Yucatan Road Trip: The Perfect 2 Weeks in Mexico
If you’re wondering how to fill 2 weeks in Mexico then taking a Yucatan road trip is always going to be one of the most thrilling ways to organize your trip.
This tropical region is where you’ll find hundreds of mysterious cenotes, impressive Mayan ruins, golden beaches with azure waters, and fascinating cities rich in Mexican culture and heritage. Not to mention world-class diving and snorkeling!
But with so many sights to choose from, it can be exhausting to piece it all together into the perfect route. And that’s where my Yucatan Peninsula road trip itinerary comes into the picture!
The following guide contains everything you need to know about what places to visit, which hotels to stay at during your trip, and even where to eat.
A quick note before we begin: this Yucatan itinerary covers the Yucatan Peninsula rather than just the Mexican state of Yucatan. In fact, the peninsula is inclusive of Campeche and Quintana Roo as well as Yucatan. Let’s get started!
*Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Overview of Your Yucatan Road Trip
Breakdown of your 2 weeks in Mexico
Before we go over the schedule day by day, here is a quick overview of your Yucatan road trip itinerary.
- Day 1: Arrive in Cancun
- Day 2: Cancun
- Day 3: Day trip to Isla Mujeres
- Day 4: Valladolid
- Day 5: Chichen Itza & Cenote Ik Kil
- Day 6: Cenote Zaci, Cenote Suytun, Cenote Chukum
- Day 7: Cenote Oxman, Uayma, Merida
- Day 8: Merida
- Day 9: Izamal, Cobá Archaeological Zone, arrive in Tulum
- Day 10: Tulum
- Day 11: Tulum Archaeological Zone & Cenote Hopping
- Day 12: Cenote dos Ojos, Cenote Azul, arrive in Playa del Carmen
- Day 13: Playa del Carmen
- Day 14: Return to Cancun airport
Map for your Yucatan road trip itinerary
Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Yucatan road trip itinerary.
I marked the different parts of the road trip with different colors so you can easily see which places you’re going to in each part of the Yucatan Peninsula.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Day 1-2: Cancun
Welcome to the Yucatan! After a potentially long experience of traveling to the region on day one, I recommend that you devote the first full day of your 2 weeks in Yucatan to relaxing in the immediate Cancun area.
Seize the opportunity to enjoy the swimming facilities at your resort, hit the beach, and sample the local sites. Unless you want it for added convenience you will not need to collect your rental car until the fourth day when you depart Cancun.
In terms of things to do in Cancun, you can head over to the downtown area (Ciudad Cancun) and explore the streets and public parks while you find your feet. The Malecón Tajamar is also a fantastic spot to take a walk to coincide with sunset.
There are lots of other activities in the region including visiting cenotes and zip lines but as you’ll have the opportunity to experience these later during your Yucatan road trip, I highly recommend making the most of the downtime by winding down in your hotel resort and checking out the beaches in the Hotel Zone.

Where to stay in Cancun
Cancun is situated at the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and is divided into two parts. Downtown Cancun is located on the mainland while the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) straddles a long, narrow stretch of island that juts out into the Caribbean Sea and runs parallel to the city.
The Hotel Zone is broken down into a string of districts known as the North, Middle, and South Hotel Zones and the whole strip is buzzing with beach resorts, restaurants, and amenities.
For the purpose of this Mexico 2 week itinerary, I recommend that you opt for one of the hotels situated in the Hotel Zone. These are my top picks for where to stay in Cancun.
- Luxury: Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
- Mid-range: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa (read our full review here)
- Budget: Occidental Tucancún
Day 3: Day trip to Isla Mujeres
For the third day of your 2 week Mexico itinerary, you can head to the outlying Isla Mujeres, the “Isle of Women”.
Isla Mujeres is a small island that registers around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) in length. It is accessible via a short boat ride from Gran Puerto Cancun in Puerto Juarez or from one of the jetties on the Hotel Zone if you prefer.
The island was dedicated to the goddess of fertility and love, Ixchel, and in pre-Hispanic days Mayan people would leave offerings to her on the gorgeous beaches that border the island.

