Journey Mexico with rental car
22 days - from € 6,750 per person
off the beaten track - nature - history - archaeological sites - rental car - beach
- Make the ultimate roadtrip through Mexico along both known and unknown places
- Buy traditionally crafted pottery from the Uriarte family in Puebla
- Wander through the market of culinary capital Oaxaca and treat yourself to a Pollo con Mole Negro
- Admire the intricate carvings of the most beautiful Mayan temples in Palenque
- Soak up Caribbean vibes in the coastal town of Campeche and on the tropical island of Holbox
Travel description
Day 1: Amsterdam - Mexico City
Your trip through Mexico starts today. In Amsterdam, you will board your intercontinental flight to Mexico City. Once you arrive here, one of our local staff will welcome you and take you to your accommodation. You will stay in the Pug Seal Allan Poe, located in the attractive Polanco district. The district is chic, sleek and glamorous. It has a mix of modern architecture and classic Spanish colonial buildings. Polanco is located north of Chapultepec Park and just west of the historic centre; home to many of Mexico City's most iconic landmarks.
Accommodation: Pug Seal Allan Poe - Quetzalcoatl | bed & breakfast
Day 2: Mexico City
Today you will be picked up at your hotel to discover the historic centre of the city and the Anthropological Museum. Together with your English speaking private guide you will discover the colonial and revolutionary history. You will visit the metropolitan cathedral, the presidential palace where the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera created a huge mural depicting the history of Mexico. You will be taken along some iconic streets towards the Palacio de Bellas Artes where you can explore the varied architecture. Finally, after lunch you will visit the National Museum of Anthropology, located in the beautiful city park Chapultepec. Here, the anthropological history of Mexico is told from the very beginning. Afterwards you will be brought back to your hotel. The evening is for leisure.
Accommodation: Pug Seal Allan Poe - Quetzalcoatl | bed & breakfast
Day 3: Mexico City
This day is at your leisure, so you can explore Mexico City on your own. On Sunday morning, the main road, the Paseo de la Reforma, is closed to car traffic and the inhabitants of Mexico City can go jogging, cycling and walking. You can also go there by bicycle. At one of the many stalls, bicycles are available from 08.00 in the morning (sometimes a little later if the stall keeper has not yet fully rested). Bicycles are rented free of charge for about 2 hours, after that a small fee will be charged.
Accommodation: Pug Seal Allan Poe - Quetzalcoatl | bed & breakfast
Day 4: Mexico City - Puebla
(approx. 140 km | 3-hour drive)
Today is the day to go out with your rental car. You will drive to your accommodation in Puebla. On the way to Puebla you can make a stop in Cholula. The city with the Popocatépetl volcano in the background will give you a beautiful view when you arrive. In Puebla you will stay at the boutique hotel Casa Reyna, located in the historic centre of the city. It is a small ten-minute walk to the historic centre. The restaurant of this hotel is in the top 25 best restaurants of Mexico.
Accommodation: Hotel Boutique Casa Reyna | bed & breakfast
Day 5: Puebla
On this day, you can get to know the city of the churches. Puebla is surrounded by the Popocatépetl and the Iztaccihuatl volcanoes and snowy mountain peaks and has no less than 70 churches in the historic centre. The city was founded by the Spaniards and to this day many Spanish influences can still be seen, such as colonial architecture and painted ceramics. A good example is the family business Uriarte Talavera. Since 1824 they make various earthenware products. These products are created in a traditional way, almost in the same way as they were created in the 16th century, which in turn resembles the Dutch Delft-blue techniques. And if you are an art lover, you should definitely visit the museum of Baroque art in the city.
Accommodation: Hotel Boutique Casa Reyna | bed & breakfast
Day 6: Puebla - Oaxaca
(approx. 340 km | 5-hour drive)
After breakfast, you drive on to Oaxaca. In Oaxaca, you will stay at Hotel de la Parra, the former residence of the hotel owners. You will receive a warm welcome here and the friendly staff will make you feel at home. You can easily explore the city, as the hotel is located a short distance from the city centre. Thick walls and double glazing form an oasis of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The swimming pool has a rustic feel, with visible brickwork, palm trees, freestanding terracotta chimneys and sun loungers, where you can retreat after a day strolling around the city.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Parra | bed & breakfast
Day 7: Oaxaca
Discover the historic centre of Oaxaca. Surrounded by narrow streets and colonial buildings, it has a lively art and music scene and an abundance of quality restaurants. Oaxaca produces a wide variety of handicrafts and has numerous markets and specialty shops offering unique creations. You can also undertake various activities in the surroundings of Oaxaca. For example, visit the ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla or visit the small picturesque villages in the area.
