Budget-Friendly 7-Day Yucatan, Mexico Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Merida

Merida, Mexico

8:00AM

Visit Merida Cathedral

Start your day with a visit to the stunning Merida Cathedral, an iconic landmark in the city.
Walk from your accommodation in the city center, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Paseo de Montejo

Take a leisurely stroll along Paseo de Montejo, lined with beautiful colonial buildings and cafes.
Walk from Merida Cathedral, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mercado 60

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at Mercado 60, a vibrant food market offering a variety of local dishes.
Walk from Paseo de Montejo, approximately 5 minutes.
$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

Immerse yourself in the rich Mayan history and culture at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya.
Take a taxi or local bus from Mercado 60, approximately 20 minutes.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Chaya Maya

Indulge in traditional Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya for dinner.
Take a taxi or walk from Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, approximately 15 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Exploring Merida (Cont'd)

Merida, Mexico

9:00AM

Day Trip to Uxmal Ruins

Embark on a day trip to the impressive Uxmal Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Mayan architecture.
Join a guided tour or take a bus from Merida, approximately 1.5 hours.
$$, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Hacienda Ochil

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at Hacienda Ochil, a historic hacienda with lush gardens and delicious Yucatecan cuisine.
Take a bus or taxi back from Uxmal Ruins, approximately 1.5 hours.
$$, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Merida's Street Art

Wander through the vibrant streets of Merida to admire the colorful street art and murals.
Walk or take a taxi from your accommodation, exploring at your own pace.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Apoala

Savor contemporary Mexican cuisine with Oaxacan influences at Apoala for dinner.
Walk or take a taxi from the street art area, approximately 10 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Discovering Valladolid

Valladolid, Mexico

8:00AM

Visit Cenote Zaci

Begin your day with a refreshing swim at Cenote Zaci, a natural sinkhole in the heart of Valladolid.
Take a bus or taxi from Merida to Valladolid, approximately 2 hours.
$, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Calzada de los Frailes

Stroll down Calzada de los Frailes, a charming street lined with colorful colonial buildings and shops.
Walk from Cenote Zaci, taking in the local sights and sounds.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yerbabuena de Sisal

Enjoy a delicious meal at Yerbabuena de Sisal, known for its traditional Yucatecan cuisine with a modern twist.
Walk from Calzada de los Frailes, approximately 5 minutes.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Convent de San Bernardino de Siena

Explore the historic Convent de San Bernardino de Siena and learn about Valladolid's colonial past.
Walk or take a taxi from the restaurant, approximately 15 minutes.
$, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Atrio del Mayab

Enjoy a cozy dinner at El Atrio del Mayab, a restaurant known for its regional Yucatecan dishes.
Walk or take a taxi from the convent, approximately 10 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Exploring Valladolid (Cont'd)

Valladolid, Mexico

9:00AM

Day Trip to Ek Balam Ruins

Embark on a day trip to the ancient Ek Balam Ruins, known for its well-preserved stucco sculptures and impressive acropolis.
Join a guided tour or take a bus from Valladolid, approximately 30 minutes.
$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at El Meson del Marques

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at El Meson del Marques, a historic hotel with a courtyard restaurant serving local cuisine.
Return to Valladolid from Ek Balam Ruins, approximately 30 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Cenote Xkeken

Unwind and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Xkeken, a hidden gem near Valladolid.
Take a taxi or local transportation from the city center, approximately 20 minutes.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Casona

Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at La Casona, a restaurant offering a mix of local and international dishes.
Return to Valladolid from the cenote, approximately 20 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Chichen Itza Exploration

Chichen Itza, Mexico

8:00AM

Visit Chichen Itza Archaeological Site

Discover the wonders of the ancient Mayan city at the Chichen Itza Archaeological Site, including the iconic Kukulkan Pyramid.
Take a bus or taxi from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, approximately 30 minutes.
$, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Balama Restaurante

Enjoy a meal at Balama Restaurante, offering traditional Yucatecan dishes with a view of the archaeological site.
Explore the site and have lunch on-site.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ik Kil Cenote

Cool off with a swim at Ik Kil Cenote, a stunning natural swimming hole near Chichen Itza.
Take a taxi from Chichen Itza, approximately 10 minutes.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Las Mestizas

Indulge in a dinner at Las Mestizas, a restaurant known for its fusion of Mayan and Spanish flavors.
Take a taxi or local transportation back to Valladolid, approximately 30 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relaxing in Tulum

Tulum, Mexico

9:00AM

Visit Tulum Archaeological Site

Explore the picturesque Tulum Archaeological Site, perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Take a bus or taxi from Valladolid to Tulum, approximately 2 hours.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Relax at Playa Paraiso

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Playa Paraiso, known for its crystal-clear waters.
Take a taxi or walk from the archaeological site to the beach, approximately 10 minutes.
$, 3 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Burrito Amor

Enjoy a casual lunch at Burrito Amor, a popular spot for delicious burritos and fresh Mexican cuisine.
Walk or take a taxi from Playa Paraiso, approximately 15 minutes.
$, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Tulum Town

Discover the vibrant shops and cafes in Tulum Town, known for its bohemian charm and laid-back atmosphere.
Take a taxi or local transportation from Burrito Amor, approximately 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Hartwood

Treat yourself to a dinner at Hartwood, a renowned restaurant offering seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a rustic setting.
Walk or take a taxi from Tulum Town, approximately 10 minutes.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Tulum Beach Day

Tulum, Mexico

9:00AM

Relax at Tulum Beach

Spend a leisurely day soaking up the sun and enjoying the pristine beaches of Tulum.
Take a taxi or walk from your accommodation to the beach, depending on proximity.
$, Full day

1:00PM

Lunch at Taqueria La Eufemia

Grab a casual beachfront lunch at Taqueria La Eufemia, known for its tasty tacos and laid-back vibe.
Enjoy lunch at the beach club while taking in the ocean views.
$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Swim in Gran Cenote

Cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Gran Cenote, a natural sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation.
Take a taxi or bike from Tulum Beach, approximately 15 minutes.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at El Camello Jr

Enjoy a seafood dinner at El Camello Jr, a local favorite known for its fresh ceviche and grilled fish.
Take a taxi or walk from Gran Cenote, approximately 10 minutes.
$$, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability