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Yucatán Peninsula Loop: the Day-by-Day Itinerary
The Yucatán mixes jungle-covered pyramids with turquoise swimming holes. You climb Maya ruins before the heat arrives, cool off in crystal-clear cenotes after lunch, and wander Mérida's pastel streets in the evening. Cochinita pibil tacos hold the whole trip together.
Yucatán Peninsula Loop is a 700 km loop (self-drive). It works best as 4–7 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for February, built from 331 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
Customize this plan → 4-day plan · 6-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go
6
days
724 km
distance
10.3 h
driving
42
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Dry season: cenotes at their clearest and 30°C days — this is the window.
- Heavy transit: day 6 (6h36) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 7 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Cancún → Playa del Carmen
🌡 18.7–29.4°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
09:00
Seatizen Diversbeaches & cliffsswimming & bathsmuseums & heritage
Discover reefs, cenotes, and the Undersea Museum with certified guides.
90 min · Cancún
open: Daily 07:30AM–5:30PM
10:30
Columbus Romantic Dinner Cancunbeaches & cliffsswimming & bathsseafood
Dine romantically on steak and lobster out on a serene boat.
90 min · Cancún
12:00
Punta Este Marinabeaches & cliffsswimming & bathsmuseums & heritage
Navigate the lagoon by boat and dive at famous reefs.
90 min · Cancún
13:30
Food stall "Tacos More"seafood
Savor fresh fish tacos filled with shrimp or meat.
60 min · Cancún
15:34
Scuba10beaches & cliffsswimming & baths
Breathe easy as you dive deep into mysterious cenote caverns.
90 min · Playa del Carmen
18:30
La Tarrayabeaches & cliffscraft beer & pubsseafood
Indulge in cheap, fresh seafood with a view of the beach.
75 min · Playa del Carmen
Overnight: Playa del Carmen
e.g. Reina Roja Hotel · Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Day 2 Around Playa del Carmen
🌡 18.7–29.4°C · 🌧 ~7 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
09:00
Cenote Dive Centerswimming & bathsmuseums & heritage
Feel the cool cenote water as you explore crystal-clear depths.
90 min · Playa del Carmen
10:30
Advanced Diver Mexicobeaches & cliffs
Hear echoes in ancient cave systems while diving with expert guidance.
90 min · Playa del Carmen
open: 08:00-20:00
12:00
Dive Xmuseums & heritage
Taste adrenaline diving with bull sharks in thrilling cenote waters.
90 min · Playa del Carmen
open: 08:00-18:00
13:30
Don Quijote Playa del Carmenbeaches & cliffs
Immerse yourself in lively Spanish language classes with passionate teachers.
50 min · Playa del Carmen
open: 09:00-17:00
14:20
Consular Agency of Canada in Playa del Carmenbeaches & cliffs
Access essential consular services by email or phone.
50 min · Playa del Carmen
open: Monday - Friday: 09:00-13:00 Must call first
15:10
Portal Mayahistory & sagas
Spot the iconic oceanfront bronze archway.
50 min · Playa del Carmen
16:00
El Oasis Seafoodbeaches & cliffsseafood
Relish consistent, quality Mexican seafood, loved by locals.
60 min · Playa del Carmen
Overnight: Playa del Carmen
e.g. Reina Roja Hotel · Playa Palms Beach Hotel
Day 3 Tulum
🌡 15.2–32.2°C · 🌧 ~6 rain days · ☀ 11.3h light
09:58
Laguna Kaan Luumbeaches & cliffsswimming & bathsmuseums & heritage
Swim in colorful waters and relax in hammocks.
50 min · Tulum
10:48
El Gran Cenoteswimming & bathsseafood
Swim and snorkel among fish, iguanas, and birds in a lush limestone cave.
50 min · Tulum · M$300 (cash only)
open: Daily 09:00 - 17:00
11:38
Casa Cenotebeaches & cliffsswimming & baths
Discover a hidden underground spring flowing beneath the ocean surface.
50 min · Tulum
12:28
Playa Pescadoresbeaches & cliffsseafood
Enjoy a lively beachside atmosphere with fresh seafood and water activities.
90 min · Tulum
13:58
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reservebeaches & cliffsswimming & baths
Paddle through pristine mangroves and wetlands.
90 min · Tulum
15:28
Sfer Ikmuseums & heritage
Wander through an art-filled space where architecture mirrors jungle and sea.
50 min · Tulum · M$400 per person
open: Daily 10:00 - 19:00
16:18
Oscar & Lalo Restaurant, Bar & Grillcraft beer & pubsseafood
Delight in fresh seafood and Yucatecan dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
60 min · Tulum
18:30
Antorikoseafood
Taste generous seafood tacos and marinated marlin.
75 min · Tulum
open: Closed Tuesday, all others 9am-10:30pm
Overnight: Tulum
e.g. Om Tulum Hotel Cabanas & Beach Club · Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
See the remaining 3 days of the 6-day plan →
Route map
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