Best of Calakmul

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Calakmul

Hidden deep in the tropical rainforests of Campeche, the ruins of Calakmul offer an awe-inspiring glimpse of the ancient Mayan civilization. Over 6,000 structures of this once mighty town (home to over 50,000 people) lie buried in the jungle, and its towering pyramid is the largest structure ever discovered in the Mayan world. Nature is an equally grand part of the equation on a visit to Calakmul, with the opportunity to see over 350 bird species and myriad other living creatures in the pristine biosphere reserve that surrounds the archaeological site.

Previous kimkim travelers have gained a deeper understanding of the area’s ecological significance on guided hikes to yet unexplored Mayan ruins in the rainforest. For the most adventurous travelers, nothing quite compares with an overnight camping experience in the jungle with the opportunity to see howler monkeys in their natural habitat. Indigenous pride runs strong in Campeche, and talented local artisans run workshops where you can learn firsthand the intricacies of stone carving, hammock-knitting, woodcarving and other arts.

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See the turquoise waters of Laguna Bacalar by sailboat

Best of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Cities, Culture & Coast - 14 Days

With two weeks to spare, you can discover Yucatán's white-sand beaches, ancient Maya ruins, and colorful colonial cities at a relaxed pace. This adventurous itinerary takes you counter-clockwise around the peninsula from Valladolid to Tulum, checking off the region's many UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, nature reserves, and historic centers along the way. Highlights include snorkeling off Isla Holbox, sampling regional gastronomy in Mérida, and climbing the Maya pyramid at Calakmul.

Highlights of Chiapas and Quintana Roo - 14 Days

Take in the views from atop ancient Mayan pyramids and underneath waterfalls with this two-week trip through some of the region's top spots. You'll wander through complex Mayan ruins, along turquoise shores, and into jungles as you learn about Mexican history and ecosystems.

Board a "trajinera" and cruise historic canals in the capital's neighborhood of Xochimilco

Discover Mexico from the Capital to the Beach: Palenque, Nahá, Calakmul & Bacalar - 15 Days

Get to the heart of Mexico's rich culture over 15 days, which will take you from the Spanish colonial plazas of the capital to the Caribbean beaches of the Yucatán Peninsula. It begins in Mexico City, where you'll visit museums, enjoy delicious street food, and tour historic enclaves like Coyoacán. Then immerse yourself in the Indigenous culture and ancient ruins of beautiful regions like Chiapas before finishing the trip by sailing around the lagoons of the Yucatán.

Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 18 Days

Take eighteen relaxing days to drive through the Yucatan Peninsula as you explore the best that Mexico has to offer: colonial cities, indigenous communities, white-sand beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Start the trip in Tulum for a dip into a turquoise cenote, then head to Bacalar for a sail on the lagoon. End in Valladolid and Holbox Island for sunrise at Chichen Itza and a couple days on the beach.

Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 17 Days

Seventeen days is enough time to see the Yucatan's highlights while leaving enough time for a couple of free days to walk around town and relax on the beach. Go sailing on the Bacalar Lagoon, visit indigenous communities to learn about traditional gum and corn production, and visit the UNESCO-designated Calakmul ruins.

Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 19 Days

Drive from city to beach on this nineteen-day immersive trip through the Yucatan Peninsula. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, you'll explore the best that the region has to offer. Tour historic sites, sample local fare, relax on beaches, and more as you make your way through the jungles and roads of the area.

Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 20 Days

Spend twenty days on a road trip through the Yucatan as you explore everything from ancient ruins to colonial cities. Go swimming in turquoise cenotes, head underground to visit Xibalba — the Mayan Underworld, and sail on the Bacalar Lagoon. With top stops including Chichen Itza and some of Mexico's best beaches, there's no shortage of adventure.

Explore the Mayan World: Tulum, Chichen Itza, Valladolid, Holbox Island, & More - 21 Days

Fully immerse yourself into Mexican history and culture on this comprehensive three-week trip. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, this trip covers millennia of history and leaves room for relaxation and food. End the trip on Holbox Island for some of Mexico's loveliest beaches and plenty of sunshine

Other popular travel destinations in Mexico
Yucatán Peninsula · Mexico City · Valladolid · Oaxaca · Tulum · Mérida · Holbox · Puerto Morelos · Chiapas · San Cristobal de las Casas · Puebla · Playa del Carmen · Cholula · Palenque · Bacalar · Campeche · Cancún · Chunhuhub · Uxmal · San Miguel de Allende · Guadalajara · Guanajuato · La Paz · Morelia · Querétaro · Cabo San Lucas · Pisté · Los Cabos

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