Yucatán Road Trip Guide
We spent 8 days driving around the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico in May 2015 and had an awesome time. Interested in planning your own road trip around the Yucatán? Great, we have all of the information and resources you'll need, below. If you're not sold on the idea already, watch the video below because it may change your mind.
The Yucatán Peninsula is divided into three states - Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche. We only made it to Quintana Roo and Yucatán while we were there but were just minutes from the Campeche border at one point. We ended up driving almost 1400 km when all was said and done, but we still had lots of time for relaxation, because that's what holidays are all about! See the main stops on our route below (click to enlarge the map):
First, we'll show you our itinerary. Then, we'll get into some detail about our main stops. And finally, we'll let you in on some driving tips and provide additional resources for your travel planning.
Our Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrived in Cancún early afternoon and picked up the car from America Car Rental
- Drove: from Cancún to Valladolid on the toll route (1.5 hours)
- Stayed in: Valladolid - Casa Quetzal
- What we did: Wandered around Valladolid
- Arrived in Cancún early afternoon and picked up the car from America Car Rental
- Drove: from Cancún to Valladolid on the toll route (1.5 hours)
- Stayed in: Valladolid - Casa Quetzal
- What we did: Wandered around Valladolid
Day 2
- Drove: from Vallodolid to nearby attractions
- Stayed in: Valladolid - Casa Quetzal
- What we did: Chichen Itza, Cenote X'kekén
- Drove: from Vallodolid to nearby attractions
- Stayed in: Valladolid - Casa Quetzal
- What we did: Chichen Itza, Cenote X'kekén
Day 3
- Drove: from Vallodolid to Santa Elena on the Ruta Puuc (3 hours)
- Stayed in: Santa Elena - The Pickled Onion
- What we did: Choco Story near Uxmal on the way to Santa Elena
- Drove: from Vallodolid to Santa Elena on the Ruta Puuc (3 hours)
- Stayed in: Santa Elena - The Pickled Onion
- What we did: Choco Story near Uxmal on the way to Santa Elena
Day 4
- Drove: from Santa Elena to sites along the Ruta Puuc
- Stayed in: Santa Elena - The Pickled Onion
- What we did: Uxmal, Grutas de Loltún, Labna, and Kabah
- Drove: from Santa Elena to sites along the Ruta Puuc
- Stayed in: Santa Elena - The Pickled Onion
- What we did: Uxmal, Grutas de Loltún, Labna, and Kabah
Day 5
- Drove: from Santa Elena to Tulum (4 hours)
- Stayed in: Tulum - Hotel Latino
- What we did: Cobá, on the way to Tulum
- Drove: from Santa Elena to Tulum (4 hours)
- Stayed in: Tulum - Hotel Latino
- What we did: Cobá, on the way to Tulum
Day 6
- Drove: from Tulum to nearby attractions
- Stayed in: Tulum - Hotel Latino
- What we did: Tulum ruins, Akumal, and Cenote Azul
- Drove: from Tulum to nearby attractions
- Stayed in: Tulum - Hotel Latino
- What we did: Tulum ruins, Akumal, and Cenote Azul
Day 7
- Drove: from Tulum to nearby attractions
- Stayed in: Tulum - Hotel Latino
- What we did: Muyil ruins, boardwalk from Muyil to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and relaxing at Tulum Beach
- Drove: from Tulum to nearby attractions
- Stayed in: Tulum - Hotel Latino
- What we did: Muyil ruins, boardwalk from Muyil to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and relaxing at Tulum Beach
Day 8
- Drove: from Tulum to Cancun Airport (1.5 hours)
- Departed Cancún on an early afternoon flight
- Drove: from Tulum to Cancun Airport (1.5 hours)
- Departed Cancún on an early afternoon flight
Valladolid is a colonial city located directly between Cancun and Mérida; it's about 160 km from both. It is also the third largest city in the state, which makes for good driving conditions. The city centre itself is beautiful with colonial era architecture, churches, and lively plazas filled with locals. There are tourists in the city but they are few and far between. We would definitely recommend a stay in Valladolid and although we only stayed for two days, that could easily be increased to three or four days and there would still be lots to do in Valladolid and surrounding area. It is a good hub for short day trips.
