8-Day Adventure Travel Itinerary for Mexico

  • Day 1: Cancun Beach
    15 minutes (12.4 km) from Cancun International Airport

    Start your adventure on a relaxing note at Cancun's famous white-sand beaches. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and explore the nearby reefs for exciting snorkeling opportunities.

  • Day 2: Tulum Ruins
    2 hours (125 km) from Cancun Beach

    Explore the fascinating history of the ancient Mayan culture at the Tulum ruins. This walled city served as a major port and religious center in its time, and its scenic location atop a cliff by the sea makes for stunning views.

  • Day 3: Muyil Canals & Biosphere Reserve
    1 hour 20 minutes (107 km) from Tulum Ruins

    Embark on a kayaking journey through the Muyil canals and witness the natural beauty of the Biosphere Reserve. Keep an eye out for a variety of bird species, and take a dip in the crystal-clear freshwater pools.

  • Day 4: Coba Ruins & Nohoch Mul Pyramid
    1 hour (49 km) from Muyil Canals & Biosphere Reserve

    Go on a thrilling excursion to Coba's ancient Mayan ruins, with the main attraction being the Nohoch Mul Pyramid. Scale the pyramid for an incredible view of the jungle canopy, or rent a bike to explore the vast archaeological site.

  • Day 5: Xel-Ha Natural Park
    55 minutes (41 km) from Coba Ruins & Nohoch Mul Pyramid

    Spend a day at the expansive Xel-Ha Natural Park and get in touch with nature. Snorkel through the lagoon and underground rivers, try cliff jumping or zip lining, and ride a bicycle through the park's lush jungle.

  • Day 6: Yaxchilan & Bonampak Mayan Ruins
    9 hours (550 km) from Xel-Ha Natural Park

    Take a journey to one of the most remote Mayan ruins, Yaxchilan, accessible by boat through the Usumacinta River. Witness impressive architectural details and intricate carvings, and visit the nearby Bonampak ruins for its famous murals.

  • Day 7: Copper Canyon Adventure Park
    30 minutes (21 km) from Chihuahua International Airport

    Experience an adrenaline-filled day at Copper Canyon Adventure Park, home to the longest and fastest zip line in the world. Ride through the stunning canyons, go rock climbing or rappelling, and take a cable car to the park's viewpoint for breathtaking panoramas.

  • Day 8: Whale Watching in Baja California
    2 hours (180 km) from Copper Canyon Adventure Park

    End your adventure with a spectacular sighting of the grey whales in Baja California. Hop on a boat tour to see the friendly giants up close, and if you're lucky, they might even come up to the boat for a pat.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Xel-Ha Natural Park (1 day, CAD 100)
  • Tulum Ruins (1/2 day, CAD 40)
  • Muyil Canals & Biosphere Reserve (1/2 day, CAD 60)
  • Coba Ruins & Nohoch Mul Pyramid (1/2 day, CAD 50)
  • Yaxchilan & Bonampak Mayan Ruins (1 day, CAD 200)
  • Copper Canyon Adventure Park (1 day, CAD 120)
  • Whale Watching in Baja California (1/2 day, CAD 80)
  • Total Estimated Costs (CAD): CAD 650

Transportation

While rental cars are a popular option in Mexico, public transportation such as buses or shared taxis can also be a cost-effective means of getting around. Flights or boat tours may be required for destinations such as Yaxchilan, Copper Canyon, or Baja California, and visiting the ruins often involves long walks or bike rides.

Estimated transport costs for the trip range from CAD 100-200, and travel times between destinations can vary from 30 minutes to 9 hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day-trip to Cozumel Island or Isla Holbox for an additional beach experience. For a more cultural twist, visit the Frida Kahlo Museum or National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

If you have less time, it is recommended to adjust the itinerary to focus only on the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Tulum, Coba, and Xel-Ha) or Copper Canyon Adventure Park and Baja California.

Airports

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is the main airport serving the Yucatan Peninsula and is located 22 km from Cancun City Centre. Chihuahua International Airport (CUU) serves Copper Canyon and is located 18 km from Chihuahua City Centre.

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