Most travelers will find that six to nine days is perfect for a well-paced Mexico trip with stops in the Yucatán Peninsula. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in four or five days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. You can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Mexico City, Cozumel, or Chichén Itzá with more time. See more ideas for the Yucatán Peninsula itineraries below.

How many days do you need in the Yucatán Peninsula?

  • Most travelers spend 6-9 days in the Yucatán Peninsula
  • Visiting the Yucatán Peninsula in 4 or 5 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Mexico City, Cozumel, and Chichén Itzá

How Many Days to Spend in Mexico

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Recommended Itineraries for the Yucatán Peninsula

Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days

Swimming in the Jungle
Swimming in a Yucatán jungle
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum Tulum
Day 2 Cenotes of Chemuyil, Visit Tulum Archeological Site Tulum
Day 3 Río Secreto: The Maya Underworld Tulum
Day 4 Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tulum
Day 5 Free Day in Tulum Tulum
Day 6 Return to Cancún, Depart  


Spend six days exploring the best of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula as you base yourself in Tulum. You'll swim in jungle cenotes, head underground to explore caves, and relax on beautiful beaches. This laid-back itinerary is perfect for those who want to get away from it all while still leaving room for adventure. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 1 Week

Playa Ruinas
Playa Ruinas
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrival in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum Tulum
Day 2 Cenotes of Chemuyil, Visit Tulum Archeological Site Tulum
Day 3 Río Secreto: The Maya Underworld Tulum
Day 4 Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve with transportation Tulum
Day 5 Explore Cobá by Bike, Experience Maya Culture & Visit the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Tulum
Day 6 Free Day in Tulum Tulum
Day 7 Return to Cancún, Departure  


Get away from the hustle and bustle on this adventurous weeklong trip to Tulum. You'll see the best of the Yucatán Peninsula—including the Tulum archaeological site, the Cobá Maya ruins, underground caves, cenotes, and more—without compromising on the relaxation factor. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Laguna Chunyaxche
Laguna Chunyaxche
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cancún, Transfer to Tulum Tulum
Day 2 Cenotes of Chemuyil, Visit Tulum Archeological Site Tulum
Day 3 Day Trip to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tulum
Day 4 Drive to Valladolid: Cobá Ruins, Culture & Wildlife Tour Valladolid
Day 5 Morning Tour of Chichén Itzá: Maíz Workshop in Yaxunah Valladolid
Day 6 Walking Tour of Colonial Valladolid, Transfer to Holbox Holbox
Day 7 Free Day on Holbox Island Holbox
Day 8 Drive to Puerto Morelos, Optional Activities Puerto Morelos
Day 9 Return to Cancún, Depart  


From Mexico's Caribbean coast to the colonial streets of Valladolid, this nine-day trip showcases thousands of years of history and culture while leaving ample time for rest and relaxation. Dive into cenote lagoons, marvel at the great pyramids of Chichén Itzá, and relax on the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island. Along the way, take part in cultural exchanges to learn about Indigenous Maya customs as you meet local families and enjoy traditional home-cooked meals. Read more

Extended Itineraries

14-Day Itinerary Including Chichén Itzá

Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar Lagoon
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cancún, Pick Up Rental Car & Drive to Tulum Tulum
Day 2 Cenotes of Chemuyil, Visit Tulum Archeological Site Tulum
Day 3 Float in the Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Drive to Bacalar Bacalar
Day 4 Sailing Tour in the Bacalar Lagoon Bacalar
Day 5 Mystical Energy Bonfire Under the Ya'ax ché, Drive to Chunhuhub Chunhuhub
Day 6 Great Gum Tree Tour in Chunhuhub, Drive to Uxmal Uxmal
Day 7 Uxmal Archaeological Site & Eco-Tour of Mun Ha Community, Drive to Mérida Mérida
Day 8 City Tour of Merida: The White City Mérida
Day 9 Explore Yellow Izamal, Swim the Yokdzonot Cenote, Drive to Chichén Itzá Chichén Itzá
Day 10 Sunrise at Chichén Itzá, Walking Tour of Valladolid, Drive to Holbox Holbox
Days 11-12 Free Days on Holbox Island Holbox
Day 13 Transfer to Puerto Morelos Puerto Morelos
Day 14 Drive to Puerto Morelos, Depart  


Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to see some of Mexico's best archaeological sites—including Chichén Itzá—while also leaving plenty of time for relaxation. You'll swim in beautiful cenotes, explore the colonial city of Merida, and experience Indigenous culture. End with a couple of days on Holbox Island, where sand, surf, and beautiful sunshine await. Read more

15-Day Itinerary Including Mexico City

Drink refreshing
Drink refreshing "cocos" (coconuts) on a Mexican beach
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Mexico City, History, Culture & Gastronomy Tour Mexico City
Day 2 Day Trip to Xochimilco Mexico City
Day 3 National Museum of Anthropology & Spirits of Mexico Tour Mexico City
Day 4 Bike Tour of Teotihuacán Mexico City
Day 5 Mexico City to Tulum, Optional Activities Tulum
Day 6 Day Trip to Muyil Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve Tulum
Day 7 Guided Tours of Cobá & Nuevo Durango, Drice to Chichén Itzá Pisté
Day 8 Morning Tour of Chichén Itzá, Drive to Valladolid, Optional Activities Valladolid
Day 9 Xcanche Cenote & Village Tour Valladolid
Day 10 Ferry to Holbox, Optional Activities Holbox
Day 11 Three Islands Tour Holbox
Days 12-13 Free Days in Holbox Holbox
Day 14 Drive to Puerto Morelos, Optional Activities Puerto Morelos
Day 15 Return to Cancún, Depart  


When you combine the incredible sights of Mexico with its delicious flavors, you have a recipe for the perfect vacation. This grand tour starts with Mexico City's highlights and includes copious samplings of tasty street food and famous spirits. From there, you'll travel to historic landmarks and natural wonders throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, from the pyramids of Chichén Itzá to the white-sand beaches of the Riviera Maya to the remote islands of the far north. Read more

Map

Map of Yucatán Peninsula: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Yucatán Peninsula: Best Itinerary Ideas