5 days in Cancun: first-timers itinerary

Whether you’re considering heading to Cancun with kids, or fancy a couples-only kind of vacation, read on for a fulfilling Cancun itinerary that’ll keep everyone happy. Covering beautiful beaches, amazing Maya wonders and idyllic islands, it’s a thrilling first-timer’s itinerary for all ages, and an exhilarating way to spend 5 days in Cancun.

How many days do you need in Cancun?

If you’re wondering how many days in Cancun you need, rest assured, if you’re limited to five days, you can enjoy a fabulous vacation that blends blissful chill-time on the beach with the chance to discover some incredible ancient Mayan attractions. 

While the balance of your trip is — of course — entirely up to you, the Cancun 5 day itinerary shared below has been curated to showcase the best of both worlds. 

Not fixed on a day day trip to Cancun? Take inspiration from our 7 days in Mexico itinerary and 14 days in Mexico itineraries.

Where to stay in Cancun

When trying to decide the best area to stay in Cancun, it all comes down to what sort of vacation you have in mind. 

For example, are you traveling as a family? Are you looking for lively nightlife? Or do you want to find someplace more secluded and romantic in a destination that can feel pretty busy?

In the first instance, if you're a first-time visitor to Cancun — and want easy access to resort facilties, entertainment and tours — check out accommodation in Zona Hotelera. With a 22-kilometer stretch of land, it’s packed with resorts, beaches and attractions. 

Traveling to Cancun with kids? Considering staying on Isla Mujeres. This small island off Cancun's coastline is ideal for a family getaway. 

If nightlife is top of your travel wish list, base yourself in Punta Cancun. Located on the northern tip of the Hotel Zone, this is the heart of Cancun’s party scene.

At the other end of the scale, if you want something quieter and less-crowded, browse accommodation in Puerto Juarez. Just north of the Hotel Zone, this charming fishing village offers a taste of Mexican coastal life.  

How to get around Cancun

Good news — getting around Cancun is straightforward, which means you have no excuse for spending the entirety of your 5 days in Cancun stretched out on a sun lounger!

First up, if you’re in the Hotel Zone, walking or renting a bike is a wonderful way to explore nearby beaches and shops.

Beyond the resort area, public buses are the most affordable and convenient way to travel around Cancun, with routes connecting the Hotel Zone to downtown Cancun and popular destinations like as Plaza Las Americas and El Rey Ruins. 

While taxis are readily available, they can be expensive, especially in the Hotel Zone. Always negotiate the fare beforehand, or confirm a fair price with your hotel.

For airport transfers or excursions, pre-booked shuttles and private transfers are comfortable and reliable, and many tour companies offer direct transport to attractions like Isla Mujeres.

Traveling beyond Cancun? Read up on getting around Mexico.

Is Cancun safe?

Being a very popular tourist destination, Cancun’s well-developed infrastructure means it’s generally pretty safe.

That said, the U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancún.

While tourists are not usually targeted, theft and some violent incidents can occur, and it’s advisable to follow a few guidelines to enhance personal safety.

First up, stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid displaying valuables. You should also use reputable transportation and tour services.

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun

After arriving at Cancun International Airport, take a shuttle or taxi to your accommodation. 

It typically 20-30 minutes to reach the Hotel Zone or downtown Cancun, so it won’t be before you can change into your beachwear to get your vacation underway.

Spend your first evening settling in, exploring your hotel’s amenities, or taking a leisurely stroll along the beach ahead of dinner.

Day 2: Explore Cancun

Wondering what you can do in Cancun in 5 days? It’s not all about the beach, though that does figure first in our suggestions for what to do on the first full day of this Cancun itinerary.

Things to do in Cancun

From snorkeling and parasailing, to exploring natural lagoons and ancient ruins, here are some of the best things to do right in Cancun.

Hit Playa Delfines

Start your day at Playa Delfines, one of Cancun’s most beautiful beaches, thanks to its soft sloping sand and crystal-clear waters being free from the usual backdrop of high-rise hotels.

With a small playground and rows of free palapas (thatched huts to stretch out under), it’s ideal if you’re in Cancun with kids, or want to relax.

A word of warning, though — the undertow can be strong, so pay attention to the flags on the beach.

Playa Delfines is also very close to another of the best things to do in Cancun, as covered right below.

