14 days in Quintana Roo 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Playa Langosta and Suytun Cenote. Explore hidden gems such as Torre Escenica and Hacienda Chukum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cancun: Xcaret (in Playa del Carmen) and Chichen Itza (in Chichen Itza). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to El Parque de las Palapas.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read Cancun online day trip planner.

Fairbanks, USA to Cancun is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference moving from Alaska Standard Time to Eastern Standard Time is 4 hours. Prepare for much warmer weather when traveling from Fairbanks in December: high temperatures in Cancun hover around 82°F and lows are around 70°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) early enough to catch the shuttle to Playa del Carmen.

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

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): cross one thing off your bucket list with a skydiving experience, then Head underground at Cenote Chaak Tun, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Parque Los Fundadores.

To see ratings, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Playa del Carmen trip planner.

Traveling by car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or drive; or take a bus. In January, daytime highs in Playa del Carmen are 78°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) to allow time to ride a ferry to Cozumel.

Thanks to the island's outstanding scuba diving and snorkeling options, Cozumel tourism sector remains a major employer and the main source of income for this Caribbean getaway.

On the 3rd (Tue), explore the gorgeous colors at San Francisco Reef and then see the vivid underwater world at Paradise (Paraiso) Reef. Keep things going the next day: take in the dramatic natural features at El Paso del Cedral Reef, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Yucab Reef, and then discover the deep blue sea with Blue Note Scuba.

For maps, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Cozumel trip itinerary planning app.

Ride a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel in 1.5 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 78°F, and evening lows to 66°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel 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.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Mayan Beach and Cenotes Sac Actun. We've included these beaches for you: Ziggy Beach and Akumal Ecological Guides. There's lots more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at LabnaHa Cenotes & Eco Park, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and Head underground at Cenote Santa Cruz.

For where to stay, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Tulum trip maker.

You can do a combination of ferry and car from Cozumel to Tulum in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus. In January in Tulum, expect temperatures between 78°F during the day and 66°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sun) so you can drive to Cancun.

On the 8th (Sun), enjoy the sand and surf at Xcacel Beach, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, and then walk around arte Garden.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Cancun trip planner.

Getting from Tulum to Cancun by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or take a bus. You'll set off for home on the 9th (Mon).