Cancun’s beaches are so beautiful—I'm thinking of Playa Delfines and Playa Caracol—that once you settle into your lounge chair there's absolutely no reason to go anywhere else. But the fact that nearly everyone who stays here longer than a day or two heads west to the ancient city of Chichén Itzá or takes a ferry to Isla Mujeres tells you how amazing these nearby destinations are. I know Cancun pretty well, and I can tell you that in four days you can get in plenty of beach time and still see all the top sights along the coast and in the lush interior.

Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, and for good reason. I mean, it’s hard to argue with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. But if you’re like me, after a day or two of lounging around in the sun you’ll wonder what else there is to do on the Yucatan Peninsula. That’s why I put together this itinerary that includes the best of everything, from centuries-old pyramids to an underwater art gallery. And don’t worry, I’ve included some standout restaurants and off-the-chain nightlife.

Want to explore the best of Cancun? You can pack a lot into three days. From snorkeling with whale sharks to visiting Mayan ruins, here's an unforgettable Cancun itinerary.