Cancún, Mexico 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Downtown Cancún

  • Morning: Arrive at Cancún International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the Hotel Zone (recommended: Ritz-Carlton Cancun or JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa). Check-in, freshen up and start your day.

  • Lunch: Visit El Fish Fritanga in La Isla Shopping Mall for some delicious seafood dishes.

  • Afternoon: Head to Downtown Cancún (El Centro). Explore the local markets (Mercado 28) for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and Mayan textiles. Visit the Catedral de San Juan Bautista and Parque Las Palapas.

  • Evening: Dine at La Lupita, a popular restaurant located on Avenida Tulum in Downtown Cancún, offering authentic Yucatecan cuisine.

  • Transportation: Rent a car or use taxis within the Hotel Zone and downtown area. Colectivos (shared vans) are available for travel between the Hotel Zone and downtown.

Day 2: Exploring Mayan Ruins & Beach Time

  • Morning: After breakfast, take a tour to visit the nearby Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or Tulum. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites with unique architectural wonders.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch during your ruins visit or dine at one of the restaurants near the ruins (e.g., El Mundo Maya at Chichen Itza).

  • Afternoon: Spend some time relaxing on the beach. The beaches in the Hotel Zone are beautiful and offer numerous activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, or just sunbathing.

  • Dinner: Dine at Avenida Tulum, where you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering international and local cuisines. Or visit the more upscale dining options within your hotel.

Day 3: Island Hopping & Farewell

  • Morning: Take a ferry to Isla Mujeres, a small island with beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, and colorful streets filled with local shops and restaurants. Explore Garrafon Natural Reef Park for snorkeling or just relax on the beach.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch at La Lola Restaurant in Isla Mujeres.

  • Afternoon: Return to Cancún and do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure.

  • Farewell Dinner: Savor your final evening in Cancún at Porfirio’s, a popular restaurant located in the Hotel Zone with a lively atmosphere and delicious Mexican cuisine.

  • Transportation: Ferries to Isla Mujeres operate regularly from Puerto Juárez or Puerto Cancún. Taxis, rental cars, and colectivos are available for transportation within the Hotel Zone and downtown area.