Two weeks in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and Caye Caulker is the perfect balance of culture, adventure, and pure Caribbean relaxation. Explore ancient Mayan ruins, dreamy beaches with turquoise waters and swim in hidden cenotes surrounded by jungle. Sail on Bacalar’s famous Lagoon of Seven Colours and slow right down on Caye Caulker island in Belize – this Yucatán itinerary covers it all.
Whether you love exploring independently or prefer a little guidance, this 2-week Yucatán itinerary is easy to follow and full of amazing stops. It begins in Cancún, travels through Playa del Carmen, Bacalar, and Tulum, with a tropical detour to Caye Caulker in Belize.
Contents
- Two Weeks Travelling the Yucatán Penisular and Caye Caulker, Belize
- Day 1: Arrive in Cancún & Head Straight to Playa del Carmen
- Days 2-4: Playa del Carmen – A Base for Adventure
- Days 5-7: Bacalar – The Lagoon of Seven Colours
- Days 8-11: Caye Caulker, Belize – Slow Down on Island Time
- Days 12-14: Tulum – Cenotes, Ruins & Beach Time
- Getting Around the Yucatán Peninsula
- When to Visit & Seasonal Advice
- Things to Know Before Your Trip to the Yucatán & Caye Caulker
- Final Thoughts: Two Weeks of Yucatán Magic
- Related Posts
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Two Weeks Travelling the Yucatán Penisular and Caye Caulker, Belize
The Yucatán Penisular has incredible ancient ruins, wonderful nature, sublime beaches and a rich Mayan culture. We found it immensely beautiful, spiritual and felt a deep connection with nature during our time here.
Caye Caulker is the ultimate laid-back Caribbean island with the Barrier Reef as its playground. Here you will experience the best snorkelling, up-close encounters with nurse sharks, rays and turtles. We loved the Caribbean flavours of the home-style cooking and tangy rum punch.
Travelling across the Penisular to Caye Caulker is very easy. Mexico has a fantastic public transport system either by ADO bus or the Maya Tren network and you can travel directly to Caye Caulker by ferry from Chetumal (just 45 minutes from Bacalar). We also booked taxis rides on InDrive app.
🌟 Tip: You can use US Dollars in Mexico and Belize. English is widely spoken in the Yucatán and is the official language of Belize.
Day 1: Arrive in Cancún & Head Straight to Playa del Carmen
Most flights land in Cancún International Airport, but rather than staying overnight, I recommend heading straight to Playa del Carmen, about an hour south by ADO bus or taxi. If you plan to drive yourself, see options on Rental Cars.
Playa makes the perfect base for the first few days – it’s central, lively, and surrounded by incredible day trips.
Check into your accommodation and spend your first evening wandering along Fifth Avenue, finding a local taquería, and easing into Mexico’s relaxed pace.
🌟 Tip: Download these destinations on Google Maps before you arrive and buy an e-SIM like Saily so you are connected from the start of your journey.
| 🏨 Book Your Playa del Carmen Accommodation Where we stayed: Apartment Sunlit Stay Private Roof Terrace – We loved this spacious apartment, with fabulous outdoor space, close to the beach and top of Fifth Avenue. 👉 Search for hotels in Playa del Carmen 🌟 Tip: If you’re travelling during Sargassum season – stay away from the beach (Islands like Cozumel are not as affected). |
Days 2-4: Playa del Carmen – A Base for Adventure
Playa del Carmen is more than just beaches – it’s the ideal launchpad for exploring the Yucatán’s most fascinating spots. Stay here for four nights and use the days to see as much (or as little!) as you like.
Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
There are so many great day trips within an hour or two’s reach – you’ll find all my favourites in my blog:
👉 10 Incredible Day Trips from Playa del Carmen You’ll Love
Here are a few suggestions for your time here:
D️ay Trip to Chichén Itzá, Valladolid & Maya Education Centre
We joined a local guide to visit the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá, explored colourful Valladolid, and stopped at the Maya Education Centre for lunch and an insight into the region’s history. On the way there, we swam at Cenote Zahamal – an awesome cenote surrounded by cliffs. The tour was exceptional value for money.
👉 You can see details of this trip here: Visiting Chichén Itzá, Valladolid & Cenote Adventure
Cenote Minotauro
One of the Yucatán’s best-kept secrets! This cenote feels completely off the beaten path – a peaceful swimming spot surrounded by jungle and the chance to explore an underwater cave.
After a refreshing dip, you’ll be guided on a tour of the underwater cave (included in the price). After, spend the afternoon eating a delicious lunch at the cafe and relaxing by the pool.
🌟 Life jackets are available for free.
How to get there:
You can travel by taxi, colectivo or self-drive.
🗺️ Google Maps Link
Relax at Playa Palancar, Cozumel Island
Take the ferry from Playa del Carmen and spend a day either exploring or relaxing on the beach. Cozumel, known for its crystal-clear snorkelling reefs and laid-back beach bars.
You’ll find a taxi rank at Cozumel port and other options like scooter hire and day trips.
