Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable journey across three countries with the Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip! Starting in Cancun, Mexico, this road trip is approximately 2080 km, and takes about 21 days to complete. The best time to travel is during the dry season (November - May) to get the most out of your experience. Along the way, you will see historical sites, incredible landscapes, and UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The roads are generally in good condition, but there are some narrow roads along the route, so be aware. The best part about this journey is that it's suitable for every driver and can be managed with a moderate budget, so you can get the most out of your experience. You will be able to experience the unique culture of Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don't miss your chance to explore these countries, and take part in the Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip!
21
number of days
2,078 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Cancun
Distance 2,078 km
Driving time 32.9 h
Pace: fast
623.5 kWh
Airports
CUN
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CZM
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Cancun, Mexico is the perfect starting point for the "Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip". Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun has so much to offer. From the pristine beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to the lush jungle and ancient Mayan ruins, there's something for everyone.
For travelers arriving by air, Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the closest international airport. Car rentals are available at the airport, allowing travelers to begin their road trip right away.
Cancun is home to some of the most interesting sights in Mexico. Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take a dip in the natural pools of Cenote Ik Kil, or explore the jungle on a guided tour. There are also plenty of beaches to explore, such as Playa Delfines and Isla Mujeres.
No matter what you choose to do, Cancun is the perfect starting point for the "Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip". With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and abundance of activities, Cancun is sure to provide the perfect beginning to your journey.
1
Cancun
- Valladolid
Distance 176 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
52.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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If you’re looking for an exciting road trip, look no further than the journey from Cancun to Valladolid. This 176km/1.5 hour route takes you through some of Mexico’s most beautiful countryside, with plenty of opportunities to explore along the way. Start your journey at the stunning beaches of Cancun, where you can spend the morning soaking up the sun. Then, it’s on to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. After that, you’ll pass through the jungle of Coba before arriving in Valladolid. Here, you can explore the city’s colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning natural beauty. And don’t forget to check out the impressive cenotes, or underground pools, located just outside of town. As you travel, keep an eye out for the many historical sites along the way, including the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. So, if you’re ready for an adventure, grab your car and hit the road from Cancun to Valladolid! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage.
Valladolid - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - Pikist
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2
Valladolid
- Mérida
Distance 163 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
48.9 kWh
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Embark on a fascinating road trip from Valladolid to Mérida, an enchanting journey of 163km that can be traversed in fewer than two hours. As you drive, you will come across some of the most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Chichen Itza archaeological site and the Uxmal archaeological site. These sites are incredible reminders of the Mayan civilization. As you drive, you will be mesmerized by the beautiful scenery and the rolling hills that provide a panoramic view of the Yucatan Peninsula. Additionally, you can stop at cenotes like the Dzitnup cenote which will give you a unique opportunity to explore the underground caves and swim in the crystal clear waters. Finally, Mérida awaits you with its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please visit the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Mérida - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Mérida
- Uxmal
Distance 80 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
23.9 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Mérida to Uxmal, two of the most amazing places to visit in Mexico! This 80 km route will take less than two hours of driving, and is one of the most interesting and rewarding journeys you can take in the Yucatan peninsula. Along the way, you will encounter some of the most remarkable historical sites in the region, some of which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Be sure to take a few moments to admire the breathtaking views as you drive through the majestic landscapes of the Yucatan state.
When you reach Uxmal, you will find yourself in the midst of one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Mexico. Here, you will discover the ancient Mayan architecture, the majestic pyramids and the amazing temples that tell the story of this ancient civilization. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" section of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Uxmal - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Uxmal
- Campeche
Distance 157 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
47.0 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Uxmal to Campeche, and explore the wonders of the Yucatán Peninsula! This 157km journey will take less than three hours, and there are plenty of sites to see along the way. Make sure to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Uxmal to get a glimpse of the ancient Mayan city’s grandeur. On your drive, take in the scenic views of the region’s lush, tropical forests. Don’t forget to take a stop at the 19th century Hacienda Yaxcopoil and explore the sprawling estate. Finally, arrive in Campeche and explore the well preserved 16th century walled city. Visit the majestic Fuerte de San Miguel, and explore the numerous historical sites in the city. For further information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Now hop in the car and get ready for an amazing experience!
