19 day itinerary for Yucatan
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Itinerary
The Yucatán Peninsula is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here’s a fun and engaging 19-day itinerary that will let you soak in all the beauty and excitement this region has to offer. Let’s dive in!
## Day 1: Arrival in Cancún
- Morning: Arrive at [Cancún International Airport](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Canc%C3%BAn%20International%20Airport&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"). Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Head to Playa Delfines for some sun and sand. Don’t forget to snap a photo at the iconic “Cancún” sign!
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Try some authentic tacos al pastor!
## Day 2: Cancún to Isla Mujeres
- Morning: Take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. Rent a golf cart to explore the island.
- Afternoon: Visit Punta Sur for breathtaking views and the famous sculpture garden.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a beachside restaurant and watch the sunset.
## Day 3: Isla Mujeres
- All ## Day: Spend the day at Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Snorkel or relax with a good book.
- Evening: Try some fresh seafood at a local eatery.
## Day 4: Cancún to Tulum
- Morning: Head back to Cancún and drive to Tulum (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the Tulum Ruins, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
- Evening: Explore Tulum’s vibrant dining scene. Try a local cenote for a refreshing swim!
## Day 5: Tulum
- Morning: Visit Gran Cenote for some snorkeling and swimming.
- Afternoon: Explore the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Consider a guided tour for the best experience.
- Evening: Dinner at a trendy Tulum restaurant.
## Day 6: Tulum to Coba
- Morning: Drive to Coba (about 45 minutes). Rent a bike to explore the ancient ruins.
- Afternoon: Climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid for stunning views of the jungle.
- Evening: Return to Tulum for dinner.
## Day 7: Tulum to Valladolid
- Morning: Depart for Valladolid (about 1.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming colonial town, including the San Bernardino Convent.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Don’t miss trying the Yucatecan dish, cochinita pibil!
## Day 8: Chichén Itzá
- Morning: Early morning trip to Chichén Itzá (about 45 minutes). Arrive before the crowds!
- Afternoon: Visit the cenote Ik Kil for a refreshing swim.
- Evening: Return to Valladolid for dinner and a stroll around the town square.
## Day 9: Valladolid to Mérida
- Morning: Depart for Mérida (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the historic center, including the Plaza Grande and the Cathedral.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Yucatecan dinner and perhaps catch a local cultural performance.
## Day 10: Mérida
- Morning: Visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby cenote, Cenote X’batun.
- Evening: Dinner in Mérida, maybe try some panuchos!
## Day 11: Mérida to Celestún
- Morning: Drive to Celestún (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Take a boat tour to see the flamingos and other wildlife in the Celestún Biosphere Reserve.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
## Day 12: Celestún to Campeche
- Morning: Depart for Campeche (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the colorful streets and the historic fortifications of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Evening: Dinner in the historic center.
## Day 13: Campeche to Palenque
- Morning: Drive to Palenque (about 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the stunning Palenque ruins, surrounded by lush jungle.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel and enjoy dinner.
## Day 14: Palenque to San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Morning: Depart for San Cristóbal de las Casas (about 5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town, visiting the local markets and the Cathedral.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying some local Chiapas coffee.
## Day 15: San Cristóbal de las Casas
- Morning: Visit the nearby indigenous villages, such as San Juan Chamula and Zinacantán.
- Afternoon: Explore the Na Bolom Cultural Center.
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in San Cristóbal.
## Day 16: San Cristóbal to Palenque
- Morning: Head back to Palenque (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty around your hotel.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
## Day 17: Palenque to Bacalar
- Morning: Depart for Bacalar (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the stunning Bacalar Lagoon.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner by the lagoon, soaking in the beautiful views.
## Day 18: Bacalar
- All ## Day: Spend the day kayaking or taking a boat tour on the lagoon. Visit the Cenote Azul for a swim.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
## Day 19: Departure from Cancún
- Morning: Drive back to Cancún (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or beach time.
- Evening: Depart from [Cancún International Airport](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Canc%C3%BAn%20International%20Airport&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround").
And there you have it! A delightful 19-day adventure through the Yucatán Peninsula, filled with history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy every moment of your journey! 🌞✈️🌴
Places of interest
Cancún International Airport
Description:** Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the main airport serving Cancún and the surrounding tourist areas in the Yucatán Peninsula. It is one of the busiest airports in Mexico, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights, modern facilities, and services catering to travelers.
Playa Delfines
Description:** Playa Delfines, located in the Yucatan Peninsula, is a stunning beach known for its soft white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It offers a serene atmosphere, making it perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, and enjoying picturesque sunsets. The beach is also famous for its iconic "Cancun" sign, which attracts many visitors for photo opportunities.
Punta Sur
Description:** Punta Sur is a stunning natural reserve located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Yucatán. It features beautiful beaches, lush mangroves, and diverse wildlife, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Visitors can explore scenic walking paths, enjoy breathtaking views from the lighthouse, and relax in serene surroundings.
