Cancún route: Chichen Itza to Playa Norte, 9 stops
This route covers the Riviera Maya region near Cancun, Mexico, connecting major tourist destinations across the Caribbean coast. The route spans approximately 11 minutes of driving time, linking key attractions throughout the Yucatan Peninsula's most visited area.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Chichen Itza
- End
- Garafin Natural Reef Park
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Chichen Itza — Ancient Mayan archaeological site dating to 600-900 A.D., famous for El Castillo pyramid, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
- Swim With Whale Sharks — Encounter the world's largest fish species in their natural habitat during seasonal migrations off the Yucatan coast.
- Isla Mujeres — Caribbean island featuring pristine beaches, coral reefs, and pre-Hispanic ruins accessible by short ferry ride.
- Cozumel
- Hotel Zone
- Tulum Archeological — Clifftop Maya ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea, showcasing pre-Columbian temples and defensive walls from the 13th century.
- Mexican Food
- Playa Norte — Ranked as Mexico's best beach on Isla Mujeres, featuring pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming.
- Garafin Natural Reef Park — Eco-park on southern Isla Mujeres offering reef snorkeling, swimming with nurse sharks, and Caribbean marine life viewing.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Plan for at least 5 to 7 days to explore Cancun and the Riviera Maya area.
- Timing
- Whale shark season lasts from May until late September; plan your visit during this window if you want to swim with whale sharks.
- Timing
- Best time for scuba diving is between November and April.
- Tip
- Parasailing average price is between $60 and $100.
- Save money
- Visit cenotes and pay local admission fee ($10-15 per person) instead of paying more for aqua parks like Xcaret or Xel-HA.
- Tip
- Xcaret eco park tickets cost about $99 per person; you can get bundle packages with other parks.
- Transport
- Cozumel can be reached by ferry boat from Playa Del Carmen or by airplane; San Miguel de Cozumel is the main arrival town.
- Where to stay
- Hotel Zone is best for nightlife and action, but getting a hotel there might not be ideal; use it for going out instead.
- Transport
- Xcaret eco park is about an hour from Cancun; you can take a collectivo, drive, or get a taxi.
- Tip
- Surf lessons in Cancun range from $75 to $125 for a package.
- Tip
- Playa Norte at Isla Mujeres is ranked the best beach in all of Mexico.
- Tip
- Tulum Beach is 2 hours south of Cancun and features many beach clubs and hotel resorts with pools on the beach.
Video on this route
Best Things To Do In Cancun Mexico 2026 4K