Creating the perfect Mexico itinerary for a Yucatan Peninsula Road trip can seem overwhelming at first, but you'll be able to conquer this quest with the help of this blog post like a pro! We'll Cover Cancun, Valladolid, Las Coloradas, Rio Lagartos, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. So, if it's your first time doing a Yucatan Peninsula road trip, prepare for an epic adventure!
The Yucatan Peninsula is only a 4-hour plane ride from NYC, making this location the ultimate destination for a short or long-term getaway. Whether on a girl's outing, a solo escapade, or a romantic Impromptu trip, the Yucatan has you covered!
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September to November is my favorite time to visit! This is the low travel season in the Yucatan Peninsula, which is best for budget travel. There will be fewer crowds to visit major sites like Chichen Itza and take a day trip to other beautiful places.
Mexico Itinerary: Yucatan Peninsula Road Trip
Table of Contents
5.3. Tulum Accommodations
6.1. Day 1: Cancún and Valladolid
6.2. Day 2: Las Coloradas and Rio Lagartos
6.3. Day 3: Cenotes and Chichen Itza
6.4. Day 4: Valladolid and Tequilla Tasting
6.5. Day 5 & 6: Tulum
6.6. Day 7: Akumal Beach and Playa del Carmen
6.7. Day 8: Adventure Parks Xenses and Xelha
6.8. Day 9: Playa del Carmen and Cancún International Airport
Best Time to Visit Mexico:
Best Time to Visit Mexico for Weather:
🟡 December to March: December to March is the best time to visit and travel to Mexico. These months offer lovely sunny beach days with sporadic rain and pleasant weather ideal for travel. However, prices are higher during this time, and the crowds can be overwhelming.
🟡 March to May: the weather is mild, providing more opportunities to observe wildlife.
🟡 July to October: is Hurricane season, along with the hottest months. Due to unpredictable weather, this is my least favorite time to visit the Yucatan Peninsula.
🟡 September to November: is my favorite time to visit! This is the low travel season in the Yucatan Peninsula, which is best for budget travel. You might experience occasional rain, but there will be fewer crowds to visit major sites like Chichen Itza and take a day trip to other beautiful places. I highly recommend visiting during these months.
Best Time to Visit Mexico for Festivals:
🟣 January: Merida Fest
🟣 February: Mexican Carnival (Carnaval)
🟣 March: Spring Equinox
🟣 April: Holy Week (Semana Santa)
🟣 May: Cinco de Mayo
🟣 October: Dia de los Muertos
Best Time to Visit Mexico for Foodies:
♦️ January: Three Kings Bread Fiesta (Dia de los Reyes)
♦️ February: Sabor a Cabo | San José del Cabo, Mexico
♦️ April-May: Cancun-Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival | Riviera Maya, Mexico
♦️ May: National Wine and Cheese Fair | Tequisquiapan, Querétaro, Mexico
♦️ July: San Miguel de Allende Food Festival | San Miguel del Allende
♦️ November: San Felipe Shrimp Festival | Food and Wine Festival (Mexico City) | The Gastromic Fair (Puerto Escondido)
How Many Days Are Enough for Mexico?
The beauty of taking a trip to Mexico is that you can easily make an all-inclusive resort weekend trip (if traveling from North America), or if you have more time, you can rent a car and go on a road trip. Mexico is big and offers diverse settings that take you from city life in Mexico City to foodie destinations in Oaxaca City (one of my favorite cities for fine dining in Mexico) to jungle adventures in Tulum, beach parties in Playa del Carmen and Cancun while still being surrounded by Mayan culture and world heritage sites.
With 3 to 14 days in Mexico, I recommend staying in the Yucatan Peninsula to explore the area. There are so many things to do in the Yucatan! You can take a walking tour of your favorite city, visit remote Islands like Isla Holbox, and marvel at ancient Mayan archeological sites. A week's itinerary in the Yucatan makes the perfect trip to see a cenote—a must-do in Mexico—visit Chichen Itza and walk around the Tulum ruins.
With three weeks to a month in Mexico, you can add some Chiapas beach towns, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Central Mexico to visit Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.
Transportation and How to Travel the Yucatan Peninsula
How to Get to the Yucatan Peninsula
We booked a direct flight from NYC to Cancun International Airport.
Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula | How to Get Around the Yucatan
Before starting our journey, we experienced a rollercoaster of emotions each day. Every newspaper seemed to highlight Mexico, reporting numerous cases of theft, crime, violence, shootings, and even fatalities. We could have chosen to stay at a resort in Cancun and enjoy a worry-free experience, but that's not the kind of traveler we are. Instead, we rented a car and explored like locals; honestly, we never felt unsafe.
Of course, we always thought about safety. No drinking and driving, obeying all the speed limit laws, not renting a super flashy car (it's better to blend in), taking money out of a populated ATM, and not leaving our belongings unattended. But that's nothing new; we always do that. As a traveler, it's our responsibility to behave in a manner that will not offend the country we are traveling to, and Mexico was no exception. We had a fantastic trip! Here, I'll share what we did during our 3-week stay.
Road Trip vs ADO Bus
Public transportation is also an option in Mexico. You can take the ADO Bus to travel through the cities or hire a private transfer from the airport to your resort if you're only visiting for the weekend. The main difference between renting a car and traveling via bus is flexibility and time management. By renting a car, you can create your own schedule, which is very convenient. On the other hand, we found the buses also to be reliable. We rented a car in the Yucatan for 9 days but then flew from Cancun to Mexico City to explore central Mexico. We used the ADO bus system to travel from Mexico City to Puebla and from Puebla to Oaxaca and found the buses to always be on time and reliable. It's up to you if you would rather travel by car or bus. You can also do a mix like we did!
Car Rental
ADO Bus
Private Airport Transfers
Private Luxury Transfer Cancún Airport to Chiquila Port (Ferry terminal to visit Holbox Island)
What Are the Best Attractions in Yucatan, Mexico
What to See in Yucatan | Favorite Guided Tours
Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum on a day tour with lunch and all transportation included. Swim and snorkel with sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters of Akumal and enjoy pickup from Playa del Carmen. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
From Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour
Explore the history of the Mayan civilization on a small group tour. Visit Chichen Itza, experience a community-run cenote, and explore Valladolid as you travel back to ancient Mexico. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
From Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Full Day Tour
Explore two stunning islands on a full-day tour along the Yucatan coast. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Isla Contoy and visit the charming community of Isla Mujeres.
Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim
Get off the beaten track on an unforgettable 3-hour dune buggy tour of the Riviera Maya from Playa del Carmen. Drive along jungle trails and cool down with a swim and snorkel in one of the sacred sinkholes. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Join a guided group or private tour to discover the ancient temples of Chichén Itzá. With a tour, you'll immerse yourself in the history of Mayan archaeological sites, including the Temple of the Warriors, El Castillo, and El Caracol. Chichen Itza is a must-visit in the Yucatan Peninsula. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Rio Lagartos: Flamingo and Wildlife Tour in Rio Lagartos
This tour is amazing for adventurers and nature lovers. Ría Lagartos offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy nature and see wildlife on your Mexico road trip. Add to your itinerary a trip to the quaint beach town of Rio Lagarto for an unforgettable day trip to this unique biosphere reserve; this was one of our favorite experiences in the Yucatan, Mexico, area. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
From Merida: Uxmal and Amazing Cenotes Guided Tour with Lunch
Visit the ancient Maya city of Uxmal on a guided tour and learn about its marvelous architecture and history. You'll have a traditional local Mexican lunch and swim in two breathtaking cenotes. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Accommodations | Where to Stay in Yucatan (Riviera Maya)
Cancún Accommodations
Experience the perfect getaway in a secluded setting at Kempinski Hotel Cancun. Located in the vibrant Hotel Zone, this luxurious property grants you easy access to pristine white sandy beaches, lively nightlife, and exhilarating water sports activities for an unforgettable time in paradise. Relax by the pool, boasting stunning views, have dinner and cocktails at one of the many on-premise trendy restaurants/ bars, and pamper yourself with a rejuvenating hot spring bath at their spa. Select rooms offer private balconies with breathtaking sea views. Nearby, you'll find Playa Marlin Beach, La Isla Shopping Village, and Avenida Kukulkan. Cancún provides a diverse setting where you can enjoy the beach and city nightlife at your fingertips. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Atelier Playa Mujeres is an all-inclusive, secluded, and private beach hotel in Playa Mujeres, Cancun. With a private beach area, this adults-only hotel is stunning and perfect for a romantic getaway. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Playa del Carmen Accommodations
Hotel Suites Corazon is conveniently located in the Playa del Carmen area. It is close to popular attractions, various dining options, and nightlife. This 3-star property features an outdoor pool to hang out, relax, and unwind after exploring epic Mayan ruins.
