7 Day Mexico Coast Itinerary

1 Week In Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

Mexico offers a perfect mix of powdery beaches, buzzing nightlife, crystal-clear cenotes, and lip-smacking food you’ll think about long after you’re home. Whether you’re here to switch off by the sea, party until sunrise, or chase adventure, this 7-day couple trip itinerary covers the best of the Caribbean coast: Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chichén Itzá.

💰Currency

• Official currency is Mexican Peso (MXN).

• Exchange rate is approximately 17–18 MXN = 1 USD (varies daily).

• Exchange currency at your home bank for the best rates + lowest fees (usually).

• Carry some cash for street food, small vendors, and cenote entry.

• ATMs are everywhere but stick to major bank ATMs when possible like BBVA, Banamex, Santander.

🚌 Commute

• Cancún: Local buses(R1/R2 routes).

• Playa del Carmen & Tulum: Colectivos(shared vans - cheap, frequent, reliable).

• Private rides: Taxi / Uber / inDrive(inDrive can be especially handy for negotiating fares).

🛜 Network

• Most US SIM cards work (roaming), but coverage and cost depend on your plan.

• Popular local providers in Mexico are Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar.

• If you’re staying a week, a local SIM or eSIM is often worth it for cheaper data.

💬 Language

• Official language is Spanish.

• English is widely spoken across tourist areas like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

• A few Spanish basics go a long way and locals appreciate it.

🍴Food

Mexico is a dream for food lovers and surprisingly vegan/vegetarian-friendly too. You’ll find plenty of options like Guacamole & fresh salsa, Veg tacos, Elote(street corn).

The Big Picture

Keep the map handy!

Your Day By Day Itinerary

* This is an estimated price which may vary with time. It doesn't include the cost of flight, food, cabs/public transport or personal expenses. It only gives a rough idea of price of your stay, inter-city transfers and activity costs included in itinerary.

Day 1 - Cancún

🚌 How to Reach

• Take a flight to Cancún International Airport (CUN). Flight prices vary depending on your city of origin. For example, a one-way flight from Florida to Cancún may cost around 120–350 USD, depending on the season and airline.

• Once you arrive at the airport, you have several options for getting to your hotel.

  • If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, use the resort shuttle or pre-book a private transfer to start your trip stress-free.

  • You can also take the ADO Airport Bus, which costs around 6–10 USD or choose a taxi or a shared shuttle.

🏨 Where to Stay

We recommend booking your stay in the Hotel Zone. Cancún is especially popular for its all-inclusive resorts. These hotels typically include unlimited dining and drinks, daily activities such as kayaking, live entertainment, multiple pools, swim-up bars, ocean views, beachfront loungers, spa options, and on-site restaurants(amenities vary by resort).

Here are some great all-inclusive options to choose from, ranging between 150–300 USD per night. Book the resort for 2 nights.

• Grand Park Royal Cancun
  4.7 ⭐ | 20k Google Reviews | ~300 USD/night

• Crown Paradise Club Cancun
  4.4 ⭐ | 15.6k Google Reviews | ~180 USD/night

• Wyndham Grand
  4.2 ⭐ | 5.6k Google Reviews | ~150 USD/night

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Afternoon

Once you check in, take the afternoon slowly and let the coast introduce itself. After settling in, you can explore Cancún’s beaches on your own with a beach-hopping tour.

✅ Playa Delfines

Known for its stunning views, this beach is a perfect spot to catch the sunset. It is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Cancún. Price:FREE

✅ Playa Tortugas

A lively beach and one of the best spots for snorkelling in Cancún. Price:FREE

✅ Playa Chacmool

A quieter beach that offers some of the clearest water, making it perfect for swimming. Price:FREE

⏰ Evening

Spend your evening strolling through Cancún’s local markets.

✅ Parque de las Palapas

A central square filled with street food stalls, live performers, families hanging out, and a festive atmosphere. Try a few snacks and grab a fresh fruit drink. Price:FREE

✅ Mercado 28

The perfect place for souvenirs, handmade crafts, street snacks, and bargaining. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s fun to browse. Price:FREE

⏰ Night

✅ Coco Bongo Show

• Coco Bongo is Cancún’s most popular nightlife spot, featuring giant screen projections, impressive acrobatics, and high-energy performances. It’s located in the heart of the Hotel Zone.

• You can book the tickets from the website.

• It costs ~60 USD per ticket 💰

Day 2 - Isla Mujeres (Day Trip)

🚌 How to Reach

Board a ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres from Ultramarsales.

• You can board the ferry from Playa Juárez(approximately a 30-minute ride), Playa Tortugas (around 60 minutes), or Playa Caracol(about 75 minutes), depending on which is closest to your stay.

• Advance booking is generally not required, same-day tickets are usually available. Price: 580 MXN or 32 USD round trip, per person 💰

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Full-Day

✅ Explore Isla Mujeres

You can choose to sit by the water and simply enjoy the calm, breezy atmosphere, explore the island on foot or golf cart, or take part in water activities such as snorkelling and kayaking. Return to Cancún by evening and enjoy the nighttime shows at your resort. Price:FREE

Day 3 - Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen has a more walkable vibe than Cancún. You’ll feel the energy of a coastal town with beach clubs, small cafés, lively streets, and nightlife.