Once you reach Isla Mujeres you can hire a golf cart for the day and tour the island at leisure, stopping to swim in the turquoise waters and explore the sights. If you prefer to go with a guided tour, check out this Catamaran tour with Lunch and Open Bar!
There are plenty of opportunities to snorkel off the beaches or you can also book an excursion if you’d rather. Scuba diving is also an option if you want to factor this into your Yucatan road trip itinerary.
Some of the most popular attractions on the island include the northernmost beach of Playa Norte, the southern cliffs of Punta Sur, and MUSA which is accessible as a snorkeling or diving tour. During the summer months (May until September) it is possible to swim with the gentle whale sharks just off the island.
I have written an entire blog post dedicated to how to plan a day trip to Isla Mujeres so you can check that out for the full information on how to organize your outing.
Day 4: Valladolid
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes (175 km/108 miles) from Cancun to Valladolid
Today it’s time to check out of your hotel in Cancun and truly start your Yucatan road trip itinerary! If you haven’t picked up a rental car yet, now is the time to do so.
After checking out, head straight to Valladolid which will take you around 2 hours and 15 minutes if you take the 180D highway. Although you have to pay a toll fee for using the highway, I still recommend taking this road as it’s in very good shape and it will help you speed up the driving time.
One thing to note is that you won’t come across any gas stations on the highway so make sure to fill up before starting the journey!
Exploring Valladolid
The attractive city of Valladolid is rich in historical buildings that include the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena.
Constructed between 1552 and 1560 this beautiful building was originally a monastery and was the first home of the Franciscan Order in Valladolid. Step inside for the chance to see the magnificent frescoes and stately wooden altarpieces.
There is also a small museum that will fill you in on the history and archaeology of the cenotes that you can find all over the Yucatan region.

Right in the very heart of the city, you will find the Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado which features an impressive statue and shaded seating areas.
If you fancy brushing up on your trivia while stocking up on treats for family and friends back home you can check out the museums that are dedicated to chocolate and tequila, both of which are a short walk from the square.
Beyond the convent and main square, you can spend the rest of your day exploring the little cobblestone streets and ducking into cafes. There are also a number of cenotes in and around Valladolid although you can save these for the next couple of days of your Yucatan Peninsula road trip.
If you’re interested in some dinner recommendations, check out the colonial restaurant and rooftop bar of El Meson del Marques for the best views (pictured below), Restaurante El Atrio del Mayab across the park for a romantic dinner, or Restaurante Ahal for some delicious local flavors.
Iglesia de San Servacio El Meson del Marques Restaurant
Where to stay in Valladolid
Valladolid is a small city that is divided into districts and neighborhoods. The most central of these – Sisal, San Juan, and Candelaria – put you within a short walk of the major attractions and places to eat in the town and I recommend that you select accommodation around these areas.
These are my recommendations for where to stay in Valladolid during your Yucatan road trip.
- Luxury: Hotel Posada San Juan
- Mid-range: Hotel Fundadores
- Budget: Hotel Casa Rico
Day 5: Chichen Itza & Cenote Ik Kil
Chichen Itza
Driving time: 45 minutes (42 km/26 miles) from Valladolid to Chichen Itza
For the fifth day of your 2 weeks in Yucatan, you can finally tick off one of the most famous sites in the country! The archaeological site of Chichen Itza is a 40-minute drive from central Valladolid so you can visit it as a day trip.
Built between 250 AD and 900 AD (the exact dates are hotly contested), Chichen Itza developed into a center of political and economic power during the Mayan era. By the 9th century, the rulers of Chichen Itza held power over the vast majority of the central and northern Yucatan peninsula.
The name is understood to mean “at the mouth of the well of the Itza” and it is believed that Itza is symbolic of water. Archaeologists have discovered a large cenote in the northern segment of the site which research suggests was used for human sacrifices.

While exploring the ruins of the ancient complex you will have the opportunity to get up close to the remarkably well-preserved El Castillo Pyramid (also known as the Kukulkan Pyramid). The light from the equinox casts shadows down the steps to create the illusion of a descending serpent.
Other sites include the Great Ball Court and The Snail. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was commended as one of the “New” Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Admission to Chichen Itza is made up of the actual entrance fee plus a state fee. You have to pay for these in separate windows and while the state fee can be paid by credit card, the entrance fee is cash only.
If you would prefer to visit Chichen Itza with a guide then it is possible to organize this from Valladolid. Certain tours also include a stop at Cenote Ik Kil but you will need to double-check that before you book.
Even if you would prefer to visit independently, it is beneficial to pre-book your admission tickets in advance.
Cenote Ik Kil
Driving time: 5 minutes (3 km/1.8 miles) from Chichen Itza to Cenote Ik Kil, then 40 minutes (40 km/25 miles) back to Valladolid
After you finish exploring Chichen Itza you can head 5 minutes down the road to take a dip in the first of several cenotes of your Mexico 2 week itinerary.
Cenote Ik Kil was held sacred by the ancient Mayan civilization and is where they would go to worship their god of the rain, Chaac.
If you’ve not eaten yet, then you might want to eat lunch at the buffet next door to the cenote or pick up some refreshments from the snack bar.