Campeche - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Campeche
- Palenque
Distance 361 km
Driving time 5.1 h
Pace: fast
108.3 kWh
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Embark on an exhilarating road trip from Campeche to Palenque and discover the beauty of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula! On the way, enjoy the picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and scenic roads. This 362 km journey should take no more than five hours, plenty of time to explore the wonders along the way.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Campeche is a must-see! With its walled city and colorful colonial buildings, this vibrant city is full of history and culture. Don't miss the Fuerte de San Miguel, a fortress built in 1686 to protect the city from pirates!
As you continue your journey, you will come across the San Miguelito archaeological site, where you can explore the ancient Mayan ruins. Next, you will come across the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, a tropical forest home to a variety of wildlife.
Your final stop is Palenque, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can explore the ancient Mayan ruins, temples, and pyramids. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Palenque Archaeological Site, one of the most important Mayan cities of the Classic period.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip from Campeche to Palenque!
Palenque - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Palenque
- Yaxchilan
Distance 139 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: modest
36.1 kWh
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Are you looking for an exciting road-trip experience? Look no further than the Palenque-Yaxchilan route! At just 139km and fewer than 4 hours of driving, this route is perfect for a quick road-trip. Along the way, you'll be able to experience a range of historical sites and picturesque landscapes. Take in the beauty of the forests and the scenic road that winds its way through this route. You'll even get to see some UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. But be aware that some sections of the road are quite narrow. Make sure to pay attention while driving. Enjoy the journey and the sights along the way and don't forget to take some pictures for your memories! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check our Itinerary for this stage. Bon voyage!
Yaxchilan - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Yaxchilan
- Flores
Distance 173 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: modest
45.0 kWh
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Ready to explore the Maya world? Set your journey from Yaxchilan, Mexico to Flores, Guatemala, a 173 km drive that will take you fewer than 5 hours! You will cross the state border, so make sure you have all your documents ready. On the way, you will find plenty of interesting sights, including historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and a scenic road with some narrow sections. Make sure to take plenty of pictures and enjoy the local cuisine. For more detailed information about attractions, accommodations, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the itinerary of this stage. Have a great time exploring the Maya world!
Flores - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
Flores - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - Flickr
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8
Flores
- Tikal
Distance 64 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: modest
16.7 kWh
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Take the road trip from Flores to Tikal, Guatemala! This 64 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete. On the way you will pass through some beautiful landscapes and picturesque roads. Along the route you will find some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so be sure to take a few moments to admire them. Keep in mind that in some sections the roads can be a bit narrow, so pay attention to the traffic. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so be sure to check out the "Itinerary" for this stage to find out more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Tikal - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - - Wikimedia Commons
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9
Tikal
- Belize City
Distance 225 km
Driving time 4.1 h
Pace: modest
58.5 kWh
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Embark on a 225 km road trip through Guatemala and Belize that starts in Tikal and ends in Belize City! This is one of the most interesting stages of the tour, with fewer than 4 hours of driving. On the way, you will cross the Guatemalan-Belizean border. Along the route, you will get to admire the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Tikal and Xunantunich. Enjoy the picturesque landscape, the scenic roads, and the historical sites, such as the ancient Maya ruins. Don't forget to make some stops, take some photos, and soak in the atmosphere of these two countries! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your adventure!
Belize City - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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10
Belize City
- Chetumal
Distance 157 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: modest
40.8 kWh
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If you’re looking for an exciting road trip, then a drive from Belize City to Chetumal is just the ticket! This 161 km drive takes less than 3 hours and is full of interesting sites and attractions. Not only will you cross the Belize-Mexico border, but you will also get to explore some of the most picturesque landscapes in the area.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for historical sites and monuments along the way, such as the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, the beautiful Belize Zoo, and the amazing wildlife of Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
For the adventurers out there, you can also go cave tubing in the Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve, or go fishing for tarpon in the Chetumal Bay.
All the information you need to make the most of your road trip can be found in the “Itinerary” of this stage, including attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, what are you waiting for - let's hit the road!
Chetumal - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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11
Chetumal
- Tulum
Distance 254 km
Driving time 3.6 h
Pace: fast
76.3 kWh
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Embark on an adventurous road trip from Chetumal to Tulum and discover some of the most interesting places in Mexico! This 250km road journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete and is packed with beautiful sights and amazing activities. Get ready to be amazed by the stunning Maya ruins of the Kohunlich archaeological site located in the outskirts of Chetumal. As you make your way towards Tulum, don't forget to stop at the beautiful Otoch Ma'ax Yetel Kooh, a Mayan archaeological site with a unique pyramid. Once you reach Tulum, you'll be captivated by the beauty of the Tulum National Park, home to a vast array of wildlife and breathtaking beaches. Don't forget to explore the Tulum ruins, an ancient Mayan port city that will amaze you with its spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the "Itinerary" of this stage!
