|
Mexico self drive toursBelow you'll find an overview of our bite-sized Mexico self drive tours, lasting from 2 to 5 days. You can string these together to form a longer Mexico itinerary. Not sure where to start, or need a little inspiration? Check out our suggested Mexico itineraries. |
Mexico starter pack Easy Going in Playa del Carmen
Click here for more about our Playa del Carmen tour. |
|
|
Mexico self drive tour Haciendas and Mayan pyramids
This is the popular way to begin your Mexico self drive trip. Beginning at the tropical Caribbean beaches of Playa del Carmen you'll drive to the most famous Mayan ruins of Yucatan: Chichen Itza. It's one of Mexico's most popular sights, and you'll stay close to the entrance so that you can visit the ruins early the next morning before the big crowds arrive and the heat rises. Next, you'll continue to the fairytale 'yellow' town Izamal and then to colonial Campeche. The historic buildings in Campeche are beautifully lit at night and a walk along the fortress walls and bastions will take you back to the age of pirates. |
Mexico self drive tour Hidden cenotes and colourful towns
This is a more extended version of the tour above. You'll follow the same route, but spend more time in traditional Mexican towns like colonial Valladolid, with a number of sparkling cenotes (underground lakes) nearby. You'll visit Chichen Itza, after which you'll spend two nights in the yellow town of Izamal. The temples, the monastery, the local market - everywhere you look is drenched in the traditional Mayan culture. You'll follow the scenic 'Ruta Puuc', passing several small and off-the-beaten-track Mayan ruins in decorative Puuc style. This Mexico self drive tour ends in the colonial town Campeche. |
|
|
Mexico self drive Bathing with the pink flamingos
If you've got an extra day, we suggest this short stop at the very beginning of your Mexico self drive. It's a relaxed trip to a part of the Yucatan that isn't on the well-trodden tourist trail. With your rental car, you'll drive to Rio Lagartos village, the starting point of your boat trip. Gliding through the mangroves of the Rio Lagartos you'll see vast colonies of bright pink flamingos and you'll be able to get some free pampering in a natural mud bath. After 15 minutes of floating in the mineral-rich salt lake your skin will have turned a healthy tone of flamingo pink. You can end the day on your balcony and watch the orange sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico. |
Mexico self drive Jungle temples and waterfalls
After exploring the Northern Yucatan area, you can continue your Mexico self drive to one of the uncontested highlights of Mexico: the jungle ruins of Palenque. You'll visit the Mayan temples early in the morning, and then escape the heat in the spectacular Agua Azul waterfalls. During your trip, you'll stay in a forest cabaña near to Calakmul, a relatively undiscovered jungle ruin. Wandering across the overgrown paths through the tropical rainforest, listening to the sounds of the jungle, smelling the wild orchids and clambering up the ruins of this ancient Mayan city you'll be virtually alone. |
|
|
Mexico self drive Colours and Indians
In the mountainous province of Chiapas, you'll find yourself in a completely different Mexico. This hilly region on the Guatemalan border is home to the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, the centre of Mexican Indian and Zapatista culture. At 2100m, you'll stay in a colourful posada close to the old churches and shady plazas. But it's not just the town you've come to see - you'll also head out into the surrounding hills to visit remote Indian villages and experience traditional Chiapas culture. |
Mexico self drive Beaches of Playa del Carmen
Click here to find out where to stay in Playa Del Carmen |
|
|
Mexico self drive Palm trees and palapas
Click here for the daily itinerary of this short Tulum beach accommodation stay. |
Mexico self drive Hammocks on barefoot island
Click here for the daily itinerary of this short Holbox Island tour |
|
|
Mexico self drive Mayan jungle exploration
If you're looking for a real jungle adventure in addition to popular Palenque, you can add this daytrip to your itinerary with extra night in Palenque. You'll be collected at your hotel early in the morning and travel by land and water to the remote ruins of Yaxchilan, the best Mayan site in Mexico to spot wildlife. Then, you'll continue on to Bonampak to see the beautifully preserved Mayan mural paintings. If you would also like to include the ruins of Tikal in your Mexico trip, you can spend the night in Bonampak and travel on to Flores in Guatemala the next day. |
If you like the look of our Mexico self drive tours and would like to request a Mexico Travel Plan, just complete the quote request form and we'll send you a personalised itinerary.
If you would prefer to travel by local transport, our Mayan route modules offers you the chance to explore the Yucatan Peninsula, Chaipas region, Mexico City and Oaxaca by first-class scheduled bus. We'll book your bus tickets for you, and these will be waiting for you in your information pack when you arrive in Mexico. Scheduled bus is also a great way to follow the Mayan Route through the Yucatan into Guatemala and Belize.
If you need some inspiration, or would prefer to do something tried and tested, check out our Mexico itineraries.
Or of course you can always contact us directly for more information if you prefer.
Click here for the quote request form
Click here for our suggested Mexico itineraries
Click here for our Mayan route tours by local bus