Overview & Highlights
The Yucatán peninsula has a decent road network suiting independent drivers who want flexibility to explore the multitude of Mayan ruins and colonial towns. Car and hotels are pre-booked.
Mexico is ideal for independent exploration by self-drive car hire, particularly in the Yucatán peninsula and along the Caribbean coast. Your point-to-point itinerary planned out for you, with hotel reservations made in advance and maps provided, so you can explore the Mayan ruins and colonial towns at leisure..
Here, you’ll find vestiges of the once supreme Maya civilisation. Sites replete with temples and pyramids festooned with sacred carvings were, once abandoned, swallowed up by a rapacious jungle but are now gradually being revealed. The best known sites, Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Tulum are easily accessible; smaller, less well-known sites are always close to minor roads and with your own car you can explore at will.
You’ll also visit graceful Spanish colonial towns with their friendly Maya inhabitants. Markets, restaurants and entertainments flourish here.
At your beach hotel base on the soft-sand Caribbean coast at tranquil Tulum village there is time to laze on the beach and take part in water sports or visit nearby resort towns.
- Discover the colonial cities and ancient ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula
- Drive and explore the region at leisure, stopping off whereever you wish en-route
- Relax on the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean
THE UK’S NO. 1 SPECIALIST IN TRAVEL TO LATIN AMERICA
Paul Winrow-Giffin
Travel Expert
Outline itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Cancún, collect hire car.
Day 2
Drive to Mayan archaeological site at Chichén Itzá. Overnight.
Day 3
Drive to Mérida, lively colonial and Mayan city; 3 nights.
Day 4
At leisure in the city or optional drive to Uxmal.
Day 5
At leisure or drive to Celestún on the Gulf coast.
Day 6
Drive to Campeche; 2 nights.
Day 7
At leisure in this Spanish colonial city.
Day 8
Drive to Xpujil; 2 nights.
Day 9
Visit local Mayan sites and Calakmul.
Day 10
Drive to Tulum on the Caribbean coast; 3 nights.
Days 11-12
At leisure on the beach in the shadow of Tulum ruins; optional trips in the vicinity.
Day 13
Drive to Cancún and drop off car at airport; take international flight home.
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.
Yucatan self-drive
Visit Chichen Itza, ruined Mayan city
Visit the flamingos of Celestun
Visit Tulum Mayan ruins
Visit the Yucatan’s colonial haciendas and bathe in limestone cenotes
Visit Calakmul Mayan ruins
Travel along the Yucatan Puuc Route
Go snorkelling on the Riviera Maya
Walking tour of Merida
Visit Edzna, Mayan site
Visit Uxmal ruined Mayan temple complex
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’ll relax in utter comfort.
Mexico / Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan / Mexico
Hacienda Chichen
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan / Mexico
Mision de Fray Diego
Mérida, Chichén Itzá and the Yucatan / Mexico
Hotel Castelmar
Mexico / Caribbean coast: Riviera Maya and Holbox
Nerea Tulum
What our clients say
Our Expert's Opinion
This self-drive holiday provides an economical way to enjoy the Caribbean coast at your own pace while staying in some of the most luxurious haciendas. If you're looking for style, character, luxury amenities, and excellent service, this is the holiday for you. With your own car, you'll have the freedom to visit lesser-known highlights of Mexico, such as underwater sculptures, cenotes for swimming, or driving the Puuc Route with a picnic and a good guidebook.
Inspired by this trip
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Papagaio
Your edit for Latin American inspiration
Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.
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