5 days in Cancun, Tulum & Playa del Carmen 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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Fri): browse the different shops at La Isla Shopping Village.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Cancun trip planner.

Mexico City to Cancun is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Mexico City to Cancun, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Mexico City in October, things will get somewhat warmer in Cancun: highs are around 35°C and lows about 26°C. You will have some time to spend on the 26th (Sat) before leaving for Tulum.

The only Mayan site built to overlook the ocean, Tulum remains a coastal paradise preserving the last vestiges of a pre-Hispanic civilization.

Get some historical perspective at Tulum Archaeological Site and Cobá Zona Arqueológica Cobá. You'll get in some beach time at Paradise Beach and Akumal Beach. Next up on the itinerary: look for gifts at Kaahal Home Tulum.

To see reviews, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Tulum day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Cancun to Tulum takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. October in Tulum sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 25°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Playa del Carmen.

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

For photos, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Playa del Carmen online trip maker.

Traveling by car from Tulum to Playa del Carmen takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 25°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.