2-Week Yucatan Adventure & Beach Relaxation Itinerary in Mexico for Budget Travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Valladolid

Cancun to Valladolid, Mexico on November 16, 2025

10:00am

Arrival in Cancun, pick up rental car

Arrive in Cancun international airport, pick up your rental car to start your road trip. Note: Renting a car in Yucatan is generally safe during daylight hours; avoid driving at night and keep valuables out of sight.
MXN1500, 30m

12:00pm

Drive to Valladolid

Drive approximately 2 hours from Cancun to Valladolid, a charming colonial town great for exploring authentic local culture.
Fuel approx. MXN700, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Atrio del Mayab

Enjoy authentic Yucatecan cuisine with options like Cochinita Pibil; the restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere in Valladolid.
MXN120, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Valladolid town center and Cenote Zaci

Walk around Valladolid’s colorful main square and visit Cenote Zaci, which is open from 8am-5pm and perfect for a refreshing swim.
Entrance MXN50, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Casa Italia Valladolid

A budget-friendly Italian restaurant with delicious pasta and local flavors, good spot to relax after a day of travel.
MXN150, 1h30m
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Day 2: Chichen Itza and Cenote Adventure

Valladolid and Chichen Itza, Mexico on November 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local bakery Dulceria yucateca

Start your day with a local pastry and coffee, inexpensive and authentic spot near the main plaza.
MXN50, 45m

8:30am

Visit Chichen Itza Archaeological Site

Explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Best to arrive early before crowds; open 8am-5pm.
MXN533, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ik Kil Cenote Restaurant

Earnestly close to Ik Kil Cenote, where you can also swim after lunch. Simple local dishes are budget-friendly.
MXN150, 1h

2:00pm

Swim at Ik Kil Cenote

Cool down in this famous cenote. Open 8am-5pm, entrance usually included with restaurant.
MXN130, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Valladolid

Drive back to Valladolid and relax or explore local markets.
Fuel approx. MXN150, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at La Casona de Valladolid

Enjoy a cozy restaurant with traditional dishes in a colonial setting, offering good value meals.
MXN180, 1h30m
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Day 3: Exploring Cenotes & Road to Holbox

Valladolid to Isla Holbox, Mexico on November 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Yerbabuena del Sisal

Healthy and budget-friendly local breakfast spot with vegetarian options.
MXN70, 45m

9:00am

Visit Cenote Suytun

Famous for Instagram-worthy photos with natural light rays, open 8am-5pm; a short drive from Valladolid.
MXN100, 1h30m

11:00am

Drive toward Chiquila

Head north towards Chiquila port, the ferry gateway to Isla Holbox; drive approx 2.5 hours.
Fuel approx. MXN500, 2h30m

1:30pm

Lunch stop in Chiquila

Grab some fresh seafood tacos or tacos al pastor at a local taqueria before ferry ride.
MXN100, 1h

3:00pm

Ferry to Isla Holbox

Take the 30-minute ferry from Chiquila to Isla Holbox; ferries operate every 30 minutes from 6am to 9pm.
MXN150, 30m

4:00pm

Check-into budget accommodation on Isla Holbox

Look for budget hostels or guesthouses; street parking available at ferry dock area.
MXN400/night per room, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Playa Bar & Grill

Relax on the beach with affordable fresh seafood and cocktails at sunset.
MXN150, 1h30m
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Day 4: Relax on Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox, Mexico on November 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Mandarina Restaurant

Enjoy fresh tropical fruit, smoothies and eggs in a laid-back atmosphere.
MXN100, 1h

9:30am

Explore Isla Holbox Beaches

Rent bikes or walk to stunning white sand beaches and take in crystal clear waters.
Bike rental MXN120, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Los Peleones

Known for great fish tacos and inexpensive meals on the island.
MXN100, 1h

3:00pm

Optional boat tour to see whale sharks (season may vary)

Book a budget-friendly group tour for whale shark spotting or kayaking; check availability in November.
MXN700, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Viva Zapata