Day 6: Cenote hopping around Valladolid
Visiting the cenotes around Valladolid
If yesterday’s trip to Cenote Ik Kil gave you a flavor for subterranean swimming then you’ll be pleased to hear that you have three more to look forward to on the sixth day of your Yucatan itinerary.
- Cenote Zaci: Located in the heart of Valladolid, this open cenote is bathed in natural light, creating a lush green atmosphere. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can dive from cliffs up to 8 meters (26 feet) high. Arrive early to beat the crowds.
- Cenote Suytun: One of the most Instagrammable cenotes in Mexico, Suytun features striking stalactites and a long walkway that extends into the cave. The best time to visit is around noon when the sun beams down through the ceiling. Visits are limited to one hour.
- Cenote Chukum: Named after the surrounding chukum trees, this massive cenote offers diving platforms, a rope swing, and even a zipline for an added thrill. It’s a great final stop for an adventurous swim.
These are all super close to Valladolid so drive time today will only come out at around one hour (32 kilometers/20 miles). If you intend to swim in all three then you’ll want to factor in at least 1-1.5 hours at each cenote.
For more tips and in-depth details about visiting the cenotes, you can refer to my complete guide to the best cenotes in Yucatan.
Cenote Suytun Cenote Chukum
Dinner in Valladolid
Driving time: 25 minutes (15 km/9.5 miles) from Cenote Chukum to Valladolid
After an energetic day exploring the cenotes, you can look forward to treating yourself to a dinner in Valladolid. You can use my recommendations from the previous day or if you’re looking for something new, read on below.
Casa Conato Cultural is a laid-back bar with a menu that consists of Mexican classics as well as pizzas and light bites. The place is upbeat in the evening and it’s a great choice if you fancy staying out for a couple of drinks.
Alternatively, Le Kaat offers an extensive vegan menu that is packed with goodness in a beautiful setting.
Day 7: Cenote Oxman, Uayma & Merida
You need to check out of your Valladolid hotel this morning and drive to today’s final destination, Merida, with scenic stops at Cenote Oxman and Uayma. Driving time today comes out at around 2.5 hours (175 km/108 miles).
Cenote Oxman
Driving time: 15 minutes (6.5 km/4 miles) from Valladolid to Cenote Oxman
Your first stop of the day is the picturesque Cenote Oxman which is a cerulean blue sinkhole in the depths of a collapsed cave. Long tendrils of tree roots and other foliage hang down over the water and there are a number of diving platforms if you’re feeling brave enough to take the plunge.
It is possible to swim in the cenote but if you do not feel like it, I still recommend that you squeeze a stop in your Yucatan road trip itinerary purely to see the spectacle for yourself and take some photos.
Besides the cenote, the hacienda features a large open-air swimming pool and you can also opt to have lunch there.

Uayma
Driving time: 20 minutes (14.5 km/9 miles) from Cenote Oxman to Uayma
Uayma is a small town that makes a huge splash with its architecture. Make a beeline for the church and former convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmá.
Built using stones sourced from the surrounding Mayan temples, the convent was erected by the Spanish. The exterior features a kaleidoscope of motifs against the russet-hued bricks.
You can take a stroll through the streets to take in the colorful residences such as Casona Santo Domingo de Guzmán and other traditional homes. If you didn’t eat at Cenote Oxman then you can pick up a light lunch in Uayama. There are a couple of local taquerias and convenience stores in town.
Dinner in Merida
Driving time: 2 hours (170 km/105 miles) from Uayma to Merida
Now it’s time to head to your final destination today, which is going to be Merida. One thing to note is that after Uayama, you’ll need to drive up to the 180D highway again which means another toll fee.
Once you arrive in Merida, you’ll probably want to head straight out for dinner so you can read my recommendations below.
Rosa Sur 32 fuses together Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine to create a flavorsome, healthy, and filling dining experience in an elegant setting. The menu also highlights some of the leading dishes from the Yucatan region.
Las Vigas is situated a stone’s throw from Plaza Grande and serves affordable Mexican plates although it’s more the kind of place to go for a party atmosphere with a jovial vibe and excellent deals on drinks.
Where to stay in Merida
Merida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatan. As it is somewhat bigger than the other cities featured on this Yucatan road trip, you will need to ensure your accommodation isn’t too far out of the city.
The Zocalo area is situated around the Plaza Grande and puts most of the major attractions on your doorstep. Slightly further afield, the neighborhoods of Santa Ana and Santa Lucia offer more affordable accommodations.
These are my recommendations for where to stay in Merida.
- Luxury: El Palacito Secreto Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa
- Mid-range: Villa Orquídea Boutique Hotel
- Budget: Hotel Santa Ana

