Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Romance in Mexico Journey Through the Yucatan Peninsula
Mexico – Punta Maroma – Chochola – Xpu Ha
This romantic trip for two is bookended by stays on the beautiful beaches of Punta Maroma and Xpu Ha, where crystal-clear waters, colourful coral reefs, sparkling cenotes and major Mayan sites combine to create a coastline that’s endlessly captivating. As you travel between this pair of pristine beaches, experience the lush rainforest of Chochola, visit the Mayan majesty of Chichen Itza, discover the colonial character of Merida and make a pitstop in pretty Izamal , where the buttercup-tinted walls are the ideal backdrop for a selfie with your favourite person. Add in plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling (along with sundowner cocktails on the sand), and this laid-back Mexican getaway offers the perfect blend of beach bliss and cultural discovery. Just make sure you pack your swimwear.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Your romantic getaway to Mexico begins today with a direct flight from the UK to Cancun, which takes around ten hours. Upon arrival, a private transfer will whisk you off to Punta Maroma, less than an hour away and just north of Playa del Carmen.
Your home for the first three nights of your trip is in easy reach of the beach, so begin your break with some much-needed sun, sea and sand. Spend the evening settling in and savouring the first of many delicious Mexican meals, before heading to bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Your days in Punta Maroma follow a relaxed rhythm; while away the hours on the pristine, palm-fringed beach, where you need little more than a sun lounger, a good book and an expertly crafted cocktail.
If you’re after something a little less sedentary, test out your balance on a paddleboard atop the crystal-clear water or hop in a kayak to venture a little further. Snorkel along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere) for an enchanting glimpse beneath the waves, before returning to dry land in time for dusk.
As the days draw to a close, savour the sunset with a cold drink in hand. After dark, enjoy an easy-going end to the day or embrace Punta Maroma’s more energetic entertainment – early night or nightlife, the choice is yours.
Feeling fully refreshed after two days by the beach, it’s time to say goodbye to Punta Maroma. Your next stop is one of the most famous Mayan sites (and one of Mexico’s best-loved landmarks), Chichen Itza. Accompanied by your private driver and guide, explore this new wonder of the world, including the iconic Pyramid of Kukulcan, an architectural feat dedicated to the Mayan deity of renewal and rebirth. Snap that picture-postcard pyramid shot for your holiday album, before continuing on to Chochola.
Your home for the next three nights is nestled in the rainforest just outside the beautiful village of Chochola. Spend the rest of today settling into your new hotel before enjoying a delicious meal and a laid-back evening in excellent company.
This morning, the charming colonial city of Merida awaits, just 18 miles from Chochola. Join your friendly guide to experience the city like a local, discovering its stories and secrets from someone who knows this place inside out.
Merida is the cultural capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, so there’s plenty to explore in its historic streets. Your guide will tailor your tour to your interests, so whether you want to learn more about lucha libre wrestling (a local passion) or divide your time between pretty plazas and excellent museums, you can make the most of your visit to Merida in a way that suits your style.
Today is yours to spend as you wish. If you fancy a return trip to Merida, we’d recommend visiting the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya for its impressive art and architecture, marvelling at the immense canvases of Fernando Castro Pacheco in the Government Palace or gazing at the great Christ of Unity in the Yucatán Cathedral. For a relaxed approach to the city, simply let yourself get lost in its charming streets as you stroll hand-in-hand.
A short journey north of Merida, explore the Mayan site of Dzibilchaltun, home to the Temple of the Seven Dolls and a cenote perfect for swimming. Alternatively, you could visit Uxmal for a private tour of this impressive 150-acre ancient city.
If you’d prefer a day of downtime, take it easy at the hotel or unwind with a couple’s session in the temazcal, which is a type of Mayan sauna.
Today, you’ll be privately transferred four hours to Xpu Ha for a final bit of beach time. En route, make a pitstop in the so-called ‘Yellow City’ of Izamal, where the walls of the historic centre are all a bright buttercup hue. This Mayan city was occupied by the Spanish, as evidenced by its colonial architecture and the vast Franciscan monastery dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua (also painted a sunny shade of yellow).
Arriving in Xpu Ha, settle in for two nights at your hotel on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, where gently lapping waves and musical birdsong will be the soundtrack to your stay.
It’s only right that your romantic trip to Mexico ends as it started: on the beach. Today is all about the sea – lounging beside it or dipping into it (or perhaps a little of both). On the sand, plush beachside cabanas offer a shady place to snooze, while the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are perfect for another snorkelling trip or some more of your favourite watersports. Beyond the beach, you could visit the seaside ruins of Tulum or find another cenote for one final surreal swim among rugged rock and lush jungle.
It’s time to leave paradise behind today and begin your journey home. After a farewell stroll along the sand, you’ll be privately transferred to Cancun Airport (just over an hour away) for your direct nine-hour flight home. Travelling overnight, you’ll land back in the UK the following day – relaxed, refreshed, and perhaps ready to plan your next romantic getaway.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
SAILING IN PUNTA MAROMA
During your time in Punta Maroma, set sail on the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea aboard your choice of yacht or catamaran. Admire the stunning coastline from the water, stopping from time to time to swim and snorkel among the vibrant coral reef, and discover hidden beaches that are perfectly paradise-like. Along with postcard-perfect views and a fresh sea breeze, this four-hour trip also includes delicious food and drink – does it get any better than this?A PRIVATE TOUR OF UXMAL
Take a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Uxmal, one of the most evocative ancient Mayan cities. The well-preserved and restored Puuc-style buildings make it easy to imagine what the city was like at its peak, and the Governor's Palace, the Pyramid of the Magician, and the Nunnery complex are all among the masterpieces of pre-Hispanic architecture that you’ll explore alongside your knowledgeable guide.
Why visit Mexico with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to Mexico
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
