Yucatan Round Trip: A Private Tour through Yucatan

What is a must to see on a Yucatan round trip: In this article we show you the highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula – along the road from Cancun inland, towards Campeche, Bacalar and back.

Which attractions in the Yucatan Peninsula are worth a visit? What insider tips are there on the route? What shall be considered?

The Yucatan Peninsula

About 780,000 people on the Yucatan Peninsula still speak the Mayan language. In the south, the Yucatan Peninsula borders Belize and Guatemala, also countries with an interesting Mayan culture.

A Yucatan round trip is particularly made for visitors who want to delve deeper into the Mayan heritage. There are some interesting things to do near the Riviera Maya. However, the area around Playa del Carmen is heavily developed.

If you want to get to know the real Mexico, mysterious treasures are waiting outside the hotel area. Discover a Mexico far away from mass tourism on our Yucatan round trip!

Ideas for a Round Trip in Yucatan

Did you discover anything else? We look forward to your comments and further suggestions for a Yucatan round trip.

On our suggestions for overnight stays, we wrote a possible number of nights behind the respective destinations. Of course, these are only recommendations.

Arrival at Cancun Airport (1 night nearby)

A bit outside between Puerto Morelos in the south and Cancun in the north it takes about 30 minutes to an hour from Cancun to the airport, depending on the traffic.

We are happy to pick up our guests from the airport and book a hotel (depending on your arrival time). If you want to go on the Yucatan round trip on your own, you will find many car rental companies directly at Cancun Airport.

You may book your rental car in advance from home at RentalsCars. We give recommendations for driving in Mexico in our article: Driving in Mexico – What to know if driving by yourself.

Yucatan Round Trip: Colonial City Valladolid (1-2 nights)

The city itself is also interesting, in the historic center of Valladolid are beautiful buildings, a market, the main square Zocalo and the cathedral of Valladolid.

The Mayan Ruins Chichen Itza

Enjoy the majestic pyramid of the Mayan god Kukulkan before the the masses from the hotels arrive. Allow a good two to three hours for the archaeological site of Chichen Itza.

Then, take a refreshing swim in one of the cenotes nearby. Cenote Ik Kil, for example, is only a short ride away from the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

The Mayan Ruins Ek Balam

The Cenote X’Canche is only about a kilometer/mile away from Ek Balam and ensures the well-deserved cooling off. Cycle rickshaws take guests to the cenote at an additional cost.

Yucatan Round Trip: Izamal (1 Night)

Izamal means “place of the iguanas” in the Maya language and the historical meaning goes deep into the time of the ancient Maya.

There are various Mayan ruins in the city. These pyramids can be climbed during a tour with a horse-drawn carriage. Entry to the pyramids is free. The most important Mayan structure is, however, buried under the imposing Franciscan monastery.

In 1993 Pope Johannes Paul II visited Izamal. To welcome him properly, the houses in the town were painted yellow / white, the colors of the Vatican. These colors are still part of the city image.

Yucatan Round Trip: Merida (1-2 Nights)

The Mayan World Museum explains the history of the Maya in this area and shows replicas of important Mayan sites on the Yucatan Peninsula. In the vicinity of Merida there are other historically significant Mayan sites such as Uxmal or Dzibichaltun.

The lagoons of Celestun with the flamingos and the hacienda Yaxcopoil can also be visited from Merida.

Celestun

The boat tour takes about 2 hours. You will visit the flamingo hatcheries and later the mangrove swamps, where you may spot a crocodile.

The Mayan Ruins Dzibichaltun

There is a cenote in the area of the archeological site whose visit is included in the admission price. The water is refreshing and used by many visitors.

The Mayan Ruins Uxmal

Yucatan Round Trip: Uxmal

Uxmal can be visited during a trip from Merida. Since it lies between Merida and Campeche, it can also be visited as a stopover on the way to Campeche.

Hacienda Yaxcopoil

The main business of the Hacienda was Henequen, an important agave plant in Yucatan. Today the Hacienda Yaxcopoil is home to a private museum.

