4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Cancun

  • Day 1: Xcaret Park
    23 minutes (12.5 miles) from Cancun Hotel Zone

    Xcaret Park is a nature and culture-themed park that offers visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. Highlights include a river ride, snorkeling, underground rivers, and animal exhibitions. The park also has restaurants and facilities for families.

  • Day 2: Tulum Ruins
    1 hour, 30 minutes (81.3 miles) from Cancun Hotel Zone

    The Tulum Ruins are a famous Mayan archaeological site located on the Caribbean coast. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, learn about Mayan culture, and admire scenic views of the beach. The site can get hot, so it's important to bring sunscreen and water.

  • Day 3: Chichen Itza
    2 hours, 33 minutes (122 miles) from Cancun Hotel Zone

    Chichen Itza is another Mayan archaeological site, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Visitors can see the famous El Castillo pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, and ancient ball courts. There is a lot to explore, so it's recommended to bring comfortable shoes and snacks.

  • Day 4: Isla Mujeres
    25 minutes (8.7 miles) by ferry from Cancun Hotel Zone

    Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island located off the coast of Cancun. Visitors can enjoy white sand beaches, water activities, and local restaurants. The island is small, so it's easy to explore on foot or with a rented golf cart. Don't forget your bathing suit and sunscreen!

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Xcaret Park (6-8 hours, $100 per adult)
  • Tulum Ruins (3-4 hours, $15 per person plus transportation costs)
  • Chichen Itza (4-5 hours, $14 per person plus transportation costs)
  • Isla Mujeres (4-6 hours, free admission but ferry costs around $20 round trip per person)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $280 per person

Transportation

Travelers to Cancun should consider renting a car, hiring a private driver, or using public transportation. There are also many tour companies that offer guided tours to the different attractions in the area. Rental cars start at around $40 per day, private drivers can cost around $300 for a full day, and buses are generally less than $5 per ride. Travel times and distances can vary based on traffic and route.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other nearby attractions like the Mayan museum or the Underwater Museum. If you have less time, skip Chichen Itza and spend more time in Cancun or Isla Mujeres. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for all activities.

Airports

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the main airport serving Cancun and the surrounding area. It is located 9 miles from the city center and has many options for transportation to and from the airport including taxis, shuttles, and public buses.

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