Playa Norte
Description:** Playa Norte is a stunning beach located on Isla Mujeres, Yucatán, known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. The beach is lined with palm trees and beach clubs, providing visitors with amenities and refreshments.
Tulum Ruins
Tulum Ruins Yucatan is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its well-preserved ruins, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid and the Temple of the Frescoes. The site offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and provides visitors with a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.
Coba
Coba Yucatan is an ancient Mayan city located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is known for its impressive archaeological site, featuring well-preserved pyramids and ruins surrounded by lush jungle. Visitors can explore the site on foot or rent bicycles to navigate the extensive network of paths. The highlight of Coba is the Nohoch Mul pyramid, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its summit. This historical site provides a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.
Nohoch Mul pyramid
Nohoch Mul pyramid is a magnificent Mayan archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is known for its impressive size and grandeur, standing as one of the tallest pyramids in Mexico. The pyramid offers breathtaking views from its summit, allowing visitors to appreciate the surrounding jungle and ancient ruins. Exploring Nohoch Mul provides a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.
Valladolid
Valladolid Yucatan is a charming colonial town located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is known for its well-preserved architecture, colorful streets, and rich Mayan heritage. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the San Servacio Cathedral and the Cenote Zaci, a natural sinkhole perfect for swimming. The town also offers a variety of local cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural events.
San Bernardino Convent
Description:** The San Bernardino Convent is a historic Franciscan monastery located in the town of Izamal, Yucatán. Known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, the convent features beautiful colonial-era structures and a striking yellow facade. It serves as a significant cultural and religious site, attracting visitors interested in history, architecture, and spirituality.
Chichén Itzá
Description:** Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico, showcasing the grandeur of the ancient Maya civilization. The site features iconic structures such as the Pyramid of Kukulcán, the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors, reflecting advanced architectural and astronomical knowledge.
cenote Ik Kil
Description:** Cenote Ik Kil is a stunning natural sinkhole located near Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush vegetation, it offers a picturesque swimming experience surrounded by hanging vines and waterfalls. The cenote is easily accessible and features facilities for visitors, making it a popular spot for both relaxation and adventure.
Plaza Grande
Plaza Grande Yucatan is a vibrant and bustling square located in the heart of Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its historical significance, as it was once the main ceremonial center of the ancient Mayan civilization. Today, Plaza Grande is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Cathedral of Mérida
Description:** The Cathedral of Mérida, officially known as the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, built between 1561 and 1599. It features a stunning blend of Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles, with impressive stonework and beautiful altarpieces. Located in the main square of Mérida, it serves as a significant historical and cultural landmark.
Uxmal
Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is known for its well-preserved architectural structures, including the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor's Palace. The site offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization.
Cenote X’batun
Description:** Cenote X’batun is a stunning natural sinkhole located in the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its crystal-clear waters and lush surrounding vegetation. It offers a serene environment for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the unique geological formations. The cenote is partially covered by a cave-like structure, providing a picturesque setting that attracts both nature lovers and photographers.
Celestún
Description:** Celestún is a picturesque coastal town in Yucatán, Mexico, known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches and the Celestún Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is famous for its diverse wildlife, particularly the large flocks of flamingos that inhabit the area, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and eco-tourism.
Celestún Biosphere Reserve
Description:** Celestún Biosphere Reserve is a protected area located on the northwest coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, coastal lagoons, and wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, particularly migratory birds such as flamingos. The reserve is also home to numerous species of fish, reptiles, and mammals, making it a vital area for biodiversity conservation.
Palenque
Description:** Palenque is an ancient Mayan city located in the lush jungles of Chiapas, Mexico. Renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, it features impressive structures such as the Temple of the Inscriptions and the Palace. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya civilization.
Palenque ruins
Description:** Palenque is an ancient Mayan city located in the Chiapas region of Mexico, renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Nestled in a lush jungle setting, it features impressive structures such as the Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses the tomb of the Mayan ruler Pakal the Great. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya civilization.
Na Bolom Cultural Center
Description:** Na Bolom Cultural Center is a unique cultural and ecological center located in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. It focuses on the preservation of the indigenous cultures of the region, particularly the Lacandon Maya, and offers various programs, workshops, and exhibitions that promote sustainable practices and cultural heritage.
Bacalar Lagoon
Description:** Bacalar Lagoon, also known as the "Lake of Seven Colors," is a stunning freshwater lagoon located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Renowned for its vibrant blue hues and crystal-clear waters, it offers a serene escape for swimming, kayaking, and exploring its natural beauty. Surrounded by lush vegetation and charming villages, Bacalar is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Cenote Azul
Description:** Cenote Azul is a stunning natural swimming hole located in the Yucatan Peninsula, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounded by lush vegetation. It offers a serene environment for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Cancún International Airport
Description:** Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the main airport serving Cancún and the surrounding tourist areas in the Yucatán Peninsula. It is one of the busiest airports in Mexico, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights, modern facilities, and services catering to travelers.