Day-by-Day Trip Itinerary: Riviera Maya & Yucatan State

Day 1

We arrived in Cancun at 10:00 PM via Copa Airlines. We bought the plane tickets through a travel agency. Although we usually book online or directly with the airline, the agency had a great offer. They advised us to stay on the same airline rather than combining carriers—if the first flight is delayed, no airline takes responsibility for a missed connecting flight on another airline.
Everything went smoothly and according to schedule.

It's worth mentioning that aggressive excursion sellers no longer hound you at arrival, despite what some older videos suggest. Access to the arrivals area is restricted.

Car Rental

Upon landing, we headed to the Avis counter, and a quick shuttle (about 300 meters) took us to pick up the car.
Thankfully, they offered complimentary bottled water, which was a lifesaver after a long flight into the humid heat.

We rented our car using a price comparison platform, which always gives us peace of mind. Currently, we use DiscoverCars to compare top rental agencies and book. It has given us great results.
Be mindful of optional insurance fees added at the counter. Since we arranged our coverage ahead of time, pickup was fast and problem-free.

Due to many reader questions, we wrote a full guide dedicated to car rentals, specifically on car insurance and renting a car in Cancun. Check out the link here.

One great gesture from Avis Cancun: when we realized the headlights on our car were faulty, they delivered a replacement car directly to where we were staying.

We stayed at the Ramada Cancun Hotel (now renamed Adhara Hotel), located downtown near Las Palapas square. Great value for money. Although they have parking, it was full when we arrived. We parked on the street, but security guards kept watch all night, so it felt very safe.
The hotel has a classic US hotel layout, complete with an in-room coffee maker.

That evening we walked to a restaurant 100 meters away. They were closing, but held open long enough for our first Mexican meal: a tapas bar right next to the famous La Parrilla restaurant (which we visited the next day). They showed us how to enjoy authentic tapas and nachos.

Throughout the Riviera Maya, we were delightfully surprised by the delicious natural fresh fruit juices and generous meal portions.

The area felt safe to walk around at night with plenty of open restaurants. Don't be startled if you see large police pickup trucks with armed officers patrolling the area.

Day 2

Isla Mujeres
We originally planned to take the ferry from Punta Sam, but accidentally took a right turn instead of a left and ended up at Puerto Juárez.
As we arrived, representatives from a local maritime cooperative offered us a tour package we had previously seen on Youtube. The package included: Ultramar ferry transfer, boat ride, included lunch (drinks extra), and several snorkeling stops over beautiful reefs full of marine life. There was also an option to take a photo with a nurse shark. The whole trip lasted about 4 hours.
Even on the tour, we had the flexibility to return on the Ultramar ferry whenever we wanted.
Usually, they shuttle you across in smaller boats, but the ocean was choppy that morning. The big ferry ended up being an upgrade: fast, smooth, and entertaining with live music onboard.
During the excursion, we visited a semi-sunken shipwreck and an underwater cave packed with fish where we snorkeled, plus caught a glimpse of the dolphin park from the water.
Afterward, we enjoyed grilled fish cooked on-site by the crew, served with rice salad and noodles—a combination we wouldn't have thought to make, but it tasted surprisingly delicious! While waiting for lunch, guests had the chance to take photos holding a captive nurse shark. We prefer seeing animals in the wild, so we passed on the photo, though seeing the shark was still neat.

Here's a snapshot from snorkeling—complete with a friendly fish smiling at the camera!

Isla Mujeres – Playa Norte (North Beach)
Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is among the most breathtaking beaches we have ever set foot on.
The sand is as fine as talcum powder and doesn't get hot underfoot because it is formed from crushed coral fossils.
The water is calm and public access is free.
Take your time walking the full length of the beach, relaxing under coconut palms, and enjoying the warm water and sunshine.
We chose not to rent a golf cart, as driving around would have taken away from fully soaking in this paradise beach. We definitely want to stay a few full days here on our next trip!
After watching a magnificent sunset, we walked along a vibrant pedestrian street on our way back to the ferry. It had lively bars, cute shops, and live music. Unfortunately, we had to rush back because our parking garage closed at 8:00 PM.

Tip: The parking garage directly across from the ferry terminal is cheaper than the official terminal lot.

