Mayan Ruins Grand Loop from Cancun – Your Ultimate Itinerary!
After my last post on visiting Palenque from Cancun, many of you asked:
“How do I plan a full Mayan ruins loop from Cancun?”
No worries—here’s your perfect 12-day route!
Day 1: Cancun → Chichen Itza → Ik’Kil & Suytun Cenotes → Valladolid (Overnight)
Kick off your adventure with the biggest icon, Chichen Itza, then cool off at Ik’Kil & Suytun Cenotes (yes, the Instagram-famous one!). End the day in the charming colonial town of Valladolid.
Day 2: Valladolid → Rio Lagartos & Las Coloradas (Pink Lake Day Trip) → Valladolid (Overnight)
This Pink Lake and its flamingos are an absolute must-see—you won’t regret it!
Day 3: Valladolid → Merida → Uxmal Ruins → Kabah Ruins → Nah Yah Cenote (Overnight in Merida)
- Uxmal is the biggest hidden gem near Merida. It may not be as famous as Chichen Itza, but everyone who visits calls it an unexpected highlight!
- Why Nah Yah Cenote? Because it’s Merida’s new top-rated cenote, and even if you’re not into swimming, it’s the most photogenic spot you can find!
Day 4: Mérida → Campeche
While Campeche doesn’t have a major archaeological “IP,” its charming old town is more than worth a half-day stroll.
Fun fact: The Airbnb I stayed at in Campeche had multiple security gates. Just as I was wondering why, the host casually mentioned—the governor lives right across the street!
Day 5: Campeche → Palenque
Finally, it’s time to head to Palenque!
Day 6: Palenque Ruins + Agua Azul & Misol-Ha Waterfalls
Spend the morning exploring the breathtaking Palenque ruins—a site that steals hearts at first sight.
After a full morning under the sun, cool off at Agua Azul, one of the most stunning waterfalls in the region. Ruins + waterfalls? A tried-and-true combo that never disappoints!
Day 7: Day Trip to Bonampak & Yaxchilán
As I mentioned in my previous post, the border ruins of Yaxchilán & Bonampak are hidden gems of the highest order.
- Yaxchilán sits right on the Mexico-Guatemala border, and you can only reach it by boat. The remoteness, the jungle, the river—it all adds to the mystique!
- If you ask me which Mayan ruins still stand out in my memory, Yaxchilán is always the first one that comes to mind!
Day 8: Palenque → Xpujil
Why go to Xpujil—a place so obscure you’re not even sure how to pronounce it? Keep reading.
Day 9: Day Trip to Calakmul
Hidden deep within the jungle, Calakmul is an absolute must-visit in my book!
Just how deep? Well, from the main road entrance, you still have to drive nearly 60 km just to reach the ruins.
60 km doesn’t sound that far, right? But trust me, driving through this dense, sun-blocking jungle felt endless.
After what seemed like forever, we finally saw a checkpoint—”We made it!” Or so we thought…
Nope! It was just a ticket booth halfway in.
Another 30 minutes of jungle driving later, we arrived at the foot of this massive archaeological site.
Climbing the highest temple, with the sunlight filtering through the trees and casting shadows on the ruins, we took in the breathtaking view.
After that two-hour drive, was it worth it? Absolutely.
Day 10: Xpujil → Bacalar Lake
Yes, you read that right—Bacalar Lake is the freshwater version of Bora Bora! Picture the same stunning beauty as Tahiti, but with the tranquility of a freshwater paradise. So, are you going or not?
Day 11: Bacalar Lake → Tulum
Many people travel to Tulum from Cancun, but here we’re doing the reverse journey—heading north from Bacalar to Tulum to see the famous Mayan beachfront ruins!
Tulum is also surrounded by countless cenotes, offering plenty of options:
- For those who love cave diving, check out Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote).
- If you want to dive straight into the sea, head to Casa Cenote.
- And for those like me who just want to relax and swim in a serene waterhole, go to Cenote Azul.
Day 12: Tulum → Playa del Carmen → Cancun
Start from Tulum, pass through Playa del Carmen, and end up in Cancun. If you’re looking to visit Isla Mujeres or take a sunset sailing tour, head out from Cancun!
Think the 12-day itinerary is too long? No worries! I’ve got shorter routes covered too. If you want more details on Cancun and surrounding area day trips or multi-day trips, just DM me!
I’m Summer, an outdoor-loving backpacker.
I only recommend the best and most fun destinations.
Follow me, and let’s chat about Central America, South America, and all things travel!
