12 days in Merida, Bacalar & Holbox Island Itinerary

Yucatan's busy capital, Merida remains a mid-sized urban center offering an impressive list of cultural activities, eclectic nightlife, and a chance to see tropical examples of French and Italian architecture.

Get some historical perspective at Chichen Itza and Mayapan Archaeological Zone. Do some cultural sightseeing at Uxmal and Cenote Hubiku. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Merida: Cenote Ik kil (in Chichen Itza) and Cenote Yokdzonot (in Yokdzonot). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Merida Cathedral, kick back and relax at Celestun, and explore the ancient world of Dzibilchaltún.

To see where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Merida vacation planner.

Washington DC, USA to Merida is an approximately 9-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. Plan for warmer temperatures traveling from Washington DC in March, with highs in Merida at 93°F and lows at 69°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Bacalar.

Bacalar is the municipal seat and largest city in Bacalar Municipality (until 2011 a part of Othón P. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Zona Arqueológica de Xpuhil and Pyramid of the Masks. Escape the urban bustle at Lake Bacalar and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Change things up with these side-trips from Bacalar: Mahahual (Costa Maya Port & Maya Chan Beach) and Zona Arqueologica De Chaachoben (in Chacchoben). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Fuerte de San Felipe.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Bacalar route planner.

Drive from Merida to Bacalar in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In March, daily temperatures in Bacalar can reach 90°F, while at night they dip to 70°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can travel to Holbox Island.

On the 23rd (Mon), kick back and relax at Punta Coco Beach and then add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour. Keep things going the next day: stroll through Refugio Holbox, then explore the activities along Yalahau Lagoon, then step off the mainland to explore Holbox Island, and finally take in the exciting artwork at La Choza de Fito.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Holbox Island road trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Bacalar to Holbox Island. Traveling from Bacalar in March, expect nights in Holbox Island to be about the same, around 70°F, while days are little chillier, around 82°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.