Accommodation: Hotel de la Parra | bed & breakfast
Day 8: Oaxaca - Puerto Escondido
(approx. 270 km | 7-hour drive)
In the morning you drive south from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido on the Pacific coast. It is a long but very beautiful route. You start at about 1,500 metres above sea level and drive all the way to the coast. Because of this, you will see the landscape change from a mountainous landscape with conifers, to coffee plantations and vast valleys to banana plantations in green, tropical forests. You will stay here at Hotel Escondido, located about a 45-minute drive from the town of Puerto Escondido. Hotel Escondido is an adult-only hotel, consisting of stylish bungalows with a small private pool (plunge pool) and sea views. In addition, the hotel has a 50 metre long outdoor swimming pool. Located on a quiet beach, Hotel Escondido certainly lives up to its name, escondido means hidden in Spanish.
Accommodation: Hotel Escondido | half board (bed, breakfast and dinner)
Day 9: Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido has long been known as a surfers' paradise, especially because of the world famous tunnel waves at Playa Zicatela. But even if you're not so much looking for action and sports, you can stay and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel Escondido | half board (bed, breakfast and dinner)
Day 10: Puerto Escondido - Tehuantepec
(approx. 300 km | 5.5-hour drive)
This day you will drive on to the village of Tehuantepec, an excellent stop to interrupt the long route towards San Cristobal de las Casas.
Accommodation: Calli Hotel | bed & breakfast
Day 11: Tehuantepec - San Cristóbal de las Casas
(approx. 340 km | 5.5-hour drive)
In the morning, get back in your rental car and drive to San Cristóbal de las Casas. Here you will stay at the Hotel BO, where Scandinavian design and Mexican colours meet, and shape a small boutique hotel, in the heart of the city. In the garden, you will find a colourful palette of flowers, where you can retreat after a day on the road.
Accommodation: Hotel BO | bed & breakfast
Day 12: San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas was founded by the Spaniards in 1528 and is named after Bartolomé de las Casas, a cleric who fought for the rights of the indigenous people. A nice town with colonial influences, narrow streets, colourful houses and cosy squares. In the beautiful surroundings of San Cristóbal you can visit the Indian villages of San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán (if required accompanied by a guide). From San Cristóbal there are also various activities to undertake. For example, you can opt for guided mountain bike tours and you can take salsa lessons in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel BO | bed & breakfast
Day 13: San Cristobal de las Casas - Palenque
(approx. 215 km | 5.5-hour drive)
In the morning you continue your trip to Palenque. You will stay here at the Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal, located just 3 kilometres from the archaeological site of Palenque, amidst a lush forest, giving you the feeling of staying in a palace building from the ancient Mayan city. This luxury hotel has an authentic design and is equipped with all modern facilities.
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal | bed & breakfast
Day 14: Palenque
Today you can visit the archaeological site, Palenque. As a site, Palenque is of medium size compared to other archaeological sites of the Maya culture, such as Tikal in Guatemala or Copán in Honduras. However, the finds in Palenque are of great value. The best architecture, sculpture and stucco relief can be found there, so it is not without reason that Palenque is often called the most beautiful and best preserved Mayan site. If you are looking for some cooling you can visit the waterfalls of Misol-Há.
Accommodation: Boutique Hotel Quinta Chanabnal | bed & breakfast
Day 15: Palenque - Campeche
(approx. 360 km | 5.5-hour drive)
After breakfast, you drive on to Campeche. You will stay here in Hacienda Puerta Campeche, a 400 year old hacienda (farmhouse), which is very stylishly decorated. In the afternoon you can explore the city. Campeche has been declared a Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it is definitely worthwhile to stroll or cycle through the old town. The clean streets with colourful houses give the city a Caribbean feel. Around Campeche there are also a number of Mayan ruins of which Edzná is the largest. You can easily book a day tour to the town. Of course you can also choose to rest here and enjoy a nice terrace in the sun of Campeche.
Accommodation: Hacienda Puerta Campeche | bed & breakfast
Day 16: Campeche - Mérida
(approx. 175 km | 3-hour drive)
You will drive to Mérida today. You will stay here in the small hotel Casa Lecanda, with only 7 rooms. This hotel is situated on a quiet street, only two blocks away from the Paseo de Montejo, the main street of the city. This 100-year-old house has been converted into a hotel, with a swimming pool surrounded by elegant white arches and a lush green garden. The arches and lighting in Moroccan style give the building a Moorish almost Kasbah-like feel.