🚌 How to Reach

Board a ADO bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen ADO Bus Station.

• You can board from Cancun Airport(16 USD one-way, per-person, 80 mins bus ride), OR

• You can board from Cancun ADO Bus Station(7.5 USD one-way, per-person, 180 mins bus ride)

• Advance booking is generally not required, same-day tickets are usually available. Price: 7-16 USD One-way, per person 💰

🏨 Where to Stay

Here are some great options to choose from ranging between 150 - 200 USD per night. Book the stay for 2 nights.

• Mahekal Beach Resort
  4.4 ⭐ | 4.5k Google Reviews | ~180 USD/night

• The Fives Downtown
  4.6 ⭐ | 11.5k Google Reviews | ~180 USD/night

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Parque Los Fundadores

One of the most iconic and lively public spaces in Playa del Carmen. Located right by the beach and opposite the ADO bus terminal, the park is known for its traditional Maya dancers and the Papantla Flyers performing ceremonial dances for free. Street performers, vendors, and nearby cafés add to the festive, local vibe. Price:FREE

⏰ Evening

✅ Beach Club

Spend the evening relaxing at a beach club such as Mamita’s Beach Club. Price: Most beach clubs charge an entry fee💰 (often redeemable for food and drinks).

✅ Street Murals

You can also explore nearby artisan shops tucked away on side streets. Don’t miss the murals and street art, the city’s walls are vibrant and full of character. Price:FREE

Day 4 — Chichén Itzá (Day Trip)

🚌 How to Reach

Book a full-day trip to Chichén Itzá through popular tour providers such as Tripadvisor or Viator.

• These tours are also available from Cancún and Tulum, so you can plan according to your location and preferred itinerary.

• Most tours generally include transportation to and from the Chichén Itzá archaeological site, meals, and stops at nearby cenotes.

• Price: 💰

  • Tours start from around 25 USD per person(some tours may not include entry fees).

  • Chichén Itzá entry fee: 45 USD per person.

  • Cenote entry fees: starting from 5 USD, depending on the cenote.

• A personal recommendation is the Chichén Itzá, Cenote Sytun, Cenote Ikkil which combines the archaeological site with visits to some of the most beautiful cenotes.

• Advance booking is recommended to secure the best tour options.

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Full-Day

Enjoy a guided tour of Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the ancient Maya civilization and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After exploring the archaeological site, the tour usually includes stops at nearby cenotes. The most popular stops include Cenote Suytun, known for its magical light beams and photogenic platform, and Cenote Ik Kil, a stunning open-air cenote with lush greenery and cool, clear waters.

✅ Chichén Itzá

Visit the archeological site of Chichén Itzá with a guide and get immersed into the Mayan world.

✅ Cenote(may vary depending on the tour)

Take a refreshing swim or simply relax in a beautiful cenote, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and natural scenery.

Day 5- Tulum

Tulum offers a captivating mix of history and natural beauty, all wrapped in a relaxed Bohemian vibe.

🚌 How to Reach

Board a ADO bus from Playa del Carmen ADO Bus Station to Tulum

• You can get-down at Tulum ADO Bus Station or Tulum Ruins. It is a 60 mins bus ride.

• Advance booking is generally not required, same-day tickets are usually available. Price: 8 USD One-way, per person 💰

🏨 Where to Stay

Here are some great stay options to choose from, ranging between 150 - 200 USD per night. Book the stay for 2 nights.

• Copal Tulum
  4.2 ⭐ | 1k Google Reviews | ~75 USD/night

• Diamante K
  4.3 ⭐ | 1k Google Reviews | ~85 USD/night

• Mayan Monkey Hostel Tulum
  4.6 ⭐ | 3.2k Google Reviews | ~106 USD/night

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park

• Ahau Tulum Sculpture Park (also called the Tulum Sculpture Park), located on the grounds of the Ahau Tulum Hotel.

• Escultura Ven a la luz is one of the most famous sculpture and photo spot.

• Price : 3 USD entry fee per person💰

⏰ Evening

✅ Explore Tulum Town

Walk through town and stop at cafés that match your vibe. Price:FREE

Optional: You can check-out Kin Toh restaurant made on a treehouse.

Day 6 - Tulum

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Morning

✅ Laguna Kaan Luum

It is a calm and turquoise lagoon, surrounded by jungle. It feels like a mix between a cenote and a lake. Price: 15-20 USD entry fee per person 💰

⏰ Afternoon

✅ Playa Paraiso

This is the beach people picture when they imagine the Caribbean Coast. Price: 6-10 USD entry per person 💰

Optional: If you have extra time, you can also visit Playa Akumal, and snorkel with the see turtles.

Day 7 - Tulum

🚌 How to Reach

Board a ADO bus from Tulum to Cancun

• You can get-down at Cancun Airport. It is a 150 mins bus ride.

• Advance booking is not needed generally, same day tickets are also available. But don't take chance as you have catch your flight! Price: 26 USD one-way, per person💰

🪂 What to Do

⏰ Morning

✅ Azulik Uh May

This place is a one-of-a-kind museum where art installations interact with the jungle environment. It’s also home to things like a jungle restaurant. Price : 20-25 USD entry per person 💰

⏰ Afternoon

Take a bus back to Cancun to catch your flight on time!