Yucatan 2 Week Itinerary (2024 Edition)

The Yucatan Peninsula sits at the south-east tip of Mexico, with Guatemala and Belize also making up the region. An absolute gem packed with everything a traveller could wish for – rich culture, delicious food and stunning scenery.

Indeed, its the ultimate destination for countless the world over – be it a backpacker tour, a road trip, a family holiday or a honeymoon destination, it packs plenty for everyone.

My trip to Mexico was a two week vacation – not enough time to explore the whole country. And like many who travel to Mexico for the first time, I decided to visit the Yucatan Peninsula.

With its brilliant blue waters, iconic landmarks and mysterious cenotes, it’s the perfect starting place for travellers exploring magnificent Mexico.

Starting from the Riviera Maya, I went inland on an exciting adventure trail that packed in waterparks, underground caves and cenotes, Mayan ruins, colourful colonial Spanish architecture, pink lakes, exotic wildlife and paradise islands.

Did you know: Yucatan is one of three places on earth where you can find the uniquely natural cenotes phenomenon. There are no rivers running above ground in the Yucatan Peninsula. Instead, there is an enormous network of fresh underground rivers that form magnificent caves and cenotes.

For more interesting facts, head over to 30 Interesting Facts About Mexico

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How to get there

The main airport serving the Yucatan is Cancun International Airport (CUN). Click here for airport transfers from Cancun.

Getting around

Buses in Mexico are very comfortable and cheap, the main company is ADO. They all come with AC and play movies for entertainment (in Spanish). If you wish – many places provide bicycles for rent which are also cheap and an easy way to get around town. Alternatively you can drive around Yucatan and it’s very safe. Book your rental car here.

Best time to visit Yucatan

There’s a tropical climate in Yucatan, with a rainy and muggy season from June to October, a relatively cool season from November to February, and a hot season from March to May. The highest temperatures are around 40C at peak season, whilst in January it can fall as low as 15C.

What to pack

Plenty of sunblock (for real – this is one of the hottest places I’ve ever been to). T-shirt, vests, casual shorts, swim shorts, flip flops, towel, sunglasses, cap/headwear.

Good to know

Street food is delicious, and ridiculously cheap here. So if you’re on a budget – head to the street vendors, especially the ones that attract a lot of locals (and don’t worry – the food is clean and cooked well).  It is also authentic Mexican food – much tastier than the expensive food you’ll find in touristy restaurants.

Make sure you get a SIM card

Purchase your TelCel Mexico SIM card here. Alternatively, you can buy a universal SIM card that isn’t tied to an operator.

 

Day 1: Playa Del Carmen

Wander the popular Seaside Resort on the east coast

 

Playa Del Carmen is one of the main tourist spots on the Riviera Maya – the coastal stretch of resorts and beaches that starts just south of Cancun, and goes all the way down to just south of Tulum.

Known for it’s palm-lined white beaches, crystal clear blue waters and stunning coral reefs, Playa Del Carmen is one of the largest tourist hotspots on the peninsula. I stayed here just one night, to wander the narrow streets, tuck into cheap and tasty Mexican tacos, and soak up the glorious sunshine on the beach.

 

Days 2-3: Adventure Parks

Explore The Breathtaking Cenotes & Water Paradise Parks

The next two days I spent on two adventure day trips: Firstly to the Cenotes Oasis Maya: a breathtaking cenote park in the Yucatan jungle, and secondly to Xel-Ha: a vast water adventure park.

If ever you want to book the ultimate tourist attraction in the Yucatan, these options are highly recommended. I booked my ticket yesterday in Playa del Carmen. You can book your tickets at a discount price online, here:

 

Cenotes Oasis Maya

Of the two adventure day trips I booked, this one was my favourite – it was a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience four shimmering cenotes by zip-lining across them, kayaking around, snorkelling in the caves, rappelling down inside the dark caves, and the most intense of all were the cliff-jumps.

 

The first cliff jump was a THRILL! Everyone in my group comfortably took the leap on this one.

The second cliff though.. that was INTENSE!

Most of my group did not have the guts to take this plunge. I’d never jumped off such a terrifyingly high and steep cliff in my life. It was literally about 80 feet high.

I made a few failed attempts of approaching the edge, hesitating on the spot while my heart was in my mouth, before backing away..

 

And then, I FINALLY willed myself to take the leap.

This was a TRULY action-packed adventure that made for a memorable day. The experience is well worth it.

 

Xel-Ha Water Park

The second day trip was to the massive water park called Xel-Ha in Cancun. The place is HUGE.

A bonus here is that you don’t need a guide as you can just follow the signposted trails round the park and take part in the various activities such as snorkelling, canoeing, and meeting the exotic animals on the site – including iguanas and macaws.

One of the main attractions (at an extra cost), is swimming with dolphins. My partner at the time, was keen to try this experience, so we went ahead.

Although it was an enjoyable experience – looking back, I have a sense of guilt for doing this as I’ve since learned about the exploitation of these animals in adventure parks, and (to say the least) – I believe these dolphins don’t really enjoy doing repetitive tricks and engaging with tourists on a daily basis.

