Inspiration
Yucatan: Coast to Culture
Step into the soul of the Yucatán on a journey shaped by ancient civilisations, colonial charm and warm Caribbean waters.
Love Letters to the Yucatán
From jungle-filled ruins and sacred cenotes to pastel-painted towns and elegant haciendas, this itinerary invites you to slow down, look deeper and soak up every moment.
You’ll trace the stories of the Maya in Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, uncover local life in Mérida and Campeche and unwind in laid-back coastal hideaways like Tulum and Playa del Carmen. With handpicked stays, private guides and time to explore at your own rhythm, this is Mexico at its most enriching, unexpected and unforgettable.
- Tulum
- Campeche
- Mérida
- Chichén Itzá
- Playa del Carmen
Nici Davies
With over 30 years of expertise at Travelwise, Nici specialises in family adventures, luxury ski holidays and indulgent beach escapes. Her extensive knowledge of diverse destinations allows her to offer the perfect suggestion, even when you're not exactly sure what you're looking for.
Tulum
Start your Mexican adventure on the Caribbean coast in Tulum, known for its white-sand beaches and ancient Mayan history. Overlooking the sea, the Tulum ruins are the only coastal archaeological site in the country – a striking blend of culture and scenery. After exploring the site, there’s time to unwind on the beach or swim in one of the region’s cenotes, natural freshwater pools once considered sacred by the Maya.
Beyond the shore, Tulum offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Spend time exploring its bohemian boutiques, stylish open-air restaurants and low-key beach clubs. You’ll also take a privately guided visit to Coba, a vast Mayan city still partly hidden by jungle.
Climb Nohoch Mul, the tallest pyramid in the region, for far-reaching views over the treetops and a deeper sense of the ancient world. The surrounding area is rich in birdlife, monkeys and hidden lakes – ideal for nature lovers.
Campeche
From the coast, travel inland to the often-overlooked region of Campeche. This peaceful part of the Yucatán is rich in heritage, natural beauty and old-world charm. Base yourself in the capital – a UNESCO-listed city of pastel-hued streets, colonial facades and quiet plazas, once fortified against pirate raids. Its blend of Caribbean and Andalusian architecture gives it a distinctive character that feels a world away from the tourist trail.
Your time here includes a private tour of Edzná, one of the region’s lesser-visited yet most impressive archaeological sites. Set among forested hills, Edzná’s ceremonial plazas and towering pyramids offer a quieter, more atmospheric encounter with Mayan history.
The surrounding region is equally rewarding, with remote beaches, calm lagoons and rich birdlife for those looking to explore further.
Mérida
Continue your journey to Mérida, the cultural heart of the Yucatán. Built on the foundations of the ancient Mayan city of T’ho, Mérida combines its colonial elegance with a thriving creative scene. Grand boulevards, leafy squares and ornate mansions give the city a sense of old-world grandeur, while independent galleries, artisan boutiques and modern restaurants reflect its contemporary spirit.
En route, stop at the ancient sites of Uxmal and Kabah for a privately guided tour. These UNESCO-recognised ruins offer a deeper look into Puuc-style architecture, with decorative stonework and intricate friezes that bring the Mayan legacy to life. Highlights include the Pyramid of the Magician and the Palace of Masks – both steeped in legend and local lore.
While in Mérida, explore the city’s historic centre on a privately guided tour, then head out to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.
This coastal wetland is home to over 300 species of birds, including flamingos, as well as mangroves, jungle and freshwater springs. It’s a peaceful contrast to the city and a haven for nature lovers.
Chichén Itzá
No visit to the Yucatán would be complete without exploring Chichén Itzá, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Once a thriving Mayan city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient civilisation, with its blend of myth, science and architecture.
Explore the site with a private guide, uncovering highlights such as the Kukulkan Pyramid, the Great Ball Court and the sacred cenote – a freshwater sinkhole once used for rituals and offerings.
Staying nearby allows you to visit early or late in the day, when the light is soft and the crowds have thinned, giving you time to absorb the stillness and power of this extraordinary place.
Swim in the Sacred Cenotes of the Maya
Scattered across the Yucatán like jewels hidden in the jungle, cenotes are natural freshwater sinkholes once revered by the Maya as sacred portals to the underworld. On this journey, you’ll have the chance to swim in some of the region’s most beautiful, from the sun-dappled waters near Tulum to the cave-like pools deep in the countryside. Drift beneath hanging vines, limestone overhangs and shafts of golden light as you float in cool, mineral-rich waters. It’s a moment of stillness, serenity and connection.
Playa del Carmen
End your journey with a few days of barefoot luxury on the Riviera Maya. Once a sleepy fishing village, Playa del Carmen has evolved into a vibrant coastal destination that combines relaxed beach life with lively culture. Stroll along Quinta Avenida, the town’s cobbled pedestrian street lined with boutiques, cafes and bars, or unwind at one of the laid-back beach clubs with a cocktail in hand.
For something quieter, head offshore to snorkel over coral reefs, join a local fishing trip or simply enjoy the slow rhythm of the sea.
It’s the perfect balance of activity and indulgence, whether you’re in the mood to explore or just switch off completely.
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