Tulum - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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12
Tulum
- Cancun
Distance 130 km
Driving time 1.6 h
Pace: fast
38.9 kWh
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Are you looking for an amazing road trip starting in Tulum and ending in Cancun? This 130 km stretch of road between the two cities will take you fewer than two hours to drive, but you'll want to take your time to explore the best that both locations have to offer.
Tulum is the perfect place to start your adventure. Make sure you take some time to explore the ancient Mayan ruins, located on the edge of a gorgeous white-sand beach. After some sightseeing, why not cool off with a dip in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea?
As you drive north, you'll be surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Make sure to take some time to admire the picturesque lagoons that line the route. You'll also pass through quaint towns, where you can sample delicious local cuisine.
When you arrive in Cancun, you'll be greeted by the stunning Mexican Caribbean. This vibrant city has everything from ancient ruins to trendy restaurants and nightlife. Don't forget to take a stroll along the beach and take in the breathtaking views!
No matter how long you have to explore, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on this road trip from Tulum to Cancun. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your journey. Enjoy!
Cancun - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Cancun
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Cancun is the perfect end to your amazing road trip adventure across three countries – the "Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip". This vibrant city located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is a paradise that will allow you to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the Caribbean Sea.
Cancun is a great destination for those who love the outdoors. Whether you want to take a day trip to the nearby Mayan ruins, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, or just relax on the beach, Cancun has something for everyone. There are also plenty of amazing restaurants, bars, and shops to explore throughout the city.
One of the must-see attractions in Cancun is the famous El Rey archaeological site, which was once the center of the ancient Mayan civilization. Here, you can wander through the ruins of a temple, admire sculptures and artifacts, and learn about the history and culture of the Mayan people. If you’re looking for a more modern experience, the lively nightlife scene in Cancun is sure to please.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Cancun International Airport (CUN) which is located just 10 miles from the city center.
Cancun is the perfect ending to your "Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip," offering the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment. Make sure to add Cancun to your itinerary and experience all that this amazing city has to offer!
Cancun - Mexico - Middle America - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Cancun
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End:
Cancun
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Distance:
2,078 km
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Stay:
21 days
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Getting there:
Cancún International Airport (CUN),
Cozumel International Airport (CZM)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the mesmerizing Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip, an unforgettable 2080 km exploration over 21 days, starting from the lively city of Cancun in Mexico and journeying through the incredibly diverse cultural landscapes of Guatemala and Belize. This Road Trip is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness, offering a deep dive into ancient civilizations and contemporary local life.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Mexico greets travelers with Cancun's pristine beaches and crystalline waters, the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Playa del Carmen's colorful, palm-lined streets.
- In Guatemala, visitors can step back in time at the majestic ruins of Tikal, a testament to the grandeur of the Mayan civilization, soak up serenity at Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous villages, and wander through Antigua, a city that boasts beautifully preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture and stunning colonial-era churches.
- Belize presents a natural paradise with the second-largest Barrier Reef in the world, the famous Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole that beckons divers, and the ancient Mayan site of Xunantunich, offering panoramic views from its grandiose El Castillo pyramid.
Best Time to Go:
The most favorable time for this Road Trip is the dry season, from November to May, when the weather is more conducive for outdoor explorations and experiencing the full splendor of the region's attractions with minimal rainfall disruptions.
Potential Risks:
- While Roads are generally in good condition, travelers should be prepared for sections that are narrow, winding, or less maintained.
- Vigilance is advised when driving due to local driving practices and potential Roadblocks, which may be encountered in more remote or politically sensitive areas.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The journey offers value for money, striking a balance between affordability and experience.
- It is accessible for drivers of all skill levels, with straightforward navigation along the main routes.
- The Trip provides countless opportunities for immersive cultural experiences, allowing travelers to engage authentically with the distinct customs, cuisines, and traditions of each nation.
A good choice for:
The Across 3 Countries Classic Road Trip is not just a passage through Central America's most breathtaking and historically significant locales; it's a voyage that promises lasting impressions, connecting the dots between the stories of ancient Mayan grandeur and the vibrant tapestry of present-day life in this captivating region.
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