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All Articles 3 perfect days in Cancun

3 perfect days in Cancun

Jay Blades
By Jay Blades4 Aug 2023 11 minutes read
Beach with bright blue water, people standing and sitting on sand, and a lifeguard stand
Playa Delfines; Photo: Tripadvisor

Cancun may be known as a spring break hotspot, but it’s so much more than nonstop nightlife. The city is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, prime snorkeling and scuba diving, and, on the outskirts, amazing Mayan culture, like at the pyramids of Chichén Itzá. Don’t worry though; you don’t necessarily need a full week to soak it all up. Three days is just enough time to sample a bit of everything the city has to offer, from coral reefs to Mayan ruins, local markets to late-night clubs.

The below three-day itinerary helps you pack it all in by balancing the big attractions (Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Coco Bongo) with plenty of taco and margarita breaks. We’ve grouped everything together by location to minimize your travel time between activities and based each rec on Tripadvisor reviews and ratings. That way you won’t waste a single second wondering, “Is this place worth it?”

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DAY ONE

Beach with bright-blue water, and large sandy stretch lined with straw umbrellas
Playa Delfines; Photo: Tripadvisor

MORNING: A postcard-perfect beach

We won’t blame you if you want to spend your first morning lounging by your hotel pool. But if you’re up for an adventure, hop the R-1 or R-2 bus (or drive) to Playa Delfines. Just 15 minutes from the heart of the hotel zone, it’s the only beach in the area where you can take in the sugary-soft sand and turquoise waters without a high-rise in sight. Photo op alert: It’s also where you’ll find the iconic, colorful Cancun sign.

Keep in mind there are no restaurants here (though vendors sometimes roam the beach selling fruit and drinks), so eat breakfast before you go or pick up something at the Chedraui or Oxxo markets on the way.

If you’re not the lay-on-the-beach-for-hours type (or just need a break from the heat), drive five minutes north to the Mayan Museum of Cancun. It’s small (you can see the whole thing in an hour or two), costs just under $4, and offers an excellent primer on Mayan history and culture.

Travelers say: “The San Miguelito archeological site located beside the museum (included in the entrance fee) is a must-see. The forest, ruins, and the peaceful atmosphere around the site makes you feel like you have taken a journey back in time.” —@Annijatravels

AFTERNOON: Shop and snack at a Mexican mercado

You’ve seen the hotel zone. Now it’s time to get a feel for the local side of Cancun. Drive, grab a taxi, or take the R-2 bus downtown to Mercado 28, a sprawling flea market where you can load up on souvenirs like embroidered dresses, Mexican wedding shirts, ceramics, silver jewelry, and handmade dolls. Shop around (many vendors sell similar items) and don’t be afraid to haggle.

When you’re ready to rest your feet, sit down to a seafood cocktail at El Cejas, a small mariscos restaurant in the middle of the market. Or save your appetite for your next stop: Mercado 23. Smaller and a little calmer than Mercado 28, it’s one of Cancun’s oldest markets and a good place to sample regional fruits and cheeses. Don’t miss the slow-cooked pulled-pork tortas and tacos at El Paisano del 23.

DOWNTOWN CANCUN TOUR OPTIONS

  • A walking tour is one of the best ways to appreciate the colorful murals that cover downtown Cancun. You’ll learn about the artists and their techniques as you explore the streets around Parque de Las Palapas.
  • If you travel to eat, try this street food tour, which goes to Mercado 23 as well as popular taco stands like El Polilla. You’ll even get to see some street art along the way.
  • For an easy way to see all the highlights, hop on this guided bus tour. It goes down Tulum Avenue in downtown Cancun and stops at Mercado 28, Playa Delfines (in case you missed it earlier), La Isla (see Day 3), and more.

EVENING: Street food and choose-your-own-adventure nightlife

Make your way to Parque de Las Palapas (it’s about a 10-minute walk from Mercado 23) by early evening. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it comes alive at night, especially on weekends when there’s live music on the stage in the center of the park. Walk around, people-watch from a bench, or pick up a few more souvenirs—stands scattered throughout the park sell everything from straw bags and serape blankets to colorful Talavera pottery.

