¡El Tour
Budget Bicycle Tours in Mexico
www.BikeMexico.com
The Complete Archive · 2000–2020
Haciendas, Cenotes & Ruins 2007
Season 2006–2007 · all tours that season
Colonial Mérida to Valladolid. This is a REGULAR difficulty tour. We will enjoy the beautiful colonial architecture of several towns on this tour including Mérida, Izamal and Valladolid. Mayan ruins that we visit include the famous Chichén-Iztá, Uxmal and several others including more in the Puuc hills. There are caves including Lol-Tun, and cenotes. A cenote is an opening to the immense underground lake and river system of the Yucatan; each one is spectacular and unique.
| Dates: | Sat Jan 27, 2007 to Sat Feb 3, 2007 (1 week - 5 cycling days) |
| Distances: | Average/day: 77km Maximum/day: 118km Total Approx: 384km |
| Route Type: | REGULARRegular DifficultyA good level of fitness is required. Distances average around 50 - 80 km per day (depending on hills), and are always less than 120 km. Roads range from flat to very hilly. We may climb up to 1500 metres on a hard day.WeatherThe Weather: Yucatan PeninsulaThe Yucatan's best weather is during our winter months. From November till March the temperature hovers in the mid 20's to the mid 30's (celcius) with sunny clear skies. Humidity levels can be high as we head inland but a warm steady breeze and the occasional but rare tropical thunderstorm will keep you feeling refreshed.RoadThe Road: Yucatan PeninsulaThe Yucatan's roads are considered the finest in Mexico. They are generally in excellent condition with even, paved surfaces. Some stretches of our route also include a paved shoulder. The route meanders along flat terrain with the occasional rolling section. In most places traffic is light to non-existent. Depending on the time of day, roads may be busy near towns such as Cancun, Valladolid and Merida, however drivers are generally respectful of cyclists and will give you as much room as possible.LandThe Land: Yucatan PeninsulaThe Yucatan peninsula at the south eastern tip of Mexico is comprised of three states, Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. The peninsula is a massive, flat carbonate - limestone shelf formed by prehistoric high sea levels. Too porous to support a river system, fresh water accumulates underground forming an extensive subterranean river network. Where the erosive process has broken through the earth's surface, cenotes (se-no-tes; limestone sinkholes or pools) have formed. Erosion has also formed numerous caves, some of them enormous and accessible to tourists. The peninsula's landscape is covered by thorn forest in the north and rain jungle in the south. |
| Highlights: | Real Mexican-Yucatecan culture. Small towns, quiet roads, ex-haciendas, cenotes, caves, Mayan ruins. M�rida; bustling city, colonial architecture, art, food, markets. |
The Route
Itinerary
Itineraries were always subject to minor changes.
WhenWhereDistanceHighlights
Day 0Meet in Mérida-Yucatan cuisine, Murals, Colonial Architecture, market
Day 1Mérida to Ticul83 kmPicturesque Towns, Mayan villages, quiet roads, ex-haciendas, cenotes, Uxmal Mayan ruins
Day 2Ticul to Oxcutzcab (via ruta Puuc Mayan ruins & Loltún cave)67 kmRolling, hilly roads. Spectacular Mayan ruins and caves
Day 3Oxcutzcab to Izamal118 kmQuiet roads, no tourists, cenotes
Day 4Izamal-Massive pyramid, Convent, Zocalo, Market... The BEST tacos in Mexico! Optional sidetrip.
Day 5Izamal to Pisté (via Stilpech, Tunkas and Dzitas)71 kmCenotes, quiet roads, small towns
Day 6Pisté to Valladolid45 kmChichén-Itzá ruins, caves, cenotes, colonial town
Day 7Bus or van back to Mérida-Yucatan cuisine, Murals, Colonial Architecture, market
What it cost that season
| Guides' Fee | + Accommodations | + Food & Drink | + Misc. | = Approx. Total Land Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $380 | $110 | $95 | $120 | $705 |
All figures in US dollars, as published at the time. Riders paid their own accommodation, food and entrance fees on the road — the Guides' Fee was the only charge from ¡El Tour. Full history: price of Haciendas, Cenotes & Ruins through the years.
Photo Album
