8-Day Family Adventure and Foodie Itinerary in Cancun, Mexico including Chichen Itza and Cenotes

Day 1: Arriving in Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

9:00AM

Breakfast at La Busqueda

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of huevos rancheros and fresh papaya juice at La Busqueda, a local favourite.
Located in the heart of Cancun, easily reachable by car.
MXN150, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Cancun’s Hotel Zone

Take some time to explore the beautiful beaches and luxury hotels along Cancun's famous Hotel Zone.
Drive along Boulevard Kukulcan to enjoy several gorgeous beach views.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tacos Rigo

Enjoy delicious local tacos at Tacos Rigo, perfect for a quick and tasty family meal.
Located just off the Hotel Zone, a 15-minute drive.
MXN180, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Interactive Aquarium

Spend the afternoon at the Interactive Aquarium where kids can get up close with marine life and even swim with dolphins.
Located in the Plaza La Isla shopping centre.
MXN500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at La Parilla

End the day with dinner at La Parilla, where you can enjoy vibrant Mexican dishes and great entertainment.
Drive back to the Hotel Zone, around 20 minutes.
MXN300, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mogagua

Take an early ferry to Isla Mujeres and enjoy breakfast at Cafe Mogagua with a view of the sea.
Catch the ferry at Puerto Juarez, a short drive from Cancun.
MXN150, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Head to Garrafon Park for zip-lining, snorkelling, and exploring the stunning nature.
Book tickets in advance to ensure availability.
MXN900, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Mango Cafe

Stop for lunch at Mango Cafe, known for its amazing breakfast and lunch options like burritos and fresh juices.
Located a short drive or walk from Garrafon.
MXN250, 1 hour

3:00PM

Snorkelling at Playa Norte

Spend the afternoon snorkelling at tranquil Playa Norte, a fantastic family-friendly beach.
Easily accessible from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sunset Grill

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Sunset Grill overlooking the water, perfect for a family meal.
Near the ferry terminal for easy return to Cancun.
MXN350, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at El Cid

Start your journey with breakfast at El Cid, where classic Mexican breakfast options await.
Drive to Chichen Itza, approximately 2 hours from Cancun.
MXN200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Chichen Itza

Explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World as you wander through the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza.
Park your car at the designated lot.
MXN500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at nearby restaurant

Stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant, such as the Kinich Kaan Kom for traditional Yucatecan dishes.
A short drive from the ruins.
MXN300, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Cenote Ik Kil

Experience swimming in the beautiful Cenote Ik Kil, a popular sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation.
Drive to Cenote Ik Kil, about 10 minutes away.
MXN200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at restaurant nearby

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant nearby, such as Restaurante Yucatan, known for its seafood and local flavours.
Head back to the main road briefly.
MXN300, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relax at Cenote

Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hostal La Casa de los Abuelos

Enjoy breakfast with fresh fruit and homemade pastries before diving into a day at the cenote.
Drive back from Chichen Itza to the cenote.
MXN180, 1 hour

10:00AM

Relax & Swim in Ik Kil

Spend a leisurely morning swimming and relaxing at the stunning Cenote Ik Kil.
Located at the cenote site.
Included with ticket price, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ik Kil Restaurant

Refuel with lunch at the cenote's restaurant, where you can try local traditional dishes.
On-site at the cenote.
MXN250, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Area

Take a walk in the surrounding area and learn about the cenote’s geology and importance.
Walk along designated paths.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Drive to Playa del Carmen

Head to Playa del Carmen for an evening of fun and exploration.
A 1-hour drive from Ik Kil.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at La Cueva Del Chango

Savour dinner at La Cueva Del Chango, known for its unique atmosphere and delicious food.
Located in Playa del Carmen.
MXN300, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: A Day in Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico

7:30AM

Breakfast at La Choza

Have a fulfilling breakfast at La Choza, a popular spot for breakfast burritos.
Drive back to Playa del Carmen, then take the ferry to Cozumel.
MXN250, 1 hour

9:00AM

Snorkelling at Palancar Reef

Dive into adventure with snorkelling at the famous Palancar Reef, renowned for its vibrant marine life.
Book a snorkelling tour in advance.
MXN700, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Perla

Refuel at La Perla and enjoy a selection of fresh seafood in a seaside location.
Return to the docks and head to the restaurant nearby.
MXN350, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

Explore the archaeological site of San Gervasio which was a ceremonial site for the Mayans.
A short drive or taxi ride from the restaurant.
MXN175, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Mr. Sancho's Beach Club

End your Cozumel adventure with dinner at Mr. Sancho’s offering a beach dining experience.
Back towards the beach, a 20-minute drive.
MXN450, 2 hours
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Day 6: Full Fun Day at Xcaret Park

Xcaret, Mexico

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading to Xcaret Park.
Stay close to Cancun for convenience.
Included with Hotel, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Xcaret Park

Spend a full day at Xcaret Park participating in exhibits, cultural performances, and water activities.
Drive to Xcaret Park, roughly 15 minutes.
MXN2300, 6-8 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Xcaret Park

Savor lunch at one of the many restaurants inside Xcaret Park serving local cuisine.
Available within the park.
MXN300, 1 hour

5:00PM

Enjoy Evening Show

Stay for the evening show showcasing Mexican history and culture, a must-see at Xcaret.
In the park, no need to leave.
Included with Park Pass, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant in Park

After a fun-filled day, end with dinner at one of the park's restaurants specializing in local foods.
Stay within the park.
MXN350, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation Day in Cancun

Cancun, Mexico

9:00AM

Breakfast at El Caidal

Start off with breakfast at El Caidal, a great spot for tamales and hot chocolate.
In the Hotel Zone.
MXN200, 1 hour

11:00AM

Relax at the Beach

Enjoy a leisurely day at one of Cancun's gorgeous beaches, soaking up the sun and taking dips in the ocean.
Easily walkable from the restaurant.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Puerto Madero

Dine at Puerto Madero, famous for its seafood and steak with a stunning waterfront view.
Drive along the coast to the restaurant.
MXN600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Museo Maya de Cancun

Explore the rich history of the Mayan civilization at the Museo Maya de Cancun.
A short drive from the restaurant.
MXN250, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Los de Pescado

End the day with a casual seafood dinner at Los de Pescado, renowned for its fish tacos.
A 15-minute drive back to the restaurant.
MXN300, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Departure Day

Cancun, Mexico

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sabor de Mexico

Gather for a farewell breakfast at Sabor de Mexico, trying their famous breakfast enchiladas.
Located in the Hotel Zone.
MXN250, 1 hour

11:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Relax and enjoy some last-minute shopping for souvenirs in the local shops.
Walk around the nearby Plaza La Isla.
Variable, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at La Habichuela

Savour a farewell lunch at La Habichuela, known for its traditional Mexican cuisine.
Located within a few minutes drive.
MXN450, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Head to the Airport

Prepare for your flight as you make your way back to the airport.
Allow enough time for check-in and security, take a taxi or drive back.
Variable, 1 hour
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