This is a trip that allows you to both relax and to experience the sights and food and friendliness of this wonderful part of Mexico. You will travel from the Caribbean Beaches of the Mayan Riviera, through cities full of culture and music to the Emerald waters of the Gulf Coast.
Upon arrival at Cancun Airport, rent a car and head out towards Tulum. Along the way you will pass many stunning beaches and towns. Take your time and explore some of the smaller towns, maybe rent a small beach side cabana for a night of two and soak up some of that Caribbean sun. You must visit Tulum and Coba both very important and impressive Mayan ruins. For more information and maps of this coast go to www.locogringo.com

Leave Tulum and head for the city of Valladolid. We like to stay at a lovely Bed and Breakfast called Casa Quetzal. From this base it is very easy to explore the wonderful city of Valladolid on foot. We like to eat at a little bar/restaurant in the main square next to the cathedral. They serve very nice food and often have excellent live music and its a short stroll from your B&B. We also enjoyed a fantastic personal tour of the very old convent opposite Casa Quetzal, even finding ourselves standing on the roof at one point! From Valladolid it is easy to get to Ek Balam, a Mayan Ruin that is a favorite amongst many people as it is less crowded than some of the more famous sites. Remember to pack your swimming things as a dip in the cenote after is a must. I would allow atleast two days and nights in Valladolid. www.casa-quetzal.com

Leave Valladlid and head for Chichen Itza, recently voted one of the wonders of the world. You can take the quicker and slightly boring toll road or the slower and more interesting free road. Allow a couple of nights to explore here and treat yourself to a fabulous hotel such as Hacienda Chichen Resort. It is a good idea to rest up here and relax as well as being blown away by the amazing ruins. By staying at the hotel you will be allowed, free of charge, on to the site at 8am before the tourist buses arrive. www.haciendachichen.com

Leave Chichen Itza and head for the capital of the Yucatan, Merida. You really have to aim to be here on a weekend. Saturday nights in Merida are fantastic. Aim to spend Saturday night in the square around the main cathedral. Here they close the roads to traffic, put tables and chairs in the streets , set up stages for live bands and then dance the night away. Its amazing to watch local couples performing impromptu salsas and tangos into the early hours of the morning. There are many good restaurants in the area. On a Sunday Merida is a great place to be. Again the roads are closed to traffic and everyone cycles around. There is a market selling all sorts of local goods from jewelry to rugs and clothes. Also the dancing continues through out the day in the little squares. It's really nice to sit quietly in the shade of a tree sipping a cold drink and watching couples dancing the day away.

Merida is a fascinating city that is really worth spending a couple of days exploring. You can even ice skate at one of the mega malls, Liverpool, which is on the road to Progreso. There are 5 star hotels here or smaller quirkier boutique hotels and B&Bs. Great bars and restaurants, also cinemas and museums. I love looking at the old colonial mansions on Paseo Montejo.

Leave Merida and head for Progreso. Aim to spend a week or so now relaxing at our fantastic beach fronted accommodation, CASA ROSA. We are just 5 mins from the small town of Chelem where you can pop into Taco Maya for excellent breakfasts and lunches with free wifi. Or just 10 mins from the larger port town of Progreso. We love Progreso, it has a good beach with a malecon for watching the world go by and some great beach fronted bars and restaurants. Our favourite place to eat in the evening is a taco restaurant on the main square called Los Compadres. They serve great tacos and it's a really good place to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the town at night.

If you want more ruins you can visit Uxmal it's well worth the trip. Or you could book a mangrove tour with some local fisherman. Or you could take boat trip to see the Flamingos. Or just relax on the beach with a good book and a cold drink. Whatever you do, you will fall in the love with this area, as we did. We look forward to seeing you.
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