Dinner at "La Parrilla" – Cancun
We couldn't miss dinner at this iconic restaurant near our hotel, famous for its mariachi performances.
We discovered the waiters put on quite a show too! As seen in the photo, at least one waiter was balancing multiple drinks on his head while serving. Great service and fantastic traditional atmosphere.

Day 3

Breakfast at Las Palapas
We walked about three blocks to Las Palapas square for breakfast.

This square is best known for its evening scene, featuring food stalls, kids' play areas, and a large amphitheater.
In the morning, vendors mostly serve local workers. Despite a light rain, it made for a lovely, authentic breakfast! There are plenty of outdoor tables—you order from any stall you like and eat where you sit. Rain drove us under the roof of a closed stall, where we sampled new flavors and fresh juices.
On our walk back to check out of the hotel, we took a side street through a traditional Mexican plaza complete with a central gazebo, just like the ones in storybooks.

Since the rain persisted, we skipped the Hotel Zone beaches and activated Plan B: shopping at Las Plazas Outlet Cancun.

Las Plazas Outlet Cancun
Discounts weren't extraordinary.
Important note: The 3 or 4 bank branches inside do not exchange US Dollars unless you hold an account with them. We used a debit card to buy athletic shoes and gear at the Nike outlet.
Before heading down the highway toward Tulum, we stopped at a Walmart to pick up affordable souvenirs, exchange USD (at a currency exchange booth opposite Walmart), and eat lunch.
We bought water shoes here—the absolute best price we found—and used them across all adventure parks. Flip-flops or Crocs won't cut it; closed-toe water shoes are mandatory at parks and coral reefs due to sharp rocks and sea urchins.
Most large supermarkets house McDonald's, Chinese eateries, seating, and clean restrooms—very convenient for road trippers.

Currency Exchange Tip:
You often get the best exchange rate by paying in US Dollars at major supermarkets. They give you a better rate than exchange booths and return your change in Mexican Pesos. The trick is paying with the largest USD bill allowed relative to your purchase total.

Drive to Tulum
The drive from Cancun to Tulum takes about two hours along a flat, multi-lane highway. Traffic can be steady, but driving is easy. Look out for Mayan-inspired roadside sculptures on the central median, including two-headed serpents and mini-pyramids.

Stop at Xpu-Ha Beach
We turned off to visit Xpu-Ha, a gorgeous tropical beach with a small access toll.
Despite a little sargassum seaweed, it was breathtaking. They offer glamping and camping right on the sand—a great choice if you enjoy that style of accommodation! Photos really don't do its beauty justice.
The beach bars feature live music and swing seats right at the bar counter. We walked, swam, and relaxed in the sun before continuing our drive.

Arrival in Tulum
We checked in at Hotel Tulum Inn—budget-friendly, comfortable, and strategically located right next to the side road leading toward Coba and Chichen Itza. The on-site parking fits about 4 cars, with safe street parking visible directly from the front desk.
The hotel sits on the main avenue running south through town. They offer free coffee and tea all day in the lobby area—perfect for returning in the late afternoon, grabbing a snack from the Oxxo convenience store across the street, and relaxing in the lounge chairs. Fantastic value for money.

Dinner

Following the receptionist's advice, we dined alongside locals at Antojitos La Chiapaneca.
It's a humble corner spot with counter seating along the sidewalk and about 10 small tables inside. It was packed with locals, tourists, and us enjoying the single best authentic Mexican street food we tried during our entire Riviera Maya trip.

Day 4

Chichen Itza – Cenote – Ek Balam – Valladolid
Ek Balam is a remarkable archaeological site uncovered relatively recently. The Mayans intentionally covered these structures with earth and stone to hide them from the Spanish, leaving the detailed plaster carvings preserved as if sculpted yesterday! Best of all, visitors are allowed to climb the main pyramid.
We set off early to cover a lot of ground: early morning at Chichen Itza, a refreshing cenote swim, then Ek Balam, followed by a evening stop in Valladolid.
We took Route 109 to Route 180 through Valladolid. (The parallel Route 180D is a faster toll highway). We left around 6:30 AM to hit Chichen Itza right at opening when crowd levels and temperatures are lowest.

Chichen Itza
Arriving around 9:00 AM, we parked along the approach road about 200m from the entrance. By the time we left, the line of parked cars extended nearly 800 meters back to the highway!
Chichen Itza fully lives up to its wonder status.

