18 days in Playa del Carmen & Cancun Itinerary

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

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Two Eyes Cenote and Off-Road Tours. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Tulum Archaeological Site and Mystika Immersive. Explore Playa del Carmen's surroundings by going to Puerto Morelos (Shark Diving & National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos), Ecopark Kantun Chi (in Puerto Aventuras) and Tulum (Climbing Tours, Cenotes Sac Actun, &more). There's still lots to do: play a few rounds at IBEROSTAR PARAISO BEACH GOLF CLUB, Head underground at Cenote Chaak Tun, browse the eclectic array of goods at Callejon del Arte, and take the plunge with a skydiving experience.

To find reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Playa del Carmen planning website.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major aiports are Cozumel International Airport, Cancún International Airport and Chichen Itza International Airport. In January, daytime highs in Playa del Carmen are 78°F, while nighttime lows are 66°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to drive to Cancun.

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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Punta Sur and Catedral de la Santisima Trinidad. Escape the urban bustle at Playa Delfines and Adrenaline & Extreme Tours. Change things up with these side-trips from Cancun: Isla Mujeres (Women's Beading Cooperative, Captain Dulche's Museum, &more). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Mayan Museum of Cancun, delve into the distant past at Zona Arqueologica El Rey, whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, and take in panoramic vistas at Torre Escenica.

To see photos, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Cancun online route maker.

Drive from Playa del Carmen to Cancun in an hour. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Cancun can reach 80°F, while at night they dip to 66°F.