Playa Palancar is a laid-back beach restaurant with sunbeds. You can spend the whole day here – enjoying delicious food and cocktails, crystal clear water and soft sand. Entrance $20 USD.
Days 5-7: Bacalar – The Lagoon of Seven Colours
Next stop: Bacalar, a dreamy freshwater lagoon that glows in shades of blue you have to see to believe. The drive from Playa del Carmen takes around 3-4 hours (or a comfortable ADO bus ride if you’re not driving).
Bacalar is peaceful, budget-friendly, and one of the most scenic stops on this Yucatán itinerary.
| 🏨 Book Your Bacalar Accommodation Where we stayed: Hotel Aires – a peaceful boutique hotel with nature at its heart. 👉 Search for hotels in Bacalar 💚 Eco-Tip: Choose a hotel that promotes sustainability. |
What to Do in Bacalar
We spent three blissful days here and could easily have stayed longer. Don’t miss:
- Sailing on the Lagoon of Seven Colours – a half-day boat trip gliding across the clear waters, with delicious Mexican snacks and tequila cocktails and several swim stops within the lagoon.
- Sunrise paddle boarding – float along the calm waters as you watch the sunrise. 👉 See options here.
- Los Rápidos – a natual lazy river. Read Full Guide.
⚠️ Tip: The lagoon is closed on Wednesdays – you will need to plan around this.
For the full lowdown, see my guide:
👉 3-Day Bacalar Itinerary: Best Things to Do in the Lagoon of Seven Colours
We stayed at Hotel Aires Bacalar – a stylish, eco-conscious boutique hotel that I can’t recommend enough. You can read my full review here:
💚Eco-Tip: The lagoon is delicate and protected – use only biodegradable sunscreen and avoid stirring up sediment when swimming.
Days 8-11: Caye Caulker, Belize – Slow Down on Island Time
From Bacalar, make your way to Chetumal, where you can catch the ferry to Caye Caulker, Belize. The journey takes around three to four hours including border checks – don’t forget your passport and a few dollars for the entry and exit fees.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll feel the island’s laid-back vibe and understand its motto: “Go Slow.”
| 🏨 Book Your Caye Caulker Accommodation ✨ See our Top Recommendations, including where we stayed – here. 👉 Search for Hotels in Caye Caulker |
Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is small but packed with charm. Four days here is just right to snorkel, eat, and unwind.
👉 Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
👉 Where to Stay in Caye Caulker
Don’t miss:
- Snorkelling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve – a short boat ride away and one of the best places in the world to see turtles, nurse sharks, rays and manatees.
- The Split – the island’s most famous swimming spot and sunset hangout.
- Island BBQs and fresh lobster – especially if you’re visiting between June and February.
- Bliss Beach – a paradise in the north of the island.
- Cycling the island – there are no cars here, only bikes and golf carts.
💲Insider Tip: ATMs can run out of cash occasionally, so bring some Belize dollars or USD in reserve.
Days 12-14: Tulum – Cenotes, Ruins & Beach Time
After soaking up the island life, take the ferry back to Chetumal and travel north to Tulum (around 4-5 hours). Tulum is the perfect final stop – a mix of ancient history, relaxed beaches, and trendy cafés.
Stay near the town for easy access to cenotes and ruins, or in the beach zone if you want sea views (but not during sargassum season).
| 🏨 Book Your Tulum Accommodation ✨ Read our Full Guide Where to Stay in Tulum – including our Top Recommendations. 👉 Search for accommodation in Tulum |
Things to Do in Tulum
- Visit the Tulum Ruins – perched on a cliff above turquoise water, they’re beautiful at sunrise.
- Swim with turtles at Akumal Beach – an unforgettable wildlife experience.
👉 Explore the ruins and Akumal on this combined tour from Tulum
- Cenote Corazón del Paraíso – one of our favourites, quieter than the big-name spots and perfect for photos.
- Beach days & tacos – simple pleasures before heading home.
🌟 Find the best things to do on Get your Guide
| Getting Around Tulum Tulum is large and transport is expensive. Try InDrive to order taxis or see if you can hire bicycles from your accommodation. |
Getting Around the Yucatán Peninsula
Getting between stops in this itinerary is straightforward.
🚗 By Car: Renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility – roads are generally good, and parking is easy in smaller towns. 👉 Search for the best prices on Rental Cars. Bear in mind you will need to leave your hire car in Mexico when you head to Belize.
🚍 By ADO Bus: Mexico’s bus network is excellent, safe, and air-conditioned. Perfect for solo or budget travellers.
🚆 By Train: Tren Maya is modern and efficient – connecting the Yucatan region
🚢 By Ferry:
- Playa del Carmen ↔ Cozumel: ferries run daily, around 40 minutes.
- Chetumal ↔ Caye Caulker: roughly 2-3 hours with immigration checks.
Ferry From Chetumal to Caye Caulker
We took the ferry from Chetumal to Caye Caulker with San Pedro Belize Water Taxi and back with Water Jets International. It takes around 3 hrs 15 mins. It costs around 80 USD each way. Departures are 10am and 3.30pm.
