Dates: 19 Nov - 29 Nov 2009 Min sponsorship: £2650 Registration fee: £250 Contact:ndcschallenges@ndcs.org.uk
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Itinerary
Day 1
London - Cancun - Merida
Arrive at Cancun, transfer to the Hotel Colonial, Merida.
Day 2
Merida
Take a morning sightseeing tour of central Merida, with its charming narrow streets, colonial buildings and shady parks. In the afternoon, get fitted with your bike. After dinner, you’ll hear more about the challenge from your guide.
Day 3
Merida - Ticul
81km cycling
Head out of Merida and into the Yucatan countryside. This is your first taste of rural Mexico, passing towns and villages and stopping off for lunch in the village of Sacalum.
As the day wears on, the landscape becomes greener and more hilly, with striking views of the countryside.
Your destination is the busy town of Ticul, known for the red ceramic sculptures that mark every square and crossroads.
Day 4
Ticul - Izamal
124km cycling
The longest stretch of the challenge.
On this stage you’ll pass several famous landmarks including the Franciscan convent at Teabo and Mani, scene of the infamous burning of the books by Bishop Landa in the 16th Century.
Late afternoon you’ll arrive in Izamal, a quiet, provincial town with its distinctive mustard yellow buildings.
Day 5
Izamal - Piste
76km cycling
We start the day exploring Izamal, including the Franciscan monastery of San Antonio de Padua, which dominates the centre. Its atrium with 75 arches is the second largest in the world.
On the road to Piste, you’ll find the scenery becomes more jungle-like. You can stop off to take a dip in a cenote (a crystal clear natural pool fed by an underground river).
Then, head on to the Piramide Inn, where you’ll enjoy a Mayan buffet and a performance by local dancers.
Day 6
Piste - Valladolid
61km cycling
Enjoy an early morning tour of Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Early morning is the best time to catch it, before the tour buses arrive from Cancun. This carefully excavated and restored Mayan city will need at least two hours to explore.
After an early lunch, you’ll press on towards Vallodolid, a charming colonial town.
Day 7
Valladolid - Coba
80km cycling
Early start from Valladolid. This is probably the most challenging day because almost half the ride is off-road. You’ll head deep into pure Maya country, where 21st Century life feels a world away.
The destination is Coba, one of the largest of the Mayan cities. Archaeologists believe it once covered 50 square kilometres and was home to 40,000 Maya.
Stay overnight at Hotel Villas Archaelogicas, on the edge of a picturesque lake.
Day 8
Coba - Tulum
57km cycling
Set off on the long, straight Coba-to-Tulum road. If you want to cool off, you can take a dip at the picturesque cenote (extra charge).
You’ll finish this memorable ride on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the beachfront Freedom Paradise Hotel.
Day 9
Tulum
Free day to relax on the secluded white sandy beach, enjoy reef snorkelling, or possibly a dolphin encounter. In the evening, enjoy a meal together to celebrate successfully completing the ride.
Day 10
Tulum - Cancun
Late morning transfer to Cancun airport for the flight home.