Affordable local Mexican food and great margaritas.
MXN150, 1h30m
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Day 5: Isla Mujeres Day Trip

Isla Holbox to Isla Mujeres via Cancun, Mexico on November 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Simple breakfast at your guesthouse to start early for travel.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Ferry back to Chiquila

Return ferry from Isla Holbox to Chiquila port.
MXN150, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Cancun ferry port

Approximately 2 hours drive from Chiquila to Puerto Juárez in Cancun for ferry to Isla Mujeres.
Fuel approx. MXN400, 2h

11:30am

Ferry to Isla Mujeres

15-minute ferry from Puerto Juárez to Isla Mujeres runs every 30 minutes, till late evening.
MXN200, 15m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mango Café, Isla Mujeres

Popular local spot with affordable fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
MXN150, 1h

1:30pm

Beach time and snorkeling at Playa Norte

Relax on one of the best beaches in Mexico, safe and free to enter.
Free, 3h

4:30pm

Explore Isla Mujeres town

Walk local shops and markets or consider a budget-friendly island tour by golf cart (approx. MXN300 each).
Optional golf cart MXN300, 2h

7:00pm

Ferry back to Cancun and drive to Playa del Carmen

Return ferry to Cancun and then drive about 1 hour to Playa del Carmen; check in to accommodation.
Ferry MXN200, Fuel MXN150, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at El Fogón Playa del Carmen

Highly recommended budget-friendly authentic tacos and grilled meats.
MXN120, 1h
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Day 6: Playa del Carmen Beach Day

Playa del Carmen, Mexico on November 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at La Cueva del Chango

A favorite for fresh fruit juices and Mexican breakfast specialties amidst jungle setting.
MXN100, 1h

9:30am

Relax at Playa del Carmen Beach

Free public beach access with amenities nearby, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Kiosco

Casual beachside eatery offering affordable and delicious seafood dishes.
MXN120, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along Quinta Avenida

Explore Playa’s pedestrian shopping street filled with low-cost shops, cafes, and street art.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Taqueria El Ñero

Budget spot with tasty tacos and friendly atmosphere, great for casual dinner.
MXN100, 1h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Tulum

Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Mexico on November 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Quick affordable pastries before hitting the road to Tulum, roughly 45 mins drive.
MXN50, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Tulum Ruins

Visit Tulum archaeological site by the sea, open 8am-5pm. Entrance fee is affordable and the visit is stunning.
MXN85, 3h

11:00am

Swim at Gran Cenote

Close to Tulum ruins, this cenote has crystal clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling, open 8am-6pm.
MXN150, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Sale e Pepe

Affordable Italian food with good portions and quality ingredients.
MXN130, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Playa del Carmen

Drive back and relax for evening.
Fuel approx. MXN100, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ensueño

Budget-friendly Mexican dishes with great hospitality and local vibe.
MXN120, 1h
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Day 8: Relax & Departure Prep

Playa del Carmen to Cancun, Mexico on November 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Light breakfast with coffee before last day of relaxation.
MXN70, 45m

9:00am

Relax on Playa del Carmen beach or last minute shopping

Enjoy last hours on the beach or buy souvenirs on Quinta Avenida.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Drive to Cancun

Drive back to Cancun airport area for your last night or early flight next day.
Fuel approx. MXN150, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at El Rinconcito Latino, Cancun

Low-cost authentic Mexican dishes near the airport area.
MXN100, 1h

3:00pm

Check-in accommodation near Cancun airport

Affordable hotels or hostels nearby for easy airport access next day.
MXN400, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner and relax

Dinner at local taqueria or hotel restaurant; budget friendly and casual.
MXN120, 1h
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Day 9: Flight Home

Cancun, Mexico on November 24, 2025

5:00am

Early breakfast and check-out

Simple breakfast with takeaway options due to early flight; confirm rental car return procedures.
MXN50, 30m

6:00am

Return rental car and airport check-in

Ensure to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before international flight departure.
Rental return fees if applicable MXN0-200, 2h
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