Temple Pyramids & Turquoise Sea

Classic Journey Through Mexico's Maya World

Riviera Maya, Yucatan & Campeche

Duration: 10 nights

Price: From £3,800 per person in low season based on two adults travelling together and including all flights in economy class, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, private transfers and taxes

The beauty of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lies in its combination of ancient Mayan mystery, Spanish colonial splendour, and beautiful Caribbean coastline. This is the itinerary for you if you’re itching for a Mexican adventure, but can’t choose between beach, culture and history – after all, why would you, when you can have all three?

The journey begins with a visit to the most famous Mayan ruins of all, the beautifully preserved Chichen Itza, which ranks as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. You’ll then head to the city of Merida, which combines beautiful Spanish colonial architecture with yet more history at nearby Uxmal and Izamal.

Your journey ends up with five nights of beachside relaxation in Tulum, on Mexico’s stunning Caribbean coast. Along the way, you’ll stay in luxurious hotels steeped in character: a Mayan eco-lodge opening onto Chichen Itza ,a Willy Wonka-style boutique with an in-house chocolate shop and perfumery and a beach-chic coastal hideaway.

Perfect forExploring the Yucatan peninsula in all its glory, from Mayan temples to Caribbean beaches.

In the knowConsider adding a few days on the beautiful island of Cozumel, off Yucatan’s eastern coast.

Best for

First-timers
History & Heritage
Couples
Beach

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Itinerary details

2 nightsCHICHEN ITZA

Your journey begins in truly spectacular fashion, with a visit to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. The most celebrated symbol of the pre-Hispanic world, this is a fascinating place steeped in 1,500 years of history. You’ll learn all about it with a half-day guided tour, taking in the famous El Castillo step pyramid, the ancient Great Ball Court, and more.

You’ll spend two nights at Hacienda Chichen, a boutique eco-hotel steeped in Mayan culture and offering unbeatable access to Chichen Itza – there’s a gate leading to the ruins in the hotel gardens.

3 nightsMERIDA

The next stop on your journey is the beautiful colonial city of Merida, the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. Your home for the next three nights is Rosas & Xocolate, a luxurious boutique hotel which you won’t forget in a hurry; decked out in eye-catching pink, cream and dark wood, the hotel’s also home to an in-house perfumery and chocolate shop, making it a true feast for the senses.

During your time here, you’ll enjoy half-day tours of Uxmal, another important Mayan archaeological site, and Izamal, which is similarly old but also has beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, such as the bright yellow Franciscan monastery. Merida itself has no shortage of stunning colonial buildings, such as the 15^th-century Catedral de San Ildefonso and Casa de Montejo.

5 nightsTULUM

Your adventure ends with five nights of beachfront luxury in Tulum – just the thing after all that tramping through temples and colonial streets. Your home for the last five nights of your trip is La Zebra, a boutique hotel on a beautiful stretch of the Riviera Maya. This place is the definition of ‘barefoot luxury’, and your time here is yours to enjoy at leisure.

If you haven’t quite had your fix of mysterious Mayan culture, the ruins of Tulum are just a few minutes’ bike ride away, while the striking pyramids of Coba rise from thick jungle further inland. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy doing nothing on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, relaxing in La Zebra’s spa and enjoying fresh seafood in the beach shack restaurant.