Mexico – Mayas & Margaritas

Day 1 - ZAGREB - CANCUN

¡A MÉXICO!

Gathering at Zagreb Airport, where you’ll meet your BYND leader and the rest of the group.

Ahead of us are 14 days exploring one of Mexico’s most fascinating regions. Ancient Maya cities hidden in the jungle. Colourful colonial streets. Underground cenotes filled with crystal-clear water. Tacos, tequila and Yucatecan flavours. And finally, the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Caribbean.

We leave Zagreb behind and take off towards intermediate airport, where we continue our journey across the Atlantic. Mexico awaits. Overnight on board.

Day 2 - CANCUN - PUERTO MORELOS

BIENVENIDOS A MÉXICO

Afternoon arrival in Cancún. Bienvenidos a México!

After landing, we meet our local team and head south towards Puerto Morelos, where we’ll spend our first night in Mexico.

No sightseeing marathon today. After the overnight journey from Europe, the plan is simple: check in, refresh and get our first taste of Mexico. Warm Caribbean air, our first tacos and maybe the first margarita of the trip. Tomorrow, we properly begin. Overnight in Morelos.

Day 3 - PUERTO MORELOS - TULUM - CENOTE - VALLADOLID

WHERE THE MAYAS MET THE CARIBBEAN

Breakfast. Our first real morning in Mexico starts with a place where two worlds collide. Short ride to Tulum.

Tulum – perched dramatically on cliffs above the turquoise Caribbean Sea. This ancient Maya city once served as an important trading port. We explore its ruins and discover the first chapter of Mayan history with palm trees, white sand and the Caribbean stretching endlessly behind the ancient walls.

But what’s above ground is only half the story of Yucatán. Beneath our feet lies another world. Thousands of cenotes are scattered across the peninsula. Natural sinkholes filled with fresh underground water that were sacred to the Maya. We stop at one of them to cool down, swim and get our first taste of one of Yucatán’s most unique natural experiences.

From there, we leave the Caribbean behind and continue deeper into the peninsula. Our destination is Valladolid. A colourful colonial town surrounded by jungle, ancient Maya sites and countless cenotes. After arrival, we explore its charming historic centre, walk down the colourful Calzada de los Frailes and make our way towards the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena. As evening arrives, find a local cantina, grab another taco and enjoy the slower rhythm of a small Yucatecan town. Don’t stay out too late. Tomorrow we’re getting up early and for a very good reason. Overnight in Valladolid.

Day 4 - VALLADOLID - CHICHÉN ITZÁ - MÉRIDA

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF THE MAYA

Breakfast. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World awaits us: the legendary Chichén Itzá. We hit the road early, before the biggest crowds arrive, and step into what was once one of the most powerful cities of the Maya civilization. Rising in front of us is the iconic El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán – but Chichén Itzá is much more than its famous pyramid.

We explore ancient temples, walk through the Great Ball Court and uncover the stories, rituals and mysteries of a civilization that shaped this part of the world centuries before Europeans ever arrived.

After exploring one of Mexico’s greatest archaeological treasures, we continue west towards the colourful capital of Yucatán. Mérida. After arrival and check-in, it’s time to slow things down. Since we’re in Yucatán, there’s only one proper way to start: through food. Tacos, local Yucatecan flavours and, of course, something cold to drink. Welcome to Mérida. Overnight in Mérida.

Day 5 - MÉRIDA

COLOURS, TACOS & YUCATÁN

Breakfast. Today, we properly meet Mérida. We head into the historic centre and explore the streets surrounding Plaza Grande, discovering the city’s colonial architecture, colourful neighbourhoods, local markets and everyday life. Mérida isn’t a city for rushing between landmarks. We need to take our time and soak everything gradually.

Wander through the streets. Stop for coffee. Try something we’ve never eaten before. Discover the flavours of Yucatán and slowly get used to the rhythm of Mexico. The afternoon is yours. Explore some more, hunt for souvenirs, grab another taco or simply find a terrace and watch the city go by.

When the sun goes down, Mérida changes again. The streets fill with people, local bars and cantinas come alive and another side of Yucatán begins to show itself. No need to go to bed early. Tonight is all about the experience, no matter the time. Overnight in Mérida.

Day 6 - MÉRIDA - UXMAL - MULIX CENOTES - MÉRIDA

ANCIENT CITIES. UNDERGROUND WORLDS.

Breakfast. Today, we leave Mérida behind and travel thousands of years into the past. Our destination is Uxmal, one of the great ancient Maya cities of the Yucatán Peninsula and a completely different experience from Chichén Itzá. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, enormous temples and ceremonial structures rise above the jungle. We walk through the ancient city and discover its impressive Puuc architecture and the stories of the civilization that built it.

After the heat of the Maya ruins, we’re going underground again. We continue towards the cenotes of Mulix. Hidden beneath the Yucatán landscape, crystal-clear freshwater waits below the surface. This time, there are no ancient temples to explore. Just get in. Swim, cool down and enjoy another side of the peninsula’s extraordinary underground world. Ancient cities above. Another world below.

Return to Mérida in the afternoon. The evening is free for one last night in the city. One last Yucatecan dinner? One last cantina? You know the answer. Overnight in Mérida.

