Haciendas and Mayan Pyramids

At 10am, your rental car will be waiting for you so you can begin driving to Chichen Itza. Our local English-speaking agent will give you a brief rundown on driving in Mexico (see car hire Mexico) and, armed with a map and directions, you're on your way. Your two-hour drive will take you along a flat road through several small villages to the colonial town of Valladolid. The central plaza is a great spot for lunch. Just behind the plaza is the rather quirky shoemakers district. Around 1pm, you'll be on your way again. It's only a short drive because 5km further on you'll come across the cenote at Dzitnup.

"Cenotes" are underground rivers and lakes formed by erosion of the porous soil in Yucatan. There are several around Yucatan, many of which have a magical atmosphere. The cenote at Dzitnup is in a large cave and reputedly the most beautiful. Here's a handy tip - if you want to take a swim then put your suit on that morning, as there are no dressing rooms anywhere near the cenote.

After a refreshing underground dip, it's back into the car for a hour's driving to Chichen Itza, where you'll arrive around 3pm. You'll quickly notice that the area is suddenly far more tropical than when you set off from this morning. You'll stay in a romantic hacienda close to the ruins. The ruins are open until 5pm but you'll need at least 3 hours to explore the complex so it's best to hold off your visit until early tomorrow morning. You can spend the afternoon relaxing at your hacienda. The 28 bungalows are surrounded by lush gardens, your room is tastefully decorated, and there's a hammock and a rocking chair on the veranda.

Driving distance to Chichen Itza: 4½ hours including rest breaks.

As you're staying so close to Chichen Itza, you can be one of the first into the site when it opens at 8am (admission approx US$8). This means that you'll be able to experience the quiet, serene atmosphere of the ruins before the coach loads of day-trippers from Cancun arrive. Be sure to wear light clothing and bring plenty of water, as it usually gets very hot after 10am. Chichen Itza was the last major Mayan cities and it was far ahead of its time. The focal point at Chichen Itza is El Castillo (The Castle), a temple dedicated to the god Kulkulkan. It's a perfectly symmetrical pyramid, though because it's so steep, climbing the temple is no longer allowed. Nevertheless, it's still one of the most prominent structures in the complex.

Several ruins of the original Mayan buildings can still be found around the town but the most impressive feature of Izamal has to be the town centre which is completely painted bright yellow. We've never been able to find out exactly why, but maybe you'll be in more luck.  
You'll be staying in a cheerful small hotel with a sea of pillows on your bed and at 4pm there will be a horse and carriage waiting to take you on a trip through the yellow streets. The tour ends at the monastery (yellow, of course) which you can visit if you like. In the evening try a traditional Yucatecan meal at restaurant Kinich (next to the ruins). A walk back to your hotel through the balmy evening air is the perfect end to your day.

Driving distance Chichen Itza to Izamal 1½ hours.

In the morning, you'll spend some more time in Izamal or pay a visit to Merida, a large city with many colonial buildings and a bustling centre with shops and outdoor cafes. Then follow the highway along the coast to Campeche. You'll stay in a hotel in the historic colourful centre. Campeche is a surprising and interesting town with little over 100,000 inhabitants, so it's comfortably small-scale. Thanks to major restoration works over the last few years, many of the historic buildings have been restored to their former glory and are beautifully lit at night.

Driving distance: Izamal - Merida: 1 hour
                          Merida - Campeche: 4 hours.

This driving Chichen Itza tour ends after breakfast today. Before you go, take a last stroll through the center and past the old fortress walls but if you're traveling on a next destination to make sure you do not leave too late.

If you're spending two weeks in Mexico, Campeche after your next destination will be Palenque (approx 6 hours drive), Mexico's most spectacular Mayan city. If you've got more time to spare, then continue your journey to San Cristobal de las Casas.