 

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Days 4-6: Tulum

Tulum: A city of Mayan Ruins and New Age Vibe

Tulum was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

About 90 minutes south of Cancun is the small town of Tulum on the eastern coastline. With it’s white beaches and well-preserved, thousand year-old ruins that featured in films like Tomb Raider, Tulum is currently the most popular spot on the Peninsula.

There are three areas to stay in Tulum, which are: Beach Road North, Beach Road South, and Tulum Town.

Tulum Town is quieter and has an authentic atmosphere, but is 15-20 minutes drive away from the beaches (and parking is hard to find).

Beach Road North has nicer beaches and they’re closer to the ruins, but they are more crowded. And due to its large resorts, it does feel a bit artificial.

Beach Road South is the zen zone popular among the youth, recommended for those seeking vegan organic restaurants, yoga studios, and insta-worthy scenery.

👉 Related post: Tulum vs Cancun: The Pros and Cons

 

Tulum Tours and Activities:

Related post: 19 Best Tulum Tours by The Discovery Nut

Days 7-9: Valladolid & Chichen Itza

Wander the ancient city of Valladolid and the Iconic Chichén Itzá

Leaving Tulum I took a 1 and a half hour bus journey inland to Valladolid – a historical city that hosts a number of Baroque-style colonial buildings. Valladolid is in stark contrast to the busy tourist-laden spots of Playa and Cancun, it is authentic and local, and is a great place to base yourself to visit the nearby Mayan ruins, cenotes, and the iconic Chichén Itzá.

A short distance from Valladolid is El Castillo, the UNESCO World Heritage Mayan Site that hosts a complex of Mayan Ruins with the Chichén Itzá temple right in the centre.

This was of course, one of the top things I wanted to see in Mexico.

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Chichen Itza is truly a magnificent feat of Mayan engineering. It is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in Mexico.

There are some excellent organised tours for the Chichen Itza that also include a trip to the nearby Ik Kil Cenotes as well as a tour of Valladolid. Click here for more details.

 

You can even skip the line at Chichen Itza by booking tickets here:

 

Chichen Itza Tours:

Did you know: Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are technically not in Yucatan? Well Yucatan state, that is. The Yucatan peninsula consists of three states which include Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan. >> For more fun facts, read: 30 Interesting Facts About Mexico <<

Days 10-11: Merida, Yucatan’s Capital

Roam the colonial city of Merida for a truly authentic experience

The capital of Yucatan State, Merida is a large city of rich Mayan and colonial heritage. As it’s inland and over in the west, there’s no cool sea breeze, so be prepared for the intense heat as it’s much hotter here.

One night feels enough for me in Merida, to explore the city’s scenic architecture, though if you spend a couple of days here, be sure to check out the best things to do in Merida. Visit the fortress-like Merida Cathedral and the white, limestone Iglesia de la Tercera Orden, both colonial-era churches built using relics from ancient Mayan temples. The focal point in Merida is the Plaza de la Independencia. The tree-lined streets of the Plaza Grande is the cultural heart of Yucatan that hosts music events and festivals. Merida is known for some of the best food in the Yucatan, you can book a 3-hour walking food tour here:

Day 12: The Pink Lakes

Admire the incredible views of the vast, cotton-candy pink lakes at Las Coloradas on the north coast.

Easily one of the highlights of any Mexican trip, the Rio Lagartos pink lakes is an absolutely magical place of stunning natural beauty thats stands out differently from the rest of the Yucatan.

The strange pink phenomenon is due to the rock salts in the waters at the lakes. 

Tip: If you have time, check out the nearby Ria Lagartos, one of Yucatan’s two stunning biosphere reserves. Combine the two in this Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas tour here:

 

Days 12-14: Isla Holbox

One of Yucatan’s lesser-known treasures – explore an off-beat, paradise island

After witnessing the incredible Pink Lakes in the morning, I left for the small fishing port of Chiquila, about an hour and half away, and then took a short ferry ride to the island of Isla Holbox.

This was an excellent opportunity to explore the small and tranquil island on bike, taking in the gorgeous scenery and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is a relatively quiet and peaceful island that hasn’t yet drawn in the crowds of tourists and isn’t spoilt by mega resorts like Cancun is.

Part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, Isla Holbox is home to flamingoes and pelicans and boasts stunningly clear-blue, calm waters that is shallow enough to walk for a hundred metres.

There are plenty of opportunities to take up exciting water activities such as swimming with whale sharks and snorkelling in crystal clear waters, observing brightly coloured fish. 

The island is car-free too, which makes for a nice break from the bustle, noise and fumes of the mainland.

After checking in for my two-night stay, I head straight to Punta Coco Beach, a highlight of the island. Once in a while I stop to drink fresh coconut water – a delicious and heathy drink that helps quench my thirst in the heat and replenish my energy to continue exploring.

