Who Else Flies Into Cancún Just to See Chichén Itzá? Raise Your Hand! 🐾
In my last post, I talked about the best spots in the Yucatán Peninsula to base yourself for a day trip to the iconic Chichén Itzá—and guess what? There’s more than one great option! You can easily reach it from:
- Cancún
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Mérida
- Valladolid
Yep, all of these places make it totally doable. So no matter where you land or start your adventure, Chichén Itzá can definitely be on your list!
So Many Cities, So Much to Do in the Yucatán—How Do You Even Choose?
With so many fun things to do on the Yucatán Peninsula—and so many cities and towns offering well-developed hotels and tourist infrastructure—it’s no wonder travelers often ask: How should I choose where to go? How do I plan the perfect route?
Here’s one of my favorite suggestions for those short on time:
Cancún + Chichén Itzá: The Ultimate 3-Day Minimalist Itinerary
Short on time but still want a taste of the Yucatán’s best? This 3-day itinerary is perfect for anyone flying in from North America for a long weekend escape. You’ll soak up the sun, explore ancient wonders, swim in a cenote, and enjoy island life—without ever switching hotels!
🗓 Day 1: Arrive in Cancún – Beach Day in the Hotel Zone
Touch down and head straight to Cancún’s iconic “7”-shaped Hotel Zone. Grab a drink, find a beach lounger, and let your vacation begin.
🗓 Day 2: Chichén Itzá + Ik’Kil Cenote Day Trip
Set off early for a guided day trip to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, followed by a refreshing swim in the stunning vine-draped Ik’Kil cenote.
🗓 Day 3: Isla Mujeres Adventure + Evening Flight
Catch a morning ferry to Isla Mujeres for a laid-back island experience—think turquoise waters and colorful streets—before heading back for your evening flight.
✅ Why This Itinerary Works:
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it covers all the Yucatán essentials:
🏖 Beaches – 🗿 Ruins – 🌿 Cenotes – 🏝 Island vibes – 🏨 Hotel comfort.
And the best part? You’ll stay in Cancún the whole time—no packing, no moving, just pure vacation mode.
5-Day Yucatán Highlights: Cancún, Tulum & Chichén Itzá
If you’ve got five days, this itinerary gives you the perfect mix of beach, ruins, cenotes, and colonial charm—without rushing or switching hotels every night.
🗓 Day 1: Arrive in Cancún – Beach Time
Land in Cancún and head to the Hotel Zone for some well-deserved beach relaxation. Unwind with a drink and enjoy your first Caribbean sunset.
🗓 Day 2: Tulum – Mayan Ruins & Cenotes
Travel south to Tulum to explore the iconic seaside Mayan ruins. In the afternoon, take a dip in one of the nearby cenotes. Stay overnight in Tulum.
🗓 Day 3: Coba + Valladolid
Stop by a small boho town known for dreamcatchers, then climb the tallest accessible Mayan pyramid at Coba. Continue to the charming colonial city of Valladolid and stay the night.
🗓 Day 4: Chichén Itzá + Cenote Visit
Take a day trip to Chichén Itzá, then cool off in either the lush Ik’Kil cenote or the stunning Suytun cenote with its famous light beam. Overnight in Valladolid.
🗓 Day 5: Return to Cancún – Optional Isla Mujeres
Drive back to Cancún in the morning. If time allows, hop over to Isla Mujeres for a half-day island escape before your flight.
🏝 Why I Love This Route:
Besides Chichén Itzá, the Tulum ruins are unforgettable—perched above the sea, they feel like part of the landscape itself. And if you’re into nature, tacos, and spontaneous adventure, Tulum’s cenotes and local vibes are a must.
6-Day Yucatán Itinerary: Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichén Itzá & the Pink Lakes
Looking for a well-balanced mix of beach time, adventure, ruins, cenotes, and even a theme park? This 6-day itinerary is perfect for couples, solo travelers, and families alike—especially if you want to blend nature with some fun, all-inclusive attractions along the Riviera Maya.
🗓 Day 1: Arrive in Cancún – Beachside Check-In
Touch down in Cancún and head straight to the iconic Hotel Zone. Relax by the sea, sip a drink, and ease into vacation mode with a laid-back beach day.
🗓 Day 2: Xcaret Park Adventure + Playa del Carmen
Spend the day at Xcaret, one of the most popular eco-theme parks in the region—expect underground rivers, cultural shows, snorkeling, and wildlife. After a full day of fun, check into a hotel in Playa del Carmen and enjoy shopping and dining along lively Fifth Avenue.
