A 3-Day City Experience Itinerary in Cancun

  1. Day 1: Downtown Cancun
    30 minutes (12.5 miles) from Cancun International Airport

    Start the day exploring Mercado 28, a lively marketplace in downtown Cancun known for its authentic Mexican souvenirs. Next, visit the Museo Maya de Cancun, which showcases ancient Mayan artifacts and history. Enjoy a late lunch at Mercado 23, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and local specialties. Spend the rest of the afternoon at Parque de las Palapas, a public park with local vendors, live music, and entertainment. End the day by visiting Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the city.

  2. Day 2: Hotel Zone
    30 minutes (6 miles) from downtown Cancun

    Start the day at Playa Delfines, a stunning beach with clear blue waters. Next, visit the Interactive Aquarium, where you can swim with dolphins and stingrays. Enjoy lunch at La Habichuela Sunset, a restaurant with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and delicious Mayan-inspired cuisine. Spend the afternoon exploring Plaza La Isla, an outdoor shopping mall with luxury brands and upscale restaurants. End the day by watching the Cancun Underwater Museum, an underwater museum with over 500 sculptures.

  3. Day 3: Tulum
    1 hour 30 minutes (81 miles) from Cancun

    Take a day trip to the historic city of Tulum. Start the day by visiting the Tulum Ruins, a Mayan archaeological site with breathtaking views of the coast. Next, visit Gran Cenote, a natural sinkhole with crystal clear waters for swimming and diving. Enjoy lunch at Hartwood Tulum, a restaurant with a wood-fired grill and locally sourced ingredients. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the boutiques and shops in Tulum's bohemian downtown. End the day by watching the sunset at Playa Paraiso, a beautiful beach with clear turquoise waters.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Mercado 28 (2 hours, $$)
  • Museo Maya de Cancun (2 hours, $)
  • Mercado 23 (1.5 hours, $)
  • Parque de las Palapas (2 hours, free)
  • Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (1 hour, free)
  • Playa Delfines (2 hours, free)
  • Interactive Aquarium (2 hours, $$)
  • La Habichuela Sunset (2 hours, $$)
  • Plaza La Isla (3 hours, $$)
  • Cancun Underwater Museum (1.5 hours, $)
  • Tulum Ruins (2 hours, $)
  • Gran Cenote (2 hours, $)
  • Hartwood Tulum (2 hours, $$)
  • Playa Paraiso (2 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $$

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Xcaret Park, a nature-based theme park with aquatic and cultural attractions. For a more adventurous experience, visit Rio Secreto, an underground river with breathtaking rock formations. If you have less time, skip the day trip to Tulum and spend more time exploring downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone. Remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for walking.

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