Value Mexico: Mayan Yucatan and coast
8 days from £2,050
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Cancún straddles a lagoon on the north-eastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s a purpose-built resort. Beautiful beaches, good diving and water sports are the main attractions, alongside the facilities that come with five-star hotels, high-class shopping and both fashionable nightclubs and boozy bars.
The low-key mid-range Beachscape Kin Ha Villas and Suites is located on arguably Cancún’s finest powdery white sand beach, 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of town.
It has standard rooms and one, two and three-bedroom suites housed in blocks within a tropical garden. All are equipped with cable TV, microwave, fridge, private bathroom and free Wifi, and are neutrally decorated with the odd tropical touch. There are two restaurants and a lobby bar, and a small supermarket/deli.
Leisure facilities include a games room, kids club, large oceanfront swimming pool with children’s area, and a water sports centre.
Chichén Itzá is the best known and most meticulously restored of the Yucatán’s vast array of Mayan archaeological sites. It overwhelms the visitor with the vast scale of its temples and pyramids, intricate carvings and evocative ball courts. You’ll come across multiple images of the Mayan rain god, and Quetzalcóatl, the plumed serpent. Your guided tour will help make sense of it all.
As a bonus, hidden in the woodland, you’ll come across the bright green waters of the steeple-sided cenotes, or limestone sink-holes. You spend the night at a resort close to the ruins.
An attractive mid-range hotel within walking distance of Chichén Itzá archaeological site.
The colonial-style building is just a ten-minute walk from the ruins at Chichén Itzá which means that guests can visit the site before and after the tour buses arrive.
The rooms, restaurant and public spaces have a cheerful décor inspired by the vivid colours of Mexican ceramics and textures, and Mayan statues pepper the grounds.
Cool tiles and lofty archways mitigate against the heat as does a dip in the large, inviting swimming pool.
On your second day at Chichén Itzá you may visit the ruins again independently (you’ll need pay get in this time). However, if you go early enough, you’ll have a chance to see this most impressive and imperial of sites before the crowds arrive, and when the light is best.
Later it’s back on the road to Mérida, founded by the Mayan Indians but, once conquered by the Spanish conquistadores, it became immensely wealthy from the production of sisal, cactus fibres used to make rope. The city was culturally and geographically isolated from the rest of the country until transport infrastructure reached it in the 1950s.
Today, Mérida has a lovely colonial centre with a mix of opulent and crumbly buildings, but it is a modern, bustling, thriving city with some excellent places to eat and good shops and markets. The inhabitants love a good fiesta, and you may well find one going on, with live music and street stalls, while you are there. Stroll around the sunny streets, shop for local lace or one of the region’s famous hammocks.
Casa Lucia is close to the heart of Mérida, with Parque Santa Lucia square on its doorstep and the Plaza Principal within 4 blocks.
Casa Lucia makes a great base for a day or two at leisure in this joyful city. Today’s hotel comprises a combination of historic Mérida townhouses, with modern additions, and it has held on to its sense of place. Décor very much leans towards the traditional with period furnishings and chandeliers setting the scene, although modern comforts remain a priority. Guest rooms with air-con, a garden with fountains and an outdoor pool makes this a handy refuge from the heat of a typical Yucatecan afternoon.
Head out of town for a guided tour of Hacienda Yaxcopoil which dates back to the 17th century. On this lovely estate you will find the vestiges of three periods of Mexican history; pre- Columbian, Spanish colonial and the booming sisal fibre trade of the 19th and early 20th century.
Continue to Peba to peer down into (or take a dip in) a cenote, surrounded by a wide variety of flora still used in traditional Mayan medicine. The shallow and transparent water of this limestone sink-hole entices you in for a lovely swim.
Later, visit another hacienda, Ochil. In the 18th century the boom in the production of sisal fibre created great fortunes in the region; the lucky proprietors showed off their wealth in the building of luxurious residences, many of which have now been restored. The main house displays interesting photographs and drawings from that period, there’s museum and a restaurant serving regional dishes.
Casa Lucia is close to the heart of Mérida, with Parque Santa Lucia square on its doorstep and the Plaza Principal within 4 blocks.
Casa Lucia makes a great base for a day or two at leisure in this joyful city. Today’s hotel comprises a combination of historic Mérida townhouses, with modern additions, and it has held on to its sense of place. Décor very much leans towards the traditional with period furnishings and chandeliers setting the scene, although modern comforts remain a priority. Guest rooms with air-con, a garden with fountains and an outdoor pool makes this a handy refuge from the heat of a typical Yucatecan afternoon.
