive haciendas. This former 19th-century sisal plantation has been lovingly restored and still exudes the atmosphere of bygone days. The high ceilings, colonial arches and lush gardens make it a place where tranquillity and history come together. Everywhere you look, there are nooks, paths and hidden spots to explore. At the same time, you can enjoy the serene elegance and comfort. The rest of the day is yours to relax by the pool or take a leisurely stroll to explore the surrounding area.
Overnight stay: Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima | bed and breakfast

Day 3 | Santa Rosa

Today you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the hacienda and the surrounding area. The region around Santa Rosa de Lima is rich in natural beauty and home to small Mayan villages with centuries-old traditions. You can go for a walk through the surrounding jungle, visit a local cenote for a refreshing dip, or explore one of the nearby villages where daily life still flows along at a wonderfully leisurely pace. For those looking for a special experience, we recommend a visit to regional chef Wilson Alonzo Baez. He is renowned for his Yucatecan dishes, rooted in centuries-old Mayan traditions. During an informal cooking demonstration, he’ll show you how flavours, spices and techniques come together in authentic Yucatecan cuisine. A delightful and educational experience for the whole family. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll return to the hacienda, where the peace and greenery will welcome you back.
Overnight stay: Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima | bed and breakfast

Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima

This unique accommodation is a place that immediately evokes a sense of tranquillity and elegance. The former sisal plantation has been beautifully restored, with high ceilings, colonial arches and rooms overlooking immaculately maintained gardens. What makes it so special is the combination of history and serenity: you’ll be staying in a piece of Yucatecan history, yet with all the comforts of modern life. It is the ideal stopover to completely unwind amidst the lush countryside of Yucatán.

Day 4 | Santa Rosa

Today’s itinerary features a special day out: an excursion to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, accompanied by a private guide. This nature reserve is renowned for its mangroves, tranquil lagoons and, of course, the iconic pink flamingos that live here in large flocks. During a boat trip, you’ll sail through narrow mangrove passages, see birds in every colour and hear nothing but the gentle lapping of the water against the boat. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the fragile ecosystem and the animals that live here. Halfway through, you’ll stop for a relaxed lunch on the beach, where you can enjoy fresh local dishes with your feet in the sand. After this impressive day in nature, you’ll drive back to Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima. Here you can unwind: take a dip in the pool, go for a peaceful stroll through the gardens or simply relax in a hammock.
Overnight stay: Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Santa Rosa – Calakmul

Today’s itinerary features a longer but stunning drive. An early start is recommended so that you can enjoy the ever-changing landscape at your leisure along the way. As soon as you leave Mérida behind, you’ll drive deeper into the interior, towards one of the most unspoilt areas of the peninsula. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Hotel Mundo Maya, a simple yet charming place to stay, surrounded by nature. The location here is the real luxury: you’ll be on the edge of the immense Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, one of Mexico’s largest protected jungle areas. This is a place where the jungle is still truly wild. Howler monkeys call in the distance, birds flit between the trees and, in the evening, all you can hear are the sounds of nature. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish. You can relax at your hotel, as a special day awaits you tomorrow.
Overnight: Hotel Mundo Maya Calakmul | bed and breakfast

“ Mexico has it all: a rich history, remarkable archaeological sites, modern cities, charming colonial towns, and the list goes on. ”

Day 6 | Calakmul

Accompanied by your private guide, you’ll set off early for Calakmul, one of Yucatán’s most impressive Mayan cities. Deep in the jungle, you’ll discover towering temples, tranquil squares and viewpoints from which the rainforest stretches out endlessly before you. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and natural environment of this extraordinary area, whilst you wander through the ruins at your own pace. As you climb the wide steps, you’ll hear the calls of howler monkeys in the distance and may occasionally spot a toucan darting between the trees. The silence and vastness of the surroundings make it easy to imagine what life must have been like here centuries ago. You’ll often find yourself almost alone on the paths, which makes the experience even more intense and authentic. After this adventure, you’ll return to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the jungle.
Overnight: Hotel Mundo Maya Calakmul | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | Calakmul – Bacalar

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Bacalar, a lovely drive that takes you through quiet villages and lush countryside. Early in the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel, where you’ll check into your own Pool Villa. This makes it a wonderful place to completely unwind, surrounded by jungle and with direct access to the water. On the way, we recommend a stop at Los Rápidos, a narrow, turquoise stream that forms part of the famous Bacalar Lagoon. Here you can swim, float along the gentle current or go on a short kayaking trip together. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to enjoy your villa, take a dip or simply relax in the tranquillity of this special place.
Overnight: Hotel Boca de Agua | bed and breakfast

 

Day 8 | Bacalar

After breakfast, you’ll head out onto the water for a relaxing Lagoon Pontoon Trip. With a private boat and guide, you’ll explore the different shades of blue in Bacalar Lagoon, whilst enjoying included drinks and snacks along the way. There’s plenty of time to swim, float in the clear water or simply enjoy the view from the pontoon. In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time. You can return to your accommodation to relax, take a dip or spend a little more time exploring the peaceful surroundings of Boca de Agua.
Overnight stay: Hotel Boca de Agua | bed and breakfast

