Go beyond Cancún and explore the lesser-visited highlights of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on this quick five-day escape. It begins in Puerto Morelos, whose unspoiled reef is part of a marine reserve you'll explore during a snorkeling trip. Then visit the ruins of El Castillo—situated above a beach in beautiful Tulum—before finishing with a tour of the even grander Ek' Balam archaeological site.
Most people visiting Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Holbox spend about 10 to 13 days in Mexico, which usually includes some time in Valladolid as well. If you're not interested in Valladolid, 8 to 12 days is enough for your Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Holbox trip. Read on for the best itineraries, including Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Holbox, and beyond.
Explore the cultural and natural highlights of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula on this perfectly paced 10-day tour. Split your time between three key Yucatán towns: the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos, the lively Tulum, and the historical Valladolid. Along the way, you'll snorkel among coral reefs, swim in hidden cenotes near ruined Maya cities, and explore the underground river of Río Secreto.
When you combine the ancient Maya culture of the Yucatán Peninsula with its natural beauty, you have all the makings of the perfect holiday. Over 11 days, you'll visit the highlights of this region, like its famous Maya ruins, while also going off the beaten path to swim in turquoise cenote lagoons and visit indigenous villages. Beyond that, you'll participate in Maya culinary workshops, snorkel in marine reserves, and discover Holbox Island's tranquil paradise.
This 10-day itinerary starts and ends in Cancún. In between, you'll enjoy a journey through the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, learning about Mayan history at Chichén Itzá, visiting colorful seaside villages, relaxing on the beach, snorkeling around the coral reef off Puerto Morelos, and taking a boat to Holbox Island for a few days away from civilization.
Most travelers will find that 10 to 13 days is perfect for a well-paced Mexico trip with stops in Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Tulum, and Holbox. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in eight or nine days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. With more time, you can enjoy extra activities at each stop or a few days in another region like Mexico City. See more ideas for Puerto Morelos, Valladolid, Tulum, and Holbox itineraries below.
This 10-day tour of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula is the family trip of a lifetime. Start in the village of Puerto Morelos, where you'll snorkel among the coral beds, colorful fish, and the occasional shy octopus of Puerto Morelos Reef National Park. Visit Mérida to tour ancient Chichén Itzá, then cruise Valladolid's Ría Lagartos Reserve while the kids count flocks of pink flamingoes. See the ruins of Tulum, take a jungle adventure with ziplining and cenote swims, and explore the peaceful waters of Sian Ka'an Reserve.
Discover Mexico, a country home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (35) than any other nation in the Americas. Over 15 days, you'll tour many of these archeological marvels, like the ancient cities of Teotihuacán, Palenque, Chichén Itzá, and more. Beyond that, you'll visit natural highlights like the majestic Sumidero Canyon, the waterfalls at Agua Azul, and the marine reserve at Puerto Morelos.
In less than a week, you can experience the historical highlights and natural beauty of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. This includes visiting Spanish-colonial cities like Mérida as well as the Maya pyramids at Chichén Itzá and Tulum. You'll also hop in the water for a day of diving in the crystalline waters of Cozumel Island—no certification necessary.
Explore two of Mexico's highlight regions: historic Mexico City and the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula. In the former, you'll hike up Aztec pyramids and stroll the cobbled streets of its Centro Histórico—all while indulging in delicious street food. Then you're off to the white-sand beaches of the Yucatán, where you'll tour ancient Maya ruins, participate in Indigenous workshops, and snorkel marine reserves.
There are few better places for a quick recharge than Mexico's stunning Yucatán Peninsula. Over eight days, you'll travel down the famous Riviera Maya, hike around fortress ruins in Tulum, visit indigenous Maya communities, swim in exotic lagoons, and stroll around historic cities. However, you'll really kick back and relax during a couple of free days on the remote beaches of tranquil Holbox Island.
From tacos and mezcal shots in Mexico City to lazing on the beaches of Holbox Island, this tour offers it all in just over two weeks. Start in Mexico's capital, where you'll learn the city's history while floating on the canals of Xochimilco. Head to Valladolid and discover the Maya ruins of Chichén Itza and Yalcoba, then venture along the Maya Riviera and snorkel in Puerto Morelos. Finish it all up by relaxing on the beaches of Holbox with some bird and whale shark watching thrown in.
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 Chichen Itza, 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.
Explore ancient Maya ruins, kick back on the beach, and visit the rainforest on this ten-day trip to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Start the trip in Tulum for swims in cenotes, then head to Valladolid to see Chichén Itzá and other archaeological sites. End the trip on Holbox Island, a car-free oasis of sprawling beaches and quiet cafés.
Sample the best of the Yucatán Peninsula's archaeological and natural wonders, Indigenous communities, and charming cities with this 10-day road trip. Drive from the Riviera Maya coastline to the Spanish colonial cities of Valladolid and Mérida. Tour the ancient Maya ruins at Ek' Balam and Chichén Itzá before a day trip to coastal towns, which bring beekeeping insights and a boat ride to a cenote. Finish in El Cuyo on the northern coast, spotting flamingoes on a boat ride in Ría Lagartos Reserve.
