This travel itinerary of the Mexican Caribbean is ready to use, for a stress-free vacation discovering the magical beauty of Mexico’s finest shores. Visit Bacalar’s Lagoon, explore Tulum and its beaches, visit breathtaking cenotes and the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, and relax on the white sandy beaches of Holbox. On the menu: traditional Mexican cuisine and local seafood, relaxation, stunning natural beauty, and cultural enrichment!
Day 1 • Arrival in Holbox
- Land at the International Airport of Cancun and rent a car
- Drive to the island of Holbox (2 hours) and check into your hotel or vacation rental (check out Casa HX or Las Nubes)
- Spend the day exploring the island’s white sandy beaches
- Watch the sunset with a fresh margarita on Playa Punta Cocos
- Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant
Best Sunset in the Yucatán Peninsula
The most beautiful sunsets I have seen were on Holbox Island. The beach faces west, making it the perfect spot to watch the sun sink below the horizon in a fiery display of orange, pink, and red hues… Truly a breathtaking scene.
The best place to watch the sunset in Holbox is at Playa Punta Cocos. I recommend bringing a strong mosquito repellent so you can walk around stress-free.
Day 2 • Relax on Holbox Island
- Spend the day exploring Holbox and its surroundings. You could visit the Punta Mosquito nature reserve, take a boat tour to see flamingos and other wildlife, or relax on the beach.
- In the evening, the Hot Corner gets busy and lots of people dance salsa in the streets
- Enjoy dinner at a local tacos restaurant
Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife including flamingos, pelicans, and sea turtles. It is also is a popular destination for whale sharks, which can be seen from June to September.
Day 3 • Holbox to Tulum
- Drive to Tulum and check into your hotel or vacation rental (check out Castillo Tulum or Orchid House in the centre and Selina at the beach)
- Explore Tulum’s beach (my favourite is Playa Santa Fe)
- Skip the tourist traps and discover beautiful natural sites
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (check out my favourite tacos)
My travel guide offers advice if you wish to visit Tulum from a local’s perspective. I have lived there for two years. Find authenticity, natural beauty, and special feelings in the midst of tourism. Reconnect with nature and yourself on a deeper level.
Day 4 • Valladolid
- Drive to the town of Valladolid and visit the cenote Suytun
- Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan meal at a local restaurant
- Explore Valladolid and visit its main square and colonial-style cathedral
- Get back to your accommodation in Tulum
Some of the best Yucatecan meals include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted marinated pork, usually in tacos), chiles rellenos (roasted peppers stuffed with cheese and meat), sopa de lima (a sour and spicy chicken soup), panuchos (tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with shredded chicken), and papadzules (corn tortillas filled with boiled eggs and covered with ground pumpkin seeds and tomato).
Day 5 • Ik Kil & Chichen Itza
- Drive to the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza
- Take a guided tour of the archeological site and learn about its history and significance in Mayan culture
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
- Swim in the neighbouring cenote of Ik Kil
- Return to Tulum
Chichen Itza was a major Maya city in Mexico known for its impressive architecture. It was a center of politics, economics, and religion during the Classic Period (c. 250-900 CE). Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 6 • Arrival in Bacalar
- Check into your hotel (check out Aldea 19 and Azul Nomeolvides)
- Visit the Bacalar Lagoon and take a boat tour to see the various shades of blue that give it the nickname “Lagoon of Seven Colors”
- The “Rapidos de Bacalar” allows you to rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore canals with unique rock formations (stromatolites)
- Enjoy dinner at La Playita for the best Mexican food
Stromatolites are sedimentary structures, the oldest known fossils on Earth, some dating back more than 3.5 billion years. Protecting stromatolites is important for preserving this important part of our natural heritage and understanding the history of life on Earth. Make sure to not touch or step on stromatolites whilst visiting Bacalar!
Day 7 • Departure
- Check out of your hotel and return to the airport for your flight home
- Alternatively, you could extend your trip and spend another day or two exploring the Mexican Caribbean. There are many other interesting sites to visit, including the ancient Mayan city of Coba, the cenotes of Tankah Park, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (more info here).
If you have any questions about this itinerary or if you would like additional tips while visiting the Mexican Caribbean, you can find me on Instagram @sophie.pomme or via e-mail at hello@sophiepomme.com.
I hope you enjoy your trip!
Highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula comprises the south east of Mexico, as well as Guatemala and Belize. It features Mayan pyramids telling stories of a lost civilization, crystal-clear cenotes with fresh water, lush jungle, as well as pristine beaches with colourful fish and turtles. To me, it is the epitome of Caribbean paradise. The Yucatan also has a rich culture of relaxation, care, and connection with nature. It has beautiful luxurious hotels as well as traditional accommodation to cater all budgets.
Hi! I’m Sophie
I am a social scientist and world explorer. In my work, I analyse the evolving meaning of security. I enjoy traveling, yoga, and electronic music in my free time. I consider myself an enthusiastic feminist and self-care advocate.