Day 9 | Bacalar

Today you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy Bacalar at your own pace. The lagoon is, of course, the shining centrepiece, but the surrounding area offers plenty to fill a relaxing or, alternatively, an active day. If you fancy a bit of adventure, you could visit one of the cenotes around Bacalar, such as Cenote Azul or Cenote Cocalitos. These natural pools are perfect for a refreshing dip and offer a lovely glimpse into Yucatán’s unique karst landscape. In Bacalar itself, you can take a short stroll through the village, visit the San Felipe fort or settle down at one of the small cafés by the water. For a tasty treat, it’s worth trying panuchos or sopes; typical regional dishes often prepared with fresh ingredients. Those who prefer a bit of peace and quiet can, of course, also enjoy the serene atmosphere at the accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel Boca de Agua | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Bacalar – Tulum

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Tulum, a lovely drive that takes you along the coast and through small villages. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the early afternoon, where you can check in and settle in at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. It’s lovely to spend the afternoon on the beach, take a refreshing dip or start exploring a bit of Tulum. You could visit the iconic ruins of Tulum, which are beautifully situated on the Caribbean-blue coast. The village centre is known for its laid-back atmosphere, small boutiques and modern eateries. It’s the ideal place to round off the day in a relaxed manner.
Accommodation: ANA Y JOSE Hotel & Beach Club | bed and breakfast

Day 11 | Tulum

Today is a full day dedicated to the stunning Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Accompanied by a private guide, you’ll explore this vast nature reserve, where mangroves, lagoons and the Caribbean Sea blend seamlessly together. You’ll glide through narrow waterways, spot birds and perhaps even dolphins or manatees, whilst your guide tells you about the unique flora and fauna of this protected area. Halfway through, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch in a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, after which the trip continues across crystal-clear blue waters and past deserted beaches. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel in Tulum, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and let the memories of this special day sink in.
Overnight stay: Le Muuch Hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Tulum – Valladolid

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Valladolid, a charming colonial town renowned for its pastel-coloured façades, tranquil squares and laid-back atmosphere. It is one of the most beautiful places to experience authentic Yucatecan culture, with a mix of history, local traditions and small artisan shops. Upon arrival, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the town at your own pace. Valladolid is compact, friendly and perfect for a lovely afternoon’s wander. Furthermore, the area around Valladolid is home to many impressive Mayan temples. We highly recommend the impressive Ek’ Balam, an ancient city where you’ll find one of the few temples you can still climb. The region is also rich in cenotes. Valladolid even has a beautiful cenote right in the town centre: Cenote ‘Zaci’.
Accommodation: Méson del Marqués | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | Valladolid

Early in the morning, you’ll drive to Chichén Itzá, one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. This city was once a powerful political and religious centre, and you’ll sense this immediately as you step onto the site. At the heart of the site is El Castillo, the famous Pyramid of Kukulcán, which still captures the imagination with its perfect symmetry and astronomical precision. Your private guide will explain how the Maya used the position of the sun to create a shadow effect during the equinox that resembles a snake gliding down the steps. After this visit, you’ll drive back to Valladolid. Before lunch, we recommend a refreshing stop at Cenote Ik Kil, one of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán. The deep, circular pool, with its hanging vines and crystal-clear water, is perfect for a quick swim and a chance to cool off before continuing on to your hotel. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to explore Valladolid further at your own pace, or to relax a little more before the journey comes to an end.
Overnight stay: Méson del Marqués | bed and breakfast

Day 14 | Valladolid – Mérida – Amsterdam

After breakfast, you’ll set off for Mérida, where your trip will gradually draw to a close. The journey will take you once again through the peaceful Yucatán countryside, past small villages and lush green landscapes. On arrival at the airport, you’ll return your rental car and get ready for your return flight to Amsterdam.

Day 15 | Amsterdam

You will arrive in Amsterdam today.

"We offset all travel through the Black Jaguar Foundation's reforestation project "

Travel price

From €3,970 per person

  • Based on 4 people travelling together
  • Depending on time of booking, availability of local flights, accommodation availability and period of travel

Included:

  • domestic flights, economy class
  • 13 nights’ accommodation, including breakfast
  • car hire as stated
  • All transfers and excursions as stated
  • 24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
  • comprehensive travel pack with small gift
  • local taxes, where applicable
  • Travel Calamity Fund levy; €2.50 per booking
  • SGR contribution of €5 per person per booking

Not included:

  • International flights, we will book them for you if required
  • Early check-in/late check-out, based on availability sometimes given by hotel. If you want to make sure you have this, please enquire with us about the extra cost.
  • travel and cancellation insurance

Request a travel proposal

Would you like to go on this trip too? We can, of course, organise the above trip for you, but we’d also be happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Please feel free to get in touch. Call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a bespoke quote below. We’d be happy to help.

Request a travel proposal

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