TWO WEEK YUCATAN ITINERARY: HOW TO SEE THE BEST BITS.
We recently travelled the length and breadth of the Yucatan Peninsula. We sought to find all the best bits so that we can bring you this guide to creating the ultimate Yucatan Peninsula itinerary.
Below you will find our suggestions for a two week itinerary as well as a guide to the best beaches, attractions, nightlife and more.
Linked in this post you will find all of our detailed guides to each destination, helping you to choose where to stay and what to do in each area.
Where is the Yucatan Peninsula?
The Yucatan Peninsula is a large area of land in Central America, specifically in Mexico sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It’s includes three states – Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche.
Beyond Cancun, what is there to see in the Yucatan?
Many people think about Cancun when they think of this area of Mexico. We’ve nothing against Cancun, but as independent travellers the resort isn’t really for us.
I can’t count the number of times we’ve seen deals on flights to Cancun but we hadn’t appreciated how much there is for independent travellers to get their teeth into in the area and so we always (perhaps a little snobbishly) decided not to go.
However, I’m so pleased we finally did journey to Cancun and discover how much there is in the area to thrill any traveller. From white sand beaches, to vibrant cities like Mérida, incredible history at Chichen Itza and stunning natural parks. There’s plenty to enjoy for a few weeks and have a fun but relaxed vacation.
What time of year should you travel to the Yucatan Peninsula?
The ideal time is between December and April when the weather is hot and dry. The hurricane season ends in November, and there are many months of hot weather with rain too.
We travelled in December/ January and had a few chilly evenings but otherwise balmy weather. There’s less chance of rain from January onwards until April.
You can find our guide to visiting over the Christmas period here.
Two week itinerary in the Yucatan Peninsula
We spent much longer than two weeks in the Yucatan Peninsula investigating all the best bits. But we know that not everyone can do this, so we’ve put together an ideal itinerary for your two week vacation.
This is the ideal itinerary if you’re hoping for a mix of chilling out on the beach, a bit of nature and exploring the cultural sites and cities.
Days one to three : Tulum and Sian Ka’an
Tulum is a beach town found South of Cancun. For years, a town with a very mixed reputation – once a hippy Mecca and now more of a playground for the rich. However, it is possible to visit on a budget or indeed to live in the lap of luxury in Tulum – there’s something for everyone.
The reason that we still recommend going to Tulum is that the beaches are a stunning, there are lots of wonderful Cenotes to swim in and it is a good base from which to explore this side of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Assuming you land in Cancun, we recommend getting out of the city as soon as possible and heading to Tulum – a short bus ride or drive away. Find out more about how to get to Tulum from Cancun here.
What to do in Tulum
– Tulum has a stunning white sand coast line. There is plenty of space for sunbathing and cooling off in the surf. Another option is to spend the day at a beach club for a touch of luxury.
– Hiring bikes is one of the best ways to explore the town, the coast and nearby attractions. Spend a day visiting Tulum ruins and seeing some of the spectacular Cenotes (natural swimming holes) in the area.
– Take a yoga class, grab a massage or spend the evening partying – Tulum has lots of great activities (more on our guide below.)
– Take a day trip – either to Coba Ruins or to see the beautiful Sian Ka’an nature reserve.
You can find our detailed guide to spending three to four days in Tulum here. By the way, in case you’ve heard about how expensive Tulum is, well, you’d be right. But it is possible to visit on a budget – here’s our guide to budget travel in Tulum.
If you’re not sure about Tulum – it doesn’t suit everyone – an alternative is Lake Bacalar. This was one of the best bits for us and will be a big hit with anyone who enjoys sailing, paddle boarding or just a laid back environment. Find out more about Bacalar here.
Days four to six: Valladolid and surrounding area
Valladolid is a small city, but such a delight. Not only does it make an excellent base from which to explore Chichen Itza and Ek Balam, as well as the many wonderful Cenotes, but it is a charming town filled with culture and beauty.
