12 Day Ultimate Yucatán Expedition
Journey deeper into Mexico’s wild heart and history
From $5,995 USD per person
Embark on the Ultimate Yucatán Adventure
For true explorers, this 12-day Yucatán Mexico trip is the ultimate journey. From kayaking turquoise lagoons and exploring jungle-cloaked Mayan ruins to strolling colourful colonial towns and spotting wildlife in remote reserves, each day offers new discoveries. This Yucatán expedition blends nature, culture, and history into one unforgettable multi-day adventure through Mexico’s most captivating region.
Your 12 Night Yucatán Itinerary with Pixel Expeditions
Day 1: Arrival in Bacalar – Lagoon Welcome
Arrive at Tulum Airport and transfer south to Bacalar, home of the “Lagoon of Seven Colors.” Settle into the peaceful lakeside setting, with time to stroll the town before joining your group for a welcome dinner. This evening sets the tone for your Yucatán adventure, where discovery and relaxation blend seamlessly.
Day 2: Birding, History & Sunset on Bacalar Lagoon
Begin with a morning birding excursion by kayak or boat across Bacalar’s sparkling waters. Afterward, explore the historic Fort of San Felipe, once a defense against pirates. Later, unwind on a scenic sunset cruise, with drinks and snacks as the lagoon shifts through brilliant shades of blue and gold.
Day 3: Bacalar Morning & Archaeological Exploration in Xpujil
Spend the morning enjoying Bacalar’s relaxed charm before journeying inland to Xpujil, gateway to Campeche’s ancient Mayan cities. Explore nearby archaeological sites where temple structures rise from the jungle, offering a first glimpse into the grandeur of the Classic Maya. Evening brings a quieter pace in this rustic jungle town.
Day 4: Calakmul Ruins & Bat Cave Spectacle
Travel deep into the rainforest to Calakmul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Maya’s most powerful cities. Climb pyramids towering above the canopy, watch wildlife in their natural habitat, and experience the jungle’s raw energy. As night falls, witness thousands of bats streaming from a cave in a breath-taking natural display.
Day 5: Jungle Ruins Adventure & Campeche Arrival
Board 4x4 vehicles for an off-road adventure into the heart of the jungle. Visit rarely excavated Mayan ruins hidden beneath vines and trees, where imagination brings the ancient world alive. Later, transfer to Campeche, a colourful Gulf-side city with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and a rich history tied to seafaring trade and defence.
Day 6: Campeche Leisure & Optional Discoveries
Take a slower pace in Campeche, a UNESCO-listed city framed by fortress walls and pastel streets. Choose your adventure: a guided walking tour of its historic core, shopping in artisan markets, or optional visits to nearby archaeological sites. In the evening, enjoy free time to sample the city’s renowned seafood and vibrant nightlife.
Day 7: Uxmal, Kabah & Sunset in Celestún
Leave Campeche to explore the iconic Mayan sites of Uxmal and Kabah, famed for their Puuc-style architecture and intricate carvings. Wander through temples and palaces that reveal the sophistication of Mayan culture. In the evening, travel west to Celestún to witness a spectacular coastal sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
Day 8: Celestún Mangroves & Mérida Evening
Glide through Celestún’s mangrove waterways by boat, a haven for flamingoes, herons, and crocodiles. This biosphere reserve is a highlight of any Yucatán nature trip, showcasing rich biodiversity. After lunch on a beachfront restaurant, transfer inland to Mérida, the cultural capital of Yucatán, where colonial charm and lively plazas await.
Day 9: Chichén Itzá & Cenotes – Night in Valladolid
Rise early to visit Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Explore El Castillo and the ancient ball courts before cooling off in nearby cenotes, natural sinkholes sacred to the Maya. End the day in Valladolid, a colorful colonial town with a vibrant evening atmosphere.
Day 10: Coba Ruins & Monkey Reserve – Evening in Akumal
Journey to the ancient city of Coba, where massive pyramids stand amid thick jungle. Later, visit a nearby nature reserve to spot monkeys swinging through the trees. As evening falls, head east to Akumal, a relaxed beach town on the Caribbean coast, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Day 11: Tulum Ruins & Maya Canal Float
Begin the day with a visit to Tulum, the only major Mayan site built on the coast, overlooking the turquoise Caribbean. Later, enjoy a unique float down canals constructed by the Maya to link their cities with the sea. Conclude with a festive farewell dinner celebrating your Yucatán expedition.
Day 12: Departure from Tulum
Transfer to Tulum Airport or to a local hotel, depending on your onward plans. As you depart, carry with you memories of towering temples, jungle adventures, cenote swims, and the vibrant spirit of the Yucatán—a 12-day journey unlike any other.
Pixel Expeditions
delivers more than a trip
We deliver a true adventure into Mexico’s most fascinating natural wonders.
Yucatán is calling. Will you answer?
Prices
2 Guests - $6,995 USD per person
3 Guests - $6,495 USD per person
4 Guests - $5,995 USD per person
What’s Included In Your Yucatán Expedition?
Comfortable Accommodation in Each Destination
All Meals, Snacks, Non-alcoholic Refreshments, and Evening Cocktails
Entrance Fees
Transportation
Bilingual Guides
Planned Activities on the Itineraries
Use of Binoculars and Wildlife Identification Guides
Courtesy Pixel Expeditions Merchandise
This 12-day Yucatán trip offers an unforgettable ultimate adventure in Mexico, from jungle ruins to coastal sunsets. You will leave knowing you have seen the best the region has to offer.
Take a look at the map and then click to start planning your unforgettable Yucatán expedition today.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
This is our most immersive small-group journey. You’ll go beyond the classic highlights to remote ruins like Calakmul, kayak Bacalar’s lagoon, float Maya canals, and explore colonial towns and wildlife reserves. The trip is an authentic mix of culture, nature, and adventure curated by expert guides.
-
Your trip includes comfortable accommodation at each destination, all meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and evening cocktails, entrance fees, transportation, bilingual guides, planned activities, use of binoculars and wildlife guides, and complimentary Pixel Expeditions merchandise.
-
Expect light to moderate activity most days, including walking tours at archaeological sites, kayaking or boat rides, and occasional climbs up pyramids. It’s designed for travellers who enjoy exploring on foot and participating in gentle outdoor activities.
-
We recommend breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, swimwear for cenotes, a light rain jacket, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and a camera or binoculars to capture wildlife and scenery.