10-day Cultural Tour from Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsula

Take a thrilling adventure from Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsula. Along the way, visit some of the country’s greatest archeological sites including Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Teotihuacan, the Puuc Route, and the beach-side ruins at Tulum.

On top of these ancient wonders, you will also visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a biologically rich UNESCO World Heritage Site, plus the gorgeous coastal city of Campeche and the stunning city of Merida.

As with all Journey Mexico itineraries, the 10-day Cultural Tour from Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsula is fully customizable. If you’d prefer to spend more time exploring the ruins of Tulum or perhaps would like a detour to Valladolid, just tell our expert Travel Planners who will be happy to make it happen.

PHOTO GALLERY

HIGHLIGHTS

Mexico’s Maya ruins – See the incredible ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Edzna, Tulum, Ek Balam, and Coba

Teotihuacan – Explore this stunning archeological zone famous for some of the world’s largest pyramids, the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Explore this pristine reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a variety of wildlife

Campeche – Explore this charming coastal city and its historic center

Merida – Visit this lively and colorful city with festive evenings in the town plaza

Day 1: Arrive in Mexico City

Arriving at Mexico City International Airport, you will be met by a Journey Mexico guide and taken to your hotel. Enjoy the night at leisure. If there’s time, you might want to explore Mexico City’s famous culinary scene by visiting Pujol, one of the finest restaurants in the world.

Overnight Las Alcobas Hotel

Day 2: Visit Teotihuacan, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Today you will tour the stunning archeological zone of Teotihuacan, famous for the world’s third and fourth largest pyramid structures, the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

Your guide will enhance your experience with expert insights into the importance of the site and its place in the rich history of Mexico. Your privately guided tour includes a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an ornate Roman Catholic church and icon of Mexico.

Overnight: Las Alcobas Hotel

Day 3: Mexico City to Campeche

Today you will be met by your driver at your hotel for your transfer to Mexico City airport, where you will catch a flight to Campeche*.

Overnight: Hacienda Uayamon

Day 4: Explore the Edzna archeological site and take a Campeche city tour

Head to Edzna, a stunning Maya archeological site outside of Campeche. Built on a platform 40 meters high, Edzna’s major temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (Five-Story Building) provides a great view of the plazas and the surrounding countryside.

After, discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Campeche with its restored cobblestone streets, pastel-colored mansions, and impressive fortified walls that protected this former Spanish port from marauding pirates.

It is a perfect place for an afternoon stroll along the malecon (waterfront promenade) or a visit to the scenic Plaza Principal. Enjoy a privately guided visit to the walled city center.

Overnight: Hacienda Uayamon

Day 5: Visit Uxmal & Merida

Today you will head to Uxmal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the incredible Great Pyramid. Its architecture is characterized by low horizontal palaces set around courtyards, decorated with rich sculptural elements and details.

After a fascinating, guided tour, you will head to the city of Merida and settle into your charming hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Rosas & Xocolate

Day 6: Celestún biosphere reserve, Merida city tour

Today starts with a guided excursion of the Celestún biosphere reserve, famous for its waters filled with beautiful pink flamingoes. Learn all about these fascinating and uniquely beautiful birds from your expert guide.

After free time for lunch, head back to Merida City to enjoy a historic city tour of its colonial architecture, churches, and monuments.

Overnight: Rosas & Xocolate

Day 7: Chichen Itza, Ek-Balam, Maya cenote

An early start allows a visit to Chichen Itza to visit the iconic temple El Castillo (also called the Temple of Kukulcan). The morning is spent visiting the site’s great ball court, plazas, observatory, and temples. Your guide will share Chichen Itza’s troubled history and explain the myths and lore behind this world-famous site.

After, visit the Ek-Balam archeological site and (depending on time) take the opportunity to swim and relax in one the most important Maya cenotes in the area.

Finally, head east to Playa del Carmen, your home for the next three nights.

Overnight: Rosewood Mayakoba

Day 8: Tulum & Coba

Begin the day visiting Tulum, considered one of the most beautiful Maya archeological sites in the world. It is by no means the largest, but its beach-side location serves as a striking backdrop to its history.

Next continue to Coba, a fascinating archeological site where you will find a wealth of ruins. Because the site is so large, you may want to rent a bike to cover its expansive grounds.

Overnight: Rosewood Mayakoba

Day 9: Sian Ka’an & Muyil

Visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Yucatan’s most important protected area and home to big cats, crocodiles, and spider monkeys. Swim in its twisting waterways and cross its lagoon by boat to see its plethora of birds and vegetation and to visit Xlapak, a Maya temple.

After, plunge deeper into the ancient Maya world by visiting the temple of Muyil and explore the hidden secrets in one of the nearby cenotes.

Overnight: Rosewood Mayakoba

Day 10: Departure from Cancun

Today you will be privately transferred to Cancun Airport for your onward flight home.

*Flight from Mexico City to Campeche not included

Dates

Our trips are fully customized, allowing us to build your itinerary for any time of the year.

Prices

Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Contact us today to discuss your travel desires and design a personalized proposal with exact pricing.

Please note, our pricing guideline is a starting from price and is not necessarily applicable to the suggested hotels contained within the suggested itineraries on this web site. Itineraries are customized prior to final pricing.