The feathered serpent effect on the Kukulkan Pyramid is incredible. During the equinox, shadows cast along the staircase create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the structure.
Clapping in front of the pyramid creates an acoustic echo mimicking the chirp of a Quetzal bird—guides nearby demonstrate the exact spot to stand.

We explored the whole complex and bought beautiful local handicrafts inside (prices are negotiable). Key highlights: The Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, the Nunnery Complex, and the El Caracol Observatory.
Temple of the Warriors: Features hundreds of carved columns depicting warriors, chieftains, women, and elders.
El Caracol Observatory: An imposing circular structure used for astronomical observations.


Tips:
- Arrive right at opening time.
- Bring plenty of drinking water.
- Buy handicrafts inside the grounds and shirts from vendors outside.

Cenote Xkeken
Leaving Chichen Itza on Route 180 toward Valladolid, we turned right toward Dzitnup to visit Cenote Xkeken.
This semi-underground cenote is stunning, quiet, and clean. Stalactites hang from the limestone dome, with tree roots reaching all the way down to crystal-clear water. Sunlight beams through a natural opening overhead while small fish swim around you. Safety ropes across the water offer resting spots while swimming.

Ek Balam (Mayan for Black Jaguar)
After a quick lunch at Xkeken, we rushed toward Ek Balam fearing it would be closed. We stopped to ask a taxi driver, who gave us amazing news: the State of Yucatan operates one hour behind Quintana Roo! We gained an extra hour without realizing it!
If you want to climb massive ancient pyramids with beautifully preserved stone carvings and sweeping 360-degree jungle views, Ek Balam is an absolute must.
Unlike Chichen Itza, there were almost no crowds.
You enter through a well-preserved City Gate leading to the Acropolis—the main grand pyramid structure.
Thatched roofs protect intricate plaster carvings of winged figures, open jaguar jaws representing the entrance to the underworld, and detailed friezes.

The stone steps are in solid condition. Climbing in a slight zig-zag pattern makes the ascent easier. From the top of the 29-meter Acropolis, you can gaze across the flat jungle canopy all the way toward Coba.

Check out our short video tour of Ek Balam:

Valladolid
Valladolid is a charming colonial city centered around a picturesque main plaza.

The plaza features classic double "courting chairs" (sillas confidenciales) and colorful folkloric dance performances.
We visited "La Casona de Valladolid", a beautifully decorated colonial mansion, and dined outdoors with live music at Las Campanas right on the square.

Tips for this day:
- Bring sunscreen, swimwear, towels, and a change of clothes.
- Keep water cool in the car trunk by wrapping large bottles together tightly inside thick towels—it keeps drinks surprisingly cold for hours!

Day 5

Tulum Archaeological Site
Instead of entering through the main highway entrance, we drove along the coastal road on the ocean side. This allowed us to park right by Playa Paraíso, avoiding parking fees and tram shuttle costs for the ruins.
Passing through the stone wall surrounding the ancient seaside city of Tulum is breathtaking. Perched atop cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, this walled ceremonial center holds incredible energy.

Playa Paraíso & Boat Tour

Right on Playa Paraíso beach, we hired a local boat tour that takes you out into the bay to view the Tulum ruins directly from the water, followed by a snorkeling stop on the reef.

Seeing the cliffside temples from the sea offers the exact vantage point Spanish explorers saw centuries ago. During our snorkel stop, we encountered our very first wild sea turtle!

In the evening, we drove along Tulum's famous eco-resort strip, lined with candlelit boutique hotels and open-air restaurants illuminated by torches.

Day 6

Xel-Ha Park
Xel-Ha was the first of four Xcaret eco-parks we visited. Centered around an expansive natural inlet where sea meets river, it is filled with colorful tropical fish and stingrays.
Purchasing the multi-park photo package in advance proved to be a great value. Photo stations located throughout all parks read your wristband, automatically taking photos you can download later.

Xel-Ha includes all-inclusive food and drinks (breakfast and lunch buffets).
Key highlights: tubing down the river through mangroves, zip-lining into the water, crossing high ropes courses over the inlet, and climbing the Scenic Lighthouse waterslide.


