Cancun, Mexico-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cancun

  • Morning: Arrive at Cancun International Airport (CUN)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to your hotel
  • Where to stay: Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is a popular area for tourists, with many hotels and amenities within walking distance. Consider staying at:
    • The Ritz-Carlton Cancun
    • Hyatt Zilara Cancun
    • Club Med Cancun Yucatan
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and spend some time relaxing on the beach or by the pool
  • Evening: Head to Playa Delfines, a beautiful beach with calm waters and picturesque sunsets. Try some local cuisine at:
    • La Habichuela
    • El Madero

Day 2: Explore Cancun

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza (book tickets in advance)
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour or rent a car to get to Chichen Itza (~1 hour from Cancun)
  • Afternoon: Return to Cancun and visit the Museo Maya de Cancun, which showcases the history and culture of the Mayan civilization
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • La Parroquia
    • La Casa del Agua

Day 3: Beach Day

  • Morning: Spend a relaxing day on Playa Nizuc, a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters
  • Afternoon: Head to the nearby Plaza Caracol, a shopping and dining complex with a variety of restaurants and shops
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • El Pescador
    • La Casona

Day 4: Snorkeling and Swimming

  • Morning: Visit the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world (book snorkeling or scuba diving tours in advance)
  • Afternoon: Relax on Playa Tortugas, a picturesque beach with calm waters
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • La Taqueria
    • El Bocadillo

Day 5: Xcaret Park

  • Morning: Visit Xcaret Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s most famous archaeological sites (book tickets in advance)
  • Afternoon: Explore the park’s many attractions, including snorkeling, swimming, and cultural performances
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • El Olivo
    • La Parranda

Day 6: Tulum

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum (book tickets in advance)
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour or rent a car to get to Tulum (~2 hours from Cancun)
  • Afternoon: Return to Cancun and spend some time shopping for souvenirs
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at:
    • El Mural
    • La Casa del Sol

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend a relaxing morning on the beach or by the pool
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or shuttle back to the airport for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Currency: Mexican pesos (MXN) and US dollars are widely accepted
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is also widely spoken
  • Weather: Cancun has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to protect yourself from petty theft and scams

Tips

  • Be mindful of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
  • Try local cuisine and drinks, such as tacos, ceviche, and mojitos
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals
  • Respect the environment and cultural heritage of Mexico

Other Attractions

  • Xel-Ha Park: A water park and aquarium that offers snorkeling, swimming, and cultural performances
  • Coba Ruins: An ancient Mayan city located about 1 hour from Cancun
  • Isla Mujeres: A small island located just off the coast of Cancun, offering beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities