Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula
Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula
Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula
9 Days Starting in Playa del Carmen and ending in Tulum
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 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
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Playa Del Carmen
Location: Playa del Carmen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Golondrinas
Our journey begins in Playa del Carmen. Located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town known for coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches. There is a good range of international flight options into nearby Cancun.
The Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.30pm for the 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 into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is 45 minutes away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.
Day 2: Explore Cozumel Island By Bike
Location: San Miguel de Cozumel
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Las Golondrinas
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we catch a ferry for the short journey across to Cozumel Island where we start today's ride. Each year the island hosts an 'iron man' event and we plan to cycle a similar route at a much more sedate pace! You will have time firstly to familiarise yourself with your bike and make any necessary adjustments. Once everybody is comfortable we will start our route, with the first 15km/9.3 miles on paved road as we cross the island from west to east where we will try to stop for a fresh coconut water at a bar on the beach. We cycle with the sea by our side as we make our way down the island. Our final kilometres/miles brings us to the Bob Marley bar and museum where we can relax in hammocks and have a swim. We return to the ferry port by vehicle with the option to cycle if timings and daylight allow.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres/24.90 miles (flat, paved roads) with an optional additional 30 km/18.60 miles.
Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza. Cenote Swim. Cycle In Merida
Location: Mérida, Chichén-Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel del Gobernador
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Early this morning we leave Playa del Carmen and drive inland (2 hours) to Chichen Itza. Founded in AD432 and conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century, the culture of the Maya and the Toltec gradually fused. 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. Founded in AD432 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 drive a short distance to Yokdzonot Cenote where we have free time to enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch (not included). Cenotes are natural pools formed in limestone and used by the ancient Mayan culture as a source of fresh water. Finally we drive (1.5hrs) to Merida and commence our introduction by bike on a 10km/6.20 miles 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 5 - your 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'.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 10 kilometres/ 6.20 miles (flat, paved roads).
Day 4: Cycle To Beach, Seafood Grill. Taquisa Evening
Location: Mérida, Dzilam de Bravo Municipality
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel del Gobernador
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We start the day with a drive to Dzilam Bravo that should take around 1.5 hours. En route we plan to stop at Dzilam Gonzalez to see an unrestored archeological site in the main square. Today's cycle ride takes us up to the Yucatan north coast as we ride alongside the Caribbean, past small fishing villages until we reach the palm-fringed sands of San Crisanto Beach. You may like to have a dip in the sea before we help in the preparation of our seafood lunch, including shrimp ceviche and fish. While at the beach you will also be able to learn a little about some of the exotic local drinks and your Tour Leader will show how to make drinks such as Michelada, Chelada or Red Eyes. Later this afternoon we return to Merida by bus. At night we visit a local house or local restaurant to try a typical food and local experience called Taquisa (Tacos party).
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 30 kilometres/18.60 miles (flat, paved roads).
Day 5: Cycle To Ake, See Izamal Spanish Convent, Local Lunch, Drive To Valladolid
Location: Izamal, Valladolid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eco Hotel Quinta Regia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we bid farewell to Merida with a short early drive to Tixpehual where we start today's cycle. Depending on arrival time and sunset on day 2 we may have a early morning dawn ride around Merida this morning before breakfast. We ride through several interesting little villages to Ake. We finish cycling here and drive to the colonial backwater of Izamal. Following the Spanish conquest a colonial city was founded atop what was an important Mayan ceremonial site which became a focal point of the Spanish attempts to convert locals to Catholicism dominated by a 16th century Franciscan Monastery. After exploring the site we try local dishes such as salbutes, panuchos and empanadas for lunch. In the afternoon there may be time to see the local handicraft workshops (if open) before we drive (1.5hrs) to colonial Valladolid where we spend the next 2 nights.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 25 kilometres/15.50 miles (flat, paved and dirt roads).
Day 6: Coastal Ride To Pink Lagoons. Tequila Tasting
Location: Valladolid, Río Lagartos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Eco Hotel Quinta Regia
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave early today with a drive (2 hrs) north to the coastal town of Rio Lagartos where we start our ride. Our ride ends near the little village of Las Coloradas home to the remarkable pink lagoons where locals harvest massive quantities of sea salt. The colours derive from specific unicellular algae called 'dunaliella salina' that has pink and red pigments. This algae is the base of nutrition for birds such as flamingos and spoonbill herons and is usually found in places with large concentrations of salt. From here a short drive brings us to a secluded beach where you have a chance to swim. Another short drive takes us to the fisherman's village of Rio Lagartos for a seafood lunch (not included) (vegetarian options available). We then take to the waters for a short boat excursion seeking out local birdlife. Finally we plan to learn all about tequila and you will have a chance to try some before returning by bus to our hotel in Valladolid. In the case of bad weather the Tour Leader may need to alter today's itinerary.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 23 kilometres/14.30 miles (flat, paved roads and compacted sand paths).
Day 7: Ride Backroads Through Villages From Xiulub. Visit Coba Mayan Site
Location: Tulum
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Sofia Tulum
Meals Included: Breakfast
We bid farewell to Valladolid this morning as we head east to the Caribbean coast. First we drive (1hr) to Xiulub village where we start our cycle ride via small interesting villages on a secluded road amidst thick vegetation to the Mayan ruins of Coba. On our unguided visit of Coba you will have time to explore the site and see one of the tallest Mayan temple in the region looming above. After lunch (not included) we continue by bus to our hotel in Tulum.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 35 kilometres/27.80 miles (flat, paved roads).
Day 8: Visit Incredible Tulum Ruins. Free Afternoon On Beach
Location: Tulum
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Casa Sofia Tulum
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we visit the 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. The city was guarded by a watch tower and thick ramparts which reflect the late Mayan period that Tulum dates back to, when there was increasingly enmity between Mayan city-states. The rest of the day is left free and you may choose to kick back and relax on the beaches of Tulum or even revisit the ruins to see them in a different light. There is also the option to visit Punta Laguna Natural Reserve.
Day 9: Trip Ends In Tulum
Location: Cancún, Tulum
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Tulum.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is a 1.5 to 2 hour drive away.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast: 8
Lunch: 2
Dinner: 1 -
Fully Guided
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Bike
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Country Entry Visas
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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: 8
Lunches: 2
Dinners: 1
Check out our Q&As
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Easy
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
8 nights comfortable hotel
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Trasnfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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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.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
15
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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.
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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.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.