Yucatan Round Trip: Campeche (1-2 nights)

Campeche is about 2 hours drive from Merida. The Mayan ruins of Uxmal lie on a small detour, but can be easily incorporated into the journey as a break.

Yucatan Round Trip: Xpujil (1 night)

Xpujil itself doesn’t have much to offer other than a few places to stay, at night it is dead. But Xpujil is perfectly located for a visit to the archaeological sites of Calakmul and Becan.

The Mayan Ruins Calakmul

The archaeological site of Calakmul is quite extensive, you have to walk all the way. Depending on the time you would like to spend in Calakmul, there are three different circular routes.

The Mayan Ruins Becan

Yucatan Round Trip: Bacalar (1-2 nights)

Yucatan Round Trip: Bacalar

The cottages and accommodations run along the west side of the lagoon. Bacalar visitors take a boat trip on the lagoon or visit the nearby Mayan sites. In an accommodation right on the lake, you can relax wonderfully from the hardships of the previous Yucatan tour.

The Bacalar Lagoon

Yucatan Halbinsel Rundreise: Lagune Bacalar

Various stops invite for a swim in the fresh water, the water colors are amazing and the temperature just perfect.

The Mayan Ruins Kohunlich

Yucatan Halbinsel Rundreise: Kohunlich

The way through the jungle is a good 6 kilometers / 5 miles before arriving at the parking lot at the Kohunlich Ruins. These ruins are worth a visit, the special attraction is the Temple of the Masks, human-faces with divine elements.

The Mayan site dates back to the second century BC and was once ruled by Calakmul. The high temple pyramid, the upper parts which have been largely restored, is impressive.

The Mayan Ruins Chacchoben

Yucatan Round Trip: Chacchoben

The sun and moon pyramids in the rear of the complex are beautiful to look at. The flora and fauna are impressive, the old walls are inhabited by spider monkeys, toads and woodpeckers.

Yucatan Round Trip: Tulum (1-2 nights)

Tulum Rundreise Yucatan

Around Tulum there are numerous cenotes and the archaeological sites of Tulum and Muyil to discover. The Sian Kaan National Park protects the nature south of Tulum.

The Mayan Ruins Tulum

Tulum: Yucatan Round Trip

Back on the coast of the Riviera Maya and thus in mass tourism, you have to expect a high number of visitors. The early morning or late afternoon is therefore a good time to visit the archaeological sites of Tulum (the Tulum ruins close at 4:00 p.m.)

The Mayan Ruins Coba

Yucatan Peninsula: Coba

Bicycle taxis can be rented at the entrance to Coba. Since the distances in the archaeological site are considerable, such a transport makes sense and provide a way to support the local population.

The Mayan Ruins Muyil

Yucatan Round Trip: Muyil

There is a river on which you can float with a life jacket. A wonderfully refreshing experience.

The National Park Sian Kaan

Sian Kaan Round Trip Yucatan Peninsula

Passing white beaches and mangroves, turtles, dolphins, pelicans or crocodiles are not uncommon.

Yucatan Round Trip: The Islands of the Riviera Maya (1-4 nights)

Yucatan Round Trip: The Islands

Each of the islands has its own character. While the island of Holbox is more suitable for younger audiences and backpackers, the women’s island (Isla Mujeres) suits to a grown-up audience.

Cozumel is suitable for every target group, a trip to Cozumel is an unforgettable experience.

Your private Yucatan Round Trip – travel with your personal guide

Our description on this page gives a rough overview of what your Yucatan tour could look like. After consultation with you, we will assemble your very personal offer.

In doing so, we take your interests and accommodation requirements into account as much as your desire for flexibility and your time expectations. Talk to us: We look forward to your inquiry!

Yucatan Round Trip as self-driving tour – good to know

Note: Why are you bothering to drive yourself? Relax, we do it for you. Contact us here for your private Yucatan tour.

Summary

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