Road trip to Mexico: discovering the Yemeni peninsula

Want to escape in one of the most beautiful countries in Central America? In this guide we offer an incredible road trip in Mexico, between seas and lands, to explore its thousand and one facets.

bordered by the Pacific to the west and the Atlantic to the east, Mexico is a country rich in diverse landscapes. Indeed, if you plan a road trip to Mexico, then you will not be disappointed: heavenly beaches, lagoons, cenotates, but also lush forests... However, the richness of Mexico does not admire that in nature: the ancient Mayan temples and other missing cities will make this journey even more intense. All you need, so, to amaze yourself and enjoy every second after this last year globally difficult.

Are you worried about the road trip? No panic: if you go to Mexico with a Travel insurance optimal for you to premunite risks, as ACS suggests, so you won’t have to worry about any worries that can be invited to adventure. For leaving on holiday is above all to relax, with the mind 100% free. So don't hurt your security.

Ready to inspire you with our road trip to Mexico? ¡Vamos!

Between cenoties, lagoons and heavenly beaches

Our first stage of this three-part road trip will take place under the sign of relaxation, true. We start in this way Quintana Roo : State of Mexico overflowing over the Caribbean Sea. It makes you dream, doesn’t it?

If the city of Cancún, very lively, is ideal for partying, we offer you to go directly to an adjacent island, Isla Mujeres only twenty minutes from Cancún. There you will find the most beautiful beach in the world and one of the most popular snorkeling spots in the region. Take a walk to the park Garrafón and Garrafón de Castilla , and discover Punta Sur to stroll around in a postcard decor. And if your time is not counted, don’t hesitate to discover Holbox a second island further north, known for its lush fauna and flora. An ideal spot, therefore, to start your stay in the best way possible.

After this island session, take the road to direction Playa del Carmen a former fishing village located on the famous Riviera Maya. In Playa you can enjoy lively bars and restaurants. We also advise you to take a tour of the island opposite, Cozumel (“the earth of the swallows” in Maya). If you’re an amateur scuba diving, it’s also the spot par excellence!

A 30-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, you will reach a new point of interest in this road trip in Mexico: Akumal . This small flagship seaside resort of the Riviera Maya is perfect to take full mirettes on land as under water. Indeed, many tropical fish approach you during a swim session. Visit absolutely Bahia de la Media Luna and its beautiful, curved beach.

A few kilometers from Akumal, there are important cenotations: natural pools of freshwater, which are the result of a unique geological formation. You will find it first in the Aktun Chen National Park which is worth a look. Heading further south, direction Tulum, we recommend you stop at Cenote Azul , an unmistakable step in the region. The colors are amazing and the basin is populated with fish. Other cenotates are found in the surrounding area as Nicte-Ha , or Gran Cenote . You will have the embarrassment of choice!

The first part of this road trip in Mexico continues a few kilometres south of Akumal: Tulum . In this famous city in Mexico, you can enjoy paradise beaches again (we recommend you Playa Ruinas or Paraiso ) and surrounding cenotates as Dos Ojos . You can also test some nautical activities like kitesurfing. And, of course, Tulum is also known for his nightlife...

Finally, our last stage on the Caribbean coast takes us to Bacalar , about 2:30 on Tulum Road. There you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, farther away from mass tourism. We suggest you read a good book in a hammock and visit Laguna de los 7 colors. You'll make your most beautiful pictures.

Mayan temples and other archaeological remains

From Bacalar we invite you to enter the lands of Campeche State in order to discover the ancient Mayan cities of Mexico. The latter, whose remains many remains, are impressive! First, you will join Calakmul one of the oldest Mayan cities in a huge park. Moreover, one of the temples is partially covered with vegetation. Don’t hesitate to ask for explanations from a guide to make the most of this visit. The latter will help you to decipher the various inscriptions of this former “King of the Serpent”.

At 180 kilometers from there is a second Mayan city to be missed on a trip to Mexico: Edzná . This archaeological site founded in 600 BC is known for its pyramid on arched floors. Moreover, this city was occupied until the 15th century! It was the largest in the Yucatán Peninsula.

The third stage of this part of the road trip to Mexico dedicated to heritage is two hours north of Edzná: the archaeological zone Uxmal . This ancient Mayan city of Yucatán maintains considerable influence over 150 years. You can then admire the various buildings, such as the Magician pyramid, the Nonnes quadrilateral, the Governor's palace or the turtle house.

