Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

Our journey begins in Cancun. Located on the north-eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is a coastal resort town known for its white sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. There is a good range of international flight options that arrive here. This evening, the Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting, followed by the chance to go out for dinner for those interested. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you will need to arrive at Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is 25 minutes away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Tour Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

This morning you will have time to familiarise yourself with your bike and make any necessary adjustments. Once everybody is comfortable we will start our route with the first 3.5km/2.1 miles on paved roads as we head east to Puerto Juarez, where we will catch a ferry for the short journey across to Isla Mujeres (30 minutes). Located 13 kilometres off the coast from Cancún, this island was revered by the Maya as a holy place and sanctuary for the Mayan goddess Ixchel. Today its known for stunning beaches, snorkelling, surrounding coral reefs, and Mayan Ruins. Departing the ferry we meet our guides on the island with our bikes. From there we'll have a 16 km/ 9.9 mile ride circumnavigating the island. Halfway we'll stop at Punta Sur, the southern tip. There's a lighthouse, the remains of a Mayan temple, and the most stunning views on the island. We'll learn about the ruins, hike around a bit, and explore. Continuing on our ride we'll come to Playa Norte. We will take some time here to enjoy the beach and lunch (not included), or perhaps you will opt for a drink at one of the many beach clubs. After relaxing for a bit we'll board the ferry and cycle back to the hotel. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 22 kilometres/13.7 miles (flat, paved roads).

Early this morning we leave Cancun and drive inland (2.5 hours) to Chichen Itza. Founded in AD432, Chichen Itza is one of the most outstanding archaeological sites in the Americas and we visit the site with a local guide before enjoying some free time to explore further. The city is believed to have reached its zenith during the Terminal Classic Period (800-1000AD) and remarkable sculptures adorn the pyramids, palaces, temples and ball court (where death was the penalty for defeat). We then drive a short distance to Yokdzonot Cenote, where we have free time to enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch (not included). For the Mayans, cenotes were much more than just bodies of water. They were considered gateways to the underworld, sacred places connected to the gods and the afterlife. Finally we drive (1.5hrs) to Merida and commence our introduction by bike on a 10km/6.20 mile cycle around the city. Please note that depending on arrival time and sunset hours, it may be better to move this ride to the early morning of day 4 - our tour leader will advise. Famed for its beautiful Spanish-Moorish style architecture, Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo and the city was built over the ruins of a Mayan city. Trade with Europe during the Spanish colonial rule brought the city great wealth that is now reflected in the many grand mansions, churches and plazas that lend the city a faded elegance and more of a European feel than elsewhere in Mexico. Merida is now the capital of the state of Yucatan and is also known as the 'White City'. Tonight, we have an included meal at a local establishment where we will experience a 'taquiza'- a traditional Mexican taco buffet. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 10 kilometres/6.20 miles (flat, paved roads).

This morning we will travel by van the short distance from Merida to the coastal town of Progresso. Keeping the Gulf of Mexico to our left, we then enjoy a fabulous bicycle ride to Telchac, crossing coastal lagoons, beautiful beaches, and enjoying spotting the array of wildlife here. One interesting fact about this area we cycle through today (Chicxulub) is that it is the place where the meteorite hit the earth 65 million years ago- a collision that wiped out most dinosaurs and much of life on Earth. Our guide will be providing interpretation on Chicxulub, coastal lagoons, salt production and local fishermen. We stop for an included seafood lunch at a local establishment, and there will be opportunities to swim in the ocean in Telchac. After finishing our cycle ride, we hop back in the van and travel 70kms (43.4 miles) to Izamal, also known as the 'Yellow City'. We will visit the ancient Mayan site & Convento de San Antonio de Padua, and then continue on to a city tour of this incredibly photogenic city, learning about about the Spanish influence on the Maya. Please note that depending on arrival time and sunset hours, it may be better to move this to the early morning of day 5 - our tour leader will advise. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 43 kilometres/26.7 miles (flat, paved roads).

We start our day driving the 55 kms (34.1 miles) to Dzitas - a small town where we start our bicycle ride towards Valladolid. On the way, we pass several small Maya villages, seeing how locals still live. Before arriving to Valladolid we will stop to swim in a cenote to cool down. Formerly known as the Sultana of the East, the Yucatán's third-largest city is known for its quiet streets and vibrant pastel-coloured walls. Upon arrival, we will do a city tour to visit the Cathedral, see the murals, and visit Casa de los Venados museum (entrance included). If time permits and we arrive on the appropriate day, we may also get a chance to visit a local market. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/ 24.8 miles. The terrain and roads are primarily flat paved surfaces.

To begin this morning we drive the 77 kms (47.8 miles) to Panaba - a small town where we start our bicycle ride towards the Rio Lagartos biosphere reserve. On the route we will ride through the semi-evergreen Yucatan forest and past traditional local villages. Once in Rio Lagartos, we will hop on a boat - the best way to navigate through this UNESCO biosphere reserve. With its diverse ecosystems and abundance of bird species, the lagoon is one of the best places in the Yucatan for watching birds. More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including the largest colony of American Flamingos. Reptiles such as crocodiles may also be seen. After boat trip we will have the chance to enjoy a seafood lunch in a local restaurant (not included). Later, we will head back in the van towards Valladolid. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 41 kilometres/25.4 miles. The terrain and roads are primarily flat paved surfaces.

We kick off our day driving the 71 kms (44.1 miles) to Nuevo Xcan- a small town where we start our bicycle ride towards the Coba archaeological site. Coba lies deep in the forest and many of its temples are still buried under a tangle of tropical vines, palms and tree roots. Archaeologists believe Cobá was one of the most important ruin sites on the Yucatan Peninsula. This Mayan site is still largely unexcavated making it a true wonder. Coba means 'waters stirred by the wind', an appropriate Mayan name as this settlement is surrounded by two large lagoons. Once in Coba archaeological site you will have the choice to walk or rent a bicycle to navigate this impressive archaeological site (we cannot bring our own bikes inside). Our expert guide will lead you through Coba and its rich Mayan history, giving you the chance to climb one of the tallest Mayan temples in the region. This afternoon, we head by van towards Tulum to check in to our hotel. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 31 kilometres/19.2 miles. Todays cycling route is mostly on the flat, with 2 short but steep climbs. The roads are flat paved surfaces.

After breakfast we visit the incredible Mayan site of Tulum with a local guide. The ruins of Tulum enjoy a dramatic setting perched atop a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters and white sand beach below. Tulum was the last great city constructed and inhabited by the Mayan people between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries. It was a site of worship to the Great Descending God, whose image adorns the temples within the site. Tulum was also of great importance for sea trade. Tribes from all over Mexico and other Central American countries would travel here for commerce. It's said that the great wall around the city was erected to protect it from envious traders and pirates who wanted to steal the prime location for themselves. After visiting Tulum ruins, we make our way to Playa del Carmen and check into our hotel. The afternoon is free, so you may choose to kick back and relax on the beach or take in the sights of this exciting seaside town. This evening, as it is the last night of the tour, perhaps take the option to have a final farewell dinner with your fellow travel companions and tour guide.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Playa del Carmen. We choose to end here as it is in close proximity to CUN airport. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. We recommend booking a few extra nights to fully enjoy Playa del Carmen. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at your hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is a 1 to 1.5 hour drive away (56 kms/34.8 miles)