How to plan a week in Riviera Maya for ruins and cenotes
Spend your first 3 days in Tulum to access coastal ruins and southern cenotes, then move to Playa del Carmen for 4 days to reach Coba, Chichén Itzá, and northern cavern systems. Renting a compact car is the only way to hit these locations before the tour buses arrive at 10:00 AM.
- Secure a rental car. Do not rely on collectivos or taxis for a flexible itinerary. Rent a car at the Cancun airport. Choose a rental agency with a physical counter at the terminal and opt for full coverage insurance to avoid friction at drop-off.
- Prioritize early starts. Ruins like Chichén Itzá and Coba become stifling and crowded by midday. Be at the gates at 8:00 AM sharp. Visit cenotes immediately after your ruins tour to cool off while the air is still warm.
- Pack for transition. Wear swimwear under your clothes so you can jump straight into a cenote after trekking through the archaeological sites. Bring a change of dry clothes and a towel in a waterproof dry bag.
- Do I need to pay to use a camera in the ruins?
- No, but you must pay a fee if you are using a professional video camera or tripod.
- Are the cenotes safe to swim in?
- Yes, but they are deep and often have cool water temperatures. Life jackets are usually available for rent or included in the price.