Prepare for an extraordinary cycling adventure through the Yucatan Peninsula that seamlessly blends exploration, history, and cultural immersion. This carefully curated route invites participants to delve into the rich tapestry of Mayan and Spanish heritage. Along the way, you will encounter stunning Spanish missions and historic churches, each with its own story and architectural charm. You will swim in the crystal clear waters of cenotes, natural limestone pools that supply freshwater to the Yucatan. As you ride on, you will explore ancient Mayan ruins like Labná, Sayil, and Kabah and marvel at their intricate carvings, majestic stone arches, and insights into the advanced civilization of the Mayan people. The highlight at Uxmal, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Mexico, will amaze you with its colossal Pyramid of the Magician and the resplendent Governor's Palace. Each location offers a unique window into the region’s spiritual and architectural legacy, creating memories that intertwine history’s depth with the region's vibrant present.
The route includes paved and gravel roads. A gravel bike or mountain bike (ideally with lockout for the paved roads). The route is mostly flat, but there are some hills (on paved roads) as we climb into the Puuc Hills on day 3 (1,200 ft elevation for the day) and then climb up to El Cerro de Muna, which has some steep spots, but it’s not difficult. We will be transferring your luggage each day, so no need for panniers!
Some of the highlights of this tour include:
An immersive visit to a Mayan village where we will experience local crafts, cuisine, and practices.
Visits to stunning 16th century mission churches, most built with the stones of, and on top of, Mayan temples.
We will swim in cenotes with beautiful clear waters, always refreshing during a bike ride through the Yucatan.
The Ruta Puuc, once one of the most densely populated areas of the Yucatan with significant Mayan cities every few miles!
Uxmal, one of the most significant Mayan sites in the Yucatan.
Mérida, jewel of the Yucatan!
If you want to know more about how we created this tour read our blog about it here!
Want to know more? Hear it from your guide.
Itinerary
January 19, 2027 Day 1 - Suggested Arrival to Cancun. While it is possible to fly to Mérida, we suggest arriving in Cancun, typically a cheaper flight from Atlanta. We have rooms booked at a hotel near the airport that has an airport shuttle. On the morning of the 20th we will transfer you, your luggage, and your bike (if you are bringing your own), to Mérida, a 3.5 hour drive.
Day 2 - Transfer to Mérida. We will set off for Mérida at 10am from the hotel for Mérida and should arrive about noon. After lunch we will assemble our bikes unless you have paid the supplement for us to assemble your bike for you. If you are renting you will have the afternoon to relax.
Day 3 - Tecoh or Sabacché to Yunku. 28 miles. We will be transferred to Tecoh, just outside Mérida, to start our journey with a short tour of Tecoh’s mission church. There is also an option that avoids a somewhat difficult gravel section that will start in Sabucché. We will all ride to Telchaquillo for an immersive visit to the village including lunch. Then it’s a short 11-mile ride to cool off in the Cenote Yaluts’iil. Once we dry off we will ride 11 miles to our hotel in Sacalum.
Day 4 - Sacalum to Oxkutzcab. 24 miles. We will bike from Sacalum to Ticul, where we will have a short break and visit to the Franciscan church. From Ticul we will ride a short 11 miles to Mani for lunch and home to one of the more fascinating 16th century Franciscan churches. If we have time we might visit the cenote located in town. Then we have a 7 mile ride to Oxkutzcab.
Day 5 - Oxkutzcab to Santa Elena. 35 miles. This day will be a highlight as we cycle up into the Puuc Hills and visit Sayil and Kabah. The roads are beautiful and the ruins are spectacular. We will picnic at Kabah.
Uxmal
Day 6 - Santa Elena to Yunku. 35 miles. We depart Santa Elena early to travel 9 miles to Uxmal, which is one of the most impressive Mayan ruins on the peninsula. After a guided tour we will head to Muna, 10 miles away. Just before arriving to Muna we will stop at the highest point in the Yucatan! After lunch in Muna we head to Yunku on a mix of gravel and road, about 16 miles.
Day 7 Yunku to Hacienda Sotuta de Péon. 21 miles. Today will include a short ride to the Hacienda Viva Sotuta de Péon where we will visit an operating henequen manufacturer, the industry that once made the Yucatan rich. The tour includes a mule pulled ride on their light rail to a cenote, and a light lunch. We will be transferred from the Hacienda to our hotel in Mérida. (Dinner on your own!)
Day 8 Tour of Mérida. We will be on foot today for half day guided tour of Mérida. (Lunch on your own). We will end the trip with a nice dinner in Mérida!
January 27, 2027 - Day 8 Transfer to Cancun. We will depart early for Cancun to drop you off at the airport.
The Cost
The total cost of the trip is currently estimated to be $2,700 per person, double occupancy. There is a supplement of $1,000 for single occupancy (we can try to match you up with another single, but there is no guarantee we will be able to do so; just let us know when you sign up). The price includes 7 nights lodging, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners plus certain tours mentioned as included above. There is a $175 bike rental supplement if required (we do not have access to decent ebikes in Mexico). Transfer from Cancun airport with return, plus all luggage transfers between hotels while cycling.
Transfer to Cancun Airport will be on January 27 at 7:00am (your flight should leave after 1:00pm). If travelling other times we can assist you in finding transportation to and from Mérida, at your own cost. For more transportation information click here.
The cost of air travel is not included.
A $500 deposit is due upon signup. If fewer than 12 people sign up by November 30th, the deposit will be returned in full. The trip will be limited to 14 clients.
The balance of $2000, plus any applicable bicycle or single occupancy fees, will be due by November 30th, 2026.
Important note about refunds: There will be no refunds after November 30th, 2026. We highly recommend trip insurance in case you should have to cancel.