For dinner, you could make a meal out of the park food stalls hawking elotes (grilled corn on the cob), esquites (off-the-cob corn with cheese, lime, and chile), churros, and marquesitas (crispy, Edam cheese–filled crepes). Or you could walk 10 minutes to Taqueria Coapenitos for some of the best tacos in town. Adventurous eaters should try the tripa (tripe) and lengua (beef tongue), but you also can’t go wrong with suadero (beef) or al pastor (seasoned pork with pineapple)—or the margaritas, for that matter.

After dinner, keep the night going. A few blocks south of Taqueria Coapenitos, you’ll hit a stretch of restaurants and bars with everything from a rooftop lounge (Mumma) to a speakeasy (Sigfrido) to a cozy wine bar (El Rincon del Vino).

Worthy detours along the way

DAY TWO

Sea turtle swimming with snorkelers in the distance
5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling Tour Cancun; Photo: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Go under the sea

With calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, Cancun is a snorkeler’s paradise. Total Snorkel’s 5-in-1 tour is great for beginners—they pick you up at your hotel, give you the basics, and take you to five different spots. You’ll get to swim along a coral reef, see sculptures at Museo Subacuático de Arte (Cancun’s underwater museum), paddle next to sea turtles, explore a shipwreck, and even dive into a cenote (a natural swimming hole). The whole thing takes about three and a half hours, making for a doable morning excursion.

AFTERNOON: Ferry to a tropical island

Instead of riding back to your hotel after your snorkeling excursion, hop on the ferry from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres, a tiny, five-mile-long island just off the coast of Cancun. Boats leave every half hour and get you there in about 15 minutes.

When you arrive, walk inland to Ocean’s Isla, grab a sidewalk table, and order two-for-one margaritas alongside fajitas or coconut shrimp. After, stroll back to Playa Norte, where you can rent chairs and an umbrella from one of the many vendors or wade in the shallow water.

If you’d prefer something more active, rent a golf cart at Golf Carts Indios and explore other parts of the island, like Punta Sur (a lookout with epic views), the Women’s Beading Cooperative (where you can buy jewelry and crafts made by local artisans), and Capilla de Guadalupe (a seaside chapel).

ISLA MUJERES TOUR OPTIONS

  • Sure, you could take the ferry like everyone else. Or you could book this fancy catamaran tour, which includes lunch, an open bar, and snorkeling gear. You’ll still get time to explore Isla Mujeres, but you’ll have way more fun getting there.
  • Cross “swimming with whale sharks” off your bucket list. During the summer, hundreds of these gentle creatures feed on fish and plankton north of the island. This whale shark adventure sails you to the best viewing spots and provides you with snorkeling equipment, food, and non-alcoholic drinks. (Note: You can choose to depart from Isla Mujeres or get picked up at your hotel in Cancun.)
  • If you prefer dry land, eat and drink your way around Isla Mujeres instead. This small-group golf cart bar crawl visits offbeat places and includes samples of specialty beers and local spirits like mezcal.

EVENING: A sunset lobster dinner and over-the-top dance party

Stick around for sunset (it’s especially stunning from Playa Norte). Or ferry back to the mainland and head to Lorenzillo’s, a popular restaurant along the lagoon (also prime sunset-watching territory). Lobster is the order here, but Tripadvisor community members also rave about the oysters Rockefeller, tableside Caesar salad, and filet mignon. If you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from Lorenzo, the lagoon’s resident crocodile.

By the time you’re done eating, Cancun’s legendary nightlife will just be getting going. Cab it to Coco Bongo, a wild club that puts on Vegas-level shows with everything from Mad Max stunts to a Queen tribute. Tickets aren’t cheap (they start at $113 per person), but they come with an open bar. If you don’t want to stand all night, splurge on a Gold Member or Front Row ticket, both of which include reserved seats, premium booze, and better views.