Our ferry was late departing and we almost missed our check-in time with our hotel!
By Small Plane – Tropic Air and Maya Island Air both fly from Belize City Municipal or International Airport.
- Journey time: 10-15 minutes.
- Cost: around USD 80-100 one way.
- Worth it if you’re short on time, as you get stunning views of the reef on the way.
👉 Compare all options on Rome2rio
Approximate Travel Times:
- Cancún → Playa del Carmen: 1 hr
- Playa → Bacalar: 3-4 hrs
- Bacalar → Chetumal → Caye Caulker: 4-5 hrs (ferry)
- Caye Caulker → Chetumal → Tulum: 6-7 hrs
When to Visit & Seasonal Advice
The Yucatán is warm year-round, but the best months for this route are December to April during the dry season. If you’re visiting in summer, (which we did) expect lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and occasional afternoon showers.
For beach lovers, be aware of sargassum seaweed season, which can affect some coastal areas between April and September. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s worth planning around.
👉 Read my Sargassum Guide to find the best beaches and track seaweed conditions before you go.
Things to Know Before Your Trip to the Yucatán & Caye Caulker
Before setting off on your two-week adventure across Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and Belize’s Caye Caulker, here are a few useful things to know to help you travel smoothly and confidently.
🗣️ Language
Spanish is the main language in Mexico, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas across the Yucatán. In Belize, English is the official language, making travel between the two countries refreshingly easy. You’ll also hear Creole and a few Mayan dialects in smaller towns and villages.
💵 Currency & Payments
Mexico: Mexican Peso (MXN)
Belize: Belize Dollar (BZD), though US Dollars are accepted in both countries
ATMs are common in major towns but can run out of cash on Caye Caulker, so bring a little USD in reserve. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but it’s handy to have small notes for taxis, market stalls, and tips. We found our cards didn’t work at all at the Tulum ruins.
Approximate Travel Costs
Travelling the Yucatán and Belize can be as budget or as comfortable as you like.
Here’s a rough daily guide (per person):
- Budget: £40-£60 (local guesthouses, street food, ADO buses)
- Mid-range: £70-£120 (boutique hotels, mix of tours and dining out)
- Comfort/Luxury: £150+ (private tours, resort stays, high-end dining)
Many activities like cenotes, beaches, and local ruins are either free or low-cost – perfect for DIY travellers.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in both countries. Around 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants, and a few pesos or dollars for guides and hotel staff goes a long way.
⚡ Electricity & Plugs
Both Mexico and Belize use Type A/B plugs (same as the USA) with 110V power. UK travellers will need a US-style adaptor.
If you’re charging phones, cameras and drones, a small multi-USB adaptor is worth packing.
🛂 Border Crossing
You’ll need your passport when travelling between Mexico and Belize.
Expect to pay small entry/exit fees (around $20–$25 USD each way) and allow extra time for immigration checks when catching the ferry at Chetumal. They took ages on our way to Caye Caulker and we almost missed our check-in time at the hotel!
Safety & Common Sense
The Yucatán Peninsula is one of Mexico’s safest regions, especially for independent travellers.
Still, take normal precautions:
- Avoid walking alone late at night in quiet areas.
- Use official taxis or the InDrive app.
- Keep small valuables in a hotel safe.
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and take care swimming in the sea and open cenotes (life jackets are usually provided).
Belize is similarly safe, particularly on Caye Caulker, where the biggest danger is a sunburn or too many rum punches!
💚 Eco-Friendly Tips
- Always wear bio-degradable sunscreen.
- Avoid insect repellents when swimming in cenotes and in Bacalar Lagoon.
- Support eco-certified tours and local guides.
- Choose sustainable hotels and accommodations.
- Buy a filtered water-bottle that you can re-fill to avoid plastic waste.
📱 Staying Connected
Wi-Fi is good in most hotels and cafés. For data on the go, download maps offline and buy an eSIM like Saily before you arrive – it works across Mexico and Belize.
❤️ Travel Etiquette
Both countries have warm, welcoming cultures.
A smile, a few words in Spanish, and respect for local customs (especially around sacred Mayan sites and cenotes) go a long way.
Final Thoughts: Two Weeks of Yucatán Magic
This 2-week Yucatán Peninsula and Caye Caulker itinerary combines everything that makes this part of the world so special – ancient culture, natural beauty, and a laid-back rhythm that slows you right down.
From exploring cenotes and Mayan ruins to sailing on Bacalar’s shimmering lagoon and snorkelling Belize’s coral reefs, it’s a trip full of colour, warmth, and unforgettable experiences.
Ready to plan your own adventure?
Check out my linked guides for Playa del Carmen day trips, Bacalar, Caye Caulker, and Tulum.
You can find everything you need to plan your trip on our Book Your Trip page. By purchasing through our links you support us at no additional cost to you – enabling us to keep creating free content like this. 🩷
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