16-daagse Flydrive - Best of Yucatan - Mexico

About the destination: The Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district in Mexico. It straddles the coastal Highway along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, located on the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. This district historically started at the city of Playa del Carmen and ended at the village of Tulum. Target areas for urbanization include the towns and villages of: Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya), Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Chemuyil, and Tulum. A major attraction throughout the Riviera Maya are coastal and reef aquatic activities dependent on the coastal water and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System which begins near Cancun and continues along the whole length of the Riviera Maya continuing southward to Guatemala. This barrier reef system is the second longest in the world. Activities at the most visited locations include jet-skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming in cenotes, swimming with dolphins, zip-lining, horse riding, sailing, and guided jungle tours. Archeology is also a big tourist draw in the area, including the popular archeological sites operated by the Instituto Nacional de Archeological such as Tulum on the coast, and Chichen Itza and Coba located some distance inland.

About the destination: It is the most famous archaeological site of Mayan culture, was named World Heritage Site by UNESCO and one of the "Seven New Wonders of the World." The archaeological site covers an area of ​​6.5 square kilometers and can be visited in one day. The views and most impressive structures in Chichén Itzá are located in the central area. There you will find the Ballgame, various platforms, temples and the spectacular Castle (Pyramid of Kukulkan), a huge stone 25 meter showing the Mayan calendar. Every year during the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun creates the illusion of a snake climbing or descending the stairs of the Pyramid of Kukulkan, a fantastic phenomenon that attracts large crowds. The illusion is reproduced in sound and light show that takes place every night at the archaeological site. You can tour the archaeological site of Chichen Itza in a day trip, or spend the night at the nearby Hacienda Chichen, a place of XVI century beautifully restored and transformed into a luxury hotel and spa.

About the destination: Izamal is a Mexican city, head of the municipality of the same name in the State of Yucatan. Izamal is located 66.5 kilometers east of Merida and about 60 kilometers northwest of Chichen Itza.

About the destination: Campeche is one of 31 States that, together with the Federal District, conform the 32 federal entities of Mexico. It is one of three entities that make up the Yucatan peninsula, is in a position of transition between the Guatemalan Peten rain forest and deciduous in the north end of the Yucatan peninsula. The State capital is San Francisco de Campeche. The region has a based on the well-known tourism as Sun and beach tourism, although the great legacy of pre-Hispanic culture makes the place even more charm.

About the destination: Villahermosa, the lively capital of the state of Tabasco, is often called the “Emerald of the Southeast” for its lush greenery and tropical atmosphere. This riverside city, crisscrossed by lagoons and framed by dense vegetation, makes a great base for exploring both urban culture and surrounding natural attractions. The humid climate is part of the experience: expect warm temperatures, sudden rain showers, and intensely green landscapes year-round. One of the city’s highlights is La Venta Museum-Park, a unique combination of open-air museum and jungle park. Here you’ll find colossal Olmec heads and ancient stone sculptures scattered among towering trees and wandering coatis. It’s one of the best places in Mexico to get a close look at the mysterious Olmec civilization, all while enjoying shady paths and the sounds of tropical birds. Villahermosa’s historic center blends colonial and modern architecture, with plazas, churches, and colorful streets that come alive in the evenings. The Malecón along the Grijalva River is ideal for a stroll, especially at sunset, when locals gather, food vendors set up, and the city cools down a bit. Nearby, cultural spaces and galleries host exhibitions and performances that showcase Tabasco’s rich traditions. For food lovers, Villahermosa is a gateway to the intense flavors of Tabasco’s cuisine. Don’t miss dishes like pejelagarto (a local freshwater fish), tamales de chipilín, and hearty stews accompanied by handmade tortillas and cacao-based drinks. From simple market stalls to more refined restaurants, you’ll find plenty of chances to sample regional specialties before heading deeper into the jungles, rivers, and archaeological sites that surround the city.

About the destination: San Cristóbal de las Casas, nestled in the highlands of Chiapas, is a colonial gem that blends indigenous traditions with bohemian charm. Cobblestone streets, pastel-colored facades, and leafy plazas create an atmospheric setting that invites slow exploration. At its heart lies the main square, the Zócalo, often filled with families, street vendors, and musicians, while the striking yellow façade of the Cathedral provides a photogenic backdrop, especially at sunset. A stroll through the historic center reveals beautifully preserved churches such as Santo Domingo, renowned for its intricate baroque façade and adjacent handicraft market. Here and in the covered markets around the city, you’ll find textiles woven by Tzotzil and Tzeltal artisans, rich in color and symbolism. The city’s numerous cafés and cultural centers often host exhibitions, live music, and talks on local history and social movements, reflecting San Cristóbal’s role as a hub of indigenous activism and alternative culture. Food lovers will appreciate the mix of traditional Chiapanecan flavors and international cuisine. Sample tamales, tascalate (a drink made from corn and cacao), and regional coffee from nearby fincas, considered among the best in Mexico. At night, the pedestrian streets Real de Guadalupe and Miguel Hidalgo come alive with bars, mezcalerías, and small restaurants, catering to both backpackers and more discerning travelers. San Cristóbal also serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding highlands. Day trips lead to indigenous villages like San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán, where visitors can observe unique religious practices and weaving traditions—always with respect for local customs and photography rules. Nature enthusiasts can venture to the Sumidero Canyon, El Chiflón waterfalls, or the Lagos de Montebello, making San Cristóbal an ideal destination for combining culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

About the destination: Palenque is in Chiapas and is a city famous for the ruins of a Mayan city dating from about 600 to 800 CE and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. Its numerous inscribed stone slabs, intricate basrelief sculptures, inlaid masks and other remarkable adornments give Palenque an air of enchantment and sanctity. The 75-foot-high Temple of the Inscriptions contains one of the only crypts found inside a pyramid in Mexico. On excavation, the Tomb of Pakal, a Mayan ruler of the 7th century, revealed an array of jewels, masks, jade ornaments, wall carvings and other exquisite artefacts.

About the destination: Chicanná was a Maya town that was built during the Classic period (600 A.D. to 830 A.D.). The site was named after its most famous building, Structure II, which means "House of the Serpent Mouth" in Mayan. In the Mayan language chi means "mouth", can means "serpent" and na means "house". The site is located two kilometers west of Becán in the Mexican state of Campeche on the Yucatán peninsula. It is one of 45 other ruin sites located within that area.

About the destination: Tulum is the largest community in the municipality of Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located on the Caribbean coast of the state, near the site of the archaeological ruins of Tulum. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS •Tulum archaeological site •Muyil archaeological site •Cenotes •Sian Ka'an Biosphere. The reserve features acres upon acres of pristine mangrove swamp and wetlands. •Coba ruins. They feature "el castillo" the tallest of the Mayan ruins that juts up above the treetops in the jungle. You can still climb el castillo in Coba and the sight from the top is spectacular. •Tulum Ruins. It is the biggest ancient building that is standing on the Riviera Maya shore.