3 week itinerary to Quintana Roo
3 week itinerary to Quintana Roo
Hi! My name is Lara and I’m a travel passionate. I have been traveling since I can remember. There is so much to see, so much to discover… I have traveled up to more than 25 countries and keep adding new ones to my bucket list! I have created a travel tips and guide website to help and inspire people to travel around the globe.
Suscribe
Join and get exclusive travel tips, getaways and more!
short intro
Mexico has something very special. I feel blessed with the people I met and the places I had the opportunity to discover. It’s really not as you imagine. I believe people think about Cancun and instantly think about a resort and relaxation. In a way it’s true, but that’s not the REAL Mexico. Believe me, Quintana Roo awaits many adventures for you.
MY TOTAL BUDGET FOR 3 WEEK ITINERARY: includes flights, meals, hotels, transfers and activities visiting 9 places.
1400 EUR
Our flights were 380 EUR return with one stop (not kidding), we found an excellent bargain in Skyscanner. If you have flexibility with your holiday play with different dates and flights may differ a lot.
We set up a budget of maximum 30 EUR a night for two as we were completely backpacking and looking for many places to visit, and, let’s be honest, I was barely going to be in the room to even think of spending much more for a night. For our surprise, I must say that there are incredible hostels that seem like four star hotels. We had no problem in sticking to that hotel night budget and we slept in gorgeous places.
Also, move around in colectivos. They are the local buses/vans that everyone uses to travel around and are much more cheaper than conventional buses. You hop off wherever you want as well. Don’t worry, it’s very safe too.
Keep reading!
Here is my 3-week itinerary to Quintana Roo
short intro
Mexico has something very special. I feel blessed with the people I met and the places I had the opportunity to discover. It’s really not as you imagine. I believe people think about Cancun and instantly think about a resort and relaxation. In a way it’s true, but that’s not the REAL Mexico. Believe me, Quintana Roo awaits many adventures for you.
MY TOTAL BUDGET FOR 3 WEEK ITINERARY: includes flights, meals, hotels, transfers and activities visiting 9 places.
1400 EUR
Our flights were 380 EUR return with one stop (not kidding), we found an excellent bargain in Skyscanner. If you have flexibility with your holiday play with different dates and flights may differ a lot.
We set up a budget of maximum 30 EUR a night for two as we were completely backpacking and looking for many places to visit, and, let’s be honest, I was barely going to be in the room to even think of spending much more for a night. For our surprise, I must say that there are incredible hostels that seem like four star hotels. We had no problem in sticking to that hotel night budget and we slept in gorgeous places.
Also, move around in colectivos. They are the local buses/vans that everyone uses to travel around and are much more cheaper than conventional buses. You hop off wherever you want as well. Don’t worry, it’s very safe too.
Keep reading!
Here is my 3-week itinerary to Quintana Roo
Day 1 & 11. Arriving to Cancún
& spend 2 days max.
Cancun is pretty cool but I wouldn’t recommend staying more than two nights. Don’t take me wrong, the beach, the town and the resort area are amazing but in my opinion is too crowded and a bit overrated – there are gorgeous places to visit in Quintana Roo. Not to mention that everything is more expensive than in other places.
We stayed at the Nomads Enigmatic Hotel, right in the city center. The resort area is about 15 min bus drive from the city and I think it’s much better to stay here as it’s where all locals live and chill around.
The first day we settled in relaxing from the long flight and had a walk around and the second day we went to the resort area to enjoy the beach and returned for dinner back to the city again.
Day 111 & 111V. Isla Mujeres
Ferry to Isla Mujeres
The third day we went early morning to get the ferry to Isla Mujeres. Takes around 20 min and costs 20 EUR return ticket with Ultramar.
We stayed for two nights in the unbelievable Selina. Until today, it’s my favorite hotel in the world. Honestly, the swimming pool area is something else. Also, I would definitely recommend staying in the Nomads Hotel too. We went there to chill out in the beach with some drinks and it’s totally amazing.
Apart from the incredible beach and town, take some time to walk around the local area and have lunch in the market, you won’t regret that experience.
Also, don’t miss the snorkeling or scuba diving in the area, it’s beautiful. Punta Sur is also a spot you mustn’t miss.
Many tourist rent a golf car but to be fair, it’s pretty expensive for mexican prices. I’d rather recommend going by bus, it’s less than a euro and you hop on and off whenever and wherever you want and takes around 30 min from side to side of the island.