La Pasion Hotel Boutique by Bunik is situated in the vibrant Playa del Carmen, providing easy access to beautiful beaches, trendy cafes, and lively nightlife. The hotel features spacious rooms with modern amenities, making it the perfect getaway for travelers looking to relax. Guests can enjoy breakfast and unwind by the pool while enjoying stunning views. This boutique hotel is ideal for those looking for budget accommodations while on the Yucatan road. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Located in the prime El Marlyn Azul area of Playa Del Carmen, this luxurious 5-star all-inclusive property offers the best of both worlds. Guests can enjoy dining options on-site or explore Playa del Carmen's vibrant surroundings. Notable attractions nearby include Rio Secreto and Playa Punta Esmeralda. The property features a spa, multiple restaurants and bars, a fitness center, pools, and stunning ocean views.
Tulum Accommodations
Layla Tulum is a stunning Mid-Range hotel offering the best quality at an affordable price. I first fell in love with the architecture of this property, which resembles Arab-Norman design and style. This hotel is one of my favorite spots to stay when visiting Tulum. The location is also prime for fun things to do in the area, like visiting Cenotes or driving through the peninsula. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
I am obsessed with this 4-star property. When you enter Hotel Miliam, the aesthetic feels elevated, chic, and contemporary, with a boho laid-back vibe. Some rooms offer a private jacuzzi and pool, which we love having after a full day of exploring a new city.
Holbox Island Accommodations (Isla Holbox)
This minimalist boutique hotel is perfect for those looking to spend several days in Isla Holbox without breaking the bank. The rooms are clean and big, and the location is prime for exploring the Island. Click here to check the latest prices and for more information.
Casa Mech makes you feel like you're in the jungle, surrounded by nature and the best beaches in the world, with a Mayan touch and decor. This boutique hotel captures the essence of boho/nomad disconnect well, providing chic accommodations at a budget price. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Valladolid Accommodations
Los Frailes is a modern, chic hotel that evokes "Hacienda meets Miami Beach" vibes. This budget-friendly boutique hotel offers a great mid-way stop if you're driving from Cancún to Merida as part of your Yucatan Itinerary. Valladolid is also where you'll find my favorite Cenote in the Yucatan, Cenote Suytun. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
Due to its location, we stayed at Zentik Project when we visited Las Coloradas (the pink lakes in Mexico). Zentik Project is centrally located between Cancún and Rio Lagartos, making it ideal for a mid-point spot. We fell in love with Zentik! I even celebrated my birthday there. The hotel is in a residential area of Valladolid, so it doesn't feel touristy. They have an on-premise restaurant, "Naino," and a bar making the best margaritas using locally produced agave. I usually am not a tequila drinker, and I was sipping them left and right! But the highlight of this boho/ artsy hotel is the underground salt mineral cave pool with a buzzer from which you can order margaritas! This hotel is a must when visiting Valladolid. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
The Basics:
Currency: Pesos -- $1 usd = 20.53 pesos
Tipping: General tipping of 10%-15%
Language: Spanish
Hi / Hello = Hola
Thank You = Gracias
Please = Porfavor
Beer = Cerveza
Tacos = Tacos ;)
Bathroom = Baño
How much is this? = Cuanto Cuesta
The bill please = La Cuenta Porfabor
The Ultimate Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 -- Cancun
We decided to rent a car for our nine-day exploration of the Yucatán, and it was our best decision! While transportation options like collectivos (local buses), ADO (the main bus line connecting towns), taxis, and bikes are readily available, having our own car allowed us to move at our own pace. By arriving early, we could beat the tour buses and enjoy each location without the crowds. We could plan our daily activities as we wished and found that driving and navigating the roads was comfortable and safe. The best time for a Yucatan road trip would be from September to November- my favorite time to visit! If you're only taking a 3-day trip to Mexico, renting a car would not be necessary. Renting a car is best for a Mexico itinerary of 7 days or more.
