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Doha to Yucatán: Mérida, Chichén Itzá and Valladolid

Doha → Mérida, Yucatán → Chichén Itzá → Valladolid

Chichén Itzá
"Chichen_Itza_3.jpg" by Daniel Schwen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence
Collage Merida Yucatan (Merida)
Photo: the above mentioned, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Maya ruins, cenotes & colonial towns Best season (general guide): Nov–Mar

The Yucatán Peninsula has more to offer than the beaches of Cancún. This route spends six nights in the colonial city of Mérida, at the ruins of Chichén Itzá and in the town of Valladolid. From Doha you'll connect through a US hub or Mexico City.

How to pace it: Spend days one to three in Mérida, Yucatán: day one, the main square; day two, Paseo de Montejo and the museums; day three, Uxmal day trip. Then spend day four in Chichén Itzá: travel to Chichén Itzá, then the ruins. Then spend days five and six in Valladolid: day five, early ruins, then Valladolid; day six, cenotes and Ek Balam.

Mérida is the capital of Yucatán state, with a large main square, a sixteenth-century cathedral and a grand avenue, the Paseo de Montejo, lined with mansions. Yucatecan food, such as cochinita pibil, is a highlight. Uxmal, another Maya site listed by UNESCO, is an easy day trip.

Chichén Itzá was one of the largest Maya cities, and UNESCO lists it. Its stepped pyramid, El Castillo, dominates a wide plaza. Staying nearby lets you arrive at opening time, before the tour buses.

Valladolid is a quieter colonial town with pastel houses and a convent. The region is dotted with cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, where you can swim. The ruins of Ek Balam, north of town, have a carved temple entrance.

November to March is the most comfortable time, with less rain and heat. The hurricane season runs from June to November.

In Mérida, Sunday brings the city centre to life, with streets closed to cars and dancing in the squares. In Valladolid, the colourful streets around the convent are pleasant for an evening walk.

Good to know: A hire car is the easiest way to get around, but buses link the three towns. Carry water and sun protection at the ruins, as there is little shade. Use biodegradable sunscreen, or none, before swimming in cenotes.

Suggested outline

  1. Doha

    Start

  2. Mérida, Yucatán

    By air · 3 nights suggested

    Colonial capital of Yucatán, with the Paseo de Montejo and day trips to Uxmal.

    Mérida Cathedral, Yucatán
    "Catedral de Mérida (San Ildefonso) Mérida, Yucatán, México - 4.jpg" by Catedrales e Iglesias/Cathedrals and Churches, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

  3. Chichén Itzá

    Overland · 1 night suggested

    The great Maya city, seen early before the crowds arrive.

  4. Valladolid

    Overland · 2 nights suggested

    A small colonial town with cenotes to swim in and the ruins of Ek Balam nearby.

    Valladolid
    "Ciudad_de_Valladolid,_desde_el_aire_edited.jpg" by User:Queninosta, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons· licence

Day by day

  1. Day 1 · Mérida, Yucatán — Arrive; the main square· Doha → Mérida, Yucatán (by air) — long-haul; may arrive the next calendar day
  2. Day 2 · Mérida, Yucatán — Paseo de Montejo and the museums
  3. Day 3 · Mérida, Yucatán — Uxmal day trip
  4. Day 4 · Chichén Itzá — To Chichén Itzá; the ruins· Mérida, Yucatán → Chichén Itzá (overland)
  5. Day 5 · Valladolid — Early ruins, then Valladolid· Chichén Itzá → Valladolid (overland)
  6. Day 6 · Valladolid — Cenotes and Ek Balam
  7. Day 7 · Valladolid — Travel home from Valladolid· Valladolid → Mérida (overland), then Mérida → Doha (by air)

A suggested pace only; expedition days are set by the operator.

Flights, leg by leg

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Mérida, Yucatán

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Chichén Itzá

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