3-Day Cancun Itinerary: Beaches, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Beach and Local Exploration

Cancun, Mexico on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Nader

Enjoy a fresh, locally inspired breakfast at Café Nader, known for its delicious Mexican coffee and pastries, open from 7am to 10am.
MXN200, 1h

9:30am

Playa Delfines

Relax at this iconic public beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise water; a perfect place for morning swimming and photos, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at El Fish Fritanga

Savor fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere right near the beach. The ceviche and grilled fish are must-tries. Open 11am-7pm.
MXN350, 1h

2:00pm

Mayan Museum of Cancun

Explore Mayan artifacts and learn about the region’s history at this educational museum near Puerto Juarez, open from 10am to 5pm.
MXN70, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll Cancun Hotel Zone

Walk along the Hotel Zone’s main avenue to browse shops and enjoy scenic views of the Nichupté Lagoon, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lorenzillo’s

Dine on Caribbean lobster and fresh seafood at this iconic waterfront restaurant in the Hotel Zone, open until 10pm.
MXN700, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Island Excursion

Isla Mujeres, Mexico on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Start early with a light breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café, preparing for a full day on Isla Mujeres.
MXN150, 0h45m

8:30am

Ferry to Isla Mujeres

Take the Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres; the trip takes about 20 minutes and ferries run frequently from 6am to 10pm.
MXN180, 0h30m

9:30am

Rent a golf cart to explore the island

Rent a golf cart to drive around the island at your own pace; convenient and fun for sightseeing all day.
MXN600, 1h

11:00am

Visit Punta Sur

Explore the island’s southern tip, a scenic cliff with Mayan ruins and panoramic sea views, open from 9am to 5pm.
MXN60, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Playa Lancheros

Enjoy authentic Yucatecan dishes like Tikin Xic fish right on the beach, open from 11am to 4pm.
MXN300, 1h

2:00pm

Snorkeling at Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Swim and snorkel among coral reefs at this nature park with facilities, open from 8am to 5pm.
MXN650, 2h

5:00pm

Return ferry to Cancun

Take the ferry back to Cancun, taking in beautiful sunset views if timing allows.
MXN180, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Habichuela Sunset

Dine on Mayan-inspired dishes with a beautiful lagoon view in the Hotel Zone, open until 10pm.
MXN550, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Day and Shopping

Cancun, Mexico on June 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Charly's Vegan Tacos

Experience tasty and healthy vegan breakfast tacos in downtown Cancun, open from 8am to 3pm.
MXN180, 1h

9:30am

Visit Mercado 28

Browse this lively market for souvenirs, crafts, and local snacks, open from 8am to 7pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit El Rey Ruins

Explore the small but fascinating Mayan ruins located in the Hotel Zone, open from 8am to 5pm.
MXN65, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Andrés Carne de Res

Savor traditional Mexican grill dishes and vibrant atmosphere, open until 4pm.
MXN400, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at Playa Tortugas

Spend your final afternoon swimming and enjoying beachside bars at this popular beach, open all day.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Return to hotel or airport

Prepare for departure or enjoy a final evening at your hotel depending on your flight schedule.
Varies, Variable
View Hotel Availability