The Llama Travel Blog

Introducing Magical Yucatán

Written by Hannah

We know it's not possible to get away to a palm-fringed beach lapped by warm waters just yet, but for when it is, we've just launched a fabulous new holiday in tropical Yucatán in Mexico. Long stretches of Caribbean coastline and ancient Mayan ruins are the key ingredients to our brand new Magical Yucatán itinerary which takes you beyond the beaches where 99% of tourists stay. You can swim in cenotes around the 'Lagoon of Seven Colours', cook a show-stopping Mexican feast in Mérida, explore the ancient Mayan wonders of Uxmal, Tulum and Chichén Itzá and unwind on the sparkling white beaches of the Riviera Maya. You can also extend your holiday to swim with whale sharks and soak up the laidback vibe of the car-free paradise of Holbox Island.

Keep reading to find out seven highlights of our brand new Mexico holiday, which starts at £1,849 for 9 days including flights, accommodation, transfers and some excursions.

Swim in the Lagoon of Seven Colours

Bacalar 01

Known by the locals as the “Maldives of Mexico”, the picturesque Bacalar lagoon is famous for having at least seven hues of blue and turquoise water. It shimmers with different hues of blue and green thanks to the limestone sediments which are utilised for therapeutic spa treatments. You can visit the mangroves which serve as a refuge for birds, orchids and bromeliads and discover the cenotes and freshwater corals that feed the lagoon. Activities include snorkelling, diving, kayaking and mangrove boat trips.

Read more about Bacalar here.

Discover Coastal Tulum

Tulum 2

There are few places in the world where you can find a well-preserved archaeological site on a pristine beach with powdery sand and turquoise seas. The beach at Tulum invites you to relax, with its warm waters providing a nesting site for sea turtles.

A guided tour of Tulum is included on our brand new Mexico itineraries.

See a Wonder of the World

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is one of the best known historical sites in the world. Admire the ingenuity of ancient cultures as you take a tour of the awe-inspiring Kukulkan pyramid and surrounding temples, then have lunch in a beautiful hacienda and swim in a nearby cenote.

All our Mexico holidays include a visit to these awe-inspiring ruins. Read more about Chichén Itzá here.

Relax on the glittering Riviera Maya

PLAYA PARAISO 300

One of the main draws of Mexico’s Caribbean Coast is the opportunity to unwind on the glorious beaches. This 130km-long stretch of coastline offers picture-perfect beaches, warm waters, palm trees and Mexican thatched ‘palapas’ which provide welcome shade from the sunshine. For the more active, there is a wealth of nearby attractions including the archaeological site of Coba, cenotes for swimming, birdwatching and a range of water sports.

Spend a few days soaking up the year-round 25-30°C on our Riviera Maya trips.

Cook up a feast in Mérida

05 sharing traditions market tour and cooking class

A trip to Mexico, and in particular Yucatán, isn’t complete without learning to cook a dish or two. The ancient Mayas left a huge legacy on many aspects of daily life in Yucatán, including the cuisine. After picking up fresh ingredients and spices from the local market in Mérida, learn traditional techniques as you cook up a mouth-watering three-course meal.

Learn more about one of Mexico's most beautiful cities here.

Explore lesser-known ruins

Uxmal 2

Spread over 150 acres, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal was one of the Yucatán Peninsula's largest cities, home to over 20,000 Mayans at its peak. Impressive structures include the 35-metre-high Magician Pyramid, the Nunnery Quadrangle and the House of the Turtles.

A guided tour and traditional lunch at Uxmal is included on our Magical Yucatán itinerary.

Soak up the laidback paradise of Holbox Island

Holbox 2

A 30-minute ferry ride from the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, the idyllic car-free Holbox Island is sleepier and more bohemian than the beaches around Cancún. Turquoise waters and white sand beaches are just part of the attraction, as the paradisiacal island is also home to whale sharks, dolphins and flamingos, with excellent snorkelling opportunities too.

Extend your trip to visit the picturesque island of Holbox.

Save up to £600 per couple if you book one of Mexico holidays before the end of February, with a guaranteed refund or option to rebook if we cannot operate your trip.

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