“Are you sure about that? Mexico is unsafe,” was the response I got when I shared our Mexico plans. Imagine the size of Belgium, then multiply it by 65. That’s how big Mexico is. The issues that make the news in Mexico are mainly along the border with the United States and in two other regions. In the south of Mexico, you won’t notice any of that! The Yucatán Peninsula is considered just as safe as Thailand.
Mexico is a stunning destination, and we’ve actually fallen a little bit in love with it. Or let’s skip the “little” part. We only had two weeks for our trip, so we picked the gems we definitely didn’t want to miss.
In this travel blog, we’re sharing all our tips for an unforgettable journey to the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula. There’s a good chance you’ll fall just as in love as we did!
We travelled through Yucatán using local public transport. In this route, we’ll explain how to get from A to B using public transport. For longer distances, we took the bus, while for shorter trips, we used ‘collectivos’—minivans that run specific routes.
Prefer to rent a car? That’s certainly an option, and we’ve heard great things about it. Just make sure you’re well insured, as you would with Sunnycars.
#1 Cancun
Why Cancun?
There’s a 95% chance that you’ll fly into Cancun. And unless you arrive very early in the morning, it’s hard to continue straight to your next destination. Plus, after such a long flight, it’s nice to relax and get accustomed to the Mexican culture.
While Cancun might not be the most exciting city, it’s a good starting point for your trip. You can enjoy lounging on the beach, try different tacos, drink tequila, visit fun bars, or wander the streets filled with street art.
Cancun is mainly known for its all-inclusive resorts, but it also offers many quality, budget-friendly accommodations. If, like us, you’re not keen on all-inclusive hotels, we recommend staying in downtown Cancun. It’s a stark contrast to the massive resorts by the coast.
How many days in Cancun?
Since Mexico has so much more to offer, we recommend staying just one night in Cancun.
Route: From the airport to Cancun
At the airport, you’ll get your first introduction to the ADO bus. This is the best bus company in Mexico, mainly used for longer distances. It’s usually much faster than the second- or third-class buses, but a little more expensive as well.
Cancun Accommodation tip
It’s always a good idea to choose accommodation that’s close to the bus station. Downtown Studios is conveniently located near several bus stops and is in a vibrant neighborhood. Besides a comfy bed, you’ll have access to a kitchen, dining table, bathroom, and a hammock. There’s also a shared rooftop terrace where you can cool off in the small pool or relax in one of the hammocks. A perfect spot to unwind after a long flight..
#2 Isla Holbox
Why Isla Holbox?
Isla Holbox is one of the most relaxing islands we’ve ever been to! You can truly unwind here thanks to the laid-back island vibe. That’s not to say there’s nothing to do; quite the opposite! Check out our tips for activities: take beautiful walks, enjoy a cocktail while watching the stunning sunset, and dance the night away with your best salsa moves.
Foodies will love this island too, as there are plenty of trendy dining spots. The best part? There are no motor vehicles here! Everything is done on foot, by bike, or in a golf cart.
How many days in Isla Holbox?
Isla Holbox is small but very charming. We recommend staying at least 3 nights. If you’re craving more beach time, feel free to extend your stay by an extra night.
Tip: For peace of mind, take extra cash with you from Cancun. Sometimes the ATMs on Isla Holbox don’t work, although we didn’t experience this ourselves.
Route: from Cancun to Isla Holbox
To get to Isla Holbox, first take the bus to Chiquila, and then take the ferry to the island of Holbox.
Holbox Accommodation Tip
La Chaya Holbox is a great hotel, located close to the beach and in the heart of the town. On the hotel’s rooftop, you can relax and enjoy the view in one of the hammocks. Tip: you can also rent bikes here to explore the island.
👉 View the hotel
#3 Valladolid / Chichen Itza
Why Valladolid?
Valladolid is home to the famous Maya temple of Chichen Itza. What a stunning temple complex this is! Although it can be crowded, it’s a must-see and definitely belongs on your bucket list.