Your guided excursion takes in the highlights of Mérida. Many of these are within the historical area around the Plaza Mayor such as its baroque cathedral, the oldest in Latin America, and the Municipal and Government Palaces.
Other attractions include the attractive Peon Conteras theatre, Hidalgo Park with its open-air cafes, and the university. Centenario Park, a few blocks away, has a small zoo, and further north, the beautiful Palacio Cantón houses the Museum of Anthropology and History with many Mayan artefacts on show.
Casa Lucia is close to the heart of Mérida, with Parque Santa Lucia square on its doorstep and the Plaza Principal within 4 blocks.
Casa Lucia makes a great base for a day or two at leisure in this joyful city. Today’s hotel comprises a combination of historic Mérida townhouses, with modern additions, and it has held on to its sense of place. Décor very much leans towards the traditional with period furnishings and chandeliers setting the scene, although modern comforts remain a priority. Guest rooms with air-con, a garden with fountains and an outdoor pool makes this a handy refuge from the heat of a typical Yucatecan afternoon.
Take a public coach ride back to the Caribbean coast. Public buses in Mexico are very comfortable. Most have air conditioning on very high and occasionally a film will be shown which you may or may not want to watch.
Despite becoming an increasingly popular holiday resort, Playa del Carmen, or ‘Playa’, still retains much of its ramshackle beach town atmosphere. Crystal-clear turquoise waters make for good swimming, snorkelling and diving. Laid out in a grid system, this hip city has plenty of good restaurants and bars to chose from, with most tourist and nightlife activity taking place on Avenida 5, parallel to the beach.
The well-loved small Petit Lafitte hotel, lauded for its friendly staff and restful atmosphere, is set on the secluded beaches of Playa Xcalacoco at a small yet significant remove from the lively resort of Playa del Carmen. The setting shares the Caribbean beauty of playa’s gleaming beachfront, yet the atmosphere is a world away from the all-inclusives that pervade nearby stretches of the Yucatán coastline.
Guest rooms are either within minimalist maisonette-style blocks or wooden cabañas with attractive decked walls and tiled floors. All are just steps away from the idyllic private beach, lapped by an ocean containing a mesmerising spectrum of turquoise hues.
Aside from its lovely beach Playa has many excursions and activities on offer which you can book locally. Head off to the cliff-top Mayan ruins at Tulum, or inland to the pyramids of jungle-stifled Cobá. Alternatively turn seaward with kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and diving options.
The well-loved small Petit Lafitte hotel, lauded for its friendly staff and restful atmosphere, is set on the secluded beaches of Playa Xcalacoco at a small yet significant remove from the lively resort of Playa del Carmen. The setting shares the Caribbean beauty of playa’s gleaming beachfront, yet the atmosphere is a world away from the all-inclusives that pervade nearby stretches of the Yucatán coastline.
Guest rooms are either within minimalist maisonette-style blocks or wooden cabañas with attractive decked walls and tiled floors. All are just steps away from the idyllic private beach, lapped by an ocean containing a mesmerising spectrum of turquoise hues.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Mexico - Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan
Ancient Maya cities rise out of the jungle, colonial towns, and the Caribbean, this is the Yucatán Peninsula Mexico’s most varied region has to offer. Sites like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Tulum sit within easy reach of colonial Mérida and the Riviera Maya, making Yucatán Peninsula holidays one of the most rewarding trips.
Mexico - Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
White-sand beaches, turquoise waters and ancient Maya ruins meet along this stretch of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Riviera Maya holidays run south from Cancún to the cliff-top ruins of Tulum, while Holbox Island offers a slower, sand-streeted alternative just off the northern tip of the Yucatán. This combines relaxation, nature and culture.
This holiday of just over a week takes you to the relatively flat, tropical Yucatán Peninsula in the sunny south east coast of the country. Inland, among the jungles, scrub and farmland, sitting alongside charming Spanish colonial towns and villages, is Chichén Itzá, the greatest archaeological achievement of the Mayan Empire.
You’ll explore the ruins on a guided tour. You’ll also discover Mérida, the Yucatán’s colonial capital infused with Mayan culture, and visit historic haciendas (country estates) before heading to the beach for a couple of days relaxing or indulging in water sports or the lively nightlife at family-friendly Playa del Carmen, where there’s a huge range of excursions on offer from visits to other Mayan sites to scuba-diving.
