25-day round trip Monarch butterflies and Yucatán

Day 2 | Mexico City

Free day planned. If you’re interested in archaeology, the Templo Mayor, situated between the cathedral and the presidential palace, is well worth a visit. Before the arrival of the Spanish, this was the largest and most important temple of the Aztecs, standing over 60 metres tall. However, the pyramid was largely destroyed by the Spanish, and many of the stones were also used in the construction of the cathedral. The remaining ruins of the pyramid were uncovered in 1978, and you can explore this complex with an archaeologist, learning more about Aztec culture along the way. For lunch, head to the roof terrace of the Down Town Hotel, where you can enjoy views over the central square. An absolute must-visit is the Museo Nacional de Antropología, situated in the beautiful Chapultepec City Park. This museum is regarded as one of the best of its kind in the world. It is housed in a stunning modern building, which traces the anthropological history of Mexico right from its very beginnings. You’ll also find numerous works of art and artefacts from the various pre-Columbian cultures that flourished in Mexico, such as the Aztec, Zapotec and Maya civilisations.
Accommodation: NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique CDMX | bed and breakfast

Day 4 | Mexico City

Today you have another free day to explore Mexico City or the surrounding area further. Why not visit the unique neighbourhood of Coyoacán, for example? This beautiful neighbourhood is dotted with colourful buildings, constructed in the typical Spanish style. It is also home to Frida Kahlo’s famous house, Casa Azul, where you can still admire a number of her original paintings and works of art.
Accommodation: NaNa Vida Hotel Boutique CDMX | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Mexico City – Zitácuaro

Today you will be collected from your hotel and driven to Zitácuaro (approx. 160 km | 2.5-hour drive). Zitácuaro is a charming town in Mexico, surrounded by beautiful nature reserves such as El Rosario and Sierra Chincua. These reserves are particularly popular during the monarch butterfly migration, when millions of butterflies gather to create a breathtaking natural spectacle. You’ll be staying at Hotel Rancho San Cayetano, a charming boutique hotel with rustic rooms, surrounded by beautiful gardens and mountains. It’s situated close to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, which hosts this spectacular migration of monarch butterflies from November to March.
Accommodation: Hotel Rancho San Cayetano | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | Zitácuaro – Mérida

This morning you’ll travel to Mexico City, where you’ll board your domestic flight to Mérida. Once you arrive, you’ll collect your rental car and drive to your hotel. Mérida, the capital of Yucatán in Mexico, combines colonial charm with Mayan heritage. As well as the iconic cathedral on the Plaza Grande and the Paseo de Montejo boulevard, you’ll discover hidden gems such as the beautiful La Mejorada Church and the charming Calle 47, lined with boutiques, whilst sampling refined Yucatecan cuisine in atmospheric restaurants. You’ll be staying at Nuik Casa Tropical, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of this lively city. This boutique hotel offers stylish, unique rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and authentic tropical Yucatecan charm.
Johan’s tips: take a stroll through the Parque de La Ermita, order a delicious coffee at the Barra agüitae’coco café, and dine amongst the locals at Vana restaurant!
Accommodation: Nuik Casa Tropical | bed and breakfast

Day 11 | Mérida – Campeche

(approx. 185 km | 3-hour drive)
Today you’ll pick up your rental car and drive to Campeche. Taking a slight detour, you’ll stop south of Mérida at the archaeological site of Uxmal and one of the ‘Pueblos Mágicos’: Maní. Johan wrote about his fantastic experience: Maní and the non-stinging Melipona bees. You’ll continue on to Campeche, where you’ll be staying at the Hotel Plaza Campeche. The hotel is situated in the historic centre of Campeche, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This hotel is just a stone’s throw from the sea and is surrounded by historic buildings, churches, forts, colonial houses, various museums and cosy bars and restaurants.
Overnight stay: Hotel Plaza Campeche | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Campeche

A free day is planned. It’s certainly worth visiting the old town centre. As you walk or cycle through the clean streets lined with colourful houses, you’ll soak up the Caribbean atmosphere and discover fascinating legends about pirates who once plied the waters off these shores in the distant past. In the past, wheat and oil were exported from the city, bringing Campeche a certain degree of wealth. The city of Campeche is also the culinary hotspot of the state of the same name. Here you can enjoy delicious fresh seafood and fish. There’s plenty to try here, such as: fried oysters, pompano fish wrapped in achiote with a pinch of cumin, squid stuffed with prawns, tamales filled with chaya leaves, or a boiled egg wrapped in banana leaves. Delicious!
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Campeche | bed and breakfast

Day 14 | Calakmul

Visit the Mayan site today. Calakmul lies deep within the jungle of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest and most powerful cities of the ancient Mayan civilisation. Its remote location offers a unique, authentic experience, far from the tourist crowds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the chance to climb well-preserved pyramids and look out over the surrounding rainforest. Surrounded by the sounds of howler monkeys, toucans and a wealth of flora and fauna.
Overnight stay: Hotel Puerta Calakmul | bed and breakfast

Days 16–17 | Bacalar

Free days planned. There are various activities to enjoy during your stay at this idyllic destination. Today, you can choose to take a boat or canoe trip across the lagoon, where you’ll have the chance to go for a swim. Alternatively, you can hop in the car and drive to Los Rapidos. Here, you can go snorkelling in a natural rapids through a narrow channel. You can enjoy a lovely swim here and have a drink at the local restaurant.
Overnight stay: Hotel Wayak Bacalar | bed and breakfast

Day 18 | Bacalar – Espita

(approx. 250 km | 4-hour drive)
Today you’ll drive on from Bacalar to the village of Espita. The route winds its way through the heart of Yucatán. As you drive north, you’ll pass through vast jungles, tranquil villages and ancient Mayan ruins. When you arrive in charming Espita, you’ll be greeted by a serene atmosphere and colonial charm.
Overnight: Casa Kacaya | bed and breakfast