3 perfect days in Cancun

Cancun may be known as a spring break hotspot, but it’s so much more than nonstop nightlife. The city is home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, prime snorkeling and scuba diving, and, on the outskirts, amazing Mayan culture, like at the pyramids of Chichén Itzá. Don’t worry though; you don’t necessarily need a full week to soak it all up. Three days is just enough time to sample a bit of everything the city has to offer, from coral reefs to Mayan ruins, local markets to late-night clubs.

The below three-day itinerary helps you pack it all in by balancing the big attractions (Isla Mujeres, Chichén Itzá, Coco Bongo) with plenty of taco and margarita breaks. We’ve grouped everything together by location to minimize your travel time between activities and based each rec on Tripadvisor reviews and ratings. That way you won’t waste a single second wondering, “Is this place worth it?”

We won’t blame you if you want to spend your first morning lounging by your hotel pool. But if you’re up for an adventure, hop the R-1 or R-2 bus (or drive) to Playa Delfines. Just 15 minutes from the heart of the hotel zone, it’s the only beach in the area where you can take in the sugary-soft sand and turquoise waters without a high-rise in sight. Photo op alert: It’s also where you’ll find the iconic, colorful Cancun sign.

Keep in mind there are no restaurants here (though vendors sometimes roam the beach selling fruit and drinks), so eat breakfast before you go or pick up something at the Chedraui or Oxxo markets on the way.

If you’re not the lay-on-the-beach-for-hours type (or just need a break from the heat), drive five minutes north to the Mayan Museum of Cancun. It’s small (you can see the whole thing in an hour or two), costs just under $4, and offers an excellent primer on Mayan history and culture.

You’ve seen the hotel zone. Now it’s time to get a feel for the local side of Cancun. Drive, grab a taxi, or take the R-2 bus downtown to Mercado 28, a sprawling flea market where you can load up on souvenirs like embroidered dresses, Mexican wedding shirts, ceramics, silver jewelry, and handmade dolls. Shop around (many vendors sell similar items) and don’t be afraid to haggle.

When you’re ready to rest your feet, sit down to a seafood cocktail at El Cejas, a small mariscos restaurant in the middle of the market. Or save your appetite for your next stop: Mercado 23. Smaller and a little calmer than Mercado 28, it’s one of Cancun’s oldest markets and a good place to sample regional fruits and cheeses. Don’t miss the slow-cooked pulled-pork tortas and tacos at El Paisano del 23.

DOWNTOWN CANCUN TOUR OPTIONS

Make your way to Parque de Las Palapas (it’s about a 10-minute walk from Mercado 23) by early evening. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it comes alive at night, especially on weekends when there’s live music on the stage in the center of the park. Walk around, people-watch from a bench, or pick up a few more souvenirs—stands scattered throughout the park sell everything from straw bags and serape blankets to colorful Talavera pottery.

For dinner, you could make a meal out of the park food stalls hawking elotes (grilled corn on the cob), esquites (off-the-cob corn with cheese, lime, and chile), churros, and marquesitas (crispy, Edam cheese–filled crepes). Or you could walk 10 minutes to Taqueria Coapenitos for some of the best tacos in town. Adventurous eaters should try the tripa (tripe) and lengua (beef tongue), but you also can’t go wrong with suadero (beef) or al pastor (seasoned pork with pineapple)—or the margaritas, for that matter.

After dinner, keep the night going. A few blocks south of Taqueria Coapenitos, you’ll hit a stretch of restaurants and bars with everything from a rooftop lounge (Mumma) to a speakeasy (Sigfrido) to a cozy wine bar (El Rincon del Vino).

With calm, clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, Cancun is a snorkeler’s paradise. Total Snorkel’s 5-in-1 tour is great for beginners—they pick you up at your hotel, give you the basics, and take you to five different spots. You’ll get to swim along a coral reef, see sculptures at Museo Subacuático de Arte (Cancun’s underwater museum), paddle next to sea turtles, explore a shipwreck, and even dive into a cenote (a natural swimming hole). The whole thing takes about three and a half hours, making for a doable morning excursion.