Sights we visited:
- Chichén Itzá: An important Maya city with notable ruins. Also one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, so show up as early as you can to beat the large tour groups.
- Cenote X'kekén: This cenote near Valladolid may be in a spooky dark cave but it is safe for swimming and great for a refreshing dip. We didn't rent any life-jackets but they can be rented from vendors onsite.
- Casa de los Venados: Casa de los Venados is the house of two Americans who started collecting Mexican Folk Art over 35 years ago, and have now amassed more than 3000 pieces. Their renovated colonial home is open to the public for tours at 10 am daily, by donation. Definitely recommended.
- Walked around the city centre: Valladolid is an incredibly picturesque place to wander around. The plazas fill up with people in the early evening.
Other sights in the area:
- Río Lagartos: Part of the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos, this area boasts the densest concentration of flamingos in Mexico - a birdwatchers paradise.
- Ek' Balam: Another archaeological site with Maya ruins.
- Izamal: A small picturesque city where most of the buildings are painted yellow
Sights we visited:
- Chichén Itzá: An important Maya city with notable ruins. Also one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico, so show up as early as you can to beat the large tour groups.
- Cenote X'kekén: This cenote near Valladolid may be in a spooky dark cave but it is safe for swimming and great for a refreshing dip. We didn't rent any life-jackets but they can be rented from vendors onsite.
- Casa de los Venados: Casa de los Venados is the house of two Americans who started collecting Mexican Folk Art over 35 years ago, and have now amassed more than 3000 pieces. Their renovated colonial home is open to the public for tours at 10 am daily, by donation. Definitely recommended.
- Walked around the city centre: Valladolid is an incredibly picturesque place to wander around. The plazas fill up with people in the early evening.
Other sights in the area:
- Río Lagartos: Part of the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Lagartos, this area boasts the densest concentration of flamingos in Mexico - a birdwatchers paradise.
- Ek' Balam: Another archaeological site with Maya ruins.
- Izamal: A small picturesque city where most of the buildings are painted yellow
Located 80 km South of Mérida, this stretch of road takes you into a more rural, and hilly, area of the peninsula. The highlights are the numerous Maya archaeological sites that dot the area, most of which receive few visitors. This area is most easily accessed if you have a car but there are day tours and buses that can be arranged from Mérida. The Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc can all be climbed on and explored thoroughly, which is a big bonus over some of the more popular ruins.
Sights we visited:
- Uxmal: These were the most impressive ruins we visited during our trip; do not skip them! Show up early in the day to get the ruins (almost) all to yourself.
- Choco-Story Chocolate Museum: Across the street from Uxmal, this museum is a great way to mix up your trip if you've already seen a few Mayan ruins. In addition to information about how the ancient Maya used cacao, there is a Maya ceremony that is acted out every 20 minutes, spiders monkeys, jaguars, and an opportunity to taste hot chocolate, Maya-style.
- Grutas de Loltún: These are the largest caves on the peninsula, and are worth a visit. There are obligatory guided tours at set times of the day, but don't fall into the trap of paying your guide too much - $50-$100 pesos per person is reasonable.
- Labná: Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc.
- Kabah: Another site of Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc.
Other sights in the area:
- Sayil and Xlapak: Other Maya ruins on the Ruta Puuc:
- The Monastary in Maní: This was the location of the 1562 burning of Maya books and idols by Friar Diego de Landa as they were "works of the devil"
- Oxkutzcab and Ticul: Nearby towns
Sights we visited:
- Uxmal: These were the most impressive ruins we visited during our trip; do not skip them! Show up early in the day to get the ruins (almost) all to yourself.
- Choco-Story Chocolate Museum: Across the street from Uxmal, this museum is a great way to mix up your trip if you've already seen a few Mayan ruins. In addition to information about how the ancient Maya used cacao, there is a Maya ceremony that is acted out every 20 minutes, spiders monkeys, jaguars, and an opportunity to taste hot chocolate, Maya-style.
- Grutas de Loltún: These are the largest caves on the peninsula, and are worth a visit. There are obligatory guided tours at set times of the day, but don't fall into the trap of paying your guide too much - $50-$100 pesos per person is reasonable.
