2 Days in Cancun: An Unforgettable Itinerary

Cancun is a beautiful destination that is very popular with tourists and backpackers alike so it is no wonder you’re looking to spend 2 days in Cancun.

When you’re visiting Cancun you will find that tourists will flock from all over the world to enjoy a relaxing break away, a spot of sightseeing, a family vacation and so much more.

No matter what type of traveller you are, there is a little something for everyone in Cancun. If you’re interested in scuba diving or snorkelling then you will find plenty of options available around Cancun.

There are plenty of adventure activities nearby, Mayan sights for anyone interested in history, great nightlife and lots of great food spots to eat.

The one thing that we will say about Cancun is that if you’re looking to experience an authentic side of Mexico then Cancun is probably not the place for you. You will find that a lot of Americans choose to visit Cancun for spring break and their vacations so you will probably meet more Americans than you will Mexicans.

However, that is not to say that Cancun is not an awesome spot to visit. If you’re backpacking then it absolutely makes sense to spend 2 or 3 days in Cancun to experience everything that it has to offer.

Quick 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1

08:00 Breakfast at Roosters in Downtown Cancun.

09:00 Wander around Downtown Cancun and explore the beautiful street art, markets and parks.

11:30 Head back to your hotel.

12:00 Half-day tour to Isla Mujeres with lunch included.

17:00 Shower and get ready at your hotel / hostel.

18:00 Dinner at Cancun Lighthouse restaurant.

20:00 Casual drinks in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

Day 2

Either go to Chichen Itza or the XCaret parks. Alternatively, follow the itinerary below.

08:00 Whale Shark Tour

13:00 Lunch at Fred’s Seafood Restaurant.

14:30 Relax on Playa Delfines.

16:00 Get showered and ready at your hotel / hostel.

17:30 Have some street tacos for dinner.

19:00 Find a cosy bar to settle for some drinks.

21:00 Party at Coco Bongos

Is 2 Days in Cancun Enough?

The answer to this question will completely depend on what you want to do whilst you’re visiting Cancun, who you’re travelling with and the reasons why you chose Cancun out of all the other Mexican destinations.

When Amy visited Mexico, she spent 3 days in Cancun the first time she visited and then another 2 the second time she visited. The only reason that she visited a few times is that she wanted to head over to Isla Mujeres so she spent a few days in Cancun to make it easier to transport to the next destination.

You will find that there are a lot of adventure activities available and plenty of things to do for kids in Cancun. If you’re planning to visit Cancun as a family and experience the beaches, XCaret Park and day trips then 2 days is definitely not enough time in Cancun. The same for if you’re planning a relaxing vacation in Cancun, 2 days is not enough time.

If you’re backpacking around Mexico then spending 2 days in Cancun is the perfect amount of time. You will have a chance to explore the area but not get bored by spending too much time there either.

If you have a bit of extra time no matter what type of trip you’re planning, we would recommend spending around 3-4 days where possible. Don’t lose hope though as it is still possible to see some of the main highlights of Cancun in 2 days.

Where to Stay in Cancun for 2 Days

There are lots of different choices when it comes to staying in Cancun no matter what type of traveller you are. If you’re visiting Cancun on a budget then there are plenty of hostels available to you within Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

There are a few different areas that you can choose to stay in Cancun. Most travellers tend to stay in either Downtown Cancun or the Hotel Zone in Cancun. We would recommend trying to stay in the Hotel Zone where possible.

There are lots more things to do around this area and the atmosphere is much more vibrant. You will find that everything you need is within a stone’s throw. Even if you want to take a visit to Downtown Cancun, the taxis are affordable within Cancun so you can always take a small trip to explore the area.

Below, you will find 2 different recommendations for where to stay in Cancun which we have shared more details about. Underneath that, you will find a small map with lots of different accommodation choices so that you can search around and find a hotel or hostel that suits you perfectly!

Mayan Monkey Hostel

One of the things that she liked the most about this hostel is that it is on top of the lagoon so you can enjoy your breakfast outside and watch out for crocodiles.

