Trip of Southern Mexico and Yucatán

21 days – from €8,330 per person

nature – culture – history – archaeological sites – rental car – wildlife – beach

• Embark on an unforgettable journey through the jungle, colonial towns and the tropical coast
• Explore mysterious Mayan temples near Palenque and climb to the viewpoint at Ek Balam
• Spot flamingos and manatees in two of Mexico’s most beautiful nature reserves
• Soak up the atmosphere of colourful cities such as Campeche, Mérida and Valladolid, each with its own unique character
• Finish your trip on the Caribbean coast and swim in crystal-clear cenotes

Day 4 | San Cristóbal de las Casas – Palenque

You’ll be picked up early this morning for a transfer to the car hire company. Here you’ll collect your rental car and set off on the long but beautiful drive towards Palenque. The route takes you through a constantly changing landscape: from the cool highlands around San Cristóbal to the tropical plains of Tabasco and back to the jungle-rich region of Chiapas. Along the way, you’ll see small villages, green hills and vast banana and cocoa plantations. It is a journey that gives you a wonderful insight into the diversity of southern Mexico. On arrival in Palenque, you’ll check in at your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax.
Overnight: Piedra de Agua Palenque | bed and breakfast

Day 5 | Palenque

After breakfast, you’ll set off on a special day trip to the hidden Mayan cities of Yaxchilán and Bonampak. These are two of the most intriguing and undiscovered archaeological sites in Chiapas. Accompanied by your private guide, you’ll drive towards the Guatemalan border, where the jungle grows ever denser. At Yaxchilán, you’ll board a boat and sail along the Usumacinta River – a stunning journey that’s worth the trip in itself. As soon as you arrive at the temples, you’ll hear howler monkeys calling and see butterflies and tropical birds flitting amongst the trees. You will then visit Bonampak, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved murals. The frescoes depict rituals, dances and scenes of war, offering a unique insight into what life was like for the Maya elite at that time. Your private guide will help you understand all the details and spot wildlife in the area. At the end of the afternoon, you’ll return to your hotel in Palenque.
Overnight stay: Piedra de Agua Palenque | bed and breakfast

Day 8 | Palenque – Isla Aguada

Today will be all about the drive to the coast. After checking out, you’ll drive for around six hours to Isla Aguada, a peaceful and still relatively unknown spot on the Gulf of Mexico. The route takes you through lush countryside, small villages and eventually along the coastline. Once you arrive, you’ll check in at your modern, stylish hotel. A lovely place to unwind.
Overnight stay: Hotel Cielo | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Isla Aguada – Campeche

Today you’ll drive on from Isla Aguada to Campeche, a leisurely journey of about 2½ hours. You’ll follow a scenic coastal route where you’ll regularly catch glimpses of the Gulf of Mexico peeking out from between the palm trees and small fishing villages. It’s a relatively short leg of the journey, so you can take it at a leisurely pace. Campeche is a colourful colonial town with pastel-coloured façades, city walls dating back to the pirate era and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. This makes it an excellent stopover for one night during your trip. You’ll be staying in a small-scale boutique hotel set in a restored colonial house.
Accommodation: Casa Don Gustavo | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Campeche – Mérida

After breakfast, you’ll leave the colourful city of Campeche and drive to Mérida – a journey of about two and a half hours. The route is peaceful and takes you through small villages and open countryside, until you gradually enter the lively atmosphere of Yucatán’s capital. You’ll once again be staying at the charming Piedra de Agua hotel, right in the heart of the historic centre. On the way, it’s well worth making a short stop in Tixkokob, a village known for its traditional henequén crafts, or in Izamal, the famous ‘yellow city’ where colonial buildings and Mayan pyramids stand side by side. Both places offer a lovely insight into daily life and the culture of Yucatán.
Overnight stay: Piedra de Agua Mérida | bed and breakfast

Day 14 | Mérida

Today’s itinerary features a special nature experience. Accompanied by your private guide, you’ll travel to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a protected area where mangroves, lagoons and coastal dunes come together to form a unique ecosystem. It is one of the best places in Mexico to see flamingos. The tranquillity of the mangroves, the gentle lapping of the water and the colourful spectacle of the flamingos make this a truly special experience. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the fragility of this ecosystem and the many species of birds that live here.
Overnight stay: Piedra de Agua Mérida | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | Valladolid

Today you can explore Valladolid at your own pace. If you fancy a bit of activity, you can drive to Ek Balam. This site is not only of interest to history buffs, but also to travellers who love nature. The largest temple is one of the few in the area that can still be climbed, and from the top you can look out over an endless green jungle. The surrounding area is home to plenty of wildlife, making the walk there an experience in itself. If you’d rather stay closer to the town, there are beautiful cenotes in the vicinity where you can swim. There’s also a cenote right in the centre of this historic village: Cenote Zací.
Accommodation: Hotel Meson del Marques | bed and breakfast

Day 17 | Valladolid – Tulum

Today you’ll drive from Valladolid to your final destination: Tulum. The journey takes about two hours and takes you through the peaceful Yucatán hinterland, until you gradually catch sight of the turquoise hues of the Caribbean Sea. Tulum Beach is the ideal place to round off your trip in peace and quiet. Over the next few days, you can relax on the beach, enjoy the sea breeze and unwind completely in this laid-back coastal town.
Accommodation: ANA Y JOSE Hotel & Beach Club | bed and breakfast

Day 20: Tulum – Cancún – Amsterdam

This final day is all about driving to Cancún Airport and returning your rental car. Here, you’ll board your flight to Amsterdam.

Day 21: Amsterdam

You’ll be arriving in Amsterdam today.