Planning a trip to Mexico? This DIY travel guide brings together travel itineraries, destination highlights, packing tips and advice to help you plan an unforgettable trip – without over-planning or overspending.
Travel Guides
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Mexico Itineraries
Our 2 week Yucatán Peninsular Itinerary guide is a well-paced itinerary coverering the highlights of Mexico’s stunning Yucatán Peninsular – plus 4 days in Caye Caulker, Belize.
If you only plan to cover Mexico, I suggest you swap out Caye Caulker for one of the islands near the Riviera Maya like Cozumel or Mujeres or Holbox. Ideally added to the start or end of this itinerary.
Playa del Carmen→Bacalar→Tulum – The guide explains, in depth, how to plan a road trip linking cenotes, ruins, island beaches and colonial towns. Ideal for travellers who want a mix of beaches, nature and culture without rushing.
Places to Visit in Mexico
Cancun
Cancún is the main international gateway to Mexico’s Caribbean coast and a common starting point for Yucatán trips. While known for large resorts and nightlife, it’s also a practical base for day trips to Isla Mujeres, cenotes and nearby archaeological sites, with excellent transport links across the region.
Playa del Carmen
Playa is the heart of Riviera Maya and the ideal base for exploring other areas of the Yucatán. Expect sun-washed beaches, vibrant local food and easy access to cenotes, islands and ruins.
My guide 10 Incredible Day Trips from Playa del Carmen features a selection of day trips you can do without a tour guide to lesser known cenotes, ruins, Caribbean islands, snorkelling, sailing trips and more.
Bacalar
Bacalar is the “hidden gem” of the peninsular – a lakeside haven with shimmering colours and quiet streets – the ideal place to unplug.
My Bacalar guides are designed to help you plan lagoon activities – from sunrise paddle boarding to a relaxed sailing trip, sight-seeing day trips, night time entertainment and the best places to eat and stay.
Chetumal
Chetumal sits near the Belize border and is one of the least touristy cities in the Yucatán Peninsula. It works well as a transit point for onward travel to Belize or as a practical base for visiting Bacalar, offering a more local feel than coastal resort towns.
Tulum
Tulum is trendy and atmospheric, known for its iconic cliff-top Maya ruins, sugar sand beaches and hipster cafes.
In my guide Where to Stay in Tulum, find out the best places to stay in Tulum. Learn important information about each area before deciding on which location would be ideal for you – and recommended hotels for all budgets.
Caribbean Islands Near the Riviera Maya
Isla Holbox
Holbox is a small, car-free island north of Cancún, known for sandy streets, shallow turquoise water and a laid-back vibe. It’s popular with travellers looking for a quieter island experience, with activities centred around beaches, wildlife and boat trips rather than big resorts.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small, relaxed island just off the coast of Cancún, easily reached by ferry. It’s ideal for a short island break, with calm beaches, snorkelling spots and a slower pace than nearby resort areas.
Cozumel
Cozumel sits off the coast from Playa del Carmen and is best known for its clear water and coral reefs. The island has a quieter, more traditional feel away from the cruise port, making it popular with divers and travellers looking for a low-key beach base.
Valladolid
Valladolid is a colourful colonial town located between Cancún and Mérida, often used as a stopover when visiting Chichén Itzá. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, pastel buildings and easy access to cenotes, making it a great place to slow down for a night or two.
Chichén Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this massive complex is a must-see day trip – perfect as a combined trip to Valladolid and the Maya Education Centre.
In our guides – Best Ways to visit Chichén Itzá and our Honest Review – find out the best ways you can visit Tulum, whether by car, public transport or tour. Read about our recommended, best value tour which includes a visit to the Maya Education Centre, a refreshing dip in a stunning cenote and a stop at the colonial town Valladolid.
Planning a Trip to Mexico
Best Time of Year to Visit
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 our guide How to Escape Sargassum to learn how to avoid Sargassum, best times of year to visit and places to visit that are not affected.
Getting About
🚗 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.
🚌 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 Yucatán region.
🚢By Ferry: Necessary to reach islands like Cozumel.
Money & Safety
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) – cash useful for local markets
- Cards: accepted in most hotels and restaurants
- Safety: standard travel awareness, avoid isolated areas at night
Visas & Entry
Most nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for tourism – check the latest requirements before departure.
What to Pack for Mexico
Packing for Mexico’s Caribbean coast and inland towns is all about staying cool, sun-safe and comfortable, while being prepared for cenotes, ruins and travel days.
Essentials
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen works best)
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for ruins and towns
- Flip flops or sandals for beaches and cenotes
- Swimwear (you’ll use it more than you think)
Sun & Heat Protection
- High-factor sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
- Hat or cap for strong midday sun
- Sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated
Cenotes & Ruins
- Water shoes (rocky cenote entrances can be slippery)
- Quick-dry towel or microfibre towel
- Small backpack or day bag for excursions
Travel Practicalities
- Passport & copies (digital and paper)
- Travel insurance documents
- Power bank for long day trips
- Insect repellent (especially around lagoons and evenings)
Evenings & Extras
- Light layer or shawl for cooler evenings or air-conditioned buses
- Smart-casual outfit for restaurants or beach clubs
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag for lagoon and cenote swims
✨ Tip: Pack light – laundry services are widely available and affordable across the Yucatán Peninsula.
Where to Stay in Mexico
I’m gradually adding accommodation and hotel guides for Mexico. All of my Mexico destination guides have hotel and accommodation recommendations based on in-depth research and personal experience.
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Start Planning Your Mexico Trip
| 🏩 Find Hotels 🛌 Find Hostels via Hostelworld ✈️ Find Flights via Skyscanner 🚗 Find a Rental Car via Rentalcars 🚌 Research Public Transport via 12GoAsia 🚞 Find Tours & Day Trips via Viator 🛄 Get Travel Insurance – Cover For You 🌍 How to Plan a Perfect Trip Itinerary – read our guide |