Finn Clennett
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
4 road journeys by shared transport (longest 5hrs).
- Accommodation
Accommodation is in colonial or modern-style mid-range hotels with well-equipped rooms, private bathroom and air-conditioning.
- Meals
Breakfast daily, dinner days 6 & 7.
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 25 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary Of Nights
8 days, 7 nights: Cancún 1; Chichén Itzá 1, Mérida 3; Playa del Carmen 2.
- Currency
The unit of currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso.
- How To Take It
Cash machines are available in all major cities and towns, and so taking a debit or credit card with a PIN number is the most convenient way of withdrawing money while on your trip, and in most shops and restaurants you can also pay by card. However, since cards can get lost, damaged, withheld or blocked, you should not rely exclusively on a card to access funds. We recommend that additionally you take a reasonable quantity of US dollars cash (no more than is covered by your insurance), which you can exchange into local currency. Dollar bills should be in good condition, soiled or torn bills may be refused. You can take sterling, but the exchange rate is not always competitive or even available, restricting the number of places where you can change money.
- Daily Spend
It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around US$35 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir. Eat at the best restaurants and you will pay considerably more.
- Tipping
Tips are welcomed and local guides often rely on their tip as a significant proportion of their income. We recommend approximately $10 per person for a half day and $20 for a full day for guides and half that for drivers.
Most service industry workers will expect a tip of some kind and so it is useful to have spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers and the like. It is common to leave 10 – 12% in restaurants.
Tipping guidelines can be found in our Briefing Dossier.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on our Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
If you have purchased your flights through Journey Latin America, the international departure tax is usually included in the ticket.
- Trip Suitability
Generally this holiday is suitable for all able, reasonably fit visitors, including families and solo travellers. If you or anyone in your party has a disability please contact us.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- Climate
The Yucatán Peninsula is hot (around 30°C) and humid all year round. October through April are the driest months. The hurricane season runs from July to November.
- Clothing And Special Equipment
Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. We suggest that you plan to ‘layer’ your clothing; it is easier and more efficient to put on a couple of light layers than one thick jumper, and sensible to have long sleeves for areas where mosquitos may be a problem. Sandals are a good informal option for evenings. Protection against the sun (sunblock, sun hat) and mosquito repellent are essential and you should bring swimwear. A daypack is useful for carrying around sunblock, guidebook, water and any extra layers.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment can be hard to come by in Mexico.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following; typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. For specific requirements you must consult your GP.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- When is the best time to go to Mexico?
It’s a year-round destination. Over half the country enjoys temperate highland weather, while the coasts are mostly sunny, hot and relatively humid. The northwest has an arid desert climate. Elsewhere most rain falls from Jun to Sep though precipitation can be expected up to Nov. Hurricanes are possible around the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatán Peninsula Jul – Nov.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Mexico?
The official language of Mexico is Spanish and indigenous languages.
- What is Mexico's official currency?
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card.
Credit card or debit cards are widely accepted, although cash is still useful in Mexico. You’ll need some Pesos (or US$) cash for smaller expenses such as tips or souvenirs. Pesos can be obtained locally at ATMs or a Casa de Cambio. - What is the time difference between Mexico and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Mexico is GMT-6 hours; ;and -7 hours in Southern Baja California and the Copper Canyon.
- Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins.
If you are entering and/or leaving Mexico via a land border, you are required by the authorities to complete an electronic Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) form via the Gobierno do Mexico portal on https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html#
We recommend doing this several days before crossing the land border, as you need to upload a scan of your passport to complete the process and print the form once completed. If you arriving by air and leaving by land, you can ask our local partners to assist you with this process once you are in Mexico.
Anyone with a different nationality should ensuire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Mexico?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What other countries combine well with Mexico?
A visit to neighbouring Belize, where there are luxury eco-lodges, superb diving and snorkelling all embraced in British Caribbean cultural heritage.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Mexico?
Independence Day, 16 Sep Celebrations throughout the country.
Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, 1 – 2 Nov. Celebrated throughout the country.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Take a memorable dip in one of the Yucatán peninsula’s distinctive turquoise limestone sinkholes and visit a hacienda brimming with colonial character.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Small hotel set on a secluded Caribbean beach, with stylish rooms, a relaxing atmosphere and exceptional service.
Papagaio
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