Cycle Mexico - The Yucatan Peninsula

Our journey begins in Playa del Carmen. Located on the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town known for coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches. There is a good range of international flight options into nearby Cancun. The Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7.30pm for the welcome meeting followed by the chance to go out for dinner for those interested. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you will need to arrive into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is 45 minutes away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

This morning we catch a ferry for the short journey across to Cozumel Island where we start today's ride. Each year the island hosts an 'iron man' event and we plan to cycle a similar route at a much more sedate pace! You will have time firstly to familiarise yourself with your bike and make any necessary adjustments. Once everybody is comfortable we will start our route, with the first 15km on paved road as we cross the island from west to east where we will try to stop for a fresh coconut water at a bar on the beach. We cycle with the sea by our side as we make our way down the island. Our final kilometres brings us to the Bob Marley bar and museum where we can relax in hammocks and have a swim. We return to the ferry port by vehicle with the option to cycle if timings and daylight allow. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres (flat, paved roads) with an optional additional 30 km.

Early this morning we leave Playa del Carmen and drive inland (2 hours) to Chichen Itza. Founded in AD432 and conquered by the Toltecs in the 10th century, the culture of the Maya and the Toltec gradually fused. Chichen Itza is one of the most outstanding archaeological sites in the Americas and we visit the site with a local guide before enjoying some free time to explore further. Founded in AD432 the city is believed to have reached its zenith during the Terminal Classic Period (800-1000AD) and remarkable sculptures adorn the pyramids, palaces, temples and ball court (where death was the penalty for defeat). We drive a short distance to Ik Kill Cenote where we have free time to enjoy a refreshing swim and lunch (not included). Cenotes are natural pools formed in limestone and used by the ancient Mayan culture as a source of fresh water. Finally we drive (1.5hrs) to Merida and commence our introduction by bike on a 10km cycle around the city. Please note that depending on arrival time and sunset hours, it may be better to move this ride to the early morning of day 5 - your tour leader will advise. Famed for its beautiful Spanish-Moorish style architecture, Merida was founded in 1542 by Francisco de Montejo and the city was built over the ruins of a Mayan city. Trade with Europe during the Spanish colonial rule brought the city great wealth that is now reflected in the many grand mansions, churches and plazas that lend the city a faded elegance and more of a European feel than elsewhere in Mexico. Merida is now the capital of the state of Yucatan and is also known as the 'White City'. Our total cycling distance today is approximately 10 kilometres (flat, paved roads).