Mexico. You’ve probably heard of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum but have you heard of the likes of Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres and Bacalar? These are the real gems of the Caribbean side of Mexico. Personally, I think the likes of Cancun and Tulum are overrated unless you’re wanting an expensive, tacky American all-inclusive relaxing break. That’s not to say that the rest of Yucatan and Quintana Roo is cheap, in fact, it is far from in comparison to the rest of Mexico but that’s not to say you can’t plan a budget friendly 2-week trip. This whole itinerary can be done easily by bus (skip to the end for specific details)
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Cancun (1 night)
As most flights from the UK will arrive to Cancun, we will
start the itinerary there. I was not a huge fan of Cancun, but after a long
flight you are likely wanting to check straight in somewhere and let off a bit
of steam. I must admit the beaches in Cancun are beautiful, even if the free
public ones do get a little crowded.
Where to stay:
If you’re wanting affordable then stay in Downtown as it is going to be much cheaper. If you’re arriving late or not planning to go out in the Hotel Zone then it most definitely might be the better option if you’re wanting to keep to a tight budget. If you’re wanting to make the most of your first night and hit the town and don’t mind splashing out a bit then I would opt for the Hotel Zone. Personally, I would pick the Hotel Zone if you’re wanting to experience Cancun for what it is.
Mayan Monkey Cancun (Hotel Zone)
Nomads Hotel Hostel and Rooftop Pool (Downtown)
Things to do:
Day trip to Chichen Itza – one of the seven wonders of the world! (if you’re going to Valladolid then skip this one)
Eat your way through all the famous American restaurants
Party at the famous Coco Bongo club. Although this is not a budget friendly activity, the ticket includes an open bar and a show. I enjoyed myself but I did feel like I had just stepped back into the 90s. Some days have ladies night tickets for cheaper so be aware to check the website for this discount!
Spend the day at Coco Bongo beach club.
Visit the free public beaches
Get any supplies you need from Walmart
Isla Mujeres (1 night)
This beautiful little island is just a short ferry away from the Hotel Zone. Most people do a day trip from Cancun so be wary that the north side of the island is usually packed with tourists during the day. However, it often calms down a little in the evenings once all the day trippers leave. The water in Isla Mujeres is the brightest blue and the whole island just has a completely different feel to Cancun. Although it is still full of souvenir shops and people zooming around on golf buggies, it has a much more laid back atmosphere than Cancun does.
Where to stay:
The north side of the island has more going on in the likes of restaurants and bars. However, the bus is easy to catch if you do decide to stay in the south of the island. Just be aware that the buses stop running around 9pm.
Selina Poc Na (North side)
Nomads Hotel Hostel and Beach Club (South side)
What to do:
Visit Kin Ha Beach Club– Located in the south of the island. Kin Ha is free to enter to use the facilities with the purchase of a drink or food. There are swimming pools, snorkels, kayaks, paddle boards and swings.
Eat at Tacos de Humo (the most amazing tacos that I’ve ever eaten!)
Party at Selina hostel
Isla Holbox (3 nights)
I instantly fell in love with this little island. There are no cars and only bikes and golf buggies that go around the island which adds to the laid back atmosphere. The beaches are so calm and relaxing and everyone gathers each night to watch the most stunning sunsets I saw in all of Mexico. This is one place I would recommend NOT to miss out of your itinerary!
Where to stay:
Things to do:
The 3 Island Tour – There are so many tour operators dotted around the island that offer similar trips and they’re all a similar price.
Swim with whale sharks (season depending)
Experience the bioluminescence.
Visit Punta Mosquito
Watch the sunset from the beach
Relax on the beautiful beach
Mérida (2 nights)
Mérida is probably the most authentic Mexican place in this whole itinerary and the cheapest! There are so many nice bars and restaurants to try here and the city in general just has a really nice chilled vibe. After a few island days, it is certainly nice to have a bit of city time without too much hustle and bustle.
Where to stay:
Things to do:
People watch in the main square in Zocalo (Downtown). If you’re there on a Sunday there are local markets and traditional dancing.
Visit Picheta rooftop bar
Have drinks at the local cantinas
Taste the amazing food of the Yucatan on a food tour
Do a cooking class of the traditional Yucatan food
Visit Santa Barara Cenotes. The ticket cost 250MXN (£10.80) and includes entry to 3 amazing cenotes, a life jacket and transport in the form of a bike or a horse and cart.
Walk around Paseo de Montejo – an area filled with beautiful historic buildings and some of the most prime real estate.
Valladolid (1 night)
The number one reason why people visit this little city is to visit the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. A wonder of the world. However, this city is worth a visit in its own right. The colourful houses and quaint little square and cathedral.
Where to stay:
Things to do:
Visit Chichen Itza – it’s possible to catch a colectivo straight there
Visit cenotes in the surrounding areas
Visit the Parque Principal and San Servacio church
Cozumel (2 nights)
This island is famous for it’s scuba diving and snorkelling. Unfortunately, I didn’t do either here as I didn’t actually get my PADI until I visited Honduras a month later. The island is more built up than Isla Mujeres and Holbox in the sense that cars are the norm and people don’t drive around on golf buggies. However, it’s still a very peaceful place to visit and I was actually pleasantly surprised by the island. I highly recommend renting a bike and riding around the island.
