Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

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9 Days From

$2610

$2280

Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

9 Days Starting in Cancun and ending in Playa Del Carmen

Visiting: Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Cozumel, Mérida, Chichén-Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote, Dzilam de Bravo Municipality, Izamal, Valladolid, Río Lagartos, Tulum, Cancún

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

CMX

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 15

Physical rating:

None

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegans, Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Cycling

From: $2610 $2280 Operator discount: -$330 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Discover the beaches, Mayan temples and colourful villages of the Yucatan Peninsula by bike. After Cozumel Island we visit the colonial towns of Merida and Valladolid and cycle through colourful Mayan villages on quiet roads with chances to swim from beautiful beaches. Finally we explore Tulum and relax.

Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum - Explore amazing Mayan sites

Easy Yucatan cycling - Pedal on quiet back roads on the flat

Swim - From idyllic white sand beaches and in freshwater cenotes

2025 update - We have made some changes to this tour for 2025. Please select your preferred year of travel below to see the correct itinerary.

Highlights

  • Discover the natural beauty, heritage and culture of the Yucatan by bike

  • Explore some of the very best Mayan sites

  • Experience the local life and colour of the Yucatan

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Join Trip In Cancun

Location: Playa del Carmen

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Rey del Caribe Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 2: Explore Isla Mujeres By Bike- Stunning Beaches And Mayan Ruins.

Location: San Miguel de Cozumel

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: El Rey del Caribe Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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).

Day 3: Visit Mayan Archeological Site Of Chichen Itza, Followed By A Swim In A Freshwater Cenote. This Afternoon, Cycle Tour Of Merida, Followed By A Traditional Taquiza Evening.

Location: Mérida, Chichén-Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel del Gobernador

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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).

Day 4: Cycle Along Seafront Of Northern Yucatan Peninsula From Progreso To Telchac. Savor A Seafood Lunch. Later, Explore Izamal Mayan Archaeological Site And Renowned Colonial Convent.

Location: Mérida, Dzilam de Bravo Municipality

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rinconada del Convento Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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).

Day 5: Bike Through Yucatan Forest To Valladolid, Pausing For Refreshing Swim In A Cenote. Upon Arrival, Explore Valladolid And Visit To Museum.

Location: Izamal, Valladolid

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Eco Hotel Quinta Regia

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6: Cycle North To World Famous Rio Lagartos Biosphere. Try And Spot Famous Pink Flamingos.

Location: Valladolid, Río Lagartos

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Eco Hotel Quinta Regia

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7: Cycle To Coba Mayan Archeological Site & Continue To Tulum. Free Afternoon In Tulum.

Location: Tulum

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casa Sofia Tulum

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 8: Explore Renowned Tulum Ruins. Ater, Drive To Playa Del Carmen And Unwind On Pristine White Sand Beaches.

Location: Tulum

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Golondrinas

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9: Trip Ends In Playa Del Carmen

Location: Cancún, Tulum

Meals Included: Breakfast

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)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

    Breakfast: 8

    Lunch: 2

    Dinner: 1

  • Fully Guided

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

  • Bike

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Country Entry Visas

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

Why Book this Tour

Unlike many other operators, we include the hire of your bike in the overall cost of the holiday: you don't need to bring your own or pay extra to hire one locally. We also provide a support vehicle, spare parts and take care of day to day bike maintenance. All you need bring is your own helmet.

Meals

Breakfasts: 9
Lunches: 1
Dinners: 1

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Easy

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    8 nights comfortable hotel

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Trasnfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip

  • Are e-bikes available on this trip?

    No, there is no e-bike available on this trip. A support vehicle accompanies the rides throughout the tour.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • What is the maximum group size?

    15

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Simon  

Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

Enjoyed all three trips will be booking again. Tha

Enjoyed all three trips will be booking again. Thanks!

Elizabeth  

Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

A very memorable experience, it was the first time

A very memorable experience, it was the first time I had done a trip of this type and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Saturday

Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 18, 2025
$2610 $2350

Operator discount: -$260

Friday - Saturday

Jan 31, 2025 - Feb 08, 2025
$2610 $2280

Operator discount: -$330

Friday - Saturday

Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 15, 2025
$2620

Friday - Saturday

Feb 21, 2025 - Mar 01, 2025
$2620

Friday - Saturday

Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025
$2680

Friday - Saturday

Nov 07, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$2760

Friday - Saturday

Nov 14, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
$2760

Friday - Saturday

Nov 21, 2025 - Nov 29, 2025
$2760

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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