We landed in Cancun, rented our car from Discover Cars (a search engine that looks for the best car rental deals available-- we love this tool), and picked up our car just outside the airport. Most car agencies offer a convenient, free shuttle service for pickups and drop-offs to and from the airport. When searching for car rentals, you will find very low daily rates. However, Mexico requires third-party liability and collision insurance, often covered by most travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire (my favorite travel card) or Capital One. As a result, the total cost can be higher when you add these insurance options.
We rented an economy car for around $225 for nine days, which was worth it!
Travel Tips: If you rent a car like we did, bring accessories like a phone charger and a navigation mount. GPS systems are also available at an extra charge for some vehicles. Also, booking your car rental ahead of time is crucial, especially if you are looking for an automatic rental car. And don't forget to take pictures/videos of your vehicle before taking off as proof of the condition it was given to you. This has been useful for us in the past, and now we don't leave the parking lot without doing that!
After renting our car, we decided to grab lunch at The Surfin Burrito, The perfect spot for an anytime meal or snack. This place is open 24 hours daily and has affordable local fresh fish /meat tacos. It's also located right by the beach in La Zona Hotelera. Their Coco loco ( rum-based ) is a must-try! 🍺They also have great Micheladas (Mexican-style beer infused with sauces ). Our favorite 🌮 Tacos were Surf & Turf and Shrimp & Mahi. After lunch, head to the beach; Cancun is known for its white-sand beaches. Try Playa defines a top-rated beach in Cancun, where the big Cancun sign is. If you want a quieter beach, check out Playa Tortuga. We spent half a day in Cancun and headed to Valladolid to end our day. Valladolid is about a 2-hour drive from Cancun with a 1 hr difference in time between Cancun and Valladolid, which we did not know until we arrived, so it was a pleasant surprise to gain an extra hour.
Valladolid
We decided to stay in Valladolid for 5 days and make it our hub for half of our trip since it was the perfect midpoint to all the places we wanted to visit, cutting our drive in half. We Stayed at a Boutique Artist Hotel called Zentik Project, and this place was one of the highlights of our trip! It's welcome tequila from a local farm, which will turn a non-tequila drinker like me into ordering margaritas daily! An underground mineral-heated cave pool--the only one in all of Mexico! There is an outdoor pool to cool off on hot days, hammocks for siestas, rooftop yoga on weekends, and the best breakfast included with your stay at their restaurant Naino; dinner is also excellent here! If you have an opportunity, check out this spot. Click here for the latest prices at Zentik and more information.
Day 2 -- Las Coloradas & Rio Lagartos
I was very eager to visit Las Coloradas while in Mexico. I decided to visit the pink lakes of Las Coloradas on my birthday, and they did not disappoint! Pink water is real! Yes, this is not photoshopped- this water is a vivid shade of pink and one of the most stunning sights you'll find in the Yucatan. Las Coloradas is a privately owned salt factory that's open to the public as long as you don't bathe inside the water ( there's a beach nearby for bathing). The pink color in the water comes from tiny marine microorganisms that contain beta carotene -- a reddish-orange pigment. The best time to visit is when the sun is at its highest. The direct sunlight will give the water its deep, colorful shade of pink.
Around the area, you'll also find an orange water lake, which is just as stunning! If planning a visit, make it a day trip as it's a long drive (2 hours from Valladolid), and you can do plenty of activities nearby. You do not need a guide to visit Las Coloradas. It's free and open to the public. At the entrance, you'll find "guides" offering tours and saying that guides are mandatory to visit-- this is not true. You can drive past them (as long as they're not officials with the salt company) and head to the end of the road for white sands and pink waters.
Things to Do in Rio Lagartos & Favorite Guided Tours
🦩 Grab lunch in San Felipe, a small, colorful town.
🦩 Take a boat tour in Rio Lagartos, a fishing town 25 min away from Las Coloradas. This tour will take you searching for wildlife, flamingos, more colorful water, a deserted Mayan mud land, and a secluded beach to swim and rinse off. "Flamingo Tour Rio Lagartos, Yucatan 2 hrs." Click here for the latest prices and more information.
