10 Days in the Yucatán - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Self-Drive Yucatán Discovery: Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Mérida & El Cuyo

Perfect for first-time travelers to the Yucatán Peninsula, this self-drive discovery tour gets you exploring its must-see archaeological sites, natural wonders, and charming cities. With two or more days each in Valladolid, Mérida, and El Cuyo, you'll find plenty of time to ponder Ek' Balam, explore Chichén Itzá, admire the pink waters of Las Coloradas, and float among flamingoes in Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Adventure seekers will also delight in a day of kitesurfing and a snorkeling tour in National Reef Park.

Welcome to the Yucatán! Your self-drive adventure begins with your arrival at the Cancún airport, where you'll collect your rental car and drive to Puerto Morelos on the Riviera Maya. Check into your hotel and head straight to the National Reef Park for a snorkeling tour. The following morning, your road trip continues to Valladolid, the perfect base to explore the archaeological site of Ek' Balam and the impressive Cenote X'Canché sinkhole. Then, after a visit to the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá and the rural community of Yokdzonot, you'll hit the road to Mérida.

Over three days in Mérida, delight in the opportunity to take a guided city tour, delve into beekeeping in Sinanché, and explore the mangrove lagoons of San Crisanto by boat. Next, set out on a scenic drive to El Cuyo on Yucatán's northern coast. Upon arriving, join a boat tour through the enchanting pink waters of Las Coloradas. Then, with two more days in El Cuyo, you'll test your skills kitesurfing and spend a day among flamingoes in Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve before returning to Cancún to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Outdoor Adventures on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula: Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, El Cuyo & Holbox

Kayak under the stars, explore the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, and spend a day kitesurfing in El Cuyo on this Yucatán Peninsula adventure. Crafted especially for active travelers looking to maximize their time outdoors, you'll split your time between Valladolid and Isla Holbox and embark on numerous thrilling day trips. Notable highlights include a snorkel excursion in National Reef Park, cenote swimming in Yokdzonot, and a speedboat tour to Cabo Catoche.

Upon landing in Cancún, pick up your rental car and head to Puerto Morelos for a leisurely afternoon, wandering Jardín Botánico Dr. Marin and dining on fresh seafood. Rejuvenated, spend the next morning snorkeling the tropical fish-filled waters of National Reef Park before hitting the road to Valladolid. Kick off your four-night stay here with a guided city tour, then over the following days, you'll explore Ek' Balam, boat through the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, and swim in Suytun Cenote. While based in Valladolid, you'll also head to Chichén Itzá and enjoy time in the rural community of Yokdzonot.

Midway through your adventure, a scenic drive brings you to the laid-back town of El Cuyo, where you'll call upon your adventurous side for an afternoon of kitesurfing. Then, delve deeper into Mexico's relaxed pace as you transfer by ferry to Isla Holbox. With no paved roads and brimming with a bohemian vibe, you'll find your final days here fly by as you laze on white-sand beaches, kayak under the stars, and embark on a half-day speedboat tour to Cabo Catoche. Lastly, round off your stay exploring by golf cart before ferrying back to the mainland to catch your international flight. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Yucatán: Yaxunah, Valladolid & Mérida

Discover the lesser-known wonders of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on this immersive itinerary. Ideal for history buffs and foodies alike, you'll delve into Maya traditions in Yaxunah, soak up the colonial charm of Valladolid and Mérida, and visit the incredible archaeological sites of Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá. Alongside these cultural experiences, enjoy a Yucatecan street food tour, cenote swimming adventures, and a boat ride through the flamingo-filled Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

After flying into Mérida and transferring to the small Maya village of Yaxunah, begin your trip with a memorable afternoon learning the secrets of hammock weaving at the Káabal Kuxtal workshop. Next, transfer to Valladolid, your base for the following three nights. Dedicate your first evening to exploring the city's historic center alongside a guide, then head out for a full-day visit to Ek' Balam and its nearby local Maya community. A thrilling boat excursion in search of flamingoes, crocodiles, and sea turtles in Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is next on the agenda, as well as a visit to the Suytun Cenote.

On the morning of Day 6, embark on a compelling tour of Chichén Itzá and delight in a home-cooked lunch in Yokdzonot. Next, continue to Mérida, your base for the last four nights, and kick off your stay with a city tour and a stroll along the buzzing Paseo Montejo. Dive even deeper into Mérida's cuisine the following day during a flavor-packed street food tour, complete with a two-hour tour of the Yucatán Gastronomy Museum. Then, round off your trip by diving in the crystalline waters of a cenote and gliding across flamingo-filled waters in Celestún Biosphere Reserve. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula in a Nutshell Tour

Split your time between Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Valladolid on this well-rounded Yucatán Peninsula trip. Perfect for adventure seekers who equally love water activities and history-focused tours, you'll snorkel the Mesoamerican Reef, explore ancient Maya ruins, cruise through the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and swim in pristine cenotes. Each day promises a seamless mix of discovery, relaxation, and educational moments, ensuring you leave with a thorough introduction to Mexico's history and landscapes.

Straight off the plane in Cancún, meet your driver for an easy 30-minute transfer to the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos—your home for the first three nights. Shrug off any jet lag with a fun snorkel excursion in the National Reef Park, then devote the following day to discovering the otherworldly wonders of Río Secreto, an underground river. A full-day adventure to the islands of Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres is next on your agenda, followed by a transfer to Tulum on Day 4. Known for its beautiful beach and lively nightlife, you'll take advantage of both on your first day there.

With two more days based in Tulum, you'll have ample time to explore its beautiful surroundings. Start with a visit to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve for the ancient canal experience, then head to the Tulum Archaeological Site for an educational day learning about the Maya city. Your final destination is Valladolid, a city known for its hospitality, cenotes, food, and architecture. Join a walking tour of the city's historic center, explore the archaeological site of Ek' Balam, visit the local community of Yalcobá, and trek through the jungle alongside a guide before ending your trip back to Cancún. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Yucatán Road Trip: Ruins, Cenotes & Outdoor Adventure

Crafted for travelers who prefer unpacking their bags and limiting travel time, this active road trip features the many fantastic activities on offer in Valladolid and Tulum and their surroundings. Starting with four nights in Valladolid, you'll boat through the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, explore Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá, and swim in numerous cenotes. Then, head over to Tulum for five days of biking, relaxing at the beach, wildlife watching at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, and exploring the Tulum Ruins.

Your self-drive adventure begins at the Cancún airport, where you'll collect your rental car and drive to Valladolid. Settle into your accommodation for four nights, and spend the evening on a guided walking city tour. Then, get straight to the activities, starting with a scenic boat ride through the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and a day dedicated to exploring the Ek' Balam archaeological site and swimming in the beautiful Cenote Xcanche. Over the next two days, the excitement continues with a trip to Chichén Itzá on the agenda, as well as an afternoon in Yokdzonot, joining locals for lunch. 

On the morning of Day 5, it's time to pack your bags and drive to the lively beach town of Tulum for a five-night stay. Get to know the town's warm vibe while dining at one of the local eateries, then spend the following day biking around the Chemuyil community and its many cenotes. Next, delight in a memorable ancient canal experience at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and dedicate a day to learning traditional cooking techniques. Lastly, pack in a thrilling visit to Tulum National Park, where you can hike, canoe, cruise, or swim before ending your trip back to Cancún. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Mexico Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Mexico? Check out these other 10-day Mexico itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.