Day 8: Merida
There is so much to see in Merida so it is absolutely worth dedicating a full day of your 2 week Mexico itinerary to explore the colorful sights.
This is one of the best cities for absorbing and connecting with traditional and modern Mexican culture and you can happily lose a few hours roaming the Zocolo with its vibrant haciendas and cafes.
The Plaza Principal de Mérida, or Plaza Grande, marks the heart of Merida and is where the guided walking tours usually depart if you want to sign up to learn all about the city.
Nearby, the Parque de Santa Lucía is another attractive spot to wander and take photos and is also a meeting place for tours offered by Free Walking Tours Merida.
The leafy Plaza Grande is the setting for the Catedral de San Ildefonso, a 16th-century cathedral constructed atop a Mayan temple using bricks salvaged from the remains.
It is free to enter the cathedral where you can spot the giant crucifix that represents the unity between Spanish and Mayan heritage.

If you’re happy to drive further out then you can check out the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltún. Meaning “writing on flat stones” this historic city is an interesting contrast in comparison with the other Mayan sites you’re visiting as while it doesn’t offer the gigantic pyramids of other destinations, the setup of the city is wholly different.
You can explore such sites as the Sacbe trails, the Temple of the Dolls, and the Open Chapel which resembles an amphitheater.
While you could easily spend an entire day touring the city’s museums, the Mayan World Museum of Merida is the best one to visit with limited time. The collection spans Mayan arts and handicrafts.
If you would prefer to head to a more centrally located museum then try the Museum of the City of Merida which provides a full panorama of the city’s history from the Mayan times to the present day.
Colorful houses in Merida Monumento a La Patria
Day 9: Izamal, Coba Ruins & Tulum
This morning you can check out of your Merida hotel and tackle the longest drive on your Mexico 2 week itinerary to Tulum with stops at Izamal and the Cobá Archaeological Zone. Drive time today is around 4 hours 15 minutes (293 km/182 miles).
Izamal
Driving time: 1 hour (68 km/42 miles) from Merida to Izamal
With an array of sunshine-colored buildings, Izamal earned itself the nickname of the Yellow City of the Yucatan. The city was painted yellow as the Mayans considered the region as the dwelling place of the sun god, Kinich Kakmo.
Sites to check out include the Pirámide Kinich Kakmó, one of the largest pyramids built by the Mayans in the Yucatan region. According to folklore, a deity in the form of a macaw would collect offerings left atop the monument.
Across the road, you can also visit the Pirámide de Itzamatul. You can also visit the mustard-toned Convento de San Antonio and enjoy a sheltered walk along the covered colonnades. The convent is also free to visit, making IIzamal a budget-friendly addition to your Yucatan road trip.
Coba Archeologial Site
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes (173 km/108 miles) from Izamal to Cobá Archeological Site
On your way to Tulum from Izamal, you can once again take advantage of the 180D highway. The toll fee is exactly the same as it was on the way to Merida.
Make one more stop right outside Tulum, and take a wander around the Coba Archaeological Zone which contains the remains of an ancient Mayan city. Cobá translates to “waters ruffled by the wind” and is likely a reference to the two large lagoons on the premises.
Nohoch Mul is the star of Coba and it is possible to climb up the 120 steps to the top of this huge pyramid for a panoramic view across the surrounding jungle. Standing at a height of 41.6 meters (137 feet), Nohoch Mul is in fact taller than the 30-meter (97.4 feet) tall El Castillo Pyramid.
As it takes around three hours to walk around the complex in full, you might find it best to get around with a bicycle which is available for rent on site.