Finally, take the road back to the final stage of the "Mayan cities" part of this road trip in Mexico, direction the incredible Chichén Itzá . Count about 2:30 to reach it. Already, note that Chichén Itzá is the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico after Teotihuacan, located near the Mexican capital. Thus, the site is particularly popular with travellers who seek to learn more about the local historical heritage. It is also one of the most famous Mayan sites in the world and one of the 7 wonders of the modern world!

Founded in the sixth century, the city was invaded by the Tolteks four centuries later. Nevertheless, its influence has been considerable: it is considered a true place of pilgrimage. Thus, in Chichén Itzá, do not miss exploring the Gran Plaza , true heart of the Mayan city. Then go to the discovery of the Kukulcan pyramid has 365 steps (one per day!). Finally, admire the pyramid of Venus and try to decipher the inscriptions of other buildings like the Tzompantli or temple of Eagles and Jaguars . In short: plan a day ahead of you to make the most of this major step in this road trip in Mexico!

Did you miss the cenoties? A few kilometers from the site of Chichén Itzá, you will find Ik Kil : a picturesque basin covered with lianas. Do a dip: the place is absolutely idyllic.

Mexico with a thousand and a color

After enjoying the wonderful Riviera Maya and discovering the ancient majestic cities of Mexico, it is time to explore the colorful villages of the Yucatán peninsula.

From Chichén Itzá, our previous stage, you will easily reach Valladolid . This little colonial town will meet your expectations. You can visit Convento San Bernadito de Siena : one of the most beautiful convents in Mexico! Then walk in the Calzada de los Frailes , a multicolor street where you can make your most beautiful photos. To finish this tour of Valladolid, don't miss the Mercado de Artesanias : a small market where you can buy traditionally Mexican souvenirs. If the place is small, we advise you to stay at least two days to enjoy the maximum of the city.

At 1:30 a.m. on the road to Valladolid is a second town that is unsecurable on a trip to Mexico: Izamal . This ancient Mayan site of the pre-Columbian period honored the divinity Itzamna, hence its name. On the other hand, this pueblo magico is best known to be the Yellow City of Yucatán. All the walls of Izamal are indeed covered with yellow paint. At a human size, this unique city of its kind will bring you back in time: you will find merchants with carriages that are close to very old vehicles. The Convento de San Antonio de Padua will be the key to the show... Moreover, in the centre of Izamal, there is a gigantic pyramid: climb a few steps and enjoy a view in very nice height!

After a day to visit Izamal, the road trip to Mexico continues to the forefront stage: Mérida , which is less than an hour from the Yellow City. Although nicknamed “the White City”, Mérida is extremely colorful! Authentic and trendy, this stage of the trip to Mexico will allow you to embrace the local culture a little more while enjoying the bars and bustling restaurants. In addition, a stop in Merida is the opportunity for you to visit some museums, because the city is filled with it! Museum of Popular Art or History (Maya World Museum), you will find an establishment that suits your desires.

To finish this beautiful Mexican adventure, take the direction of Campeche . The city is 2h drive from Merida. There you will discover again a very colorful city, declared UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To begin your exploration of the city, we invite you to make a tour of the city walls. They were built to protect themselves from pirate attacks. You will find a museum of piracy! After a return to the main square ( Plaza Independencia ), do not hesitate to discover important cultural institutions. For example, you can visit El Palacio which presents the city of Campeche under several themes. Finally, and it is worth all Mexican cities: lose yourself in the alleys of the centre, and take pictures... all the doors.

Travel calmly to Mexico

We hope that this road trip divided into three themes will have inspired you beautiful ideas! Mexico is a country that must be discovered once in its life for the beauty of its landscapes, the diversity of its biosphere, and its historical and cultural heritage. During a road trip to Mexico, especially in the Yucatán peninsula, you will have the chance to discover a multitude of facets of the country and bring back wonderful memories with you.

To prepare this journey serenely, we recommend taking good sneakers, summer clothes, sun cream, anti-moustic and a jacket for cooler evenings. In addition, to go calmly to this country and not let your stay be spoiled by pets, plan serious travel insurance. The latter must cover you in the event of aeroplane or accident flight cancellation.

You're well prepared for a trip to Mexico.

What a disfruten!