Day 7 - MÉRIDA - IZAMAL - PLAYA DEL CARMEN

FROM YELLOW STREETS TO BLUE WATER

Breakfast. Today, we say goodbye to Mérida and begin our journey back towards the Caribbean. But we’re not going straight there. Our first stop is Izamal, the famous Yellow City.  Almost everything around us suddenly turns yellow. Colonial buildings, colourful streets and the impressive Convent of San Antonio de Padua give this small town an atmosphere completely different from anything we’ve seen so far. We explore the town, stretch our legs and enjoy one final taste of inland Yucatán.

Then we hit the road again. As we travel east, the landscape slowly begins to change. Palm trees start appearing. The water turns turquoise. The Caribbean has arrived. We continue towards Playa del Carmen, our home for the final chapter of the journey. After Maya cities, colonial towns, jungle roads and underground swimming holes, it’s time for a different kind of Mexico. Check in. Drop your bags. Head outside. Caribbean mode: ON, worries: OFF. Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 8 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN & CARIBBEAN COAST

WELCOME TO THE CARIBBEAN

Breakfast. After days of Maya ruins, colonial towns, jungle roads and cenotes, today we finally slow things down.

No alarm clock. No sightseeing checklist. No need to be anywhere at a specific time. Head to the beach, explore Playa del Carmen, grab some tacos or simply find your spot under the Caribbean sun.

But if you’re ready for another adventure, today you can swap the beach for the jungle.

Today’s optional adventure: ATV Jungle Ride, Zipline & Cenote
Leave the coast behind and head into the jungle for a combination of ATV riding, ziplining and a refreshing swim in a cenote. Mud, speed, jungle and underground water – definitely not your average beach day.

The evening is yours. Playa’s restaurants, bars and nightlife are waiting.

Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 9 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN & CARIBBEAN COAST

ISLAND STATE OF MIND

Breakfast. Another Caribbean morning, another completely open day.

You can spend it doing absolutely nothing – sleep in, grab a coffee, walk along the beach and let Playa set the pace.

Or you can take the party out to sea.

Today’s optional adventure: Isla Mujeres Catamaran 
Set sail across the Caribbean towards Isla Mujeres. Spend the day on a catamaran with snorkelling, an open bar and plenty of time surrounded by turquoise water.

Sun. Sea. Music. Drinks.

Sometimes that’s all the itinerary you need.

Return to Playa del Carmen and enjoy the rest of the evening at your own pace.

Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 10 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN & CARIBBEAN COAST

EXPLORE IT YOUR WAY

Breakfast. By now, Playa del Carmen is starting to feel a little less like a destination and a little more like home.

Today is another free day to enjoy however you want.

Beach until sunset? Absolutely.

But if you’d rather explore what’s beyond the hotel, there’s another way to discover Playa.

Today’s optional adventure: E-bike Tour in Playa del Carmen
Hop on an e-bike and discover more of Playa del Carmen and its surroundings from a completely different perspective. An easy-going way to get away from the usual tourist routine and see more of the place we’ve been calling home.

Afterwards, the rest of the day is yours.

Find your favourite taco spot. Head back to the beach. Grab a margarita.

And when night falls?

We’ll let Playa take care of that part.

Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 11 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN & CARIBBEAN COAST

INTO THE BLUE

Breakfast.We’ve already discovered what lies beneath Yucatán’s jungle. Today, you can discover what lies beneath the Caribbean.

Or don’t.

A towel, a beach and absolutely no plans remain a perfectly acceptable alternative.

Today’s optional adventure: Puerto Morelos Snorkelling
Head to Puerto Morelos and swap dry land for masks and snorkels. Explore the underwater world of the Caribbean and spend part of the day surrounded by tropical marine life.

It’s an easy addition to the trip without turning your free day into another full sightseeing marathon.

Back in Playa, there’s still plenty of time for the beach, food and another Caribbean evening.

Adventure first.

Margaritas later.

Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 12 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN & CARIBBEAN COAST

ONE LAST ADVENTURE

Breakfast. Our final full day in Mexico.

You could spend it exactly how this part of the journey was designed to be spent: slowly.

One last lazy morning. One last beach day. One last swim in the Caribbean. One last round of tacos and margaritas.

Or you can finish big.

Today’s optional adventure: Swimming with Whale Sharks
For those looking for one final unforgettable experience, head out into the Caribbean for the chance to swim alongside whale sharks – the largest fish in the ocean.

A completely different kind of encounter and potentially one of those travel moments you’ll remember long after Mexico is over.

And then it’s back to Playa for our final night.

Tomorrow we head home.

Tonight?

Not yet.

Overnight in Playa del Carmen.

Day 13 - PLAYA DEL CARMEN - CANCÚN - EUROPE

ADIÓS, MÉXICO 🇲🇽

Breakfast. One last morning on the Caribbean coast, one last coffee, one last look at the sea. Probably one last taco that we don’t need but are going to eat anyway. Later, we say goodbye to Playa del Carmen and transfer to Cancún International Airport. It’s time to head home.

Mexico may be behind us, but we’re taking much more than souvenirs back to Europe. Ancient Maya cities, streets full of colours and unique architecture, roads through green jungle, underground cenotes, Caribbean nights and stories that will probably get better every time we tell them.

Somewhere along the way, strangers became a group and plans became memories. From Mayas to margaritas, Yucatán gave us a little bit of everything, but above all great memories. Those are coming home with us. Overnight on board.

Day 14 - EUROPE - ZAGREB

HOME, FOR NOW

We have a longer layover before our final flight towards Zagreb. One last chance to stretch our legs before heading home. In the evening, we board our final flight. Evening arrival in Zagreb, where our Mexican adventure officially comes to an end. The journey ends here. The stories and memories? They are staying with us. Until the next one.