11 days in Cancun, Tulum & Playa del Carmen Itinerary

Few destinations in Mexico dazzle visitors quite like Cancun, a modern resort town filled with glitzy hotels sitting on picturesque and well-developed Caribbean beaches.

Keep things going the next day: stroll through Tres Rios Ecopark, then enjoy the sand and surf at Xcacel Beach, and then examine the collection at Ka'Yok' Planetario de Cancun.

To find other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Cancun driving holiday planner.

Vancouver, Canada to Cancun is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 3 hours traveling from Vancouver to Cancun. Traveling from Vancouver in February, expect Cancun to be warmer, temps between 32°C and 23°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Tulum.

The only Mayan site built to overlook the ocean, Tulum remains a coastal paradise preserving the last vestiges of a pre-Hispanic civilization.

You'll get in some beach time at Mayan Beach and Tulum Beach. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Mystika Immersive and Museo de San Roque. Get out of town with these interesting Tulum side-trips: Valladolid (Iglesia De San Servacio, Cenote Zaci, &more). The adventure continues: explore the activities along Cenote Calavera, don't miss a visit to Tulum Tower, stop by La Llorona, and explore the fascinating underground world of Cenote Santa Cruz.

For ratings, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Tulum sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Cancun to Tulum in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In February, daytime highs in Tulum are 31°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. On the 12th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Playa del Carmen.

The tourist hub of the popular Mayan Riviera, upscale Playa del Carmen remains the jewel of Mexico's Caribbean coastline.

Relax by the water at Parque Los Fundadores and Xpu-ha Beach. 3D Museum of Wonders and Sol Jaguar will appeal to museum buffs. Venture out of the city with trips to Ecopark Kantun Chi (in Puerto Aventuras) and Puerto Morelos (National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos & Shark Diving). There's still lots to do: see Off-Road Tours and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Nuestra Senora del Carmen Catholic Church.

To see maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Playa del Carmen online trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In February, daytime highs in Playa del Carmen are 31°C, while nighttime lows are 21°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can fly back home.