This hostel is in the hotel zone and has different dorms including female-only dorm rooms. The atmosphere at the hostel is fantastic and if you’re a female traveller, you will feel very safe in Mexico.

If you’re travelling solo to Mexico then you will want to stay at this hostel. There are plenty of different social activities that you can take part in including beer pong, free tours of Cancun and so much more.

Residence Inn by Marriott

If you’re not travelling solo to Cancun and with your partner, family or friends then you may not want to stay in a hostel. The Residence Inn is a fantastic choice and is around average when it comes to prices.

The rooms are very modern, clean and have a good amount of space so you will be very comfortable staying here. You are located at the other end of the Hotel Zone close to the all-inclusive hotels so you are still close to all the action but with a little less noise!

Things to do in Cancun Over 2 Days

There are so many different activities to do in Cancun that 2 days is really not enough to experience everything! Most travellers tend to stay in the Hotel Zone itself but generally speaking, there isn’t a huge amount to do there other than eat and party.

For exploring, you will want to head towards Downtown Cancun but even then, there are not as many activities such as in locations like Merida and Mexico City.

However, there are still plenty of things to do but they are a bit further out from Cancun itself and you would need to arrange a tour from Cancun or a taxi to get yourself there.

Visit Isla Mujeres

This is easily one of Amy’s favourite things to do from Cancun and it’s a great activity to see a different area of Mexico especially if you’ve been to Cancun before.

Just off the coast of Cancun, you will find this beautiful island and its really easy to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres too. It is quite a small island but it has its own idyllic charm that can’t be denied.

When you’re on the island, there is a gorgeous small town for you to wander around and look at the different shops. You will find plenty of delicious restaurants, great beach clubs and small bars to enjoy.

It is also a very great place to enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving as well as relaxing on the beautiful Playa Norte. We would recommend spending more than 1 day on the island if you have time but it is a great introduction to try the island by just going on a day trip.

In our opinion, Isla Mujeres is well worth visiting and you should try to go if you have enough time or you’ve been to Cancun before.

Best Day Trips from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

• Half-Day Sailing Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
• Isla Mujeres Sunset Cruise and Tour from Cancun
• Party on Sailing Cruise to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

Take a trip to XCaret Park

One of the most popular tourist attractions near to Cancun is XCaret park and there is even an XCaret hotel for you to stay in too. Admittedly, it is not the cheapest thing to do when you’re visiting Cancun but it is well worth the money.

There are a few different versions of the XCaret Parks and here there are a lot of exciting activities such as ziplining, cultural sights, underground rivers and so much more.

This is an exciting place to visit and is perfect if you’re travelling to Cancun as a family. When you purchase tickets for the XCaret park then you will want to spend the whole day here if you can because there really is so much to do!

You can arrange a day tour from Cancun to the park or you can rent a car and drive yourself there. Either way, it is well worth a visit and is great fun for the whole family!

XCaret Tours from Cancun

• XCaret Park Plus Tour! Nature, Culture and Nightshow from Cancun
• Tour XCaret All-Inclusive from Cancun (Transportation Included)
• XCaret Aquatic Theme Park Private 12 Hours Trip From Cancun By Van

Go Scuba Diving

When you’re in Mexico, you NEED to go scuba diving at least once! The Caribbean Sea is absolutely incredible and has so much beautiful wildlife to offer.

One of the most exciting things about scuba diving from Cancun or Isla Mujeres is that there are so many different sights to see. Whether you decide to just look out for some of the gorgeous marine life, explore some shipwrecks or even see the infamous underwater museum.

This underwater museum is truly a unique experience and something that you should do before you leave Cancun.

Scuba Diving in Cancun Tours

• Diving in Cancun Underwater Museum of Art
• Two Tanks Scuba Diving for Beginners in Cancun
• Diving in Cancun for Certified Divers – All-Inclusive

Swim with Whale Sharks

Are you ready to tick off one of most ultimate bucket list experiences? Well, look no further than by swimming with whale sharks in Cancun and see these friendly giants up close.

When Amy swam with whale sharks, she got to try this experience in Isla Mujeres. However, whether you choose to go from either Isla Mujeres or Cancun, you will go to the same national park area.

