6-Day Itinerary for Cancun, Mexico

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

Where to Stay

• Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera): This area is filled with luxury resorts and a lively nightlife. Some popular options are Ritz-Carlton Cancun, JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa, or Hyatt Zilara Cancun.

Things to Know

• Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
• The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
• Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water.

Day 2: Explore Downtown Cancun & El Centro

Places to Go

• Cancun’s Downtown (El Centro): Visit the charming street markets, local art galleries, and try authentic Mexican cuisine at cafes like “El Fogón” or “Mercado 28”.
• Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Luz: A beautiful church with a rich history.

Activities

• Take a stroll along the Nichupté Lagoon and enjoy the views of the Hotel Zone.
• Visit the Museo Maya de Cancún to learn about the region’s Mayan heritage.

Day 3: Isla Mujeres

How to Get There

• Ferry boats depart from Puerto Juárez (near downtown) or Puerto Cancun (Hotel Zone). The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.

Places to Go & Activities

• Playa Norte: A beautiful beach with clear waters and soft sand.
• Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm: Learn about sea turtles and the conservation efforts.
• Snorkeling or scuba diving at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Cancun Underwater Museum.

Day 4: Tulum & Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

How to Get There

• Rent a car or join a guided tour to explore Tulum and Sian Ka’an.

Places to Go & Activities

• Tulum Archaeological Site: An ancient Mayan city overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, with its rich flora and fauna, mangroves, and Mayan ruins.

Day 5: Xcaret Park & Xel-Há

How to Get There

• Rent a car or join a guided tour to visit these eco-parks.

Activities

• Xcaret Park: Enjoy various activities such as snorkeling, swimming in underground rivers, cultural performances, and a nighttime spectacle called “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”.
• Xel-Há: Swim in crystal clear waters filled with fish, explore underwater trails, zipline over the park, and enjoy a buffet lunch.

Day 6: Chichen Itza & Valladolid

How to Get There

• Join a guided tour or rent a car to visit Chichen Itza and Valladolid.

Places to Go & Activities

• Chichen Itza: Explore this famous Mayan archaeological site, including the Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo).
• Valladolid: Visit this charming colonial town, try local Yucatan cuisine at restaurants like “Cocina Ek Balam”, and explore the San Bernardino Monastery.

Tips

• Haggle in markets for souvenirs and handicrafts.
• Use bottled water or filtered water when drinking.
• Respect the local culture and traditions.
• Always carry sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.
• Enjoy your trip to Cancun!