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Mérida & the Northwest

7-Day Self-Drive Yucatán Road Trip

Our 7-Day Self-Drive Yucatán Road Trip follows a tested rhythm of mornings at the sights and easy afternoons. Seven days of self-driving with a planned route, hotels and daily notes. You drive yourself; we help with the itinerary and hotels. Rental cars are booked separately, and we can help with guidance on rental options. Request a quote and we will tailor the details.

7-Day Self-Drive Yucatán Road Trip at a glance

Seven days of self-driving with a planned route, hotels and daily notes. You drive yourself; we help with the itinerary and hotels. Rental cars are booked separately, and we can help with guidance on rental options.

The route uses 2 nights in Mérida, 2 nights in Valladolid, 1 night at a small hotel near Uxmal, 1 night in Campeche. You do the driving, and your guide adds context at the main sights. Travelers planning 7-day self-drive Yucatán road trip package usually want this balance of sights and downtime.

Day-by-day itinerary

This is a sample day-by-day plan.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Mérida and pick up your car. Overnight in Mérida.
  • Day 2: Mérida to Izamal (about 1 hour 15 minutes), Chichén Itzá, then Valladolid. Overnight in Valladolid.
  • Day 3: Ek Balam, cenotes and Valladolid on foot. Overnight in Valladolid.
  • Day 4: Valladolid to Mérida (about 2 hours). Free afternoon. Overnight in Mérida.
  • Day 5: Mérida to Uxmal (about 1 hour 15 minutes), then Puuc sites. Overnight near Uxmal.
  • Day 6: Uxmal area to Campeche (about 3 hours). Overnight in Campeche.
  • Day 7: Campeche to Mérida (about 2 hours 30 minutes), and return the car.

What's included

Planning, hotel reservations, a route book and daily notes are included. A rental car is booked separately by you.

  • Hotel reservations for each night, with breakfast where listed
  • Route notes, daily timing and drive times
  • Pickup and drop-off at the start and end points arranged on request
  • Help with the car-rental choice and pickup details

Hotels

  • Mérida: Restored colonial houses and boutique hotels in the Centro Histórico, larger hotels along Paseo de Montejo, and quiet courtyard stays in neighborhoods such as Santiago or Santa Lucía
  • Valladolid: Small courtyard hotels and posadas around the Centro Histórico, many with pools, plus a few cenote-side properties on the edge of town
  • Uxmal area: Small hotels and lodges along Highway 261 close to Uxmal and in Santa Elena, usually with pools and gardens; choice is limited, so rooms are booked early
  • Campeche: Restored colonial mansions turned boutique hotels inside the walled center, plus larger hotels along the Malecón

Prices & dates

Typical prices for the 7-Day Self-Drive Yucatán Road Trip run from about $660 to $1050 per person, with two sharing a room and mid-range hotels. Departures are arranged on dates you choose.

OptionTypical price (USD per person)
Two sharing, mid-range hotelsabout $660 to $1050
Two sharing, upscale hotelsabout $920 to $1580
Solo travelerTypically more per person; ask for a quote
Groups of 4 or moreTypically lower per person; ask for a quote

Customize this tour

The 7-Day Self-Drive Yucatán Road Trip is a starting point.

Common changes include:

  • Add a driver for one day
  • Skip Campeche
  • Add Celestún
  • Reverse the route

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FAQs

How much does the 7-Day Self-Drive Yucatán Road Trip cost?

Typical prices are about $660 to $1050 per person with two sharing, depending on hotels and season. Request a quote for your dates.

Can the tour start or end in Cancún or Mérida?

Yes. We can start or finish in either city, or at an airport, and adjust the route accordingly.

Can we change the itinerary?

Yes. The plan is a starting point, and you can add, drop or reorder stops.

Is it safe to drive in Yucatán?

Main toll roads are in good condition. Watch for speed bumps (topes) in towns, avoid driving at night and carry cash for tolls.

When is the best time to go?

The dry season, from about November to April, is more comfortable. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms.

Want this trip planned for you?

Tell us your dates, group size and where you are staying. We check availability with local guides and send back a price.

Request a quote