At every corner in Valladolid I wanted to stop to take photos, it is captivating and uniquely vibrant. It may not have the same authenticity as a city like Merida, but Valladolid is much more walkable and accessible and infinitely more interesting than Cancun. Valladolid has a sensuality to it, romantic, languid and beautiful.
From either Tulum or Bacalar, Valladolid is an easy two hour journey. Buses run regularly so you can take public transport or drive. For a more detailed overview of transport to Valladolid, find our guide here.
What to do in Valladolid
-Explore the different cenotes near Valladolid – there are many cenotes (natural swimming holes) that you can visit near to Valladolid – either independently or on a tour
– Explore the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam – you can visit both in one. Find out more here.
– Wander around the beautiful city, enjoy coffee and taking photos of the stunning streets
– In the evening, enjoy a happy hour deal at one of the many cool bars, visit an authentic cantina or eat out in style at some of the fantastic restaurants.
Days seven to nine: Merida, Uxmal and Progreso
Merida is a vibrant city in it’s own right and one well worth a visit. It is also perfectly placed to explore surrounding areas, such as Uxmal and Progreso on day trips. You’ll want three days ideally to take this all in, or if you are looking for a slower paced trip then skip Uxmal or Progreso and spend longer exploring Merida – there’s plenty in the city to keep you entertained.
Mérida – The White City
Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatán state, is known as “La Ciudad Blanca” (The White City) due to its prominent use of white limestone and the city’s general cleanliness. Here’s a short guide of the best things to do:
– Sample local dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and panuchos (tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with meat and vegetables). Better yet – take a food tour which also includes a visit to the market.
– Visit the historic centre – Start with a stroll around Plaza Grande, the heart of Mérida, surrounded by the city’s cathedral and other historic buildings. The area is bustling with cultural activity and is a great spot for people-watching or enjoying an evening of leisure with live music and performances.
One of the best aspects about visiting Merida, is the nightlife. For more information on what to do at night find our guide here.
Uxmal – Majestic Mayan Ruins
Located about an hour’s drive south of Mérida, Uxmal is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world.
Find out more about Uxmal here.
Progreso – Beachfront Relaxation
Progreso is the main port and gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, just a 30-minute drive from Mérida. It’s popular among both locals and tourists for its relaxed beach atmosphere. The main things to do here are eat seafood & relax on the beach!
You can find our guide to Progreso here.
Days ten to fourteen: Holbox Island
Holbox is a beautiful island, a short bus and ferry ride away from Cancun. But, it couldn’t feel more different! The sand is white. The water is warm and there are often happy dogs swimming in it (my idea of heaven). The sunsets are spectacular and best accompanied with a cold drink. If that’s not paradise, I’m not sure what is.
Find out more about how to get to Holbox here.
What to do in Holbox
Here’s a quick guide but you can find a detailed guide in our blog post on the best things to do in Holbox here
– Kayak to see the bio luminiscence – an incredible natural phenomenon where the sea glows in the dark at night
– Relax at a beach club on Holbox island – we’ve written about the best beach clubs on the island to suit every budget here
– Walk to Punta Mosquito, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Yucatan, via the sandbank
– Borrow a doggy for the day at the animal shelter – there are stray dogs that have been taken in by the shelter and every day volunteers can offer to take them for a walk on the beach. Delightful.
– Party the night away at the Hot Corner bar – a really fun bar with live music every night!
Getting around the Yucatan Peninsula
You have three (and possibly four) options to get around the Yucatan Peninsula.
HIRE A CAR
First, is to hire a car. All of the areas that you would want to travel to in the Yucatan are well connected by road, making driving a viable option to get around. We opted not to hire a car, because we intended to spend long periods during each stop when we know we would not need a car. But, if you are in the Yucatan for two weeks, then hiring a car may be the best option to get around quickly.
INTERNAL FLIGHTS
Secondly, you can take some internal flights. For example, flying from Cancun to Merida is an option. Personally, I think this is a little unnecessary as the distances between the two areas are not so great that a flight is warranted, but some people prefer this option. From Cancun airport you can explore Tulum and Holbox easily, then from Merida you can visit the rest of the places on your 14 day Yucatan itinerary.
