Mexico - Yucatán Experience

Caribbean water, white sand, and you've arrived. Cancún is close to the airport and an easy place to ease into Mexico. Want to explore like a local? Browse the boutiques and stalls at Market 28, Plaza Las Americas and Puerto Cancún. In the evening, meet your new travel friends at our welcome dinner, with a few cervezas by the pool or on the beach. Salud.

Time to recharge on Isla Holbox: no cars, seriously beautiful beaches, funky beach bars with live music and zero stress. Jump in and explore the tropical marine life, or stretch out in a sea hammock and let the day drift by. If you need us, we'll be in the hammocks. Just hanging out. Our Yucatán adventure picks up again tomorrow.

After a lie-in, we hop on a boat. First, Bird Island, home to birds you'll find only here. Then the Eye of the Water, a turquoise freshwater cenote in the mangroves just metres from the sea. Finally, Passion Island and its flocks of pink flamingos. Sail back with a beer at sunset and, with luck, glowing bioluminescence after dark.

Today you meet a wonder of the world. We leave Holbox early for Chichen Itza and a guided tour through Mayan history. Then we swim in the turquoise water of Cenote Yokdzonot, one of the Yucatán's most incredible natural pools. We reach Merida in the early evening and finish with an orientation walk through its colourful colonial streets.

We head just outside Mérida to cycle between three cenotes, swimming as we go, and stop for a home-cooked lunch with a local Mayan family. Back in town, rest up for a few hours. Then it's cycling shoes off, dancing shoes on: a Mexican feast of tacos and burritos, tequila and mezcal tasting, and salsa at one of Mérida's live music bars.

This morning we wave goodbye to Merida and make the journey to Bacalar, arriving in the late afternoon. It's a longer day on the road, but the reward is worth it. We head straight to Bacalar Lagoon and its impossibly clear blue water to swim, chill and watch the sunset with a cold beer if you fancy it.

Another lagoon? Absolutely, because this one shimmers in seven shades. Clear water over white sand turns it turquoise, blue and deep indigo, though we're happy to call it magic. We cruise the lagoon by boat, stopping at several spots along the way to swim, cool off and grab photos, with a lunch stop too.

Next up, Tulum, the trendy beachside town everyone talks about. After the journey, spend the afternoon exploring the town and finding your favourite corners. Once you've relaxed, we head into town for dinner and drinks with the rest of the group. Cheers to that.

Take the morning slowly and recharge. In the afternoon, we cycle to the beaches of Tulum, where the bluest water and whitest sand make a ridiculous backdrop for photos. Then it's a refreshing dip and a cocktail or two at one of the beach lounges. This is the life.

We do love a beach, so we're finishing in Playa del Carmen, a lively resort town on the sand. Spend the day shopping for souvenirs, treating yourself or topping up your tan on the beach. In the evening, we gather for our farewell dinner and drinks. Make it a night to remember, tequila sunrises optional.

Day 11 already? Time flies. You're leaving with memories and friends made for life, which means you'll just have to come back. If your adventure keeps going, your Local Legend is happy to help with onward travel. If you're homebound, don't be a stranger. Stay epic, crew, it's been a dream.