11-Day Sober Mexico Tour: Yucatán & Palenque on Tren Maya 2027

This tour begins at the Tren Maya Station near Cancún International Airport, where your guides will meet you and kick off the adventure. From there, we’ll hop on the train for a smooth 1-hour ride to Valladolid, a small and peaceful colonial city full of charm and color. After settling in, we’ll head out for an afternoon walking tour to get oriented, explore the historic streets, and enjoy our first taste of local Yucatán culture. Nights one and two will be spent in Valladolid at a comfortable hotel or Airbnb

We’ll explore the surrounding area by bicycle, riding along a safe and scenic bike path that connects several of the region’s most beautiful cenotes — natural subterranean swimming holes unique to the Yucatán. We’ll stop along the way to swim, relax, and soak in these magical freshwater pools before returning to Valladolid for another laid-back evening in town.

Day Three takes us to one of the most iconic sites in the world: Chichén-Itzá. We’ll take a short train ride to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, where a local guide will bring the ancient Mayan city to life. After exploring the temples, pyramids, and sacred grounds, we’ll spend the night nearby so we can fully take in the energy of this incredible place without rushing.

We board the Tren Maya for a comfortable journey (about 4 hours) to Mérida, the cultural heart of the Yucatán. This vibrant and very safe colonial city is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and amazing food scene. In the afternoon, we’ll head out on a guided walking tour to explore Mérida’s plazas, markets, and historic center.

Day Five features a morning trip to the stunning pyramid ruins of Uxmal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive Mayan archaeological zones in Mexico. With a local guide, we’ll explore its intricate stonework, massive pyramids, and unique Puuc-style architecture. We’ll return to Mérida in the afternoon with plenty of time to enjoy the city — whether that means trying local cuisine, shopping, or just relaxing in one of the many beautiful plazas.

We continue west by train to the coastal city of Campeche (about 4 hours). Campeche is a colorful, laid-back city with a fascinating pirate history and one of the most picturesque historic centers in Mexico, surrounded by old protective walls and painted in pastel hues. After arriving, you’ll have the option to explore the city on a guided trolley tour or visit the nearby botanical gardens, known for their impressive collection of tropical plants and palms.

Day Seven is a slower-paced day based in Campeche. In the morning, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby Edzná archaeological site — a lesser-visited but highly impressive pyramid complex that offers a more peaceful and immersive experience compared to larger sites. We’ll return to Campeche by midday, leaving the afternoon free to enjoy the waterfront malecón, relax, or continue exploring the city.

We head deep into the jungle as we take the Tren Maya south to Palenque (about 4 hours), located in the lush state of Chiapas. After arriving in the afternoon, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in. The landscape here becomes greener, more tropical, and truly magical. Palenque town has a relaxed vibe with great local food, small shops, and plenty of spots to unwind.

Day Nine is one of the highlights of the entire trip. We’ll visit the incredible ruins of Palenque, set deep in the jungle and surrounded by towering trees, howler monkeys, and tropical birds. With a local guide, we’ll explore this ancient Mayan city, visit the site museum, and take a jungle walk to fully experience the beauty and mystery of the area. This is our personal favorite archaeological site in all of Mexico.

We’ll venture out on a nature excursion to some of the region’s most spectacular turquoise waterfalls and swimming holes, such as Agua Azul or Roberto Barrios. These cascading pools are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen — perfect for swimming, relaxing, and taking in the natural beauty of Chiapas. After the tour, we’ll begin our journey back north.

On the final day of our awesome sober Mexico tour, we return to Cancún via the Tren Maya for airport drop-offs. From here, you’re welcome to head home or continue your adventure with some extra beach time. It’s been an incredible journey through some of Mexico’s most magical places, and we hope to see you on another adventure very soon!