TRAVEL ITINERARY

A quick guide how to get to Shambalante from International Airports in the Yucatan

updated : 2 Feb 2023

First and foremost, we are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful that you've chosen to join our retreats! It's our pleasure to welcome you to this transformative journey. To ensure your arrival at Shambalante is as safe and seamless as possible, we've lovingly prepared a guide for you below.

*Think of this guide as just a starting point. You're welcome to find your own way to us, using the guide for ideas. It includes travel tips based on what has worked well for others in the past. Just a heads-up, we don't have any affiliations with the companies mentioned in the guide.

“The Convent of San Antonio - Izamal”

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IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE BOOKING A FLIGHT

To ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival, we highly recommend booking your flight to Mexico at least one day before the retreat begins. This allows you to rest, adjust to the time zone, and make your way to Shambalante (Retreat Center) without rushing. Please plan your travel so that you can arrive at the retreat center by 11:00 AM (CST) on the first day of the retreat.

There are multiple airports you can land to Mexico, and from there:

  • Land in Cancun

  • Land in Merida

Keep in mind that prices listed here provides an estimate to how much it is and it can change depending on the contractor or season, here in Mexico. Ideally, you will want to prepare Mexican Pesos for your trip.

TRAVEL GUIDE: CANCUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CUN) - SHAMBALANTE - CUN

Ready for an adventure on your way to Shambalante? Here are two best routes to reach from the Retreat Center (Shambalante) starting from Cancun Airport (CUN) with tips to make your journey exciting and smooth!

Route 1: Overnight in Izamal - The Yellow Town

Imagine a town dipped in sunshine! Izamal, about 3 hours from Cancun Airport and just 30 minutes from Shambalante, is painted top to bottom in vibrant yellow. Staying here means you can have a leisurely morning before heading to the retreat.

Discover Izamal:

Why Visit? It's not just the color that's inviting; Izamal is a hub for tourists, known for its historic sites like the Convent of San Antonio, and the ancient Mayan ruins. And the food? Absolutely yummy - we're fans of Kinich for its traditional Yucatan dishes!

HOW TO GET TO IZAMAL FROM CUN: TRANSPORTATION METHODS

OPTION 1: Take a taxi or shuttle service from CUN directly to Izamal: 

  • Price: about 3500 MXN (205 USD)

  • Pros: Direct transport to Shambalante or Izamal

  • Cons: Pricey

OPTION 2: Take the Tren Maya - A reliable, safe, and fast train transportation.

  • Price: 800 MXN to 1,300 MXN per person, depending on the seat class (

OPTION 2: Take the ADO BUS here are the step-by-step guide:

  1. CUN - Cancun City: You can order the tickets online from the link above, and purchase a ticket from CUN Terminal 3 or 4, to Cancun City (130 MXN),

  2. Cancun City - Valladolid: Once you arrive at Cancun City, purchase another ticket that will take you from Cancun City to Valladolid (344 MXN),

  3. Valladolid - Shambalante: Once you arrived at Valladolid ADO bus station, take a taxi to Izamal (1000 MXN).

  • The total cost of this option is about 1,474 MXN (86 USD)

OPTION 3: Rent a private car at CUN if you prefer to have the freedom to drive whenever you like.

Accommodation, things to do, and restaurants at Izamal:

  • Visit the town square - Take a tour of the Town on a horse carriage, visit The Convent of San Antonio (built in the 1500s), and take photos

  • Hotels to stay: San Miguel Arcángel Izamal (we had a great stay here and located at the Town Square)

  • Lunch or Dinner at Kinich Restaurant - Most popular for its savory and delicious Yucatecan dishes, check out the menu here! (they accept card transactions here as well)

  • Visit the ancient ruins - Free to enter

Route 2:  Stay the night at Playa del Carmen, then leave for Shambalante on the Retreat Date.

Playa del Carmen is a chic coastal town of the Yucatan peninsula. We recommend Playa del Carmen because It is easy to get there and it is only 1 hour away from the airport! This is a great option because of its variety of accommodations and restaurants.


Discover Playa del Carmen

For a beachy vibe before your retreat, Playa del Carmen is just an hour from the airport and offers a mix of chic stays and delicious eats.

Unlike Izamal, you can find various establishments such as restaurants, recreation spots, shopping malls, and many more! Definitely check out the 5th Avenue of Playa del Carmen, a hotspot for tourists.

Accommodations, things to do, and restaurants at Playa del Carmen:

Explore the 5th Avenue:

  • Here you can find various restaurants, money exchange stores, and hotels. Furthermore, it is located close to the ADO bus station.

Transportation methods from CUN - Playa del Carmen - Shambalante:

  1. CUN - Playa del Carmen Turistica

    1. Take the ADO Bus from the Airport to Playa del Carmen Turistica (make sure the station you choose is Turistica)

    2. Price: 250 MXN (15 USD)

  2. Playa del Carmen Turistica - Shambalante

  1. Take the ADO BUS from Playa del Carmen Turistica to Valladolid (334 MXN)

  2. Take a taxi from Valladolid to Shambalante (1000 MXN)

  3. Total cost of the journey: 1,334 MXN (78 USD)

Additional Travel Tips and Suggestions:

  • Carrying Cash in Mexican Pesos: Having Mexican pesos on hand is crucial for local taxis and small eateries that don't accept cards. While some places might accept dollars, you'll likely face unfavorable exchange rates. We recommend to exchange your dollars to pesos at the airport, and also keeping smaller denominations of pesos will also help with taxis that often lack change.

  • Packing Advice: For ease of travel, we recommend bringing one backpack and a small to medium suitcase. This makes moving around much simpler.

  • Time Zone Reminder: Remember, Izamal operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is one hour behind Cancun's Eastern Standard Time (EST). We're aiming for all participants to arrive at Shambalante between 11 am and 12 pm Izamal time, so plan your departure from Cancun accordingly.

Booking Accommodations:

  • Timing Your Hotel Booking: While we love your enthusiasm in booking early, consider waiting until a month or two before the retreat to book your stay. This delay allows for the possibility of coordinating with other attendees for shared travel, potentially saving costs and making new friends along the way.

    Of course, if you prefer planning ahead or traveling solo, that's perfectly fine too. For solo travelers, staying overnight in Izamal is recommended for a smoother journey to Shambalante and to ensure you're well-rested for the retreat activities.

  • Exploring with TREN MAYA: Keep an eye on the development of TREN MAYA, a promising new rail system designed to connect various parts of the Yucatan, including direct routes from Cancun & Merida International airports to Izamal. Although still under construction, this could soon become the most convenient travel option for future retreats.

Departing from Shambalante:

  • Arranging Your Return Trip: When it's time to leave, the Shambalante staff will be happy to assist in organizing your transport back to Cancun Airport. The cost for a shuttle or taxi is typically around 3,500 MXN (approximately $205 USD). To lessen this expense, you might find fellow participants willing to share the ride and split the cost.

travel guide: MERIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MID) - SHAMBALANTE - MID

Further details coming soon!

Contact us if you need further details or assitance