Dinner in Tulum
Driving time: 1 hour (52 km/32 miles) from Cobá Archeological Site to Tulum Beach
No doubt you’ll feel hungry when you reach Tulum and you’ll be overjoyed to hear that there is an endless supply of places to eat! The Tulum Beach Strip is brimming with options where you can find nutritious and appetizing dishes.
Head to Atila for beachside fine dining presented with a flourish or make a date at Parole Tulum if you want something romantic. The Italian menu is served to a backdrop of live violinists.
Where to stay in Tulum
When it comes to choosing where to stay in Tulum, you basically have two options: Downtown Tulum and Tulum Beach. However, within these two districts, there are sub-sections to take into consideration when selecting the best part of Tulum to stay in.
Downtown Tulum is set back from the coastline with the national park sandwiched in between. You can find dozens of restaurants, shops, and other amenities in the town and it is not an overwhelming size.
The most beautiful setting is the Tulum Beach Strip, which is an extension of the Tulum Hotel Zone. Located around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the town, this strip runs southwards from the Tulum National Park and Archaeological Park with all properties boasting seafront access.
For a quick solution, check out my top picks below for different budgets.
- Luxury: The Beach Tulum
- Mid-range: Gramercy Tulum
- Budget: Zamas Hotel
Day 10: Tulum
Tulum Beach is one of the most beautiful beach towns in Mexico and it’s one of the places to go for a morning stroll with your camera. The resort has sprung to fame thanks to its Instagrammable spots that pop with color.
It’s up to you whether you go for a wander and check out the Tulum Beach Strip cafes and lookouts at leisure or maybe you want to specifically plan to visit the most Instagrammable places in Tulum.
With sculptures, signs, swings, and cafes to tempt you, a couple of hours wandering around the area will provide you with months worth of content for your feed!
One of the most iconic spots is the Ven a La Luz statue which was recently relocated to Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park. This 8-meter (26-foot) tall representation of a woman opening her heart gets pretty popular so you’ll want to arrive there early.
Escultura Ven a la Luz Matcha Mama
If you want to multitask your shooting then head to one of the cute cafes such as Matcha Mama or Raw Love Tulum where you can grab a nourishing yet made-for-Instagram smoothie. One of the quirkiest spots is surely the giant pink rabbit that marks the entrance to Conestesia Restaurant.
As it’s been a busy couple of days and you’re now nearing the end of your Yucatan Peninsula road trip, this afternoon you can look forward to relaxing at either your hotel, a local beach club, or the public beach.
Tulum Beach is lined with beach clubs where you can rent a bed and pamper yourself with juices, cocktails, and fresh fruit. Check out the luxurious Mía Restaurant & Beach Club or Taboo Tulum if you’re looking to indulge yourself.
Follow That Dream Sign Conestesia Tulum
Day 11: Tulum Archaeological Zone & Cenote Hopping
After recouping your energy, today you should rise early and head out to visit the Tulum Ruins before calling in at the local cenotes. Drive time today will be approximately 1 hour (30 kilometers/18.5 miles).
Tulum Archaeological Zone
Driving time: 15 minutes (6 km/3.7 miles) from Tulum Beach to Tulum Archaeological Zone
The Tulum Archaeological Zone is located a 15-minute drive north of the Tulum Beach Strip, within the Parque Nacional Tulum. The complex comprises the ruins of a Mayan city that rests on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Inhabited since 564 AD, the city was a religious and ceremonial center. Aim to arrive as early as possible to beat the intense midday heat.

Cenotes around Tulum
You can spend the rest of your afternoon hopping around Tulum’s local cenotes. The ones that I have included in this 2 week Mexico itinerary are close by to one another (in fact, they’re on the same road!) and do not require too much driving.
However, if there are too many for one day, feel free to shorten my list and just visit the ones that most appeal to you.
- Cenote Calavera: Known for its skull-like appearance, this hidden cenote has a spooky charm and remains less crowded than others. If you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself.
- Cenote Zacil-Ha: A family-friendly cenote with shallow waters, a zipline, and extra swimming pools. Birds frequent the area, and you can even get a free pedicure from the tiny fish in the water.
- Gran Cenote: One of the most popular cenotes near Tulum, it features two sunken basins connected by caves. The crystal-clear water is home to turtles, bats, and birds, making it an exciting spot for snorkeling.
- Cenote Aktun-Ha (Cenote Car Wash): Once used by taxi drivers to wash their cars, this cenote is now a top destination for diving. The water is beautifully clear, but there are extra charges for photography and mandatory lifejacket rentals.
Cenote Calavera Cenote Zacil-Ha

Day 12: Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Azul & Playa del Carmen
On the twelfth morning of your 2 weeks in Mexico, you can check out of your Tulum hotel and drive to Playa del Carmen. Drive time including the cenote stops equates to 1 hour 30 minutes (86 kilometers/53.5 miles).
Cenote Dos Ojos
Driving time: 35 minutes (26 km/16 miles) from Tulum Beach to Cenote Dos Ojos
Cenote Dos Ojos, the “Two Eye Cenote”, comprises two cenotes that are connected by an underwater tunnel. You can swim in either of the two cenotes: you’ll notice that one is a vibrant shade of blue while the other is much darker.
Cenote Dos Ojos is situated close to a third cave which is home to a colony of bats but if you want to visit this one too then you’ll need to pay for a guided tour.