Where to stay:
Things to do:
Become a certified diver by taking a PADI course
Go snorkelling at El Cielo and Palancar beach
Go scuba diving
Visit Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
Watch the sunset from the beach
Enjoy happy hour at The Money Bar Beach Club
Cycle around the island and take in the stunning views
Tulum (1 night)
Tulum is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its popularity among influencers. Although personally, it was probably my least favourite place I visited in my whole Mexico trip. Don’t get me wrong, it has some of the best beach clubs and cenotes in Mexico. However, everything just seemed ridiculously overpriced and Americanised. That said, I’ve added in one night here as it definitely had some cheaper stuff to do that you can take advantage of and it’s only a logical stop off on the way to Bacalar. Also, it’s so hyped up these days on social media that a lot of people are intrigued on seeing what the hype is about. However, if you are tight on time and wanted to add in a night elsewhere then Tulum is the place to be ditching!
Where to stay:
Things to do:
Visit the archaeological ruins
Swim with turtles in Akmal
Visit Xel-Ha Waterpark
Rent bikes and cycle to the Hotel Zone
Visit the nearby cenotes
Eat street food in Downtown
Bacalar (3 nights)
I instantly fell in love with Bacalar, so much so that I visited it twice! Home to the lake of seven colours, it is hard not to be in awe of the beauty of this place. Sure, there are plenty of tourists around but it is a far cry from the sky rise buildings and expensiveness of Tulum. It is super easy to get around Bacalar either on foot, by bike or taxis (at an affordable price!)
Where to stay:
Things to do:
Take a boat trip out onto the lake.
Hire kayaks to explore the lake
Visit Cenote Azul
Visit Los Rápidos (a natural lazy river, not too far from the centre of Bacalar)
Eat at Mr. Tacos (the most affordable, tasty tacos I found in all of Mexico)
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you.
How to get around by bus
Mexico is one of the easiest countries to get around by bus that I have ever visited. ADO is the most famous bus company and the one favourited by tourists however if you search on Busbud or visit the bus stations and ask, there are often cheaper alternative buses going. Just bear in mind, these are often second class and sometimes without bathrooms onboard. Buses are easy to book by using either the ADO website or Busbud and they are fairly reliable and comfortable. You can do this entire route using ADO or you can opt for the cheaper option of using colectivos (shared minivans) on certain routes if you’re up for a more budget friendly adventure.
Cancun airport to Cancun– There is an ADO bus directly from the airport (T2,3 &4) to Cancun Downtown. It takes around an hour and costs 110MXN (£5) one way. From Downtown you can take the number R1 to get into the Hotel Zone which costs around 12MXN (£0.50).
Cancun-Isla Mujeres- There are many ferry companies, but I used Ultramar which is the most famous and was very reliable. There are a few different docks so search which one is closest to your accommodation. Cost around 540MXN return (£24). The ferry only takes around 15 minutes depending which dock you choose to go from.
If you are going to visit both Isla Mujeres and Cozumel you can buy an Island Hopper ticket from Ultramar that is on sale for $45USD (£37). This would be the most cost effective ticket to purchase.
Isla Mujeres-Isla Holbox– Take the ferry back to Cancun and catch the R1 bus to Downtown. Take the ADO bus to Chiquila which costs 344MXN (£15) and takes around 2 hours 30 mins. Then, catch the ferry to Holbox which costs 220MXN (£9.50) one way and takes around 25 mins.
Isla Holbox- Mérida- Take the ferry back to Chiquila and from there jump on an ADO bus to Mérida, the bus takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs 532MXN (£23).
Mérida-Valladolid- Take the ADO bus direct to Valladolid. Costs 306MXN (£13.50) and takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Valladolid- Cozumel- Catch the ADO bus direct to Playa del Carmen. From Playa take the ferry to Cozumel. There are two ferry companies. If you purchased the Island Hopper ticket with Ultramar then use that. IF you didn’t, a return ticket costs 500MXN return (£22). The Ultramar ferry takes around 20 minutes. There is also Winjet that costs 456MXN (£20) return but takes 40 minutes.
Cozumel-Tulum- First you need to go to catch the return ferry to Playa del Carmen. From Playa, you have two options. Take the ADO bus (you should be pro at this by now). This costs 114MXN (£5) or go on more of an adventure and save a bit of cash by taking the colectivo to Tulum which costs 40MXN (£1.75), this is the cheaper option but may be more difficult to navigate if you don’t speak Spanish. Personally, I would take the colectivo. There are no set timetables and the colectivos set off once they are full which doesn’t take long on this route.
Tulum- Bacalar- From Tulum there is a colectivo that goes directly to Bacalar but it is only minibus size and has only a few daily departures so I would definitely book in advance if you are going for this option. There is also the option of going via the ADO bus which costs 370MXN (£16). I found the colectivo option to be more budget friendly although it’s more difficult to navigate as they didn’t speak English. I can’t remember the exact cost and pick up details, although I took the following picture below. The pickup was not too far from Straw Hat Hostel and I’m sure it was less than 300MXN.
Bacalar-Cancun- Catch an ADO directly back to Cancun costing 598MXN (£26). It takes around 5-6 hours so be sure to factor in another night in Cancun if you have an early flight.
All prices accurate at time of writing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links at no extra cost to you.