One Week in Cancun: An Itinerary for Sun-Seekers and Explorers
Cancun is the best destination for anyone who wants sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, adventure and relaxation.
I fell in love with Cancun’s versatility on my first trip: It’s a destination where you can soak up the sun on pristine sands one minute and tour ancient ruins or underwater worlds the next.
This weeklong itinerary is designed to get you the most out of your Cancun trip, mixing beach bumming, cultural exploration and adventure-seeking.
So whether you’re just here to chill, to explore or a little of both, this guide will make sure you’re getting the most of every moment.
Day 1: Arrival and Time Under the Sun
Afternoon: Check in and Go to the Beach
Fly to Cancun, check your hotel, unpack.
Choose a beach front hotel in the Hotel Zone for easy sand access.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at Playa Delfines, a local favorite that features powder-white sand and turquoise waves.
Evening: Dinner over Sunset by the Ocean
Start your first night with dinner at Captain’s Cove, a quaint waterfront restaurant.
The seafood here is fresh and flavorful — try the grilled grouper.
Celebrate your arrival with a cocktail as the sun dips below the lagoon.
Day 2: Exploring Isla Mujeres
Morning: Take ferry to Isla Mujeres
Hop on a short ferry for a visit to Isla Mujeres, a chill island with gorgeous beaches.
Rent a golf cart to freely explore the island at your own pace.
Take a look at Punta Sur for dramatic cliffside vistas and the island’s famous sculpture museum.
Afternoon: Unwind at Playa Norte
Go to Playa Norte, which is repeatedly named one of the best beaches in the world.
You can swim in the shallow, clear waters and enjoy the sunshine.
Have a laid-back lunch on the beach — shrimp tacos and a chilled coconut are a must for me.
Evening: Return and Unwind
Take the ferry back to Cancun and back to the hotel to relax.
Day 3: Dive into Adventure
Morning: Snorkeling at MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art)
Book a snorkeling tour to visit MUSA, an enthralling underwater sculpture park.
You’ll catch sight of more than 500 sculptures created to encourage coral growth.
A unique, eco-friendly experience that mixes art and marine life.
Afternoon: Jungle Tour in Nichupté Lagoon
Take a jungle tour that includes speedboating and snorkeling.
This heart-pumping excursion guides you through mangrove channels and to breathtaking snorkeling sites.
Dinner in Downtown Cancun — Evening
Downtown, head to La Habichuela, a local institution famous for its Mayan cuisine.
Sample their cocobichuela, a creamy seafood curry served in a coconut shell.
Day 4: Ancient Mayan Ruins and Sacred Cenotes
Morning: Explore the Wonder of Chichén Itzá
Day 4 kicks off early, but believe me—it’s worth it.
Take a guided tour to Chichén Itzá, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As you near El Castillo, the majestic pyramid that serves as the centerpiece of the complex, you’ll sense history all around you.
Afternoon: Tuck Into a Gorgeous Cenote
After the ruins, cool off in the nearby Cenote Ik Kil, a short drive away.
This open-air cenote is absolutely stunning; the plant life and vines hang down to the water.
Swim in its chilly, crystal-clear waters, or simply hang out by the edge and enjoy the magical atmosphere.
Evening: A Low-Key Return to Cancun
Head back to your hotel and have a leisurely dinner to unwind from a day of adventure.
If you’re in the Hotel Zone, try a meal at Hacienda Sisal, where you can enjoy traditional Mexican fare in an intimate atmosphere.
It’s the ideal way to ponder the day and charge up for the future.
Day 5: Beach Clubs and Local Markets
Morning: Luxuriate at a Beach Club
Kick off the day with some pampering at Mandala Beach Club, a buzzworthy yet upscale venue located in the Hotel Zone.
Here you can rent a cabana or lounge chair and receive top-notch service.
You can enjoy a margarita in the sun and the tranquility of the sea.
Afternoon: Discover Cancun’s Shopping and Markets
Once you finish your beach session, you move to La Isla Shopping Village.
This outdoor mall features a mix of international brands, local boutiques and souvenir shops.
Visit these local markets for handmade accessories and embroidered clothing items, so you can take a part of Cancun home.
For a more authentic experience, head to Mercado 28 in downtown Cancun.
Evening: Dinner With Lagoon Views
End the day with dinner at Thai Lounge, a romantic venue with tables on private docks overlooking the Nichupté Lagoon.
You simply must try their Thai curries and fresh spring rolls while the setting makes for an unforgettable evening.
Day 6: Riviera Maya Road Trip
Morning: Venture to Tulum
Take a beautiful drive to Tulum, a coastal little town with ancient remains and bohemian vibe.
The Tulum Ruins are situated on a cliff with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
Join a guided tour to discover the history and importance of this walled town.
The sight of the El Castillo temple above the turquoise water is a memory you’ll cherish.
Afternoon: Hit the Beach in Tulum
After the ruins, hit one of Tulum’s signature beach clubs, such as Ziggy’s or Nomade.
These locations have cozy loungers, tasty food, and a relaxed vibe.
Relax by the water with fresh ceviche or a tropical smoothie.
Evening: Return to Cancun
Drive back to Cancun and watch the Riviera Maya fly by with the sunset.
Finish the day with a quiet night at your hotel, or an easy dinner close by.
Day 7: Farewell to Cancun
Morning: Sunrise Paddleboarding
On your last day, kick off with a paddleboard in Nichupté Lagoon.
Because the morning waters are calm and the golden light of sunrise makes this a memorable and serene activity.
You’ll feel part of nature as you gently drift through water, surrounded on all sides by mangroves and exotic birds.
Afternoon: Beach Hopping
Return to your favorite beach or discover a new one, such as Playa Tortugas.
Take your last few hours soaking up the sunshine, swimming in the sea and enjoying the beauty of Cancun’s coastline.
dinner: a very grand send-off dinner
On your last evening, splurge on dinner at Puerto Madero, an upscale Argentine steakhouse.
Their masterfully grilled meats and waterfront locale offer the perfect send-off to your Cancun trip.
Thank a week well spent, raise a glass, eat, chew, savor.
