5 days in Cancún: itinerary for first-timers (2026)

This plan keeps the Hotel Zone sights together on day 1, then takes one longer trip each day. Check the day of the week: the Museo Maya is closed Mondays, and Chichén Itzá closes its ticket window around 4 p.m. If you are travelling between June and October, check the weather forecast, since hurricane season runs early June to the end of November.

Day 1: Hotel Zone: museum, ruins and beach

Morning: Visit the Museo Maya de Cancún when it opens at 9 a.m. (closed Mondays; on a Monday, start with El Rey instead).
Afternoon: Walk through the El Rey ruins (open 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) and look for the iguanas.
Evening: Cross the road to Playa Delfines for the late-afternoon light and the CANCÚN sign. Check the flag colour before swimming.
Getting around: R-1 or R-2 bus along Boulevard Kukulcán, about MX$12–15 each way.

Tours for day 1 ↗

Day 2: Chichén Itzá

Morning: Leave early for the 2.5-hour trip so you arrive when the site opens at 8 a.m. Pay the single MX$697 ticket (Boleto Único) at the visitor centre.
Afternoon: Finish by early afternoon, since the site closes at 4 p.m., and drive back to Cancún.
Evening: Rest and eat dinner at your hotel or at a halal-friendly place (see the halal guide).
Getting around: ADO bus, a private transfer or an organized tour from Cancún.

Tours for day 2 ↗

Day 3: Isla Mujeres

Morning: Take an early Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juárez, Playa Tortugas or Playa Caracol. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.
Afternoon: Spend the morning at Playa Norte, which is calm and shallow, then rent a golf cart for a tour of the island.
Evening: Catch a ferry back before dark; boats run until late evening, but last departures vary by season.
Getting around: Walk from the ferry dock to Playa Norte; golf cart or taxi elsewhere on the island.

Tours for day 3 ↗

Day 4: Tulum ruins

Morning: Arrive at the Tulum ruins at 8 a.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.; MX$265 for foreign visitors).
Afternoon: Stop in Playa del Carmen for lunch and a walk, then head back to Cancún.
Evening: Dinner near your hotel.
Getting around: About 2 to 2.5 hours each way by car or bus; a tour can include both stops.

Tours for day 4 ↗

Day 5: Xcaret or a cenote morning

Morning: Choose one. Either spend the day at Xcaret (open 8:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; book online), or visit a cenote on the Ruta de los Cenotes from about 9 a.m.
Afternoon: If you picked the cenote, rest and spend your afternoon at Playa Delfines or your hotel pool.
Evening: If you picked Xcaret, stay for the evening show, or leave earlier if you have children with you.
Getting around: Xcaret is south of Playa del Carmen on Highway 307; the Ruta de los Cenotes is north, near Puerto Morelos. A rental car or tour helps for both.

Tours for day 5 ↗

Go deeper

Details for every stop

Things to do in CancúnHours, prices and how to get to each sightSee the sights → Tours in CancúnGuided tours and tickets on KlookBrowse ↗

Plan the rest

More for your trip to Cancún

Where to stay in CancúnThe best areas, comparedRead →eSIM for MexicoPlans, prices and setupRead →Renting a car in Cancún, MexicoLicence, insurance and roadsRead →Things to do in Cancún8 sights with hours and pricesRead →Halal travel in CancúnHalal food, mosques and where to stayRead →Cancún travel hubFlights, when to go, entry rules and every guideRead →

Getting there

Cheapest flights from Canada

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Everything for this trip: Cancún travel hub: flights, when to go and all our guides →

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Sources

Checked October 1, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

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