In Amy’s opinion, swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres or Cancun is one of the most incredible experiences that you can possibly have.

Dive into the water with these magnificent creatures, watch as they explore the waters, feed from the plankton and move swiftly around.

Often when you choose to go on one of these day tours from Cancun, snorkel equipment, lunch, snorkelling with the whale sharks and snorkelling in a bay is included and you will need to pay the national park fees when you arrive.

Other than that, it is a great half-day out and something that you shold try at least once before you go home!

Swimming with Whale Sharks Tours

• Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya
• Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum & Riviera Maya
• Whale Shark Encounter Private Tour

Take a trip to Chichen Itza

One of the main reasons that most travellers tend to visit Cancun is to take a trip to the nearby Chichen Itza and see this wonder of the world in person.

If you’ve ever seen or read the Idiot Abroad then you may have been inspired by Karl Pilkington to visit this Mexican beauty yourself.

Going on one of these day trips is a great opportunity to learn more about the Mayans, their culture and their customs. When you’re at the Chichen Itza site you will get to see plenty of different Mayan ruins and not just the main wonder of the world.

With most of these tours, you will also have a visit to one of the cenotes and a nearby town called Valladolid. In our opinion, Chichen Itza is worth visiting and something that you NEED to do whilst you’re in Cancun.

We’ve popped some different tour options from Cancun to Chichen Itza below for you to take a look at.

CHICHEN ITZA TOURS FROM CANCUN

• Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Tequila & Lunch
• Early Morning Chichen Itza Tour, Cenote & Tequila Tasting
• VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

Explore Downtown Cancun

There are quite a few things to explore in Downtown Cancun even if you’re not staying in this area. When Amy visited Cancun, she was staying at Mayan Monkey Hostel and they offered free tours of Downtown Cancun which was a really great way to get to know the area.

You will find that in Downtown Cancun there are lots of beautiful pieces of street art to enjoy, delicious taco shops, different parks, markets and so much more.

If you’re not staying at Mayan Monkey hostel then you can arrange for a tour of Downtown Cancun below.

Party the Night Away in Cancun

There is a reason that Cancun is such a hotspot for Spring Breakers. Americans flock to Cancun during Spring Break to let their hair down and party the night away.

Generally speaking, most people that are looking to party the night away will stay in Cancun’s hotel zone as well as it is only a short walk from all the clubs and bars.

You will find some different party options below that will truly make your time in Cancun. It is safe to say that the nightlife in Cancun is absolutely not to be missed and something that you need to try at least once.

BEST PARTY EXPERIENCES IN CANCUN

• The Ultimate Cancun Club Crawl – Bongo Tour
• Coco Bongo Cancun Nightclub Entrance Ticket
• The City Cancun Nightclub
• Xoximilco Mexican Party from Cancun & Playa del Carmen

Relax on the Beach

Another great reason to visit Cancun is to take advantage of all the gorgeous beaches that are available. Some of the most popular beaches to visit in Cancun is Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas and Playa Mujeres.

Take some time to relax on the beach, enjoy some cocktails and have a swim in the gorgeous sea. One thing we will say is that if you see any fruit sellers walk along the beach then definitely purchase some as there is honestly nothing more delicious!

Taste many different tacos!

2 Days in Cancun Itinerary

Day 1

08:00 Head straight into Cancun’s Downtown and enjoy some breakfast at Roosters.

09:00 Wander around Downtown Cancun and explore the beautiful street art, markets and parks.

11:30 Make your way back to your hotel ready for your pick-up for the Isla Mujeres day tour.

12:00 Head out on a half-day tour to Isla Mujeres where you will also get to enjoy some lunch onboard too.

17:00 Get off the boat, go get a shower after spending some time snorkelling and partying on the boat and head out for dinner.

18:00 Go and get yourself a delicious dinner at Cancun Lighthouse restaurant watching the sunset and maybe even enjoy a cocktail or two!

20:00 Head out into Cancun’s hotel zone and enjoy a few drinks but try not to stay out too late this night so that you can be fresh for a full day the next day.

