The Yucatán Peninsula offers the perfect mix of beach relaxation, ancient history, and adventure. This 7-day itinerary covers the best of Cancún, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya – with flexibility to choose your own adventure.
Dec-April (dry season). Avoid Spring Break if you want peace.
$100-200/day mid-range, $300+ luxury all-inclusive
Rent a car for flexibility, or use ADO buses between towns
Days 1-2: Cancún
Start your trip in Cancún – the gateway to the Riviera Maya with its stunning Hotel Zone beaches.
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Day
- Arrive at Cancún International Airport (CUN)
- Transfer to your hotel (pre-book shuttle or taxi ~$25-40)
- Afternoon at the beach – the Hotel Zone has some of the best Caribbean beaches
- Sunset drinks at a beach bar
- Dinner in the Hotel Zone or explore Downtown Cancún for cheaper, more authentic options
Day 2: Isla Mujeres
- Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres (~$15 round trip)
- Rent a golf cart and explore the island (~$50/day)
- Visit Playa Norte – one of the best beaches in Mexico
- Snorkel at the underwater museum (MUSA) or Garrafón reef
- Fresh seafood lunch at Playa Norte
- Return by sunset ferry
🌮 Food Tip: Skip the Hotel Zone restaurants and head to Downtown Cancún's Parque de las Palapas for incredible street tacos for $1-2 each.
Days 3-4: Playa del Carmen
Move south to Playa del Carmen – more walkable, more European vibe, and a great base for exploring.
Day 3: Beach & 5th Avenue
- Drive or take ADO bus to Playa del Carmen (1 hour)
- Check into your hotel
- Beach afternoon at Mamitas or Playacar
- Walk the famous 5th Avenue (Quinta Avenida) – shopping, bars, restaurants
- Dinner and nightlife on 5th Avenue
Day 4: Chichén Itzá Day Trip
- Leave EARLY (6 AM) to beat the crowds and heat
- Visit Chichén Itzá – one of the New Seven Wonders of the World
- Hire a guide at the entrance (~$50) for the full history
- Swim in Cenote Ik Kil nearby (80 pesos / ~$5)
- Optional: Stop in colonial town of Valladolid for lunch
- Return to Playa del Carmen by evening
🚗 Driving vs. Tour
Self-drive: More flexibility, can stop anywhere. Rent from $30/day.
Organized tour: ~$80-120 per person, includes transport & guide but rushed.
Days 5-6: Tulum
The most Instagram-famous destination on the Riviera Maya. Boho vibes, stunning ruins, and incredible cenotes.
Day 5: Tulum Ruins & Beach
- Drive to Tulum (1 hour from Playa)
- Visit Tulum Ruins EARLY (opens 8 AM) – the only Mayan ruins on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean
- Swim at the beach below the ruins
- Afternoon at one of Tulum's beach clubs (Papaya Playa, Coco Tulum)
- Sunset dinner with ocean views
Day 6: Cenotes Day
- Spend the day exploring cenotes (natural swimming holes)
- Morning: Gran Cenote – crystal clear, great for snorkeling
- Midday: Cenote Calavera – jump through skull-shaped holes
- Afternoon: Cenote Azul – open-air swimming, family-friendly
- Alternative: Book a tour to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Day 7: Departure
- Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final beach morning
- Drive back to Cancún Airport (2 hours from Tulum – leave extra time!)
- Alternative: Book a last-minute cenote or snorkeling trip
Best Cenotes to Visit
Cenotes are unique to the Yucatán – natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Don't miss these:
💎 Gran Cenote
Location: Near Tulum
Crystal clear water, snorkeling, easy access. Gets crowded – go early.
Entry: 500 pesos (~$30)
💎 Cenote Ik Kil
Location: Near Chichén Itzá
Iconic open cenote with vines hanging down. Tourist-heavy but stunning.
Entry: 150 pesos (~$9)
💎 Cenote Suytun
Location: Valladolid
Cave cenote with famous light beam. Perfect for photos.
Entry: 150 pesos (~$9)
💎 Cenote Dos Ojos
Location: Tulum
Two connected cenotes. Best for diving and snorkeling.
Entry: 400 pesos (~$24)
Where to Stay
From all-inclusive luxury to budget hostels, the Riviera Maya has it all:
Hyatt Ziva Cancún
✨ Stunning beach, family-friendly all-inclusive
Secrets Maroma Beach
✨ Adults-only luxury, best beach in Mexico
Selina Cancún Downtown
✨ Best for solo travelers & digital nomads
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach
✨ Amazing spa, great for couples
💡 Prices are approximate and may vary. Check partner sites for current rates.
Essential Tips
Cash is King
Many cenotes and small restaurants are cash-only. ATMs charge high fees – bring pesos from home or use a no-fee card.
Rent a Car
Much more flexibility than tours. Book online in advance. Decline all insurance add-ons at pickup (use credit card coverage).
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Required at most cenotes and eco-parks. Regular sunscreen damages the ecosystem. Buy in advance.
Go Early
Ruins and cenotes get unbearably crowded and hot by 11 AM. Arrive when they open for the best experience.
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