Photo: Michael Tsutsui · CC BY-SA 3.0
5 Days · in Cancún
5 Days in Cancún: Islands, Underwater Art & Maya Cities
Five days let you see both sides of Cancún, the Hotel Zone and downtown, add Isla Mujeres and the underwater sculptures of the MUSA, and reach Chichén Itzá.
Day 01
Hotel Zone Beaches & the Maya Museum
Ruins, beaches and a sunset dinner on the lagoon.
Morning
Playa Delfines
Photograph the CANCÚN letters at sunrise, then walk the long, wild beach.
Late Morning
El Rey Archaeological Zone
Explore the Maya platforms and buildings, where iguanas sun on the stones.
Lunch
Käajal
Have a light Mexican lunch with healthy options in the Hotel Zone.
Afternoon
Museo Maya de Cancún
Spend the hot hours in the museum, then walk to San Miguelito.
Late Afternoon
Playa Chac Mool
Swim near Punta Cancún and look for the large Chac Mool mural by the beach.
Evening
Lorenzillo's
Book a sunset table over the lagoon for lobster, the house specialty.
Day 02
Downtown Cancún & Local Flavors
Markets, Michelin-listed cooking and the evening square.
Morning
La Casa de las Mayoras
Start with chilaquiles and handmade tortillas at this Michelin-recommended downtown restaurant.
Late Morning
Mercado 28
Shop for crafts, hammocks and silver, and practice your bargaining.
Lunch
Kiosco Verde
Take a taxi to Puerto Juárez for lobster empanadas and grilled octopus.
Afternoon
Malecón Tajamar
Walk the lagoon promenade with views across to the Hotel Zone.
Late Afternoon
Avenida Tulum
Stroll the main downtown avenue and stop for a coffee or a fresh fruit water.
Evening
Parque de las Palapas
Join local families in the square, then dine in the garden of La Habichuela.
Day 03
Isla Mujeres
Ferry, golf cart and the calmest beach in the region.
Morning
Puerto Juárez ferry
Take an early ferry across the turquoise bay, with views back to the Hotel Zone.
Late Morning
Punta Sur
Rent a golf cart and drive to the cliffs and sculpture garden at the southern tip.
Lunch
Isla Mujeres town
Have seafood in town and wander the colorful streets around Avenida Hidalgo.
Afternoon
Playa Norte
Swim in the calm, shallow water of the island's most famous beach.
Sunset
Playa Norte
Stay for the sunset, one of the best in the region.
Evening
Back to Cancún
Return by ferry and have a relaxed dinner downtown or in the Hotel Zone.
Day 04
Underwater Art & the Lagoon
Snorkeling over sculptures, mangroves and a night out.
Morning
MUSA Underwater Museum
Join a licensed snorkeling tour to see the underwater sculptures and the reef.
Lunch
El Fish Fritanga
Eat casual seafood by the lagoon after the boat trip.
Afternoon
Nichupté Lagoon
Explore the mangroves by guided kayak or small boat.
Late Afternoon
La Isla Cancún
Walk the canals of the open-air mall and browse the shops.
Sunset
La Habichuela Sunset
Watch the sunset over the lagoon with Mexican and Caribbean dishes.
Night
Coco Bongo
End the day at Cancún's famous show and nightclub in Punta Cancún.
Day 05
Chichén Itzá & Valladolid
A day trip to the great Maya city and a colonial town.
Early Morning
Highway 180D
Leave Cancún early by car, tour or Tren Maya to reach the site at opening.
Morning
Chichén Itzá
Explore El Castillo, the great ball court and the sacred cenote with a licensed guide.
Lunch
Near Chichén Itzá
Have a Yucatecan lunch, with dishes like cochinita pibil or sopa de lima.
Afternoon
Cenote swim
Cool off in one of the cenotes near the site, many with stairs and platforms.
Late Afternoon
Valladolid
Walk the colonial center and visit the convent of San Bernardino de Siena.
Evening
Back to Cancún
Return to Cancún for a late dinner downtown.