Explore El Rey Ruins

Named after a sculpture that’s thought to represent a Maya king, though small in comparison with many other contemporaneous sites, the EL Rey archaeological site features 47 structures. 

These include temples and ceremonial platforms that are believed to date back to 1200 AD. 

Alongside being tranquil and easily accessible, El Rey is known its large resident population of iguanas.

Get your adventure on

The huge Xcaret Park is a great place to spend a few hours, thanks to offering 50+ natural and cultural attractions that’ll keep all ages happy.

Take your pick from swimming in underground rivers, discovering local wildlife in the aviary and butterfly pavilion, and being dazzling by local culture in the Xcaret México Espectacular presentation, which sees 300+ artists take to the stage.

Alternatively, you could go ziplining at Selvatica Adventure Park, or take a speedboat tour through Nichupté Lagoon.

Shop and sip cocktails as the sun sets

In the late afternoon, head to La Isla Shopping Village to check out the boutiques ahead of enjoying (arguably) the best sun set in Cancun.

You’ll have no trouble finding someplace pretty to sip sundowners and dine while soaking up the golden hour in splendid style. 

Day 3: Day trip to Tulum

Taking a trip to Tulum is a highlight of this 5 days Cancun itinerary. Alongside its celebrated spectacular Maya site, the area is loaded with natural wonders and some of the best beaches in Mexico.

Located a couple of hours south of Cancun, we suggest booking a guided tour, or taking an ADO bus from Cancun’s downtown terminal.

Travel time: 2 hours

After arriving spend a few hours exploring the iconic Tulum Archaeological Site. 

In its heyday as a thriving Mayan port city between the 13th and 15th centuries, it was a center for trade and religious ceremonies. And, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it’s breathtakingly beautiful to this day.

Best Maya ruins to visit

Tulum's main highlights include El Castillo, a stunning clifftop structure that once served as a lighthouse and ceremonial center.

Meanwhile, the Temple of the Frescoes showcases Mayan art and astronomy through intricate carvings and murals.

The Temple of the Descending God is another standout of the site. Dedicated to a deity depicted diving downward, it symbolizes fertility and abundance.

Editor’s tip: after exploring the Maya site, visit one of Tulum’s cenotes for a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters before hitting your pick of Tulum’s pristine beaches ahead of your return ride to Cancun.

Day 4: Day trip to Ilsa Mujeres

Day four of this Cancun itinerary is devoted to exploring the idyllic car-free Isla Mujeres.

Travel time: 30 minutes by ferry

Head to Puerto Juarez or the Hotel Zone’s Ultramar terminal to take one of the frequent ferries. 

Things to do in Isla Mujeres

On arrival, we suggest renting a golf cart so you can zip around to see to island’s highlights, and have time to savor the sublime sand and sea.

First up, make your way to Punta Sur, the island’s southernmost point. Offering spectacular views of the Caribbean, its cliffs play host to a sculpture garden, lighthouse, and the ruins of a Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel, goddess of the moon and fertility, no less.

You could also spend time on Playa Norte — its calm turquoise waters are a joy to swim or snorkel — before enjoying fresh seafood at a beachfront restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore Centro. Speckled with colorful shops and galleries, it’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, with a beach on hand when you fancy another stretch out on the sand.

Day 5: Last day in Cancun

On your final day, make the most of your last hours in Cancun before it’s time to head to the airport. 

While you could simply opt to enjoy your hotel’s pool or beach, if you have a few hours to spare, you could head to Mercado 28 to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.

More Mexico itineraries

If you’re not fixed on Cancun, you might want to consider more expert-curated Mexico itineraries, which will have you experiencing many of the best things to do in Mexico across different trip durations.

For example, our 7 days in Mexico itinerary will see you explore some of the country’s most exciting locations, taking you from Mexico City and the charming colonial town of San Miguel de Allende, to the handsome highlands of Chiapas.

If you have a little longer, take inspiration from our 10 days in Mexico itinerary. In addition to spending time in Mexico City, you’ll also get to visit Teotihuacan’s iconic pyramids, San Cristobal de las Casas’ cobblestone streets, Uxmal’s stunning Puuc-style ruins, plus Chichen Itza and the Riviera Maya.

Meanwhile, our 14 days in Mexico itineraries can be expanded any which way you fancy — whether you want more time on the Caribbean coast, or are in the market for mountain adventures.