2-Week Itinerary for Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is Mexico's hottest vacation spot, but there's so much more to discover here outside the confines of much-loved Cancun. It's easily one of the world's most sought-after resort cities, but Cancun is just a tiny pocket of this fascinating corner of the country. As you travel around this astounding peninsula, you'll stumble upon ancient Mayan ruins, picturesque cenotes, and charming colonial towns. If you have two weeks to spare, you can tick off dozens of must-see attractions, provided you've got a well-planned agenda. We've done the hard work for you, curating this easy-to-follow itinerary for the ultimate journey across the Yucatan Peninsula!

What and Where Is the Yucatan Peninsula?

Before we go any further, it's worth going into a little more detail about what the Yucatan Peninsula is and where in the world it lies! This vast peninsula sits between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, covering three southeastern Mexican states: Yucatan, Campeche, and the ever-popular Quintana Roo. For the purpose of this itinerary, we'll be sticking to the Mexican section of the peninsula. However, it also comprises sections of Central America, including almost the entirety of Belize and much of northern Guatemala. If you plan to explore the area in greater depth and visit these countries, it's best to do so if you have longer than two weeks to spend here.

Cancun - 2 Nights

For most visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula, your trip will begin by flying into Cancun. Home to Mexico's second-busiest airport, Cancun is a convenient starting point for any vacation here. Depending on where you're traveling from, you might want a couple of days to kick back and get over the worst of your jet lag. As you prepare for the rest of your adventure, spend a few nights getting some much-needed rest in a beachside or downtown hotel. If you're eager to start exploring right away, try some local fare and shop at Mercado 28, or check out Cancun's natural water park, Xcaret.

Isla Holbox - 3 Nights

Now that you've gotten settled in, it's time to make your way to Chiquilá to catch the ferry to Isla Holbox. Chiquilá is around a 2-hour drive from Cancun, and from here, the boat ride to Isla Holbox is just 25 minutes. Isla Holbox is the ultimate Caribbean paradise, and because it takes a little more effort to get here, it's relatively unspoiled compared to neighboring islands. With its soft white sands, palm-tree-lined streets, and car-free roads, Isla Holbox is reminiscent of what other Mexican beach destinations once looked like.

Valladolid - 1 Night

Next up is the enchanting city of Valladolid. Once you arrive back on the mainland in Chiquilá, you'll be slightly more than a two-hour drive from Valladolid's colorful colonial streets and bustling squares. Valladolid is quite a compact city, so it doesn't take long to amble between key sights like the San Servacio Church and Convento San Bernardino de Siena. After spending the day in the center, get a good night's sleep before rising early for a trip to the nearby Chichen Itza, a world wonder. Chichen Itza was a once-prosperous Mayan city, and the magnificent ruins that remain are less than an hour from Valladolid.

Merida - 2 Nights

You'll need to dedicate most of your morning to Chichen Itza, as the awe-inspiring temples and pyramids are set across ten square kilometers. From here, you'll travel around 90 minutes west of the site to Merida. Although Merida is the largest city in southeast Mexico, it's surprisingly laidback and has a slow pace of life. It's the perfect place to really get a sense of Mexican culture, as it's packed full of old-school architectural masterpieces, exciting museums, and lively markets. When you're not admiring the oh-so-pretty streets and landmarks, tuck into some tasty street foods or grab a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars.

Tulum - 3 Nights

Tulum was once Cancun's little-known, more bohemian counterpart. These days, it's a hub for wellness retreats, nightlife, and eco-style getaways. This resort town is around three and a half hours from Merida. Trust us; the long drive will be worth it as soon as you lay eyes on the impeccable beaches and unique Mayan seafront ruins! It's also a great base for reaching some of the region's most impressive cenotes. You've likely seen pictures of these otherworldly sinkholes as soon as you started planning your visit to the Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the finest cenotes in the area include Gran Cenote, Zacil-Ha, and Dos Ojos.

Bacalar - 2 Nights

After several days spent soaking in Tulum's beautiful surroundings and hippie vibes, you'll move further south to Bacalar. This sleepy town is just under three hours from Tulum and is equally stunning but much less visited. Set on a peppermint-colored lagoon, Bacalar has some of the most transparent waters you'll ever see. Boat trips and stand-up paddleboarding tours are some of the best ways to see the lagoon, or you can take a dip from any of the designated areas. The dazzling lagoon isn't all that Bacalar has to offer. It's also home to Los Rápidos, which is akin to a lazy river with plenty of rapids and natural currents!

Cancun - 1 Night

Unless you're planning to extend your trip, you'll need to make the four-and-a-half-hour journey north to Cancun before you fly home. You have the option of heading directly to Cancun Airport, but we recommend spending the final night of your trip here to enjoy some downtime first. Choosing a hotel within easy reach of the airport is convenient if you’re due to fly out the following day, but anyone staying longer might prefer somewhere by the beach.

Experience the Highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula

Get a taste of traditional and authentic Mexico with a 14-day trip across the region's most captivating cities and landscapes. From pristine beaches and vivid blue waters to millennia-old archaeological sites and natural wonders, the Yucatan Peninsula seamlessly blends scenery, history, and culture.