- Labná: Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc.
- Kabah: Another site of Maya ruins along the Ruta Puuc.
Other sights in the area:
- Sayil and Xlapak: Other Maya ruins on the Ruta Puuc:
- The Monastary in Maní: This was the location of the 1562 burning of Maya books and idols by Friar Diego de Landa as they were "works of the devil"
- Oxkutzcab and Ticul: Nearby towns
Tulum is a town near the southern end of the Riviera Maya. It has increasingly become popular for tourists but for the most part is still a small local town, especially if you stay in the "pueblo" itself. It is well known for its famous ruins overlooking the bright blue reefs but is a good hub for making short day trips around the area.
Sights we visited:
- Cobá: These Maya ruins are the most easily accessible ones that visitors can climb on (you cannot climb/walk on the ruins in Chichén Itzá or Tulum). The ruins are fairly spaced out however, so some walking is involved. You can rent a bike, pay for someone to cart you around, or just walk. We walked it and it was fine. These ruins are interesting because they're buried in the jungle and overgrown in places.
- Tulum Ruins: The home of the iconic Maya ruins right next to the sea, these ruins are very popular with tourists and tour buses. Show up as early as possible (they open at 8 am), because the tour groups start showing up around 9 am so it can get pretty busy.
- Akumal: Bring your snorkeling gear (or rent some!) and your underwater camera to have an amazing experience swimming with turtles in their natural habitat. We wanted to rent a locker but had to rent life-jackets at a minimum in order to do so. The life-jackets were worth it.
- Cenote Azul: Best. Cenote. Ever. Clear blue water, not too busy, not too expensive.
- Muyil: More ruins! This was the most well kept site we saw and doesn't receive many visitors, especially considering its proximity to Tulum. In addition to the ruins, take the boardwalk behind the ruins (cost is $50 pesos) and into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
- Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: We accessed the biosphere reserve from Muyil and took the boardwalk to a creaky wooden tower which we climbed. The view was amazing. Then we continued on to the lagoons. You can book a boat tour which departs from the lagoon and it can be booked on the day of from the front desk at Muyil. The cost is about $600 pesos.
- Tulum Beach: All beaches in Mexico are public so you can walk through any hotel along the beachfront to access the Tulum beach. As long as you spend some money at a restaurant along the beach, you should be allowed to use that restaurant or hotel's beach chairs for as long as you want!
Other sights in the area:
- Gran Cenote: This is the most famous/popular cenote in the area and is supposed to be great for snorkeling, although there are a wide variety of other cenotes all along the highway.
- Xel-Há Park: A theme/natural water park that has activities such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and a lazy river.
Sights we visited:
- Cobá: These Maya ruins are the most easily accessible ones that visitors can climb on (you cannot climb/walk on the ruins in Chichén Itzá or Tulum). The ruins are fairly spaced out however, so some walking is involved. You can rent a bike, pay for someone to cart you around, or just walk. We walked it and it was fine. These ruins are interesting because they're buried in the jungle and overgrown in places.
- Tulum Ruins: The home of the iconic Maya ruins right next to the sea, these ruins are very popular with tourists and tour buses. Show up as early as possible (they open at 8 am), because the tour groups start showing up around 9 am so it can get pretty busy.
- Akumal: Bring your snorkeling gear (or rent some!) and your underwater camera to have an amazing experience swimming with turtles in their natural habitat. We wanted to rent a locker but had to rent life-jackets at a minimum in order to do so. The life-jackets were worth it.
- Cenote Azul: Best. Cenote. Ever. Clear blue water, not too busy, not too expensive.
- Muyil: More ruins! This was the most well kept site we saw and doesn't receive many visitors, especially considering its proximity to Tulum. In addition to the ruins, take the boardwalk behind the ruins (cost is $50 pesos) and into the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.
- Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve: We accessed the biosphere reserve from Muyil and took the boardwalk to a creaky wooden tower which we climbed. The view was amazing. Then we continued on to the lagoons. You can book a boat tour which departs from the lagoon and it can be booked on the day of from the front desk at Muyil. The cost is about $600 pesos.
