If you already have seen the known hightlights of the Yucatan Peninsula, or just want to enjoy a holiday "off the beaten track" here is our favorite itenary. All recomended hotels are small, personal, "owner managed" hotels. Once there they can advise you on a lot of things and help you plan your activities.

Arriving in Cancun you might want to stay overnight there if your plane arrives after sunset (hotel: Xbalamque, in the center of Cancun)

Ek Balam
Your first destination can be Ek Balam, a small mayan village. Main attraction: the mayan temples of Ek Balam, they recently discovered a well conserved facade with original colors.
Other things to do: Visit old colonial town of Valladolid, Cenote Dzitnup, admire flamingos at Rio Lagartos.
Recomended hotel: Genesis Retreat.

Santa Elena
Sweet town, excelent starting point to visit one of the many archeological sites in Puuc style (Labna, Kabah, Sayil)
Other things to do: Take a tour throught the Loltun Caverns, visit old haciendas. Visit Uxmal (in my top 3 of favorite archeological sites), shop for ceramics in Ticul
Recomended hotel: Fly catcher Inn

Xpujil
The small town itself has very little to offer to tourists, but its a paradise for those who want to be in the center of some archeological highlights. Please reserve a full day to visit Calakmul (my number 1 favorite) and 1 or more days toi visit the nearby like Chicanna, Becan,Dzibanche or one of the many others in the region.
Recomended hotel: Rio Bec Dreams (the owners, Rick and Diane are both very knowledgable guides)

Yaxchilán and Bonampak
Continue to the south for a unique experience in the Lacandon jungle. TwoThere you will find two very little known archeological sites situated near the border with Guatemala. You can visit Yaxchilán only after a beautiful boat ride on the Usumacinta River. Bonampak’s ruins are situated nearby in the Lacandon Forest Reserve.
Recomended hotel: Valle Escondida (no website)

Mahahual
End of your trip and enjoy a well deserved relaxing time, reading in a hammock at our beautiful quiet, relaxing beach and tell us all about your experiences.
Recomended hotel: Maya Luna :-)

If necesary stay your last night in Puerto Morelos, some 18 kilometers south of the airport of Cancun. A growing town, but the plaze still gives you a feeling as if the "forgot" to develop this part of the coastline.
Recomended hotel:

Please note that depending on how much time you have, you can include Palenque and San Christobal or leave them for a next vacation.