The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most visited destinations in Mexico for its fascinating cultural heritage, natural resources, and historical sites to visit. Here is an example of a 10-day Yucatan Peninsula itinerary that includes the most famous places and things to do. It is a tour that invites you to explore the Yucatan Peninsula in-depth and discover its nature and local people.
You will visit internationally recognized places such as Chichen Itza and Puerto Morelos, plus you will discover the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, which will reveal its most beautiful surprises. This trip out of the ordinary will end with a few days of sun and relaxation in the Yucatan Peninsula. Book here a unique and different trip with Rutopia.
Itinerary – Yucatan Peninsula
Day | Activities | Place |
Day 1 | Arrival in Cancun, transfer to Puerto Morelos. | Puerto Morelos |
Day 2 | Enjoy the beaches and wonders of Puerto Morelos | Puerto Morelos |
Day 3 | Valladolid-A Colonial Yucatan Getaway | Valladolid |
Day 4 | Ek Balam y Río Lagartos | Río Lagartos |
Day 5 | Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and Las Coloradas | Río Lagartos |
Day 6 | Discover Chichén Itzá at sunrise – swim in the Yokdzonot cenote | Izamal |
Day 7 | Izamal y Merida | Merida |
Day 8 | Explore Coba | Playa del Carmen |
Day 9 | Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen |
Day 10 | See you later Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula!! | Playa del Carmen a Cancún |
Day 1- Arrival at Cancun, transfer to Puerto Morelos
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Upon arrival at the airport, you will meet your transfer to your hotel in Puerto Morelos. Depending on your arrival time, you can take a stroll on the beach or go to your hotel for the night, get ready to start your trip around the Yucatan Peninsula in the morning!
Day 2- Enjoy the beaches and wonders of Puerto Morelos
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Puerto Morelos is a small fishing village that has become one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya for those seeking peace and tranquility. Firstly, you can enjoy the beach and relax on the soft white sand. We promise you that you will fall in love with this place and the relaxed atmosphere at the end of your day.
You can do different activities in Puerto Morelos, including snorkeling and discovering the beautiful world beneath the water’s surface. Another option is to go to one of the cenotes of the famous route where you can snorkel, zip line, biking, rappelling, bird watching, among other things. Finally, enjoy a good meal with a magnificent ocean view. Puerto Morelos has several restaurants like La Sirena, Punta Corcho, and El Merkadito.
Day 3: Valladolid-A Colonial Yucatan Getaway
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Valladolid is one of the must-see cities of Yucatan, a magical and colonial city. You can’t go anywhere without stopping in Valladolid. There are many things to do here, but as we only have one day, we share with you some activities you could do: visit the convent, the cathedral, the regional museum, the Calzada de Los Frailes, the market and dive into the Cenote Zaci and enjoy other beautiful corners of Valladolid, all of them full of history and tradition.
From Valladolid to Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve
Day 4: Ek Balam and Rio Lagartos
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Today the trip will continue in Ek Balam, where you will visit the fascinating archaeological site. Also, you can rent a bike and ride 1 km to reach a cenote. An open cenote is a great option to cool off after walking through the Mayan ruins. You can also practice rappel, zip line, or rest in one of the hammocks.
Next, you will head to the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, where you will enjoy a breathtaking sunset while dining at a local restaurant.
Day 5: Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas Biosphere Reserve
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Today, you will take a boat tour of Rio Lagartos, a biosphere reserve with Mexico’s most significant pink flamingos concentration. The Rio Lagartos protected reserve is a wetland area home to animals such as flamingos, sea turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, and seabirds. Explore this beautiful area by boat.
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Then, you will visit the famous pink lagoons of Las Coloradas, located just 30 minutes from Rio Lagartos. Once there, local guides will be waiting for you at the gate to show you around. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the area on your own. However, it only costs 50 pesos and in addition to helping the local community.
Day 6: Discover Chichen Itza at sunrise – swim in the Yokdzonot Cenote
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These ancient ruins are the most famous and best-preserved of Mayan history. With our local guide at the helm, Chichen Itza is an extraordinary place on the trip and a history buff’s delight. Its main attraction is the Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo). However, many significant Mayan and Toltec buildings, sculptures, and reliefs will draw you in, such as the Temple of the Warriors, the Hall of a Thousand Columns, and the ball courts.
Then, you will head to the enchanting cenote of Yokdzonot, relatively unknown and not as crowded as other cenotes. Cenotes were sacred to the Maya and represented the entrance to the underworld.
Finally, spend the night in the colonial town of Izamal.
Day 7: Izamal and Merida
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Firstly, you will stop at Izamal, known as the yellow city of Yucatan and one of Mexico’s Magical Towns, is where you will start your day. Then, you will have time to tour the city, enjoy its colonial atmosphere, and try the local restaurants. Izamal is also called the “city of three cultures” for its splendor that dates back to a mixed heritage of pre-Hispanic culture, colonial influences, and modern Mexican culture.
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Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan. The city is larger and more bustling than any previous city you will pass through. During your stay in Merida, be sure to go to Celestun, especially during November through March, as flamingos settle there for the winter. A beautiful excursion to do and accessible by public transportation. Other things to do in Merida include a free walking tour of Merida, breakfast at El Barrio Comfort Food, Uxmal to see some Mayan ruins, or you can also enjoy a day trip to Progreso if you’re looking for a day at the beach.
Day 8 – Explore Coba
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Today you will visit the archaeological site of Coba. If you decide to climb to the top, you will have an extraordinary view of the beautiful jungle that surrounds this impressive site.
Then, you will continue your day to Nuevo Durango (about 30 minutes away), a small ecotourism community and organic food production. This community has maintained its cultural identity in both language and customs. Here you will enjoy a traditional meal and meet Don Manuel and his family. He is a member of the community that operates an Environmental Management Unit (UMA), a beautiful project to conserve the region’s endangered animals where you can observe several endemic species of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Day 9 – Playa del Carmen
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There is no need to introduce one of the most popular places in the Yucatan Peninsula. The notorious Playa del Carmen is ideal for a party, a tourist destination. Althought, there are many great all-inclusive resorts lined up along the beach, and there is a party to be found everywhere around the famous 5th Avenue, there are also incredible natural spaces in Playa del Carmen. In addition, from Playa del Carmen, there are many day trips such as the Selvatica Canopy adventure, the Tulum and Coba tour, etc.
Day 10 – See you later, Mexico!
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Today is the last day of your 10-day Yucatan Peninsula itinerary. You will check out your hotel this morning and head to the Cancun airport. Then, at the terminal, at least three hours before your flight is scheduled to take off. It has been a pleasure to show you a different side of Mexico.
However, if you are not ready to go? An experienced expert can help you organize your trip to extend your adventure in the Mexican Caribbean.