Valladolid itself is also worth a visit. This small town has a photogenic and charming colonial centre. The people are incredibly friendly, and the surrounding area offers a lot. You can visit some of the most beautiful cenotes in Yucatán, such as cenote Ik Kil, Suytun, Oxman, and Xkeken.
In the town itself, you’ll also find cenote Zaci, which is perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Don’t forget your swimwear when you’re heading to the city. This cenote is mostly used by locals, and you’ll hardly see any tourists. If jumping from a 15-meter height sounds like fun, then Zaci is a must-visit – it’s the perfect spot for cliff diving.
Not keen on sharing Chichen Itza with thousands of other tourists under the hot sun? We recommend the light and sound show. It’s incredibly special to walk around the site in the dark, and the light show is a fantastic experience! You can also opt for a hotel with its own entrance to Chichen Itza, more on that later.
How Many Days in Valladolid?
We recommend staying at least three nights in Valladolid, so you can explore both the town and the surrounding area. If you’re spending three or four weeks in Mexico, you could also continue your journey from Valladolid to the cities of Cobá and/or Merida, both less than a two-hour drive away.
Good to know: You were in the state of Quintana Roo and have now traveled to the state of Yucatán. That means you need to set your clock back by one hour. However, you are still on the Yucatán Peninsula 🙂
Route: from Isla Holbox to Valladolid
From Isla Holbox, you first take the boat to the mainland, Chiquila. From Chiquila, you travel by bus to Valladolid.
Valladolid Accommodation Tip
Every now and then, we treat ourselves to a more luxurious stay, and in Mexico, we chose a night at the Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa. The biggest advantage of this resort? It has its own **private entrance to Chichen Itza**! This means you can visit the temple complex before the crowds arrive, right as it opens.
The resort also boasts a beautiful (infinity?) garden where you can feel as though you’re in the jungle. It has a lovely pool, spacious cottages with your own terrace, and luxury all around. In the evening, you’ll have a view of the mighty Milky Way while enjoying the jungle sounds. You’ll wish time would stand still – this resort is 100% about relaxation!
👉 Check out the Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa on Booking.com
#4 Playa del Carmen
Why Playa del Carmen?
In Playa del Carmen, we got a taste of Mexican city life. This city is much more enjoyable than Cancun! But, of course, you’re not just here for the city – Playa del Carmen is mainly a great base for exploring.
From Playa del Carmen, you can easily visit cenotes like Dos Ojos or Chaak Tun. Or, you can go snorkelling at Xel-Ha or visit the Xcaret water park.
Missing some island vibes? You can take a ferry to the diving paradise of Cozumel. In just 45 minutes, you’ll be on the island.
Playa del Carmen is also a lively city with charming streets, great restaurants, street food, street art, fun bars, and beach clubs. If you enjoy nightlife, you’ll have plenty of options here!
How many days in Playa del Carmen?
We recommend staying at least 3 nights in Playa del Carmen so you can explore both the city and the surrounding area.
Another option: Tulum
If you’re into trendy spots, consider Tulum instead of Playa del Carmen. Tulum is filled with hip restaurants, beautiful boutique hotels, and Instagram-worthy photo spots. During this trip, we were looking for a more authentic Mexican experience, so we decided to make just a stopover in Tulum on our way to Bacalar. Keep in mind that prices in Tulum can be (much) higher.
Good to know: you’re now back in the state of Quintana Roo, so set your clock forward by one hour again 🙂
Route: from Valladolid to Playa del Carmen
The journey from Valladolid to Playa del Carmen is very straightforward, with a direct bus service available.
Playa del Carmen Accommodation Tip
We always look for the best location, and I think this hotel is truly in the best spot in Playa del Carmen. It’s centrally located, but you won’t be bothered by any noise. The building features several terraces, a bar, and a lovely rooftop pool with a sea view. The beach is also just a 100-meter walk away.
👉 View Singular Joy Vacation Rentals on Booking.com
#5 Bacalar
Why Bacalar?
