14 days in Cancun, Akumal & Chichen Itza 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Cancun side-trips: Isla Mujeres (Punta Sur & Playa Norte). Next up on the itinerary: buy something for everyone on your list at La Isla Shopping Village, find something for the whole family at Puerto Maya Cancun, get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, and indulge in some culinary diversions at a local gastronomic tour.

To see photos, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Cancun journey tool.

Paris, France to Cancun is an approximately 13-hour flight. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is usually a -6 hour difference. Plan for warmer temperatures traveling from Paris in October, with highs in Cancun at 35°C and lows at 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Mon) so you can drive to Akumal.

The heart of Mexico's Riviera Maya, small but busy beach town of Akumal represents one of the world's premier diving locations.

Start off your visit on the 1st (Tue): explore the activities along Yal-ku Lagoon and then Head underground at Aktun Chen. Here are some ideas for day two: see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then enjoy the sand and surf at Akumal Beach, and then take in the exciting artwork at Galeria Lamanai.

To find more things to do, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Akumal tour planner.

You can drive from Cancun to Akumal in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Akumal can reach 34°C, while at night they dip to 25°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Thu) early enough to go by car to Chichen Itza.

Featuring the largest archeological site of the ancient Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza remains one of the most visited tourist destinations in Mexico.

Venture out of the city with trips to Izamal (Zona Arqueologica de Izamal, Taller Maya Izamal, &more). There's still lots to do: make a trip to Chichen Itza, explore the ancient world of Kinichna Zona Arqueologica, explore the fascinating underground world of Balankanche Cave, and explore the striking landscape at Cenote Ik kil.

To find maps, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Chichen Itza day trip planner.

You can drive from Akumal to Chichen Itza in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and shuttle; or take a bus. Traveling from Akumal in November, expect a bit warmer with lows of 29°C in Chichen Itza. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) early enough to take a shuttle to Cancun.

On the 7th (Mon), relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers and then head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Cancun planning app.

Getting from Chichen Itza to Cancun by shuttle takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Chichen Itza in November, Cancun is a bit cooler at night with lows of 24°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) so you can catch the flight back home.