This one-week travel itinerary of the Mexican Caribbean is a flexible guide to discover the magical beauty of Southern Mexico. It covers the most scenic locations of the Yucatan Peninsula: Holbox, Tulum, Cozumel, Chichen Itza, and Bacalar. On the menu: turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, breathtaking cenotes, and ancient Mayan cities. It’s fast-pace and packed with adventures. Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1 • Arrival in Holbox
- Land at the International Airport of Cancun
- Drive to Chiquila (2 hours) to take a ferry to the island of Holbox, which is car-free
- Check into your hotel (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 local seafood restaurant La Barracuda
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.
Day 2 • Relax on Holbox Island
- Spend the day exploring Holbox and its surroundings. You could visit the Punta Mosquito nature reserve by foot, 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 local tacos restaurant Maiztro
Birds Watching
Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife including flamingos, pelicans, and manta rays. It is also is a popular destination for whale sharks, which can be seen from June to September.
Day 3 • Holbox to Cozumel
- Take a ferry from Holbox back to Chiquila
- Drive to Playa del Carmen (3 hours) and take a ferry to Cozumel
- Check into your hotel or vacation rental (check out Illa Cozumel)
- Walk around the picturesque town of Cozumel
- Have a delicious dinner at La Clasica
Cozumel is renown across the world for its snorkelling and diving tours. I got the chance to see starfish, sea turtles, manta rays, tons of exotic fish, and even a small shark! If this is something you’d like to do, make sure to book a tour in advance.
Day 4 • Cozumel to Tulum
- Get up early for a snorkelling or diving tour
- Enjoy fresh seafood at Albertos’s Beach
- Take a ferry from Cozumel back to Playa del Carmen
- Drive to Tulum (1 hour)
- Check in to your hotel (check out Kan Tulum, Copal, or Habitas)
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of my favourite tacos restaurants
Some of the best Yucatecan meals include cochinita pibil (slow-roasted marinated pork), chiles rellenos (roasted stuffed peppers stuffed), panuchos (tortillas filled with fried beans), and papadzules (tortillas filled with boiled eggs and covered with ground pumpkin seeds and tomato).
Day 5 • Relax in Tulum
- Discover Tulum’s Mayan ruins and relax on its pristine beaches
- Skip the tourist traps and visit breathtaking cenotes
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at an authentic Mexican restaurant
I’ve had so many opportunities to enjoy natural landscapes in Tulum, each of them uniquely valuable. There are however a few which stand out for their authenticity, beauty, and wilderness. Discover my favourite excursions in Tulum with unique wildlife.
Day 6 • Day trip to Chichen Itza
- Drive to the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza (3 hours)
- 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 your accommodation in Tulum
Chichen Itza was a major Maya city in Mexico known for its impressive architecture built around 400-600 AD. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Day 7 • Tulum to Bacalar
- Drive from Tulum to Bacalar (3 hours)
- Check into your hotel (Bacalar My Love or Azul Nomeolvides)
- Visit the 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
- Enjoy dinner at La Playita for fresh Mexican food and atmosphere
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 our heritage and understanding life on Earth. Make sure to not touch or step on stromatolites whilst visiting Bacalar!
Day 8 • Departure
- Watch the sunrise on a paddle board
- Drive to Cancun airport (4 hours) for your return flight
If you have more time and want a slower pace for your vacation, you can easily extend your stay in each location. Use this guide as your flexible canvas!
You could also continue exploring the Mexican Caribbean. There are many other interesting sites to visit, including the towns of Valladolid and Merida, the ancient Mayan city of Coba, the fishers island of El Cuyo, the cenotes of Tankah Park, and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve…
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.
If you have any questions about this itinerary or if you would like additional tips while visiting the Mexican Caribbean, you can contact me via e-mail at hello@sophiepomme.com.
I hope you enjoy your trip!
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.