Swim in a hidden jungle cenote, explore the Playa Ruinas near Tulum, and more on this eleven-day exploration of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. You'll go caving underground to see ancient geologic formations, visit the archaeological site of Coba, and end the trip by relaxing on Holbox Island's beautiful sand beaches.
With 10 days in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, you can discover the best outdoor adventures, from snorkeling in Puerto Morelos' National Reef Park to boating among flamingoes in Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. Swim in little-known cenotes and spend an exciting day of kitesurfing on the north coast. Finish your trip with three days on Isla Holbox, where you'll cruise through mangroves by kayak and jump on a speedboat to the peninsula's northernmost point.
Get ready for a 12-day road-trip adventure across Mexico's famed Yucatán Peninsula, known for its Caribbean beaches, underground cenotes, and ancient Maya ruins. You'll see all of it, starting at the fortress ruins in Tulum and then visiting biosphere reserves and exotic turquoise lakes. Next, you'll venture north to enjoy cultural exchanges in Indigenous communities, visit Spanish-colonial heritage cities, and descend into underground caves sacred to the Maya people.
From the colonial streets of Valladolid to the peaceful beaches of Holbox Island, this 12-day itinerary delivers plenty of adventure and relaxation in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Tour ancient Maya ruins, go swimming in underground rivers, and enjoy some R&R on the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island. And that's just the start.
Over 12 days, you'll experience the cultural highlights of Mexico City and the Yucatán Peninsula, from the cuisine to the historic landmarks to the natural beauty. It starts with a whirlwind tour of Mexico's capital, during which you'll nibble on street food, stroll the colonial streets of Coyoacán, and hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán. Then it's off to the stunning Yucatán region to laze on white-sand beaches, visit biosphere reserves, and hike around ancient Maya ruins.
Over 13 days, you'll visit some of Mexico's most naturally beautiful and culturally rich areas. Experience the food, culture, and history of Mexico City, hike the pyramids of Teotihuacán, then immerse yourself in indigenous culture on the Yucatán Peninsula. You'll also go off the tourist trail in Baja, California, with a boat tour of Isla Espíritu Santo, hikes through desert mountains, and snorkeling at Cabo Pulmo.
Spend 13 days enjoying the best of the Yucatán Peninsula on this whirlwind itinerary. Tour the famous ruins at Uxmal, Tulum, and Chichén Itzá, plus visit Spanish-colonial heritage towns like Izamal and Valladolid. Throughout the adventure, you'll also dive into turquoise cenote lagoons, immerse yourself in local Maya culture, and enjoy some "me" time on the white-sand beaches of Puerto Morelos and Holbox Island.
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.
This 13-day adventure covers the highlights of two of southern Mexico's most historic and naturally beautiful states: Chiapas & Yucatán. In the former, you'll tour natural wonders like Sumidero Canyon and the Agua Azul waterfalls. In the latter, you'll visit its most famous archeological sites, like Palenque and Uxmal, while also enjoying the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island and Playa del Carmen.
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 historical landmarks and natural wonders throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, from the pyramids of Chichen Itza to the white-sand beaches of the Riviera Maya to the remote islands of the far north.
Fifteen days in Mexico's Yucatán region is enough time to visit famous archaeological sites while also enjoying its famous white-sand beaches. Explore the ruins at Chichén Itzá, experience indigenous cultural traditions, and float in the turquoise waters of the Chemuyil cenotes—these are just a few of the highlights. You'll also venture to Holbox Island and enjoy its famous golden sunsets.
Explore the best of Mexico's offerings on this comprehensive 16-day trip. Swim in crystal clear cenotes and go sailing in the Bacalar Lagoon. Continue to Chunhuhub for a mystical bonfire experience, then spend a few days exploring the historical sites of Merida and Chichen Itza. End the trip on Holbox Island for several days of sun, beach, and surf.
Take eighteen relaxing days to drive through the Yucatan Peninsula as you explore the best that Mexico has to offer: colonial cities, indigenous communities, white-sand beaches, and ancient Mayan ruins. Start the trip in Tulum for a dip into a turquoise cenote, then head to Bacalar for a sail on the lagoon. End in Valladolid and Holbox Island for sunrise at Chichen Itza and a couple days on the beach.
Seventeen days is enough time to see the Yucatan's highlights while leaving enough time for a couple of free days to walk around town and relax on the beach. Go sailing on the Bacalar Lagoon, visit indigenous communities to learn about traditional gum and corn production, and visit the UNESCO-designated Calakmul ruins.
Drive from city to beach on this nineteen-day immersive trip through the Yucatan Peninsula. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, you'll explore the best that the region has to offer. Tour historic sites, sample local fare, relax on beaches, and more as you make your way through the jungles and roads of the area.
Spend twenty days on a road trip through the Yucatan as you explore everything from ancient ruins to colonial cities. Go swimming in turquoise cenotes, head underground to visit Xibalba — the Mayan Underworld, and sail on the Bacalar Lagoon. With top stops including Chichen Itza and some of Mexico's best beaches, there's no shortage of adventure.
Fully immerse yourself into Mexican history and culture on this comprehensive three-week trip. From the colonial cities of Merida and Valladolid to the ancient Mayan ruins of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, this trip covers millennia of history and leaves room for relaxation and food. End the trip on Holbox Island for some of Mexico's loveliest beaches and plenty of sunshine
