Yucatan In Depth

Ancient Mayan civilisations, beautiful Caribbean beaches, and endemic wildlife

The Yucatan Peninsula was once the stronghold of the Mayan civilisation, whose cities, palaces, and ritual sites are still standing today and are incredible sites to behold. This 13-day Yucatan In Depth holiday takes in the spectacular Caribbean coastline, picturesque colonial towns, and nature reserves bursting with wildlife you’re sure to find the Yucatan to be a wonderful region to discover. 

Highlights 

• Visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World 
• Swim in a crystal-clear cenote 
• Wander the pretty streets of laid-back Merida 
• Delve into the swashbuckling history of Campeche 
• Take a boat through the channels of the Sian Ka’an reserve and see the Tulum ruins 

Quick Itinerary 

Day 1 - Riviera Maya 

Days 2 – 4 - Merida 

Days 5 & 6 - Campeche 

Day 7 - Uxmal & Kabah 

Day 8 - Chichén Itzá to Tulum 

Days 9 – 11 - Tulum 

Day 12 – Depart 

Day 13 – Arrive back in the UK 

Truly Individual Holiday 

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today. 

Day 1 - Riviera Maya 

Arrive in Cancun and transfer south along the Riviera Maya to your accommodation in Playa del Carmen. This popular and bustling town is not quite as frantic as the Cancun Hotel Zone and makes a good base from which to head west to explore the treasures of the Yucatan the following morning. 

Days 2 - 4 - Merida 

Departing the Riviera Maya after an early breakfast, you’ll visit the colourful city of Izamal, this colonial gem has been nicknamed La Ciudad Amarilla (The Yellow City) due to its bright colouring. You’ll visit the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua and Mayan ruins devoted to the supreme god Itzamna, and the sun god, Kinich-Kakmo. Continue to Merida and check into your hotel for the next three nights in this charming and laid-back city. The following day brings an exciting private day trip to Celestun, a quaint fishing village located 90km west of Merida. The Celestun Biosphere Reserve is home to abundant flora and fauna, including the Mexican pink flamingo. A boat ride through the estuaries is a highlight of this magical day, topped off with a refreshing dip in the freshwater springs. Your third day in Merida has been left free for you to explore at leisure, or perhaps book a trip to a nearby cenote or visit the small town of Sisal. 

Days 5 & 6 - Campeche 

Onward to Campeche, once an important seaport and subsequently the focus of pirate attack, resulting in the Spanish Crown ordering the fortification of the city. Remnants of the original fortress walls still stand, giving the city a romantic atmosphere. The ramparts now house museums and the Land Gate is the site of a dramatic light and sound show that relives the pirate era. You’ll visit the small village of Becal en route, which is world famous for its Panama hat making, and enjoy a city tour of Campeche to uncover its swashbuckling history.  

Day 7 - Uxmal & Kabah 

Depart Campeche heading north-east to visit the impressive Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Kabah, enjoy lunch, before arriving at your accommodation near Chichén Itzá, ready for an early morning visit the next day. 

Day 8: Chichén Itzá to Tulum 

The Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itza are arguably the most famous ruins in Mexico and are certainly among the most popular with visitors. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s an impressive place to discover. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the peak of the crowds and heat of the day. After your visit, you’ll continue east to the beach-side town of Tulum.  

Days 9 - 11 - Tulum 

Explore the ruins at Coba, the only site where visitors are allowed to climb the structures, then cool off in a cenote and go in search of monkeys at Punta Laguna nature reserve. You’ll also discover the only Mayan-walled city and the impressive views of the Caribbean coastline before exploring the tropical forests and mangrove channels of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve by boat. 

Day 12 - Depart 

Transfer from your hotel to Cancun International airport and board your flight.   

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK 

Today you will land back in the UK. 

Price from £5,599 per person 

(2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room) 

This itinerary is also available on a self-drive basis, including Chichén Itza, excluding all other excursions, from £3,449 per person, based on 2 people sharing a room. Please speak to your Travel Specialist for more information. 

Includes: 

• International flights

• 11 nights’ accommodation

• 16 meals: 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches 

• Excursions and tours as described 

• Transfers as per itinerary 

Excludes: 

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary 

• Local departure taxes payable locally 

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc 

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary) 

• Camera or video fees at any sites