4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Cancun

  • Day 1: Visit Xcaret Park
    30 minutes (9.7 miles) from Cancun Downtown

    Xcaret Park is a natural paradise located in the heart of the Riviera Maya that offers various attractions for visitors to enjoy including snorkeling, underground rivers, and a Mayan village. You'll also get to watch cultural shows by the Mayan community.

  • Day 2: Visit Isla Mujeres Island
    30 minutes by ferry from Cancun Hotel Zone

    Isla Mujeres Island situated a short ferry ride from Cancun is a serene island with white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and marine diversity. Visit Punta Sur, the easternmost point of Mexico, swim with dolphins or scuba dive to see the underwater museum.

  • Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza
    2 hours and 10 minutes (117 miles) from Cancun Downtown

    Chichen Itza, one of the most prominent archaeological sites in Mexico, is a Mayan site with structures like the Kukulcan Pyramid, The Great Ball Court, and The Temple of Warriors. Also, witness the sublime light and sound show during the night time.

  • Day 4: Visit Xel-Ha Park
    1 hour and 15 minutes (54.6 miles) from Cancun Downtown

    Xel-Ha Park is a natural aquarium park that offers a wide variety of aquatic activities such as swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, and water zip-lining. You'll also get to relax near the waterfalls and lagoons or watch the macaws swoop down in their natural surroundings.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Xcaret Park (8 hours, $120 per adult, $60 per child)
  • Isla Mujeres Island (6 hours, $20 round trip ferry ticket per person, $35 for optional activities)
  • Chichen Itza (10 hours, $149 per person, includes transportation, guide and entrance fees)
  • Xel-Ha Park (7 hours, $119.99 per adult, $59.99 per child)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $809.98 for a family of four

Transportation

It is recommended to rent a car which allows you to explore the city on your own schedule. The car rental rates start at $25/day. Taxis or Uber rides are also available options but could cost more.

Useful Tips

If you have less time, you can skip Isla Mujeres Island or Xel-Ha Park. Alternatively, if you have more time, include a day trip to Cozumel Island or Tulum. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, hat, and mosquito repellent when out discovering different destinations in Cancun.

Airports

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is located in Cancun Hotel Zone, 15.5 miles from Cancun Downtown, and has direct flights from major airports in North America and Europe, such as New York, London, or Toronto.

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