3 Days in Cancun — Complete Itinerary
Xcaret Park Entry
Explore 45 acres of Mayan culture with cenote swimming at Avenida Tulum 100, Cancun—see how 800+ years of Mayan history shaped modern Cancun through authentic village demonstrations. Skip the guided tour ($25) and use the free park map to self-navigate the 45 trails for $10 savings.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Swim through the 130-foot deep limestone cave system on Route 307, Tulum—see ancient fossils and bioluminescent fish in the crystal-clear freshwater. Arrive by 10am to avoid crowds and pay $12 (not $25) for the standard tour.
La Isla Shopping Village
Dine at El Rey (Blvd. Kukulkan km 10) for $3.50 cochinita pibil tacos—locals line up at the 7am opening for the best pork. Eat before 7pm to avoid tourist prices at the mall’s main restaurants.
El Rey Ruins
Hike the 800-year-old Mayan site at Avenida Tulum 100—see the 200-year-old Sacred Cenote and the 12th-century pyramid overlooking the Caribbean. Free entry (no $15 fee) if you arrive before 9am when the gate opens.
Tulum Beach
Relax at Playa Paraíso (Tulum beach, 12 km south of town)—swim in turquoise water with sea turtles at the natural reef. Bring your own towel ($0) instead of renting ($5) from vendors.
Mercado 28
Eat at El Sabor de Tulum (Calles 12 y 15) for $4.50 seafood tacos—try the grilled octopus with habanero sauce. Skip the 7pm dinner rush by ordering lunch (11am–2pm) for 50% off.
San Miguel de Cozumel Ferry
Take the $1.50 ferry from Cancun’s Puerto Juarez (Avenida Tulum) to Cozumel—see the 1,000-year-old Mayan ruins at San Gervasio (free entry). Book the 9am ferry to avoid tourist boats.
Playa Mia Beach
Swim in the protected lagoon at Playa Mia (Blvd. Kukulkan km 13) with shallow turquoise water and coral gardens. Skip the $30 snorkel rental ($5 at local kiosks).
La Vida Restaurant
Dine at La Vida (Avenida Tulum 200) for $8 fish tacos with guacamole—sit at the counter for the chef’s daily special. Order the $3 agua fresca to save $5 vs. bottled drinks.
Local Insider Tip
Eat at El Rey taco stand (Calle 12, downtown) before 7am to get the best cochinita pibil—locals eat there at 6am, tourists arrive at 7am.
About These Attractions
Verified descriptions from Wikipedia · Last checked 2026-04-12
Xcaret Park is a privately owned and operated theme park, resort and self-described ecotourism development located in the Riviera Maya, a portion of the Caribbean coastline of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is part of Xcaret Experiencias Group which also owns the Xplor Par
Mercado 28 is an open-air market located in downtown Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Established in the 1980s, it has become a local cultural and commercial landmark, attracting both locals and tourists seeking Mexican crafts.
San Miguel de Cozumel, Commonly known as San Miguel is the largest city in Cozumel Municipality in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. With a 2010 census population of 77,236, it is also Quintana Roo's fourth-largest community, after Cancún, Chetumal, and Playa del Carmen. It is a
Source: Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
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