- Tulum Beach: All beaches in Mexico are public so you can walk through any hotel along the beachfront to access the Tulum beach. As long as you spend some money at a restaurant along the beach, you should be allowed to use that restaurant or hotel's beach chairs for as long as you want!
Other sights in the area:
- Gran Cenote: This is the most famous/popular cenote in the area and is supposed to be great for snorkeling, although there are a wide variety of other cenotes all along the highway.
- Xel-Há Park: A theme/natural water park that has activities such as snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and a lazy river.
Other Options for Stops
The Yucatán peninsula is perfect for road trips which meant that we had a tough time choosing exactly where we wanted to go. In 8 days we drove a total of 1400 km. It was a manageable amount, with no super long drives, but you can adjust your own itinerary accordingly. Here are some other ideas for places you may want to stop on your Yucatecan road trip:
- Mérida: The capital city of the Yucatán state, and the largest city on the peninsula. Lots of festivals, museums, and activities going on.
- Campeche: On the Gulf of Mexico side, this fortified city, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a bit too far for us to drive this time but is supposed to be beautiful. Worth seeing if you have enough time.
- Other places along the Rivera Maya: Puertos Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Cancún
- Anywhere and everywhere!
- Mérida: The capital city of the Yucatán state, and the largest city on the peninsula. Lots of festivals, museums, and activities going on.
- Campeche: On the Gulf of Mexico side, this fortified city, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was a bit too far for us to drive this time but is supposed to be beautiful. Worth seeing if you have enough time.
- Other places along the Rivera Maya: Puertos Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Cancún
- Anywhere and everywhere!
Driving Tips
General
- Your GPS may not be able to fine most sites, so before you leave you should look up the coordinates online and then type them into your GPS.
- Mexican drivers tend to pull onto the shoulder of the highway (continuously driving) if someone is passing them or if they want you to pass them. Do as the locals do.
- There are Topes (speed bumps) everywhere! Mostly just in towns, but they can be nasty little buggers so keep your eyes peeled. Most Topes are marked however on our travels we came across Topes that were there but weren't marked, as well as ones that were marked that didn't exist. Go figure.
- Be aware that there are police stops at the entrance to each town, as well as random places on the highway. They never made us pull over and always just waved on to drive on. Nothing to worry about.
- When picking up gas/petrol, you just need to drive up to the pump and someone will pump your gas for you. All gas stations are called PEMEX, they're nationally owned, and they're full service. We always gave them a little tip for pumping our gas ($10 pesos - $30 pesos). Before going to Mexico, we were warned that you should watch to make sure that they reset the pump before pumping your gas. We kept our eye on the pump, but nothing sketchy happened.
- Keep an eye on your fuel meter as there can be long stretches of highway (we're talking 200 km!) with no stations and you don't want to run out of fuel.
- Parking is strange. As far as well could tell unless you see a no parking sign somewhere (an E with a line through it), you should be good to park there.
- Watch out for potholes and lizards! Luke may or may not have killed one.
- For North American drivers or anyone not entirely comfortable with roundabouts, be aware that there are some roundabouts in Mexico! Ideally, keep a British person in your back pocket who will help you navigate.
- The Green Angels are a team of people who patrol Mexican highways providing mechanic and first aid services. We didn't see them on our travels but we knew about them. You can also call them if you get in trouble on the highway.
- Finally, don't drive at night. The roads aren't well lit, there are lots of speed bumps, and there are a few potholes. Park your car somewhere and spend the evening on foot!
- The toll route (Autopista Mérida-Cancún) is great and worth the small fee. It runs two lanes in each direction and was never busy. At all.
- When you're driving on the Ruta Puuc itself, the road is narrow and the condition isn't ideal.
- If you're driving through Playa del Carmen, just a heads up that it is a bit confusing; the rest of that highway between Tulum and Cancun is straightforward.
Other Helpful Resources when Planning your Trip
- For 91 Days in the Yucatan: Blog and ebook. Great resource, especially if you will be visiting Mérida.
- Road Signs in Mexico
- Finally, ensure that your passport is in great condition before you go! We were denied boarding on original flight to Mexico because of a "damaged" passport.
- Road Signs in Mexico
- Finally, ensure that your passport is in great condition before you go! We were denied boarding on original flight to Mexico because of a "damaged" passport.