Day V & V1. Cozumel
Getting the ferry in Playa del Carmen
As we planned our trip day by day, we kind of decided where to stay and how long to stay in a certain place depending on how we felt. For example, we didn’t bother with Playa del Carmen as we had a walk around and felt that it was a tourist-focused city, that’s all. Many shops, restaurants and a crowded beach. Not worth it.
That’s why we decided to go straight to Cozumel and stayed for two nights. This island, compared to Isla Mujeres, is much more wild: you can search for crocodiles and many other jungle animals. The ferry is a bit more expensive than to Isla Mujeres, around 30 EUR with return ticket but it’s also a bit more far away. The queues are crazy so go with enough time and get prepared to wait if you are traveling in high season.
We stayed in Casa Cálido for 20 EUR per night in a double room.
I really recommend renting a motorbike to explore the island as the distances are longer than in Isla Mujeres. The renting was around 8 EUR per day plus petrol.
Please don’t miss the snorkeling tour! We saw amazing reefs, many different kind of fishes, crustaceans and sharks too. But, without doubt, it’s crazy how many huge starfishes you are able to see.
V11 & V111 & 1X. Tulum
Back to Playa del Carmen to get a colectivo to Tulum
Tulum’s beach side is amazing, the hotels you see walking around are astonishing. However, Tulum is a bit like Cancun: it’s the trendy area and it’s ridiculously expensive. We stayed for three nights at the Che Tulum Hostel which was pretty nice but the cheap hotels are far away from the popular area. In this case, we decided to rent a very old car and explore around. Honestly, it was the funniest and craziest experience ever. If I was able to drive that car, I can drive anything now.
Have a look at different cenotes around, explore and go to Akumal for snorkeling to see turtles and don’t miss the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. If you have the chance, stay there for the night, it’s spectacular. A little village, very quiet and far away from the crowded Tulum (the road to get there isn’t the best to be fair, but no regrets at all).
X & X1. Bacalar
Bacalar’s main place to visit is the 7 colors laguna. It’s amazing how depending on the sun rays, the water changes colors. Rent a kayak and don’t even think about it, go and explore! The laguna has many spots to go, as well as the mangrove swamp. TIP HERE: rent the kayak early in the morning so you can see the sunrise from the water and also to avoid boats and people around. The first stop should be the mangrove swamp as you will hear nothing but the birds waking up.
We stayed in El Buho Gampling for two nights and it was wonderful. If you are lucky, just in front of the hotel, next to the petrol station, there should be a street food van with mouth-watering food.
X11. Mahahual
Mahahual is a small and cute beach village to relax and sunbath for a bit. There is not much to do, but it’s lovely to disconnect and do nothing for a change. We stayed for one night in Blue Kay for only 10 EUR for a cabin. Even if you aren’t vegan, don’t miss the vegan restaurant just next to this hostel, you won’t regret it.
X111 & X1V. Valladolid
Ok, Valladolid isn’t located in Quintana Roo, it’s part of Yucatán, but we decided to go as we wanted to go back to the north and we didn’t wanted to repeat the same route. Most commonly, your return flight will be from Cancun as well, so it’s good to consider this option.
Valladolid has spanish architectonical influence which is nice to visit. We stayed for two nights so we could have a walk around, go to Chichen Itzá and discover the speechless Cenote Suytun. Honestly, do not miss this cenote, I think it’s the best one.
We stayed at Hotel Valladolid which is just a few steps away from the city plaza.
XV until we left.
Holbox
The best for the end.
I left a little part of me in Holbox.
I have nothing to say but to include Holbox in your bucket list at some point in your life.
Barefooted and smiling all day. That was all.
Don’t miss kayaking at the mangrove swamp with Xtreme Holbox, they are awesome. You will be able to see so many birds (my favorites were the flamingos and the roseate spoonbill bird – if I can remember the name properly); but also, if you are lucky you will have the chance to spot crocodiles on your way.
I remember myself dropping a tear with how beautiful it was.
The beach itself surrounding the island is a paradise. Just chill and enjoy with a piña colada.
We stayed at the Tribu hostel and met amazing people with amazing stories to tell.
Holbox, I will always keep you in my heart.
Njfhsjdwkdjwfh jiwkdwidwhidjwi jiwkdowfiehgejikdoswfiw https://gehddijiwfugwdjaidheufeduhwdwhduhdwudw.com/fjhdjwksdehfjhejdsdefhe
Good day
I contacted you some days back seeking your cooperation in a matter regarding funds worth $24 Million, I
urge you to get back to me through this email coledd221@cloedcolela.com if you’re still interested.
I await your response.
Thanks,
Donald Cole