Travelers say: “No words to describe the awe felt as we watched the show [at Coco Bongo]—blows your mind and makes you feel like a kid again. Cannot wait to go back. Tips: Do VIP, wear comfy shoes, and show up early.” —@Jodi B

Worthy detours along the way

DAY THREE

Aerial view of people swimming in a cenote, and vines from surrounding greenery cascading down
Cenote Ik Kil; Photo: Tripadvisor

MORNING: Day trip to a Wonder of the World

If you rented a car, get on the road early for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Chichén Itzá, an ancient Mayan city west of Cancun. No car? You can also take the ADO bus from downtown (it leaves daily at 8:45 a.m.) or book a full-day tour that covers Chichén Itzá and nearby sites.

Plan to spend about three hours exploring the ruins, which include the famous El Castillo pyramid, a sacred cenote, several temples, and the “Ball Game Court,” where a ceremonial sport was once played. You can view the grounds on your own, but it’s really helpful to have someone explain what you’re seeing. If you don’t book a tour ahead of time, there are plenty of guides-for-hire on site (talk to a few to get a sense of their experience and language skills).

Travelers say: “A totally amazing experience. Get there early because the heat is intense, plus you will beat the crowds that arrive on tour coaches. The place opens at 8 a.m., and it's already busy. Definitely recommend a personal guide to show you around. Barter for the best price on a guide and items you wish to buy. Take loads of water, sun[screen], and an umbrella.” —@Justin B

CHICHEN ITZA TOUR OPTIONS

  • Early risers should opt for this early-access tour, which gets you to Chichén Itzá before the crowds (and the heat of the day). It includes lunch, a swim in a cenote, and a tequila tasting.
  • History buff? Tack on another ancient Mayan site—the city of Cobá—with this guided day trip, which also makes stops at Chichén Itzá and Cenote Ik Kil.
  • A more budget-friendly option, this downloadable self-guided tour allows you to see Chichén Itzá at your own pace while still getting tons of helpful info.

AFTERNOON: Pit stop at a pueblo mágico and dip in a cenote

Drive or hop the ADO bus to Valladolid for a late lunch. About 40 minutes from Chichén Itzá, the charming town is one of Mexico’s pueblo mágicos, or “magic towns” (a government title given to select villages for their beauty, traditions, or folklore). It’s a worthwhile detour, filled with colorful, Spanish-style buildings; cute shops and cafes; and fascinating museums.

At IX CAT IK, sample traditional Mayan dishes like lime soup and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) while learning about the spices and techniques that go into each (the super knowledgeable servers are happy to answer questions about the menu). After, walk west to Convent de San Bernardino de Siena, stopping on the way at Valladolid’s main square, Parque Principal, then cutting down Calle de Los Fraile, the prettiest street in town.

If you’re traveling by car, pop by a cenote before you leave the area (Cenote Palomitas and Cenote Maya Park are both highly rated by Tripadvisor reviewers). Swimming in one of these natural sinkholes is a must when you’re in the Yucatán.

EVENING: Late-night shopping and a bird’s-eye view

Back in the hotel zone, head to La Isla, an open-air shopping center along the lagoon. Not your typical mall, the complex includes an aquarium, a movie theater, a Ferris wheel, and even a canal. Browse the high-end stores (Tiffany’s to Prada), pick up last-minute souvenirs at one of the gift shops, and take a spin on El Sol de Cancun (it’s especially magical at sunset but also lights up at night).

For dinner, you’ve got lots of options. We like Taco y Tequila (great margaritas, tacos, and churros), but if you’re taco-ed out, Thai serves traditional dishes in romantic cabanas overlooking the lagoon.

Got the energy to fit in one more Cancun hotspot? Take a cab to Mandala Cancun—a fun club with themed nights like Mardi Gras Monday—and dance your last night away.

Worthy detours along the way

Know Before You Go


Cancun shines from December to April, when comfortably warm temps provide a welcome escape from the cold weather elsewhere. Of course, it’s also the city’s busiest time (especially March, when the spring breakers roll in). If you want fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November) are good options. Summer and fall are also nice, but expect more rain, higher humidity, and smelly seaweed on the beach.



