14 days in Tulum, Cancun & Playa del Carmen Itinerary

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

Visit Paradise Beach and Ziggy Beach for some beach relaxation. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Mayan Beach and Cenote Hubiku. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tulum: Valladolid (Palacio Municipal & Museo de San Roque). The adventure continues: delve into the distant past at Tulum Archaeological Site, look for gifts at Amore Latino Tulum, tour the pleasant surroundings at LabnaHa Cenotes & Eco Park, and Head underground at Gran Cenote.

To see ratings, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Tulum trip maker tool.

San Francisco, USA to Tulum is an approximately 8.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of subway, train, and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from San Francisco to Tulum is 3 hours. Traveling from San Francisco in November, expect Tulum to be a bit warmer, temps between 81°F and 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) early enough to drive to Cancun.

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.

We've included these beaches for you: Playa Delfines and Tankah Beach. Explore hidden gems such as Spas and Playa Lancheros. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Cancun: Isla Mujeres (Punta Sur & Isla Brewing Company). Next up on the itinerary: skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, see Off-Road Tours, make a trip to EL Sol de Cancun, and make a splash at Float Fun Cancun.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Cancun online sightseeing planner.

Getting from Tulum to Cancun by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or take a bus. November in Cancun sees daily highs of 83°F and lows of 70°F at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sun) early enough 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.

Visit Parque Los Fundadores and Xpu-ha Beach for some beach relaxation. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Spas and Off-Road Tours. There's still lots to do: find something for the whole family at Xcaret, take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, explore the world behind art at 3D Museum of Wonders, and enjoy the sand and surf at Riviera Maya.

To find photos, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Playa del Carmen itinerary planning website.

Traveling by car from Cancun to Playa del Carmen takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 80°F, and evening lows to 68°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.