BUSES
The third option is to take buses. We traveled around the Yucatan by bus and honestly it was a great experience. The buses were comfortable, reliable and easy to book. Plus, they are not expensive. We think that most travellers use buses to get around and we would highly recommend them.
If you do go by bus, we would suggest booking in advance. This saves time queuing, means you can pay in your own currency and secures your seat. We used Bus Bud to book our tickets in advance in Mexico.
RAILWAY
The fourth (potential) option is to use the Maya Railway – at time of writing, this is not fully up and running. But there are plans to connect many of the towns mentioned in this Yucatan itinerary by rail.
Best ruins Yucatan Peninsula
Exploring Mayan ruins is a highlight for many travelers to Mexico. Among the most famous are Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Coba. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization, but they differ significantly in terms of experience, crowd size, and the ability to interact with the ruins. Here’s a comparative look at these three fascinating sites to help you decide which is best for your next adventure.
Chichen Itza: The Iconic Wonder
Chichen Itza is perhaps the most famous of the Mayan ruins, known worldwide for its magnificent pyramid, El Castillo. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it attracts tourists from across the globe.
- Pros:
- Iconic Structures: The site features impressive architecture, including the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo) and the Great Ball Court.
- Educational Value: It has well-placed information plaques and numerous tour options that offer deep dives into Mayan culture.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Cancún and the Riviera Maya, making it ideal for travelers staying in these areas.
- Cons:
- Crowds: Its fame means it can get very crowded, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Limited Interaction: To preserve the site, climbing the structures is prohibited.
Additionally, if you do visit Chichen Itza, we would strongly advise you to go with a guide to get the best from your experience – you can find out about the tour that we took here.
Ek Balam: The Underappreciated Gem
Ek Balam is a lesser-known site that offers a more tranquil atmosphere for exploring Mayan ruins. It features beautifully preserved sculptures and offers a more intimate glimpse into the ancient civilization.
- Pros:
- Climb the Structures: Visitors can still climb the main pyramid and get a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle.
- Well-Preserved Art: Features some of the most impressive and well-preserved stucco reliefs and sculptures.
- Less Crowded: Fewer tourists mean a more peaceful visit and better photo opportunities without the crowds.
- Cons:
- Lesser Known: Fewer amenities and less historical information readily available at the site.
- Accessibility: It’s less accessible than Chichen Itza, located about two hours from Cancún.
Coba: The Jungle Adventure
Hidden in the jungle, Coba offers a unique adventure where you can explore ancient roads (sacbeob) and massive pyramids surrounded by lush forest.
- Pros:
- Interactive Experience: You can rent a bike or hire a pedicab to explore the extensive site, which is quite spread out.
- Climb the Pyramid: The main pyramid, Nohoch Mul, is one of the few that you can still climb, offering stunning views from the top.
- Atmosphere: The jungle setting gives Coba an adventurous, almost mystical feel.
- Cons:
- Remote Location: Located deeper in the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s less accessible than Chichen Itza.
- Lesser Facilities: Fewer facilities and options for guided tours compared to Chichen Itza.
Best beaches Yucatan Peninsula
If you’re planning a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, it would be remiss not to spend some time on the beach!
Here are our three favourite beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula.
One: Punta Mosquito, Holbox
For those looking to escape the more crowded tourist spots, Punta Mosquito, located on the northern tip of Holbox Island, offers a pristine beach experience.
This secluded beach can be reached either by a long beach walk or by kayak at low tide, making it an adventure in itself. Renowned for its clear, shallow waters and fine white sand, it is also a favored spot for sighting flamingos that frequent the area during certain times of the year.
Find out more about Punta Mosquito and Holbox island here.
Two: Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve
Two: Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve – the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary of biodiversity. Within this vast protected area, you’ll find some of the most secluded and stunning beaches in the Yucatan.