🦩 Eat Ceviche at "Ria Maya." It was the best Ceviche we had in all of Yucatan!!!
Here, you can also book your boat tour.
Day 3 -- Cenotes and Chichen Itza
Mexico is not just about the beaches. The best part is diving into a sinkhole "cenote" and swimming in cold water after a hot day exploring ruins and hiking pyramids.
On day 3, we'll start our day traveling from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, but first, we'll stop at Ik Kill, a very popular cenote due to its proximity to Chichen Itza. This cenote had a paradise meets jungle feel to it. It was so much fun jumping from rocks into the water and finding little fish swimming around us! This cenote is open from 8 am-5 pm. I recommend visiting before 9 am for a less crowded space and the best natural lighting, as this cenote is semi-open. Cenotes became our favorite activity in the Yucatan. These nature-made sinkholes are great for swimming, snorkeling, diving, relaxing, and cooling off. If you prefer taking a guided tour from Valladolid instead, add the "Valladolid: Chichen Itza and 3 Cenotes Tour" to your itinerary day. Click here for the latest prices and more information.
After visiting your first cenote on your itinerary trip, head to Chichen Itza, one of the world's seven wonders. Chichen Itza is only a 15-minute drive from Ik Kill, making it the perfect day trip combo on your road trip through Mexico! Try visiting before 11:30 am. Chichen Itza gets very crowded in the afternoon, with tour buses arriving every 15 minutes. Also, I recommended having as much sun protection as possible as the open field can get extremely hot, with no shaded areas. We visited during spring and were burning up, so don't underestimate the seasonal weather. When visiting Chichen Itza, I recommend taking a guided walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of this impressive archeological and world heritage site that is important to Mexican culture. Click here for the latest tour prices and more information.
After Chichen Itza, it's time for lunch and a much-needed cooling off at a Cenote or two. For lunch, you can eat at the restaurant located in Chichen Itza or head into town and eat in Valladolid. In the Yucatan, we went cenote crazy and preferred them over Mexico's beaches. They were so unique and stunning. I'll share all the ones we visited in this area and explain why we liked them. Choose your favorites from my list and see them. But first things first, let me give you a little intro to Cenotes...
A Cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Cenotes were a significant part of Mayan culture, and it is believed that sacrifices of gold, jade, and humans were made here to honor the god of the underworld. There are four different types of cenotes: underground, semi-underground, those at a land level like a lake or pond, and open Wells. For more on Cenotes, check out my post, "Cenotes in the Yucatan 101." This Cenote is Cenote Samula, which is stunning to see and swim around despite the freezing water. Best for couples and people wanting to snorkel or an epic pic.
If swimming in underground sinkholes surrounded by bats is not your thing, then I think you'll enjoy the cenote inside "Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman."Oxman has something for everyone, not to mention it's inside a Mexican Hacienda! This cenote is excellent for families, couples, and travelers with an adventurous soul. Inside a hacienda, you'll find this little gem with a pool and a bar offering drinks for those wanting to chill and soak the sun in. Despite this cenote having kick-ass amenities, its highlight is its fun built-in rope, where you can swing from and jump into the cenote! You can spend days in Mexico just cenote hopping and having a great time!
Day 4 -- Valladolid
Take day 4 to chill. Sleep in and take your time enjoying an authentic Mexican breakfast. If staying at Zentik, try their enchiladas verdes (I had them every day!) and ask for their specialty Zentik Coffee, made in-house with an added shot of local tequila—super delicious! But don't overdo it with coffee unless you want to spend the next couple of hours in a hammock and taking a siesta by the pool. It's totally fine if you do! We did. :) Enjoy the moment.
Things to do in Valladolid town:
🔸Visit Parque Francisco Canton Rosado
🔸Check out the San Lorenzo Convent
🔸Stroll down "Calzada de Los Frailes" for a street full of colorful houses.
🔸Go chocolate tasting in town for free! Two great spots are "Chocolates Maya Cho Haa" and "Choco-Story."
🔸For local craft ice cream, check out Subterra Helados. A yes, on a hot day!
🔸Grab lunch in town: Check out "La Casona de Valladolid" for a buffet-style lunch. Make sure to check out the patio; it's stunning, and you can eat al fresco!
