Cancun, Mexico-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time

  • Morning: Arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN) and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Relax on the famous Playa Delfines beach, located in front of Hotel Riu Caribe. You can also rent a beach umbrella and chairs for a day.
  • Evening:
    • Dinner: Head to La Parroquia, a local restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Try their famous tacos al pastor and don’t forget to try some fresh coconuts from the vendors on the street.
    • Nightlife: Visit Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), where you’ll find plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Some popular spots include Coco Bongo, Señor Frog’s, and La Vaquita.

Day 2: Ancient Mayan Ruins

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza ( approx. $100-$150 USD per person, including transportation and lunch). Be sure to book with a reputable tour operator.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the nearby Ek Balam ruins for an additional fee (approx. $50-$70 USD per person).
    • Return to your hotel or head back to the city for some shopping or relaxation.

Day 3: Snorkeling and Swimming Pools

  • Morning: Take a snorkeling tour to Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world (approx. $80-$120 USD per person, including equipment and lunch).
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend the day lounging by your hotel’s pool or head back out to the beach.
    • If you’re feeling adventurous, try some water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.

Day 4: Museums and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Maya Culture, located in the Hotel Zone (free admission). Learn about the history and traditions of the Mayan civilization.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby Cancun Underwater Museum (approx. $15-$20 USD per person), featuring submerged sculptures made from natural materials like coral and shells.
    • Head to the Mercado de San Miguel for some local shopping and food.

Day 5: Last Day in Cancun

  • Morning: Visit the El Meco archaeological site, a smaller but equally fascinating Mayan ruin (approx. $10-$20 USD per person).
  • Afternoon:
    • Spend your last day relaxing by the pool or head out to the beach for some final sunbathing.
    • Farewell dinner at La Habichuela, a local restaurant serving delicious Mexican cuisine.

Accommodation:

For this itinerary, we recommend staying in a hotel located in the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera). Some popular options include:

  • Riu Caribe: A 5-star resort with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Hyatt Cancun Caribe: A 4-star hotel offering modern amenities and beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.

Transportation:

  • From the airport to your hotel, take a taxi or shuttle (approx. $20-$30 USD per person).
  • For day trips to ancient ruins or snorkeling tours, book with a reputable tour operator that provides transportation.
  • To get around the city, use taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Weather: Cancun has a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing.
  • Safety: As with any popular tourist destination, take necessary precautions to protect yourself from scams, petty theft, or other safety concerns.
  • Currency: The Mexican peso is the local currency, but USD is widely accepted. Credit cards are also widely used.

Other Interests:

  • Xcaret Park: A natural theme park featuring swimming holes, waterfalls, and cultural activities (approx. $100-$150 USD per person).
  • Cancun Lighthouse: Visit this iconic landmark for stunning views of the city and surrounding area.
  • Golfing: Cancun has several world-class golf courses perfect for a challenging game or leisurely round.

Language:

  • Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken throughout the tourist areas.