Access to the beaches might require a bit more effort, really you need to take a tour, but the reward is unparalleled natural beauty. The beaches here are truly untouched, offering miles of soft sand and crystal-clear waters, framed by lush tropical vegetation. We spent a blissful few hours in Sian Ka’an and I can honestly say it was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to.
Find out more about taking a tour to Sian Ka’an here.
Three: Progreso
Although this is not the most idyllic beach, we really liked Progreso as a low key and easy breezy beach town. We visited over Christmas when the party was well and truly on! However, throughout summer months every weekend on Progreso beach is a fun affair, with locals from Merida flocking to the beach for drinks, fun and games.
Find out more about Progreso here.
Best cities in the Yucatan Peninsula
There are three major cities in the Yucatán Peninsula: Campeche, Mérida and Valladolid.
One: Campeche, a state situated on the Western Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico, boasts a vibrant and rich heritage. Its capital city, also named Campeche, is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status, featuring impeccably preserved colonial architecture and fortifications.
Furthermore, Campeche is a treasure trove of Mayan history, housing numerous impressive archaeological sites, such as Calakmul, one of the most expansive ancient Maya cities. To give you an idea of size, the population of Campeche city is approximately 300,000.
Find out more about Campeche here.
Two: Mérida, the vibrant capital and largest city of the Yucatán state in Mexico, is a treasure trove of colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage. Its downtown area is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, exuding a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The city takes great pride in being the cultural and commercial heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, cherishing strong connections to its Mayan roots.
Find out more about Merida here.
Three: Valladolid, in the state of Yucatán, Mexico, between Mérida and Cancún, boasts charming colonial architecture and a relaxed ambiance, drawing in travellers eager to explore the Yucatán Peninsula. The city’s proximity to numerous cenotes and Mayan archaeological sites, including the esteemed Chichén Itzá, a New Seven Wonder of the World, adds to its allure. With a population of around 300,000, Valladolid is a charming and laid back city to visit.
You can find our detailed guide to the best cities in the Yucatán Peninsula here.
Best nightlife in the Yucatan Peninsula
Let’s be honest, pretty much everywhere we traveled in the Yucatan Peninsula offered the chance to enjoy a night out. With the exception of remote places, like Celestun, every town, city and beach resort will have a Cantina (an informal bar), a languid beach bar or somewhere hosting live music.
Our top three favourite places for nightlife in the Yucatan Peninsula are:
One: Holbox Island – where people dance in the streets, on the beach, on the tables and just about everywhere. A real island vibe, there are plenty of bars whether you’re looking for a quiet cocktail or a full on party.
For more on nightlife in Holbox, find our guide to the island here.
Two: Tulum – a little on the pricey side, but Tulum still has it going on when it comes to nightlife. There are great fun bars downtown and on the beach. Known for its bohemian atmosphere, Tulum offers a mix of beachfront bars, chic lounges, and outdoor parties. Popular venues include Papaya Playa Project, Gitano Tulum, and Casa Jaguar.
Find out more about Tulum here.
Three: Merida: The capital city of Yucatán offers a more cultural and refined nightlife experience. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, traditional dances, and elegant bars in the historic center. Popular spots include La Negrita Cantina, Mercado 60, and Hennessy’s Irish Pub.
Find out more about Merida here.
Where to next in Mexico?
Find all of our Mexico guides below.
Best things to do in Valladolid
Which is the best city in the Yucatan Peninsula
Bacalar – is it worth visiting
Sunrise paddle boarding in Bacalar
Visiting Sian Ka’an from Tulum
Should you swim with turtles at Akumal Beach
Ek Balam – an alternative to Chichen Itza
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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One response to “Two week Yucatan Itinerary: how to see the best bits”
[…] The beaches are picture post-card perfect. Expect nothing short of sawing palm trees, white sand and turquoise waters. Our faves were in Tulum, Holbox and Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve. You can find more about the best beaches in Yucatan in our blog post here. […]