Instead of riding back to your hotel after your snorkeling excursion, hop on the ferry from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres, a tiny, five-mile-long island just off the coast of Cancun. Boats leave every half hour and get you there in about 15 minutes.

When you arrive, walk inland to Ocean’s Isla, grab a sidewalk table, and order two-for-one margaritas alongside fajitas or coconut shrimp. After, stroll back to Playa Norte, where you can rent chairs and an umbrella from one of the many vendors or wade in the shallow water.

If you’d prefer something more active, rent a golf cart at Golf Carts Indios and explore other parts of the island, like Punta Sur (a lookout with epic views), the Women’s Beading Cooperative (where you can buy jewelry and crafts made by local artisans), and Capilla de Guadalupe (a seaside chapel).

ISLA MUJERES TOUR OPTIONS

Stick around for sunset (it’s especially stunning from Playa Norte). Or ferry back to the mainland and head to Lorenzillo’s, a popular restaurant along the lagoon (also prime sunset-watching territory). Lobster is the order here, but Tripadvisor community members also rave about the oysters Rockefeller, tableside Caesar salad, and filet mignon. If you’re lucky, you might even get a visit from Lorenzo, the lagoon’s resident crocodile.

By the time you’re done eating, Cancun’s legendary nightlife will just be getting going. Cab it to Coco Bongo, a wild club that puts on Vegas-level shows with everything from Mad Max stunts to a Queen tribute. Tickets aren’t cheap (they start at $113 per person), but they come with an open bar. If you don’t want to stand all night, splurge on a Gold Member or Front Row ticket, both of which include reserved seats, premium booze, and better views.

If you rented a car, get on the road early for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Chichén Itzá, an ancient Mayan city west of Cancun. No car? You can also take the ADO bus from downtown (it leaves daily at 8:45 a.m.) or book a full-day tour that covers Chichén Itzá and nearby sites.

Plan to spend about three hours exploring the ruins, which include the famous El Castillo pyramid, a sacred cenote, several temples, and the “Ball Game Court,” where a ceremonial sport was once played. You can view the grounds on your own, but it’s really helpful to have someone explain what you’re seeing. If you don’t book a tour ahead of time, there are plenty of guides-for-hire on site (talk to a few to get a sense of their experience and language skills).

CHICHEN ITZA TOUR OPTIONS

Drive or hop the ADO bus to Valladolid for a late lunch. About 40 minutes from Chichén Itzá, the charming town is one of Mexico’s pueblo mágicos, or “magic towns” (a government title given to select villages for their beauty, traditions, or folklore). It’s a worthwhile detour, filled with colorful, Spanish-style buildings; cute shops and cafes; and fascinating museums.

At IX CAT IK, sample traditional Mayan dishes like lime soup and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) while learning about the spices and techniques that go into each (the super knowledgeable servers are happy to answer questions about the menu). After, walk west to Convent de San Bernardino de Siena, stopping on the way at Valladolid’s main square, Parque Principal, then cutting down Calle de Los Fraile, the prettiest street in town.

If you’re traveling by car, pop by a cenote before you leave the area (Cenote Palomitas and Cenote Maya Park are both highly rated by Tripadvisor reviewers). Swimming in one of these natural sinkholes is a must when you’re in the Yucatán.

Back in the hotel zone, head to La Isla, an open-air shopping center along the lagoon. Not your typical mall, the complex includes an aquarium, a movie theater, a Ferris wheel, and even a canal. Browse the high-end stores (Tiffany’s to Prada), pick up last-minute souvenirs at one of the gift shops, and take a spin on El Sol de Cancun (it’s especially magical at sunset but also lights up at night).

For dinner, you’ve got lots of options. We like Taco y Tequila (great margaritas, tacos, and churros), but if you’re taco-ed out, Thai serves traditional dishes in romantic cabanas overlooking the lagoon.

Got the energy to fit in one more Cancun hotspot? Take a cab to Mandala Cancun—a fun club with themed nights like Mardi Gras Monday—and dance your last night away.