Mexico has always been a repeat destination for me. I’m excited to share my ultimate itinerary with you. Stay tuned for a more detailed guide to a few cities in Mexico that I have explored thus far. I explored many of the cities (Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Tulum) and their rich history.
Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or simply looking for time to relax, this itinerary has something for you. Mexico is very affordable, from colorful streets to relaxing views, with amazing experiences. Let’s dive in!
First things first: Safety. Knowing about the current travel situation is crucial if you are visiting Mexico soon. Even though Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich culture and historical landmarks, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory, particularly in certain regions.
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Why the Travel Advisory?
The advisory comes due to an increase in violent crimes like robberies, kidnappings, and even homicides. These crimes can impact your travel experience as a tourist. While many parts of Mexico remain relatively safe, some areas are more prone to criminal activities. You should try to avoid those areas.
High-Risk Areas
Cities and states like Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas have been flagged for high risks. These areas see a higher concentration of drug-related violence and organized crime, which can affect both locals and tourists. If you plan to travel soon, check the entire travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State here. Stay safe!
Steal My Itinerary
Accommodation Cost: The average hotel price in Cancun for a couple is M$ 2,609 ($142). The average price per person for accommodation in Cancun is M$ 1,304. For two people sharing a typical hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Cancun is M$ 2,609.
Estimated Cost: You should spend around M$ 1,975 ($108) per day on your vacation in Cancun. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, M$ 381 ($21) on meals for one day and M$ 237 ($13) on local transportation.
First Day
- Morning: Start your day by visiting the Mayan ruins of El Meco, which are just 10 minutes from Cancun’s hotel zone. Although this site is not as well-known as Chichen Itza, it’s still pretty impressive and has a fascinating history.
- Afternoon: Head to the Playa Delfines beach. It is one of the most beautiful and relaxing beaches in Cancun.
- Evening: Have dinner at La Parrilla, which serves delicious traditional Mexican cuisine.
Second Day
- Morning: Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun. You can catch a ferry from the hotel zone to the island. Once there, you can rent a golf cart. Use it to explore the island. Visit sites such as the Turtle Farm, Garrafon Natural Reef Park, and Punta Sur.
- Afternoon: Return to Cancun in the afternoon. Go shopping at La Isla Shopping Village. It features more than 150 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Evening: Have dinner at Puerto Madero, a waterfront restaurant that offers excellent seafood and steak dishes.
Third-Day
- Morning: Visit the Cancun Interactive Aquarium. You can see various marine life up close. This includes sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can also participate in interactive activities such as swimming with dolphins or snorkeling.
- Afternoon: Take a break from the sun and heat. Visit the Museo Maya de Cancun. It offers a fascinating look at the ancient Maya civilization.
- Evening: Head to the lively nightlife district of Coco Bongo, which offers a high-energy atmosphere, acrobatic performances, and great music.
Fourth Day
- Morning: Take a day trip to Tulum, about 2 hours south of Cancun. There, you can visit the famous Tulum Ruins, which offer stunning views of the ocean.
- Afternoon: After visiting the ruins, head to one of the nearby beaches. You can visit Playa Paraiso or Playa Ruinas. Relax and soak up the sun there.
- Evening: Return to Cancun in the evening. Have dinner at Hacienda Sisal. It is a beautiful restaurant that serves traditional Yucatan cuisine.
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
Need help with route, timing, or where to stay? Book a call and we can walk through your trip plan together.
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