Arriba Yucatan

As you're staying close to the entrance, you'll head out early in the morning to explore the ruins of Chichen Itzà, the last major Mayan city (admission approx US$8). At this time of day, you'll be able to enjoy the mysterious serene atmosphere before the complex is overrun by coach-loads of tourists. When you've finished exploring the ruins, head into the city for lunch or freshen up at the hacienda. From Chichen Itzà it's a short drive to the golden yellow city Izamal where we've booked a comfortable village hotel for you for the forth night of your Mexico two week itinerary. At around 4pm you'll find a horse and wagon waiting for you for a magical tour through the yellow streets.

Distance: Chichen Itzà - Izamal: approx 1 hour.

This morning on the Mexico two week itinerary, you can pay a visit to the local market of Izamal. Merida isn't far away, but with 1 million inhabitants and the accompanying traffic, we'd recommend steering clear and head straight to Campeche instead. It's a lot less chaotic and a lot easier to find your way. Your hotel in Campeche is located in the historic and colourful centre. There's been a lot of restoration work going on in the last few years, so the buildings have been newly renovated and the town is beautifully lit at night. You can head into the centre for dinner in the evening.

Distance: Izamal - Campeche: approx. 5 hours.

Before you leave Villahermosa, don't miss the chance the visit the Parque de la Venta on the edge of town. The enormous stone heads in this open-air city park are older than even the Mayan ruins in Mexico. Continuing on your Mexico itinerary, you'll drive to San Cristobal de la Casas, the centre of Indian culture and the last part of the route will take you through the mountains of Chiapas. You'll stay in a hotel in the colourful centre of San Cristobal, with beautifully decorated rooms.  

Distance: Villahermosa - San Cristobal: 6 hours including rest breaks.

Today on this Mexico two week itinerary, the road will take you down from the mountains into the jungle. Driving through wooded valleys and villages where pigs and horses graze freely on the roadside, it's one of the most beautiful routes in Mexico. But drive carefully, lazy cattle and unexpected twists in the road are easily missed when you're admiring the view.

Palenque is in the heart of the jungle, where it's hot and humid (35 degrees) which is why we've booked accommodation in rather more refreshing surroundings just outside the village, surrounded by tropical gardens and with a big pool where you can cool off. The ruins of Palenque are only a 10-minute drive away.

Distance: San Cristobal de las Casas - Palenque: 5 hours including rest breaks. 

The road from Palenque to the Caribbean coast is scattered with Mayan ruins. From Palenque it's roughly a 5-hour drive along flat roads to your hotel. About half an hour from your final destination, you'll pass the turn off to the Mayan city of Calakmul, a one hour drive from the main road. Unlike many of the other major sites, Calakmul draws relatively few visitors, mainly because it wasn't discovered until 1931 when most of the other Mayan ruins had already been made public to the outside world. Still, covering 25km², Calakmul certainly competes with Tikal and Palenque in terms of size. As you'll be one of the few visitors here, you can really experience the silence and serenity as you wander round the ruins.

 

Finish off your trip in style, with 2 nights on the beautiful beach of Tulum. Just stretch out and enjoy the sun, sea and sand. You'll stay in a cabaña on the beach, 7km from the village and only 15 minutes drive from the famous cliff-top Mayan ruins.

There are a number of small hotels along the beach in Tulum (check out Palm trees and Palapas). Most of them have a small bar and behind the hotels, you'll find a sandy road with some shops. Don't expect any wild discos here, Tulum is very low-key, which is part of its appeal. With an average temperature of 24°C (28°C in summer) you can recharge your batteries before your trip back home.