2-3 Weeks Mexico Road Trip Itinerary: Yucatán & Quintana Roo All You Need to Know for Your DIY Adventure, Far from Tourist Traps

No travel agency needed! Embrace the freedom of the open road. Essential Information Entry Requirements: Most travelers get a free 30-day stay upon arrival in Mexico (check specifics for your country). Safety: Once you leave the main tourist hotspots, you’ll find this are of Mexico incredibly safe for road trips. Use your common sense, and you’ll be fine. LGBT+ comfort: 8/10 Rental Car: We used Enterprise – affordable and hassle-free. Yes, Mexican drivers can be a bit wild, but outside Cancun and Tulum, driving is relaxed and scenic. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Cancun Just land, take in the first vibes, and stay no more than a day. Wander through Mercado 28 and relax at Playa Delfines – both free and full of local flavor. Day 2-3: Isla Mujeres Yes, it’s touristy, but locals swear it has the clearest water in the state. Totally worth it! (Optional) Skip Tulum – Honestly, it’s the only spot where we felt a bit unsafe. Day 4-5: Akumal Swim with turtles in the bluest waters. Ulises Experiences is our go-to for ethical tours. Day 6-7: Punta Allen Remote but magical for marine life and breathtaking night skies. Brace yourself for the bumpy 3-hour ride. Consider skipping depending on weather conditions. Day 8-9: Laguna Bacalar Kayak and swim in the surreal blue sweet water lagoon and unwind. Nightlife tip: El Galeón Pirata is where you’ll find cool cocktails, music, and even cooler people. Don’t miss Los Rápidos de Bacalar (early morning recommended), but hands off the stromatolite, the most ancient rocks on Earth. Day 10-11: Mahahual Pirate vibes, Caribbean waters, and endless ceviche and margaritas at Crazy Lobster. We would have never left. Dive or snorkel at Chinchorro Island for encounters with the richest marine wildlife. Day 12-13: Valladolid Your base for exploring cenotes and Mayan ruins. Skip the crowds at Chichén Itzá and head to Ek Balam – less touristy and pricey, more authentic. Cenotes are stunning underground lakes formed naturally over millions of years, creating a unique environment perfect for swimming and exploring. You will find many worth a visit in the surroundings of Valladolid! Day 14: Río Lagartos Take a boat trip (up to 6 people) through the mangrove forest and natural reserve lagoon, where you’ll see massive wild crocodiles, various bird species like eagles and pelicans, and more flamingos than you could ever imagine. If you have an extra day, visit San Felipe, a charming fishing town with stunning, empty beaches that you can reach by renting a boat for a very low price. You might even spot some raccoons! Day 15-16: El Cuyo Chill vibes, kitesurfing, and seasonal bioluminescence. Time moves slower here. Day 17-19: Holbox Leave your car behind and hop on a ferry, rent a bike, and enjoy turquoise waters and vibrant nightlife. Holbox is perfect place to spot bioluminescence, don't get scammed bt tours though! It's not always visible, but you can easily reach the area for free. Back to Cancun for Departure :') Tips & Disclaimers: Tourist hubs can be pricey, but street tacos? Cheap, delicious, and addictive. Avoid tap water, but local juices and cooked food are usually safe. Don’t leave without trying tacos el pastor and birria, guacamole, ceviche, tequila, and mezcal. This trip was unforgettable for us – hope it will be for you too. Enjoy every moment! ¡Qué disfruten del viaje!