2 Weeks in Mexico: Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary

If you have just 2 weeks in Mexico, like most visitors, you need to think about your Mexico itinerary carefully.

You don’t have to skip some of your bucket list items. You can swim in cenotes, scuba dive with whale sharks, enjoy the white sand beaches, visit the ancient Mayan ruins, visit colonial towns and still have time to taste the nightlife.

Is Cancun and Riviera Maya or Yucatan the Same Thing?

Quite often, people use Cancun, Riviera Maya and Yucatan interchangeably. However, they are different things.

Most people staying in the area as visiting more than Cancun and even Riviera Maya, so the best term to use is Yucatan Peninsula. Yucatan Peninsula covers the states of Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo.

• Yucatan: It’s the name of the entire peninsula, but also a state covering the western side of the actual peninsula. This state is considered one of the safest in Mexico. You’ll find Valladolid, Izamal and many cenotes in Yucatan.

• Quintana Roo: This state is home to all the big destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, including Cancun, Tulum, Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen, but also off the beaten path places like Isla Holbox Island and Laguna of 7 Colors in Bacalar.

• Riviera Maya: It’s a region south of Cancun (technically starts in Puerto Morelos and ends by Punta Allen) with many smaller resort towns such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal and Cozumel island all located along the water.

• Campeche: The least visited Yucatan Peninsula state, south of Quintana Roo. From the UNESCO sites like the city of Campeche to the Calakmul Mayan Ruins, Campeche State has many Mexico hidden gems. It’s also the best getaway to Belize and Guatemala.

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What to Do in Riviera Maya & Cancun for 7 Days

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The best and most convenient way to explore the Cancun area is by renting a car. A car will give you the freedom to explore more and beat the crowds. You will appreciate having the ability to go places a bit off the beaten path and possibly save money over using taxis and shuttles.

You can pick up a car right after you land in Cancun and begin your adventure by driving directly to Playa del Carmen. Alternatively, pick up transport from the airport to your first hotel and rent a car in Playa, as it’s much cheaper.

Is Mexico Still Safe?

Yes, absolutely. While the US government constantly issues travel warnings against going to certain areas of Riviera Maya (they also issued many for countries I had an amazing experience in, like Iran), life there goes on normally, as usual.

I live in Playa del Carmen on and off for years during another travel warning and I was going places just fine. Plenty of tourists, locals, and expats are enjoying Yucatan Peninsula these days. It’s safer than popular places like New York City, New Orleans or Chicago.

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Things to Do in Yucatan Peninsula Mexico

Area of Cancun Itinerary for 7 days

Day 1 & 2: Enjoy Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is much more than just a tourist spot with great nightlife. Even after a year of living here I still keep finding those hidden gems in and around town. Playa del Carmen is a great place to eat delicious Mexican food, shop till you drop, and relax on the beach.

There are also plenty of activities like jet-skiing, paragliding, snorkeling and much more if you’re looking for some adventures without leaving town. It’s a great place to start your adventures around the Yucatan Peninsula.

You can base yourself in Playa for at least a few days while doing day trips. Since Playa is still quite touristy you can get more local experience by staying at a vacation rental rather than staying at the hotel.

READ MORE: Best Guide to Playa del Carmen

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Best Apartments in Playa del Carmen (I used to live in both)

The Elements   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com + Booking.com (it’s the same building with different apartments because every apartment has different owners)

Sabbia   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com | Agoda

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Playa del Carmen

Reina Roja   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com | Agoda

Acanto Boutique  –  Check Prices On: Booking.com | Agoda

Best Luxury Hotels in Playa del Carmen

The Royal   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com | Agoda

Grand Hyatt   –   Check Prices On: Booking.com | Agoda