If you're looking for more things to do in Valladolid, a fun tour you can take is the "Xkopek, Mayan Bees Tour and Honey Tasting." The tour takes you to an underground cenote where you can find and see bee hives and bees at work producing honey in their natural and wild state. Click here for the latest tour prices and more information.
With a full belly, take a tequila tour and taste tequila at the local "Mayapan Distilleries," open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
After tequila tasting, head back to town and enjoy a free night light show at San Bernardo Convent in Valladolid. -- end of day 4
Day 5 -- On the road to Tulum
Since we only had 9 days in the Yucatan, we decided to head back east to explore Tulum and surrounding areas. If you have extra days, head west instead and visit Merida, known for colonial architecture. Izamal is an all-yellow Pueblo magico town—Uxmal, Celestun, Campeche, and Chiapas for stunning ruins, wildlife, and waterfalls. But to stay true to our itinerary and 9-day blog, we'll head east to Tulum. On the drive to Tulum, we'll make three stops before arriving at our hotel in town. The first stop is only 15 min away from Valladolid -- Cenote Suytum: in my opinion, the most stunning cenote in all of Yucatan. Open from 9 am-6 pm.
This cenote is surreal and magical, perfect for nature lovers. Due to its extraordinary beauty, it felt like we were on a movie set. We arrived early and shared the space with bats flying above and fish swimming below. The natural light from the sky gently illuminated the underground sinkhole. We fell in love with the experience, letting go of our initial fear of the numerous bats overhead. It was a place we knew we would never forget!
After our magical encounter with nature, we decided to head to our next stop: Gran Cenote. This cenote is closer to Tulum, more touristy, and ideal for snorkeling and families. The water tends to be warmer since the cenote is open for most parts, allowing for a clear view of fish below and turtles basking on nearby rocks.
Renting snorkeling gear in the Yucatan is easy and affordable. However, I recommend buying your equipment and bringing it along, especially if you plan on cenote hopping and snorkeling at nearby beaches. This is something we didn't do and wished we had. The rental facilities clean the gear after every use, but we still couldn't shake the thought that others had used the same mouthpiece before us. It was fine for the first few times, but we realized that having our snorkeling kit would have been a better choice by the third rental! Click here for our favorite budget snorkeling gear from Amazon. This is what we travel with now, and we love it!
After splashing in the Gran Cenote, we're heading to Tulum's best-kept secret, Kaan Luum Lagoon! This was our favorite freshwater "beach" in Mexico. Only 30 min south of Tulum, you'll find this local freshwater lagoon. It's great for swimming, having a picnic, and using its sand as a natural body exfoliant. This lagoon is unique because there's a cenote smack in the middle (the darkest shade of blue in the pic below.) This cenote is underwater, and you need a divers permit to get in as it's very deep. Are any divers out there up for the challenge? Leave a comment about your favorite cenote to dive in in Yucatan!
After a full day of swimming, it's finally time to arrive in Tulum. If you rent a car and consider staying in town instead of the beach, we recommend the budget hotel Maison Tulum. This place is ideal for long-term stays in Tulum. One of the benefits of staying in the center of town is that you'll have access to some fantastic local restaurants nearby, where you can enjoy delicious tacos for just $0.42. You'll find some great "hole-in-the-wall" dining options! However, the nightlife and beach area are about a 15-minute drive away.
Foodie Spots in Tulum for under $1
🌮 Taqueria Honorio ( 8am-2pm)
🌮 Antojitos la Chiapaneca (2:30pm-11pm)
🌮 El Rincon Chiapaneco (11am- 10pm)
With a full belly, it's now time to check in at your hotel, freshen up, and start your night exploring the beachside of Tulum as part of your Yucatan Road Trip.
The beachside stretch in Tulum is approximately 3.4 miles long, starting from Azulik and ending at Casa Malca, Pablo Escobar's former mansion. We'll explore this area over several nights, always picking up where we left off.
Here are some essential things to know about the beach area in Tulum:
- You can walk the strip from the beachside, although it can be hard to determine precisely where you are since this area is technically behind the hotels. Alternatively, you can walk along the street, which offers cute shops and non-hotel-related restaurants, sometimes offering live music. We suggest trying both routes! The beachside provides stunning views and romantic moments, while the street side allows for more local exploration and experiences.