🗓 Day 3: Tulum – Ruins & Cenotes
Head to Tulum to visit the stunning seaside Mayan ruins. In the afternoon, cool off in a nearby cenote (there are plenty to choose from!). Overnight in Tulum or nearby.
🗓 Day 4: Chichén Itzá + Cenote Swim
Leave early for a visit to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. After exploring the ruins, take a dip in the nearby Ik’Kil cenote. End the day in the colonial town of Valladolid.
🗓 Day 5: Day Trip to Las Coloradas (Pink Lakes)
From Valladolid, take a full-day trip to the surreal Pink Lakes of Las Coloradas. Their vivid pink hue is unforgettable and perfect for photos. Keep an eye out for flamingos along the way!
🗓 Day 6: Return to Cancún – Isla Mujeres or Departure
Head back to Cancún. If your flight is later in the day, take a quick half-day trip to Isla Mujeres for beach time and island vibes, or head straight to the airport.
🎡 Why You’ll Love This Route:
If you enjoy mixing the outdoors with a bit of theme park fun, the X Parks near Playa del Carmen (like Xcaret, Xplor, and Xel-Há) are fantastic. Whether you’re solo, traveling with your partner, or bringing kids, there’s something for everyone.
And once you’re in Valladolid, don’t skip the Pink Lakes—the surreal colors are unforgettable, like stepping into a dream.
Ultimate 8-Day Yucatán Adventure: Cancún In, Mérida Out
Want to see the best of the Yucatán without backtracking? This ultimate 8-day itinerary starts in Cancún and ends in Mérida—covering beaches, Mayan ruins, cenotes, pink lakes, and even a world-famous eco-park. Perfect for curious travelers who want more than just a beach vacation.
🗓 Day 1: Arrive in Cancún – Check into the Hotel Zone
Start your journey with a relaxing day on Cancún’s signature “7”-shaped Hotel Zone beaches. Soft sand, warm waves, and tropical vibes await.
🗓 Day 2: Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
Take a short ferry ride to Isla Mujeres for a day of sun, snorkeling, and island charm. Return to Cancún in the evening.
🗓 Day 3: Xcaret Park + Playa del Carmen
Spend the day at Xcaret, a stunning eco-park packed with underground rivers, live performances, and local wildlife. Afterward, stay in Playa del Carmen and enjoy shopping or dinner on the vibrant Fifth Avenue.
🗓 Day 4: Tulum – Coastal Ruins & Cenotes
Head to Tulum to visit the famous seaside Mayan ruins. Then choose from one of the many nearby cenotes for a refreshing swim. Overnight in Tulum or nearby.
🗓 Day 5: Chichén Itzá + Ik’Kil Cenote
From Tulum, travel to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Cool off afterward in the lush, vine-draped Ik’Kil Cenote. Stay overnight in Valladolid.
🗓 Day 6: Day Trip to the Pink Lakes
From Valladolid, take a full-day excursion to Las Coloradas, the stunning pink lakes near the Gulf Coast. It’s a surreal photo stop and well worth the trip.
🗓 Day 7: Uxmal & Kabah – Off-the-Beaten-Path Ruins
Continue west to explore the less-crowded but equally impressive Uxmal and Kabah ruins. These sites offer towering pyramids and intricate carvings with far fewer crowds. Overnight in Mérida, the charming capital of Yucatán.
🗓 Day 8: Mérida Morning – City Walk or Cenote Swim
Spend your final morning exploring Mérida’s colonial streets and local markets—or opt for one last cenote adventure nearby. In the afternoon, catch your flight home from Mérida.
✈️ Why This Route Works:
This one-way route saves time by starting in Cancún and ending in Mérida—no need to backtrack. Mérida has a well-connected airport with plenty of domestic and international flights, making it a smart, efficient exit point from the Yucatán.
Whether you’re here for beaches, ruins, or nature, this trip gives you a taste of it all.
👣 I’m Summer, a backpacker who’s passionate about outdoor adventures and Latin America.
I only recommend places that I’ve truly loved—so you can skip the guesswork and dive into the good stuff.
Follow me for more travel tips around Mexico and beyond, or send me a DM if you’re planning a Yucatán trip!
Let’s explore the best of the Americas—together. 🌎✨