You can even swim with enormous whale sharks at Isla Holbox here:

Isla Holbox Tours and Activities:

Essential Item: As you may know, the water out the taps in Mexico is not recommended to drink. Carrying a Water-to-Go Filter Bottle will help keep you safe by filtering any water you put into it. It will also save you money and help save the planet from plastic waste (bonus!) Get 15% off your order when you checkout with the code: GIVEME15

So how much does it all cost?

Mexico is generally very affordable, and traveling here can be done very cheaply if you avoid the big resorts and tour packages, and stick to colectivos for transport.

However, due to it’s popularity and location, Yucatan is slightly more expensive than other less touristy regions of Mexico.

There are various price bands from ridiculously cheap, to extremely expensive, that applies to everything from accommodation, flights, food, overland travel, and activities.

Below is an average pricing itinerary that I spent on this trip:

Itinerary Breakdown

• Flights from USA: $280 return from NYC  |  From the UK: $730 / £600 return (from Manchester)
• Airport transfer: $40 / £30
• Accommodation cost: £20-30 per night (Airbnb double room with bathroom) = $335-505 / £280-420 for 14 nights
• Transport: $60 / £50 (bus and ferry rides)
• Food: $265 / £220 (Average £3 per meal, £1 per drink)
• Activities: (group tours): $215 / £180

Total Spent: $1,780 / £1,480
Total Days: 14

Bear in mind this is a basic guide only – based on myself travelling with a partner (hence the private double rooms). Remember, everyone travels at their own pace, and on different budgets, so your personal travel budget may be different from mine.
Click here to read how I saved over $1000 for my travel fund in just ONE month, and how you can do it too.

Looking back..

To sum up, Yucatan is the perfect starting place for any tourist wishing to explore Mexico and Latina America in general, for the first time. It has something for everyone – sun and sand, great food, rich culture, exotic wildlife, and plenty of adrenaline-packed adventures tailored for families and hardcore adventurists alike.

In Mexico I discovered one of my favorite beers – called the ‘Michelada’ – a mix of spices, sauces and peppers in the beer, topped with salt around the glass rim! This refreshing drink is a MUST for anyone visiting Mexico!

Other Must Visit Places in the Yucatan:

Sian Ka An Biosphere Reserve – located on the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula, Sian Ka An is a biosphere reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, renowned for its natural beauty, and possibly the most astonishing part of the Yucatan peninsula, if not Mexico in general.

(Alternatively, Ria Lagartos on the north coast, a short drive west from Las Coloradas, is the other biosphere reserve that worth checking out.) Book your Sian Ka An half day tour here:

Ek Balam Ruins – if you want to see one of Mexico’s most impressive Mayan ruins but with fewer visitors than other spots, the Ek Balam site is a must see. It’s not far from Valladolid. You can combine this in a tour of Ek Balam, Chichen Itza and a cenotes here:

Yucatan FAQs:

How many days do you need in Yucatan Peninsula?

I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks to explore the Yucatan’s vast, stunning landscapes and include a few famous landmarks. Three weeks would allow you time to visit all the major sites such as the cenotes, Chichen Itza, Merida, Valladolid, and the islands, whilst traveling at a leisurely pace.

What should you not miss in Yucatan?

Here’s 10 places you absolutely must not miss in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula:

1. Valladolid – one of the hidden gems, the picturesque city boasts some of the best food in Yucatan and is surrounded by cenotes and ruins
2. Pink Lakes at Las Coloradas – witness the vast, mind-blowing bright pink lakes unlike anywhere in the world
3. Chichen Itza – although a major tourist spot, one to tick off the box being one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World 
4. Stunning cenotes – jump in these iconic underground natural pools, some of these are truly spectacular hidden gems
5. Swim with Whale Sharks – get up close with these large and magnificent harmless creatures
6. Explore Merida – the capital city of Yucatan, packed with rich history, culture, and amazing food
7. Relax on Isla Holbox – tranquil and beautiful surroundings perfect for a peaceful hideaway
8. Swim with Sea Turtles at Akumal – truly a once in a lifetime experience
9. Wander Izamal, Mexico’s yellow town – one of the lesser-known spots, time stands still in this picturesque town
10. Thrilling adventure day trips – book a day trip or two and go zip-wiring over cenotes, drive through caves of stalagmites, swim with dolphins and see exotic wildlife.

What is Yucatán famous for?

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its vast tropical rainforests and jungles, its unique cenotes phenomenon, and being the home of the ancient Mayan peoples. It’s also packed with world-class beaches, exotic wildlife, and delicious food!

Is Yucatan cheap?
Mexico is generally quite affordable, however, due to its popularity and location, the Yucatan is slightly more expensive than other less touristy regions of Mexico.

There are various price bands from ridiculously cheap, to extremely expensive, that applies to everything from accommodation, flights, food, overland travel, and activities. Traveling here can be done very cheaply if you avoid the big resorts and tour packages, and stick to collectivos for transport.

Looking for budget accommodation in Yucatan?

Click here for a list of excellent accommodation options on the Booking website on where to stay on the Yucatan Peninsula for all budget types.

Some of the best places to stay in Yucatan are Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Merida and Valladolid – these are all very family friendly.

For more authentic stays and vacation home rentals, I find great deals on Vrbo.