Day 2

We recommend spending this day going out on a day tour to either Chichen Itza or the XCaret parks. If you decide not to do this then we recommend following the itinerary below to make the most of your time in Cancun.

08:00 Bring a snack or some fruit with you before heading out on a whale shark tour.

13:00 You will be very ready for lunch at this point so head out to Fred’s for some delicious seafood and not to mention the stunning views!

14:30 Relax on the beach especially on Playa Delfines if you have time!

16:00 Head back to your hotel or hostel to get showered and ready for an exciting evening!

17:30 Wander around and find some street tacos to enjoy. If you have time try to find a few so that you can sample the different flavours.

19:00 Find a cosy bar to settle and enjoy a couple of casual drinks before heading out for the night.

21:00 Party the night away at Coco Bongos or whichever party experience you decided to join

Where to Go Next After Cancun

If you’re travelling around different areas of Mexico then you may be wondering where to go next after Cancun. There are plenty of amazing choices so it just depends on what kind of travel experiences you’re looking for.

Below we’ve popped a few different suggestions of places to travel to after you’ve finished in Cancun. Most of these Amy has travelled to herself but there are a couple of options that she didn’t have time to do but was highly recommended to her from other travellers she met during her time in Mexico.

Isla Mujeres

If you didn’t want to just do a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun or you just didn’t have time when you were in Cancun for only 2 days then you may want to head over to Isla Mujeres.

It is very easy to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres all you need to do is catch a 30 minute ferry from one of the ports in Cancun and that will be you. The easiest and most popular port to go from is Puerto Juarez because the ferry times are much more frequent and regular.

Amy went to Isla Mujeres to spend 5 days there and 3 weeks later she was still there. It is a gorgeous island with a lot to offer tourists. We have plenty of different travel guides for Isla Mujeres which will help you plan your trip which we’ve popped at the bottom of this article.

Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is easily one of the most popular islands for travellers in Mexico and it has very similar vibes to Isla Mujeres. This is one that Amy didn’t have time to do herself when she was in Mexico but absolutely wishes she did. There’s always time to go back!

Here you can swim with whale sharks too similar to Isla Mujeres so you will still have the opportunity to tick this off your bucket list. If you decide that you want to visit Isla Holbox after Cancun then you will need to take the bus to Chiquila and then take the ferry over to the island.

Whilst Amy was travelling around Mexico there were so many other travellers that had been to the island or were going that it really does come highly recommended.

Tulum

Just a short bus ride from Cancun, you will find the ever popular Tulum. This ended up being Amy’s first stop when she went to Mexico and admittedly, she didn’t enjoy it.

If you enjoyed your time in Cancun partying the night away then you will probably enjoy your time in Tulum even more. There are a lot of other things to do than just partying such as visiting the Mayan Ruins, taking advantage of the many cenotes and relaxing on the beach too.

Playa del Carmen

Between Tulum and Cancun, you will find Playa del Carmen and once again this comes highly recommended from other travellers. Amy met backpackers that ended up spending a month or two in Playa del Carmen and even when it came to leaving, they still weren’t ready!

You will find that there is another nearby XCaret park, beaches, museums, Mayan ruins and so much more so there are plenty of things to keep you occupied. Not to mention that it also has a really good nightlife scene as well so it is perfect for any party travellers or backpackers.

Merida

Merida has to be up there as one of the destinations in Mexico that surprised Amy the most. She was expecting it to be once again quite commercialised and touristy but in reality, it was a really fun destination with plenty to offer.

Now to Spend Your 2 Days in Cancun

Cancun is a great destination to explore no matter what type of traveller you are. We would say that if you’re mostly visiting for sightseeing then 2 days is absolutely enough time to explore Cancun.

However, if you’re visiting with kids and want to take advantage of the adventure activities or visiting with friends and want to experience the nightlife then you may want to spend more than 2 days in Cancun.

A lot of the tourist attractions in Cancun are quite spread out but Cancun is still a great base to use to get to all these exciting activities and it is very easy to get around too.

No matter how long you decide to stay in Cancun, it is a destination that we feel every traveller should experience in Mexico at least once before moving on to some other amazing destinations that we recommended such as Merida, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres and so much more.