Cancún in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days in Cancún let you combine beach, island and Maya culture: one day in the Hotel Zone, one on Isla Mujeres and a third on a trip to Chichén Itzá, with a swim in a cenote and a stroll around Valladolid. The Mexican Caribbean is hot all year: protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated.

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Day 1. The Hotel Zone

  1. Zona Arqueológica El Rey

    A small Maya site right in the Hotel Zone, full of iguanas. Go early, before the heat.

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  2. Playa Delfines

    One of the most beautiful public beaches, with the Cancún letters viewpoint. Note: the waves can be strong.

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  3. Mercado 28

    In downtown Cancún: crafts and Yucatecan restaurants at local prices.

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💡 To get around the Hotel Zone, the city buses running along Kukulcán Boulevard are cheap and frequent.

Day 2. Isla Mujeres

  1. Isla Mujeres

    Take the ferry from Puerto Juárez or the Hotel Zone. On arrival, rent a golf cart to get around the island.

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  2. Playa Norte

    Shallow, calm turquoise water: one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

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  3. Punta Sur

    The island's southern tip, with cliffs and a sculpture park. It's the first point in Mexico to see the sunrise.

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Day 3. Chichén Itzá, a cenote and Valladolid

  1. Chichén Itzá

    The great Maya city and its El Castillo pyramid, one of the New Seven Wonders. It's about two and a half hours away: leave very early to beat the heat and the groups.

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  2. Cenote Ik Kil

    A round cenote draped in vines, a few minutes from Chichén Itzá. Shower before swimming and don't wear regular sunscreen.

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  3. Valladolid

    A colonial town of colourful houses, with the San Bernardino convent. A good place to try cochinita pibil.

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Practical tips

  • Foreign visitors pay the Visitax, a Quintana Roo tourist tax paid online.
  • Only biodegradable sunscreen, or none, is allowed in cenotes and on the reefs.
  • June to November is hurricane season, and sargassum seaweed can reach the beaches in spring and summer: check conditions before you go.
  • ADO buses connect Cancún with Valladolid, Chichén Itzá, Playa del Carmen and Tulum comfortably and cheaply.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Cancún?

Yes to combine the beach, Isla Mujeres and Chichén Itzá. With more days, add Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Holbox or swimming with whale sharks in season.

When is the best time to visit Cancún?

December to April, the dry season with less hurricane risk. It's also the most expensive time.

How do I get from Cancún to Chichén Itzá?

By rental car, ADO bus or an organised tour. It's about two and a half hours on the highway: leave early to arrive at opening time.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.