Bacalar is quite a journey, but it’s definitely worth it. This massive 42-kilometre-long lake, located near the border with Belize, is also known as “the lake of seven shades of blue.” I thought the photos were overly saturated, but the colours are truly that vibrant. Yes, the water really is that turquoise!
You can best experience these seven shades of blue by kayaking towards the sandbanks of the Pirate Channel, or you can opt for a sailing boat. Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise, and float or snorkel through the breathtaking Los Rapidos.
The village itself is small but very charming, and the people are incredibly hospitable.
How many days in Bacalar?
Bacalar boasts one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, and you’ll easily find enough to do with water activities. We recommend staying here for 3 nights.
Tip: make sure to bring extra cash from Playa del Carmen. Sometimes the ATMs in Bacalar don’t work. Yes, we’ve experienced this, and no, we didn’t have enough money. Learn from our mistakes 😉
Route: from Playa del Carmen to Bacalar
As you’ve probably realised by now, travelling in Yucatán is quite straightforward. There is even a direct bus to Bacalar!
#6 Cancun
One Last Day in Cancun?
The journey from Bacalar to Cancun is quite long, so we didn’t want to risk doing it on the day of our flight. That’s why we decided to spend one more night in Cancun.
This turned out to be the perfect opportunity to pick up some last-minute purchases. We grabbed a few packs of tortillas at the supermarket (you can freeze them at home 😉), various sauces, and after a tequila tasting at 11:00 AM, we also bought a few bottles. Tip: Tequila at a tasting is much more expensive than in the shops, so don’t let the time pressure get to you. Of course, we also had one last round of Tacos Al Pastor 😉
If you have a full day left and want to unwind on an island, consider heading to Isla Mujeres, a small island just half an hour by boat from Cancun.
If Cancun isn’t your thing, you can always book another night in Playa del Carmen. From Playa del Carmen, it’s only about an hour by ADO bus to Cancun airport.
Route: From Bacalar to Cancun
The journey from Bacalar to Cancun is straightforward, and you’ll be just a few kilometres away from the airport once you arrive.
Cancun Accommodation Tip
The cool hostel where we stayed has now been taken over by the Selina chain. And Selina hostels are always top-notch!
This (luxury) hostel is ideally located, close to the ADO bus station and near some great restaurants and shops. Selina offers accommodation for all budgets: from dorms to luxurious studios.
Yucatan Road Trip, Mexico: 2-Week Itinerary
If you follow our route, you’ll end up with the following itinerary, covering a total of 14 nights:
- Cancun: 1 night
- Isla Holbox: 3 nights
- Valladolid: 3 nights
- Playa del Carmen: 3 nights
- Bacalar: 3 nights
- Cancun: 1 night
You could also swap Playa del Carmen and Bacalar, which would save you a few kilometers. We chose this route intentionally as we wanted to save Bacalar for the end of our trip.
Got less than 2 weeks?
If you have less than 2 weeks, you could cut a day from Playa del Carmen and possibly Valladolid. Although it’s a long journey, we strongly recommend visiting Bacalar and not skipping it.
Can I do this route in reverse?
Definitely! We chose this route intentionally because we wanted to start our trip by relaxing on a beautiful beach, and Isla Holbox was perfect for that. Bacalar seemed like a great place to end the journey.
About our trip to Yucatan, Mexico
Denis had been to Mexico before and always shared his travel stories with such passion. I wanted to see it with my own eyes, so expectations were high.
But Mexico exceeded all of my expectations. I too fell in love with this country. The people, the hospitality, the nature, the culture, the language, the music… Mexico, you are beautiful!
Travelling by public transport added an extra fun touch to the trip. Especially the local buses like Oriente, but even more so the collectivos, where we sometimes sat squished with our backpacks among the locals.
The Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect place to get to know Mexico. Next time, we’ll venture further into the country, because we’ve only seen a tiny part and already we’re craving more!