Accommodation: Casa Lecanda | bed & breakfast
Day 17: Mérida
On this day, you can get to know Mérida on your own. Visit the cathedral with its impressive baroque façade. Its construction was completed in 1559, making it the oldest cathedral in Latin America. Next to the cathedral is the Anthropological Museum, where you can visit many remains of the Mayas. Furthermore, the city and its surroundings are perfect for cycling tours. In the historical centre of Mérida you will also find the Paseo de Montejo, this is a boulevard where you will see several colonial buildings that will remind you of the Champs Elysees in Paris. In the central square you will find the elegant Casa Montejo and the famous murals of the Palacio Nacional.
Accommodation: Casa Lecanda | bed & breakfast
Day 18: Mérida - Cancún - Holbox
After breakfast, you will drive to Cancún (approx. 315 km | 4-hour drive), where you will return your rental car. From there you will be brought to the harbour of Chiquilá, (approx. 2.5-hour drive). At the harbour you will be welcomed by a local employee who will take you to your hotel in Holbox. In Holbox, you will travel to your hotel with a golf cart. These golf carts are the local means of transport, as cars are forbidden here. You will stay in Ser Casasandra, a nice hotel to end your journey. Once, this was just a large family house, where the owner had a number of guesthouses so that the whole family could stay there. Now, it is a small luxury hotel, situated directly on the dazzling coastline of Isla Holbox, where you will be completely pampered.
Accommodation: Ser Casasandra | bed & breakfast
Day 19 and 20: Holbox
Days off planned at this lovely place. It is now time to forget the rhythm of everyday life. No to-do lists here, just enjoy the surroundings, the climate and the facilities of the hotel. The Ser Casandra staff will do everything possible to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Accommodation: Ser Casasandra | bed & breakfast
Day 21: Holbox - Cancún - Amsterdam
After breakfast, you will be picked up and taken to Cancún Airport. Here you will board your flight to Amsterdam.
Day 22: Amsterdam
You arrive in Amsterdam today.
Travel sum
From € 6.750,- per person
- Based on 2 persons travelling together
- Depending on the time of booking, availability of accommodation and period of travel
Included:
- 20 nights at a hotel, meals as stated
- 12 days rental car (cat. Toyota RAV4 or similar alternative), from Mexico city with drop-off in Cancun, incl. all-risk insurance, 2 drivers and unlimited mileage.
- all transfers and excursions as mentioned
- 24/7 our backup; locally and in the Netherlands
- Comprehensive travel document package with small attention
Not included:
- international flights, if desired we can reserve these for you
- early check-in / late check-out, based on availability this is sometimes given by the hotel. If you want to be sure you have this, please enquire about the surcharge.
- (Dutch) public contribution Calamity fund; € 2.50,- per booking
- SGR contribution of € 5,- per person per booking
- travel and cancellation insurance
Request travel proposal - For a journey through Mexico
Do you also want to make this trip? Of course, we can arrange the above trip for you, but we are also happy to put together a programme based on your wishes and ideas. Feel free to contact us.Call +31 73 610 62 04, send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or request a tailor-made offer below. We are happy to help.
More inspiration - Read our blogs
-
Central AmeriCar: the final check-up
Central AmeriCar: the final check-up
June 26th, only 3 months left before it starts! For the first time, our expedition-rally Latin AmeriCar will travel through the countries of Central America, a magnificent route that starts in Panama-City and ends in the capital of Mexico.
-
4x to do in Yucatán, Mexico
4x to do in Yucatán, Mexico
The Yucatán Peninsula in south-eastern Mexico is a unique place. You will find archaeological sites and historical cities. In this blog, we will show you what to do in Yucatán.
-
7 special animals in Latin America
7 special animals in Latin America
Latin America is bursting with animal life. With areas such as the Amazon, the Pantanal, the Andean mountains and Esteros del Iberá, there are plenty of opportunities to discover unknown species. We have listed seven of them.
-
Mexico City, Design City
Mexico City, Design City
Mexico City is a source of creativity based on the rich Mexican history. In 2018 the city was design capital of the world. Together with travel journalist Jurriaan Teulings we wrote an article about this and created a unique journey.
-
Mexico a paradise for foodies
Mexico a paradise for foodies
A culinary journey through Mexico is an absolute must for every foodie. The Mexican food culture is just as diverse as the country and its inhabitants. Every region and city has its own dish. Johan preceded you and takes you to the best places.