- You're welcome to visit any hotel for drinks, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, even if you're not staying there. The staff is usually very friendly, and the hotel premises are open to the public in Mexico.
- Be prepared for a touristy atmosphere and luxury hotels, which can make prices relatively high. You may end up overpaying for everything in this area. We recommend taking a trip into town to enjoy tacos that cost just 42 cents before heading to the beach. Even with taxi fare (assuming you didn't rent a car), you'll save money, and the food quality in town is more authentic. We noticed only locals were eating there, which is always a good sign, and the tacos were out of this world delicious!
Tulum Travel Guide with Stops
Start your night at Azulik, a stunning, eco-friendly luxury hotel we found to be the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Drinks are overpriced, and the service is just ok, but the hotel is breathtaking! Buy a drink & roam around or stay for dinner. They have a giant nest overlooking the jungle that's out of this world. You can spend hours here walking around and always find a new area that will take your breath away. Watch the sunset and walk along the strip to different hotels, shops & bars by foot or bike. You can't go wrong here. This area is full of music, great food & drinks. Azulik is the perfect place to start your mini Tulum trip.
Favorite Foodie/ Nightlife Spots in Tulum
*Ahau Tulum -- breakfast
*Casa Jaguar -- drinks
*Be Tulum -- dinner at their beachfront restaurant, watching the moon rise.
*Nomade -- for the vibes and ambiance
*Gitano -- with live music on Sundays
*Kitchen Table -- RSVP recommended
*Safari -- drinks, bites, music
Day 6 -- Tulum
Start your day with an archeological ruin hike at the ruins of Tulum. This place is popular and free for Mexican residents on Sundays, so keep that in mind when planning. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the extreme heat and crowds. This ruin site is right next to the beach, so bring your bathing suit with you so you can head for a swim after. Continue and end the rest of your day where you left off, exploring Tulum's beachfront, relaxing, strolling around, and taking in some sun.
Day 7 -- Akumal Beach
( on the road to Playa del Carmen)
Akumal is a beach town between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. This beach is known for its sea turtles and clear waters for snorkeling. Snorkeling there was a fantastic experience; we saw fascinating sea life and coral reefs. If you don't have snorkeling gear, you can rent equipment there. Be sure to arrive early, wear biodegradable sunblock, and have your GoPro handy! We recommend arriving early because more people = fewer sea turtles as they hide from crowds.
Something vital is NOT to touch them! They're wild and endangered. The sea turtles here won't harm you, so please respect their privacy. The beach is starting to close on some days to preserve the wildlife. Tourists always try to pet and hold the turtles for that perfect shot... Not worth it! Please avoid contact so we can all continue enjoying swimming with them. Another critical topic to bring up is that this is a FREE beach and open to the public. Big resorts in this area are trying to charge the public a cover fee to get in, even to Mexican residents... Ridiculous! This beach should always be free to the public, especially its residents. 🚩 To find the turtles, find the red flag on the beach; that's the area with the most turtles. It's near a scuba rental shop and resort restaurant.
On the way, Cenotes...
You can find three sister cenotes after Akumal and between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Cenote Cristalino, Cenote Jardin del Eden, and Cenote Azul are less than a minute drive away from one another. We went to all 3, and next, I'll be sharing the highlights of each one so you can choose the one that works for you. Let's start with Cenote Cristalino: This cenote is an open cenote with a secret garden feel as it is less touristy than other cenotes nearby with beautiful nooks where you are surrounded by nature and secluded from the rest.
Cenote Cristalino is perfect for couples and groups as there's a fun cliff you can jump from and nearby stands with fruit snacks for purchase. Out of all 3, this was my favorite one. This cenote is also very calm, so it's perfect for having fish therapy. Just sit by a rock, stay still, and all the little fish will be swimming your way.
This is the second Cenote Jardin del Eden. Jardin del Eden is an open Cenote with an adventurous feel. It's also less touristy than other cenotes nearby, with unusual dive spots and cliffs to jump off from. It's perfect for divers and groups, as there's a grill with burgers and hot dogs available for purchase, so it's perfect for spending the day as part of your road trip itinerary.
