Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in New York
You'll arrive in New York and get settled into your hotel. Once you've dropped off your bags, it's time to head out and get a feel for the city. If you want a special experience, The Edge offers incredible skyline views though there's an extra charge. Then you'll make your way to Times Square to take in all that energy with the neon signs and crowds.
Optional Activities
- The Edge observation deck visit
- Yellow Cab transfer from airport to hotel
- Explore Times Square
Landmarks/POIs The Edge Times Square - Day 2
Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island Ferry, 9/11 Memorial, Greenwich Village
Start early to catch the sunrise from Brooklyn Bridge while Manhattan's lights turn golden. After that, grab a bagel at Ess-a-Bagel to get some fuel in you. Take the free Staten Island Ferry for some really good skyline views and a chance to see the Statue of Liberty. You'll visit the 9/11 Memorial, then spend time in Greenwich Village checking out the boutiques, second-hand shops and cozy spots to grab coffee.
Included Activities
- Staten Island Ferry ride
Optional Activities
- Brooklyn Bridge sunrise viewing
- Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel
- 9/11 Memorial visit
- Greenwich Village exploration and shopping
Landmarks/POIs Brooklyn Bridge Statue of Liberty 9/11 Memorial & Museum Greenwich Village - Day 3
Ellen's Stardust Diner, Broadway, Central Park, Midtown Manhattan
Kick off with breakfast and entertainment at Ellen's Stardust Diner, where the servers actually sing and bring that Broadway feel right to your table. Head over to check out Broadway shows, and there are usually last-minute ticket deals if you look around. Spend part of your afternoon relaxing in Central Park with a coffee. By evening, walk through Midtown Manhattan to see those iconic skyscrapers and hit up some of the food trucks for street food.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner
- Broadway show tickets
- Central Park visit and relaxation
- Street food from food trucks in Midtown
- Empire State Building and Flatiron Building viewing
Landmarks/POIs Central Park Empire State Building Flatiron Building Broadway - Day 4
New York to Tulum
You'll fly from New York to Cancun, Mexico today. Once you land, take the ADO bus or rent a car (you can book this ahead of time) to get to Tulum. After you arrive and check into your place, you can either kick back by the pool or head straight to the beach for your first look at that white sand and turquoise water.
Included Activities
- ADO bus transfer from Cancún to Tulum
Optional Activities
- Private rental car transfer from Cancún to Tulum
- Beach relaxation upon arrival
Landmarks/POIs Tulum - Day 5
Tulum Ruins and Cenotes
Rent a bike and explore Tulum on two wheels. You'll ride out to the Mayan ruins that sit on cliffs right above the Caribbean, then venture into the jungle to find hidden cenotes. Grand Cenote and Cenote Calavera are two of the best spots in the area. Bring your swimsuit so you can jump into that crystal-clear water to cool off.
Optional Activities
- Bike rental in Tulum
- Tulum Mayan ruins visit
- Grand Cenote exploration and swimming
- Cenote Calavera exploration and swimming
Landmarks/POIs Tulum Mayan Ruins Grand Cenote Cenote Calavera - Day 6
Tulum Beach Day or Cenote Exploration
Today you get to choose what works for you. You can relax on Tulum's Caribbean beaches, swim in the turquoise water and just soak up the sun. Or if you want to keep moving, rent a bike again and check out more cenotes around the area. Either way, you'll get to cool off in the clear water of these caves that the Maya considered sacred.
Optional Activities
- Beach relaxation day
- Bike rental for cenote exploration
- Cenote swimming and exploration
Landmarks/POIs Tulum Beaches - Day 7
Tulum to Valladolid
Take the ADO bus inland from Tulum heading to Valladolid, leaving the Caribbean beaches behind. When you arrive, you'll find a charming city with colorful colonial houses and strong Mayan culture. Wander around to take in those beautifully decorated facades and the relaxed Mexican atmosphere. Before the day ends, visit the Zaci cenote which is just a ten-minute walk from the city center and perfect for a refreshing swim.
Included Activities
- ADO bus transfer from Tulum to Valladolid
Optional Activities
- Explore colorful houses and facades in Valladolid
- Zaci cenote visit and swimming
Landmarks/POIs Valladolid Zaci Cenote - Day 8
Valladolid Cenotes and Cultural Sites
Spend the day discovering cenotes around Valladolid. Head to Suytun cenote, which is probably Mexico's most beautiful and definitely Instagram-famous, where light comes through an opening and hits the turquoise water below. Samula and X'keken cenotes are equally great to visit. Back in town, take a 15-minute walk to the Convento de San Bernardo de Siena, a significant Franciscan building from the colonial period.
Optional Activities
- Suytun cenote visit
- Samula cenote visit
- X'keken cenote visit
- Convento de San Bernardo de Siena visit
Landmarks/POIs Suytun Cenote Samula Cenote X'keken Cenote Convento de San Bernardo de Siena - Day 9
Valladolid Market and Shopping
Start at the Mercado Municipal and browse fresh produce, spices, handicrafts and leather goods. Come with an appetite because you'll try local tacos and tamales from the market stalls. After that, walk along Calzada de los Frailes, which is Valladolid's most beautiful street, full of boutiques, second-hand shops and cozy cafes where you can browse and pick up souvenirs.
Optional Activities
- Mercado Municipal visit and food sampling
- Calzada de los Frailes shopping and browsing
- Café stops along Calzada de los Frailes
Landmarks/POIs Mercado Municipal Calzada de los Frailes - Day 10
Valladolid to Isla Holbox
Take the ADO bus from Valladolid to Chiquila, then board a ferry to Isla Holbox, a car-free island. Walk to your beach hotel and you'll immediately feel the Caribbean vibes and that laid-back atmosphere. Explore Holbox Downtown with its colorful houses and street art. Finish by watching the sunset on the beach with a smoothie in your hand.
Optional Activities
- Ferry transfer from Chiquila to Isla Holbox
- Explore Holbox Downtown and its colorful houses
- Sunset beach viewing
Landmarks/POIs Isla Holbox Holbox Downtown - Day 11
Isla Holbox Beach Relaxation and Activities
Spend your day relaxing in a hammock between palm trees on Playa Holbox's wide beach. If you'd rather stay active, rent a bike to explore the island or hike to Punta Mosquito where you might see flamingos (they're around April through October). When the tide is low, you can reach Las Nubes sandbank for something really special.
Optional Activities
- Hammock relaxation on Playa Holbox
- Bike rental to explore the island
- Hike to Punta Mosquito for flamingo viewing
- Sandbank exploration at Las Nubes
Landmarks/POIs Playa Holbox Punta Mosquito Las Nubes - Day 12
Isla Holbox to Cancún
Enjoy one more day on Holbox beach or do the same activities as yesterday. After that, pack up and take the ferry back to Chiquila. From there, catch the ADO bus to Cancun or arrange to pick up your rental car. Check into your final hotel, leave your luggage there and celebrate your time in Mexico with a cool drink by the pool.
Optional Activities
- Final beach day relaxation on Holbox
- Bike rental or hiking on Holbox
- Ferry transfer from Isla Holbox to Chiquila
- ADO bus or rental car transfer to Cancún
Landmarks/POIs Cancún - Day 13
Cancún to Departure
Feel that Caribbean breeze one last time and take in the turquoise sea before you head to the airport. As you prepare to leave Cancun, you'll have time to reflect on everything you've seen and done, leaving behind those white beaches and Mayan memories.
- Day 14
Arrival Home
You'll arrive back home carrying unforgettable memories from your New York and Mexico adventure.