Cenote Azul
Driving time: 30 minutes (30 km/18.5 miles) from Cenote Dos Ojos to Cenote Azul
If you want to experience some of the best cenote snorkeling conditions during your Yucatan Peninsula road trip, you’ll want to visit Cenote Azul.
The “blue cenote” is alive with corals and plentiful aquatic life. Adventurous souls might want to jump from the cliffs to the watery depths below.

Dinner in Playa del Carmen
Driving time: 30 minutes (30 km/18.5 miles) from Cenote Azul to Playa del Carmen
Once in Playa del Carmen you can drop off your rental and head out for dinner in town.
El Fogon is one of the most popular restaurants in town and although you can expect a line to greet you the food is absolutely worth the wait. The menu features all your favorite Mexican dishes plus a generous drinks menu to wash your fajitas down with.
If you fancy a change from Mexican food you can check out Luma Taverna Del Mar which specializes in fresh seafood prepared with a Mediterranean influence.
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
Situated in the state of Quintana Roo, the resort town of Playa del Carmen is part of the Yucatan Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline. It’s a fraction larger than Tulum but smaller and less busy than Cancun.
Much of the action within the Centro district revolves around Quinta Avenida which bustles with street food stalls, restaurants, and stores where you can pick up locally made souvenirs.
South of Centro, Playacar is the setting for the most luxurious beach resorts, while to the north you will find more affordable options and family-friendly resorts. Below you can find my top picks for where to stay in Playa del Carmen.
- Luxury: Andaz Mayakoba
- Mid-range: Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen
- Budget: Singular Joy Vacation Rentals
Day 13: Playa del Carmen
How you spend your day in Playa del Carmen is going to depend on your personal preferences and how much you are prepared to spend.
You might want to seize the moment to spend a final day at one of the best beaches in Playa del Carmen, visit a few more cenotes or adventure parks, or spend your day cafe hopping and picking up mementos on Quinta Avenida.
Cenotes & Beaches
If you haven’t had your fill of cenotes then there are a couple of options close to the town that you can check out including Cenote Chaak Tun and Cenote Cristalino. In case you’re looking for an adventure, you can try out this Riviera Maya buggy tour with cenote swim!
In terms of beaches, most of the beachfront at Playa del Carmen is occupied by resorts and beach clubs where you will need to pay for a bed if your chosen accommodation isn’t on the sand.
Mamita’s Beach Club is a swanky option and you can offset the higher fee towards the cost of food and drink. The lively Lido Beach Club is a more affordable option where you can rent a chair or a bed and again part of the rental fee goes towards any food or drinks.

Parks
If you want to get a final burst of excitement to conclude your Yucatan road trip then you could drive to one of the nearby adventure parks. There are three options to choose from.
- Xcaret: The most famous of the parks, combining adventure with cultural experiences. It features three underground rivers, a beach, and natural wells. You can also visit the Coral Reef Aquarium, Butterfly House, and Aviary, and enjoy cultural performances.
- Xel-Ha: Ideal for snorkeling, river tubing, light hiking, and exploring cenotes, caverns, and jungle trails. This park is perfect for families with young children but offers activities for all travelers.
- Xplor: Designed for thrill-seekers, this park features two zip line routes soaring above the jungle canopy, subterranean river swims, and jeep drives through the jungle.
Day 14: Return to Cancun
Driving time: 45 minutes (55 km/34 miles) from Playa del Carmen to Cancun Airport
It’s the final day of your trip and all that is left to do on your Yucatan road trip itinerary is squeeze in one final trip to the pool at your Playa del Carmen resort, check out of your hotel, and drive back to Cancun for your flight.
Drive time from Playa del Carmen to Cancun International Airport is 45-60 minutes (55 kilometers/34 miles). Make sure to leave plenty of time for this road as it can get quite busy and missing your flight is not the best way to end your 2 weeks in Mexico!