Last, we have Cenote Azul. This open Cenote offers stunning views with an "oasis" feel—the perfect spot to cool off on a hot day! Cenote Azul is best for families and individuals seeking a more chill vibe. The waters here can be shallow and deep, with nearby rocks to soak the sun in and cliffs to jump in from. Cenote Azul is perfect for a mini-day road trip if you spend a few days in the area and add to your Yucatan Itinerary. Cenote Azul in Mexico is located within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a protected natural area that preserves the underground river system connecting various cenotes.
Playa del Carmen
Finally, arrive in Playa del Carmen, check into your hotel, and find some food. Here are some of our other favorite spots to eat in Playa del Carmen.
• Wichoos—This spot has swings as seats! It also serves yummy local Mexican food at great prices. I recommend this spot for lunch. We had very good tacos here!
• El Boticario—This is our favorite cocktail, snack, and dinner spot along the famous 5th Avenue road. It has great ambiance and music!
• La Cueva de Chango is our favorite fine-dining restaurant in a patio setting that's very romantic at night. Plus, it has delish food! Just bring bug spray. Spend the night strolling around 5th Avenue. You'll find bars along 10th Street and nightclubs along 12th Street.
You can also take a 3-hour local food walking tour in Playa del Carmen.
Day 8 -- Visit an Adventure Park
We love theme parks! From Disney to Six Flags, you name it...we're adrenaline junkies! We've been to a handful of parks across the U.S.A. and found Mexico to have some unique and cool ones worth visiting. Whether you're looking for something the entire family and your inner kid can enjoy or zip-lining through the jungle while diving in underground caves, the Yucatan has you covered! We visited two parks, Xelha and Xenses, and had a blast!! *Tip: buying your ticket online can save up to 30%. If visiting multiple parks, try combining them into one (you can see each on different days) to save even more! Most of these parks are all-inclusive. Yassss 🙌🏽 to hourly beers, margaritas, and tacos!! Do a little research and go to the best park for YOU. There are so many to choose from! Our favorite park was Xenses, a park meant for exploring all human senses. This park was so much fun and unique, plus it's a half-day park; we were there from 9 am - 2 pm and did everything!
Click here for the latest prices and more information on visiting Xelha Park. Or if you can only visit one park, click here for the latest prices and more information on visiting Xenses.
Day 9 - Last day - Fly to CDMX
This is our last day in the Yucatan. We decided to sleep in, wash our car rental, and visit a local brewery in the area before boarding our flight to Mexico City. For some reason, finding a car wash company in Playa del Carmen was a bit challenging. Google Maps and locals led us to places that had already closed down or did not even exist! So we had to drive around until we found a spot! The car wash company we found is near an excellent brewery, "Carmen Beer Co." If you type that name in Google Maps, you'll see a small car wash crossing a big street intersection (a 5-minute walk); this place was fast and great!
I recommend dropping off your car and walking to the brewery for local tap beer and a bite. * if you write a trip advisor review for them, they'll give you a free beer! I recommend not leaving your car wash duties (as much of a drag as it is) for that last minute. If they're super busy, it could take a long time for your car to be ready, and if you return your vehicle unwashed, the rental company can charge you a higher fee than a car wash would. We were as neat as possible, but the Yucatan's a beach area, so there'll be sand in your car and wet seats no matter how tidy you try to be; keep this in mind while planning, especially if needing to take a flight out... Up next, join us for Mexico Part II -- CDMX, Puebla & Oaxaca.
Additional Day Trips in the Yucatan
🚙 Visit la Ruta de los Cenotes, which is on the way from Playa del Carmen to Cancun.
🚙 Isla Holbox: Overnight stay. Drive from Cancun to Chiquila (2hr drive). Take a Ferry from Chiquila to Isla Holbox (15 min). Although becoming increasingly popular, this island is still less commercial than Tulum. With unfinished roads, shallow waters, and magical sunsets, come here to unwind and relax, having some incredible local ceviche, night festivals, and the chance to swim with whale sharks.
🚙 Laguna Bacalar: Overnight stay. This seven-color lagoon with nearby cenotes is located about two hours south of Tulum and is a great addition to your Mexico Road trip and itinerary.
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