Note: Only 100% biodegradable sunscreen is permitted in Xel-Ha, Xcaret, and Xplor to protect coral reefs. Standard sunscreen can be exchanged at the entrance for eco-friendly packets and collected upon exit.

Day 7

Coba & Drive to Akumal
Coba spans a vast jungle area. To cover all ruins efficiently, we rented bicycles at the entrance (bidet-taxis with drivers are also available).

The main highlight is the Nohoch Mul pyramid—the tallest structure in the Yucatan Peninsula. You can climb to the top assisted by a central thick rope. The panoramic view over the unbroken jungle canopy is incredible.


Look out for the paired Chechen and Chaca trees throughout the jungle—one is toxic to touch, while the bark of the other acts as its natural antidote.

Multum-Ha Cenote: An underground cavern cenote near Coba featuring crystal-clear water and wooden swimming platforms.

Hotel Akumal Caribe
We stayed right on Akumal Bay. Swimming with sea turtles in their natural habitat right off the shore is an unforgettable experience.

Watch our short video of Akumal Bay and sea turtles:

Dinner: Fresh seafood at La Cueva del Pescador in Akumal town.

Day 8

A relaxing full day enjoying Akumal Bay, beach lounge chairs, snorkeling with sea turtles, and breakfast right by the water.

Days 9 & 10

Puerto Aventuras – Hotel Barceló Maya Beach Resort
We booked a 2-night stay directly through the Barcelo website, which earned us MyBarceló perks like free Wi-Fi and activity vouchers.
The resort is an all-inclusive complex with multiple properties, water parks, sports facilities, bowling alleys, specialty restaurants, and nightly stage shows.

The beach is wide, clear, and featured zero sargassum during our stay. Non-motorized water sports like hobie cat sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing are included.

Day 10

Playa del Carmen
From Barcelo, we drove 30 minutes to Playa del Carmen and checked into our hotel. Note: Most hotels in central Playa del Carmen do not have private enclosed garages; street parking is standard and safe.
In the evening, we walked through downtown to Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue) and saw traditional Mayan dance performances with fire and drums at Founder's Park square.

Day 11

Xplor Park
An action-packed adventure park centered around underground cenote caverns and jungle zip-lining.

Activities include driving amphibious vehicles through jungle trails and caves, flying down two extensive zip-line circuits, paddling hand-paddled rafts through stalactite-filled caverns, and swimming through underground river circuits.

All food and fruit smoothie bars are included throughout the day.

Day 12

Playa del Carmen & Cozumel Excursion Booking
We spent the morning exploring local beaches in Playa del Carmen. Near the ferry pier, we booked an excursion for the following day to Cozumel including round-trip ferry tickets, a boat tour, and 3 snorkeling stops along coral reefs.

Day 13

Xcaret Park
Xcaret is a massive eco-archaeological park celebrating Mexican culture and nature. We highly recommend booking Xcaret Plus for included buffet dining and locker access.

Must-See Highlights in Order:
1. México Espectacular Night Show (over 300 performers detailing Mexico's history)
2. Coral Reef Aquarium
3. Aviary & Butterfly Pavilion
4. Underground River Swim
5. Voladores de Papantla (Ritual Flyers) performance
6. Mayan Village & Cultural Shows

Day 14

Cozumel Day Trip

We caught the morning ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel island.

Boarding our glass-bottom boat tour, we visited three distinct reef sites. Cozumel offers world-class underwater visibility, vibrant coral formations, and abundant marine life.

Day 15

Xenses Park & Puerto Morelos
Xenses is a unique sensory park filled with optical illusions and sensory adventures.

Highlights include the Xensatorium (a pitch-black sensory walk through different ecosystems), the gravity-defying Town, the Mud River, and the horizontal Bird Flight zip-line.


Puerto Morelos
On our drive back toward Cancun, we stopped at the quiet coastal town of Puerto Morelos, famous for its leaning lighthouse and oceanfront seafood dining.

We spent our final evening staying at a hotel near Cancun airport and visited the lively Cancun Hotel Zone nightlife area near Hard Rock Cafe.

Day 16

Airport Return
We drove to Cancun International Airport, returned our rental car, and boarded our morning flight home. A flawless trip full of unforgettable memories!

Planning to Rent a Car?

Read our full guide on car rentals in Mexico at this link.

To compare prices across major car rental brands, we recommend using Discover Cars.

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