Since Cancun is a popular tourist destination, most attractions are open every day of the week. A few are closed on Mondays though, so check before you go. If you visit midweek, you might get fewer crowds at the airport and local spots, but clubs and restaurants, especially in the hotel zone, tend to stay busy all week long.



Museum and attraction hours vary, though most are open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Markets open around 8 or 9 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Restaurants in the hotel zone are usually open all day until late (11 p.m. or midnight), but some of the local spots downtown have slightly more limited hours. Generally, you’ll find that places serving breakfast and lunch shut down around 8 p.m., while lunch and dinner restaurants may not open till 1 or 2 p.m. but stay open until midnight.

Most nightclubs open around 8:30 or 9 p.m., but the party doesn’t really get going until 11 p.m.—and goes strong until 3 a.m.



Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera): This is where most visitors stay, as it has the largest selection of hotels and resorts in Cancun. Live Aqua Beach Resort is a Tripadvisor favorite for its above-and-beyond staff, spotless rooms, and boutique-hotel feel. If you don’t want an all-inclusive, Casa Tortugas is a smaller, quieter, family-run hotel with charming Mexican touches and a view of the lagoon.

Downtown (El Centro): Downtown is where most of the locals live, but there are also a few budget-friendly hotels and hostels in the area. You won’t be beachfront, but you will be within walking distance of great markets and street food. Plus, it’s just a short bus ride to the hotel zone. Trendy Nomads Hostel has private rooms in addition to typical dorm-style accommodations, plus a rooftop pool and bar, coffee shop, and communal kitchen.

Playa Mujeres: Playa Mujeres is just 15 minutes north of downtown Cancun (45 minutes from the airport) but feels much quieter and more secluded than the hotel zone. It’s home to some stunning all-inclusives, like Excellence Playa Mujeres (a splurge) and Atelier Playa Mujeres (slightly less of a splurge).

Puerto Morelos: South of Cancun, a stretch of resorts near the small fishing village of Puerto Morelos offers a remote feel and less-developed beaches, with the added bonus of being closer to the airport. Situated next to a mangrove preserve, Waldorf Astoria is one of the best (and more luxurious) of the bunch—every room has an ocean view, a private balcony, and an outdoor soaking tub.



Public transportation: A public bus system makes getting around Cancun without a car fairly easy. The R-1 and R-2 buses run regularly between downtown and the hotel zone and cost just 12 pesos per ride (less than $1), which you can pay on board.

If you’re traveling outside of Cancun, the ADO bus is also reasonably priced and easy to navigate.

By bike: Cancun doesn’t have a bike-sharing program, but there are a few rental shops (Bike & Go, Bike Rental Energy of the World) downtown and in the hotel zone. Many hotels also have bikes you can borrow. Downtown isn’t super bike friendly, but Boulevard Kukulcan, which runs from downtown through the hotel zone, has a separate cycling and running path.

By taxi: Taxis are plentiful but can be expensive—be sure to ask for a rate card and agree on a price beforehand. If you hail one on the street, make sure it’s legit (the car should be white with green lines, there should be an identification number on the side, and it should have two license plates, front and back).

By car: You don’t necessarily need a car to get around Cancun, but having one can be handy if you want to explore the nearby beaches and towns (or are staying outside of Cancun proper). You can find all the major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Alamo) at the airport.

Airport transfers: The Cancun International Airport is about 17 miles from the hotel zone. For taxis, make a reservation ahead of time for the best rate ($24-$33, depending on where you’re going). There are also shared shuttles, or you can take the ADO bus to downtown Cancun. Keep in mind that Uber is not legally allowed to pick you up at the airport (though they can drop you off).


Jay Blades
Jay Blades is a writer, content strategist, and design-led nomad. When she's not eating fish tacos in Baja, she's usually hiking in upstate New York, driving cross-country, or drinking rosé piscines in the other South of France. She's also the founder of Upstate & Elsewhere, where she and her husband document their adventures and daily life.