Look, let's debunk a giant myth. When most people think about going on holiday in Mexico, the image that comes to mind is a giant resort in Cancún, with a fluorescent wristband on, sipping margaritas in a pool packed with North Americans celebrating Spring Break.
There's nothing wrong with that if you want to spend 10 days without leaving the same spot. But the real Mexico — the one that drops your jaw and fills your soul — is on the other side of the walls of those "all-inclusive" hotels.
If you want a trip with a brutal culture shock, untouched nature and food that will make you cry with joy, Martin has put together the perfect itinerary across the Yucatán Peninsula:
1. Run Away From Cancún (As Fast As You Can) 🏃♂️
You've landed in Cancún. Perfect. Now rent a car and get out of there. The real magic of the peninsula begins when you take the wheel.
Driving along the Mexican roads (which, in this area, are endless straight lines and very safe), the country opens up to you. Point your GPS at more authentic towns like Valladolid or head down the coast to Bacalar (the famous "Lagoon of Seven Colours", which is much better and cheaper than Tulum).
2. The Secret of the Cenotes (The Jungle Pools) 💧
The Yucatán has no surface rivers; it has underground rivers. And every now and then, the earth caves in and creates the famous Cenotes — holes in the middle of the jungle filled with fresh, crystal-clear water.
Golden tip: Run away from the most famous cenotes (like Ik Kil) where dozens of tour buses stop. Drive along the secondary roads, and when you see a hand-painted wooden sign saying "Cenote", go in. You pay 100 pesos to a local family and you have an idyllic natural pool all to yourself.
3. Chichén Itzá Is Epic, But Ek Balam Is for Explorers 🏛️
Yes, the Mayan pyramids of Chichén Itzá are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and you have to see them. But the trick is to be at the door at 8 in the morning, before the buses arrive.
After that, go visit the ruins of Ek Balam or Coba. Unlike Chichén Itzá, at these jungle-hidden ruins you can still climb the pyramids! You arrive at the top dripping with sweat, but you feel like a real Indiana Jones looking out over the green vastness of the jungle.
4. Valladolid and Real Street Food 🌮
Forget the "Tex-Mex" food you eat back in Portugal (those nachos drowning in melted cheese). Yucatán street food is Intangible Heritage of Humanity material.
Sit down in Valladolid's main square and eat the authentic tacos de Cochinita Pibil (pork marinated in bitter orange and spices, slow-roasted in an underground pit). And for dessert? Stop at a street cart and order a Marquesita (a crispy rolled crepe, filled with Nutella and... grated cheese! Trust us, it's divine).
Bringing Home a Giant Sombrero and 3 Bottles of Tequila?
The trip was spectacular. You ate, you swam in cenotes, you explored the jungle and now the return to Portugal is around the corner.
Let's take stock of your luggage: you've got your 20kg suitcase, a backpack, three bottles of Mezcal and Tequila wrapped in t-shirts and, like any good tourist, you bought a giant sombrero that doesn't fit anywhere now and you have to carry by hand.
You're going to land in Lisbon or Porto with 11 hours of flight on your back and a brain in jet-lag mode.
Are you seriously going to try to squeeze onto the metro with the sombrero and the bottles clinking? Or stand on the kerb for half an hour waiting for an Uber to accept your trip (and praying your bags all fit inside)?
Make your return easy. Long holidays demand the convenience of having your own car at the airport.
Drive your car to Departures before your trip and leave the keys with the Multipark drivers. Our Valet Parking service keeps your car in a monitored facility while you go off exploring the Mayan ruins.
On the way back, land, walk through the Arrivals door and breathe a sigh of relief: your car is right outside waiting for you, with the boot open ready to receive all your gear. No waiting and with maximum comfort all the way to your door.
Run a quote and book your spot on the Multipark website — and Viva Mexico!
