Your 14-Day Mexico, Guatemala & Belize Trip: Gran Cenote & Beyond

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture at Mercado 23, an authentic market offering fresh produce, local crafts, and street food. It's a great place to observe daily life in Cancun.

"If you truly want to experience the authentic heart and soul of Cancun, this local market is an absolute must-visit. It offers an incredible variety of high-quality products, from fresh local produce and traditional foods to handmade crafts and unique regional specialties. You can really feel the pride in the products being sold — everything reflects genuine local culture and flavor. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, giving you the chance to walk around comfortably and take it all in. The market is clean, well organized, and feels very safe, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. Vendors are warm, friendly, and happy to answer questions or share recommendations, adding a personal touch you simply don’t get in large commercial stores. What makes this market special is that it’s not just about shopping — it’s about experiencing real local life. You see families shopping, locals gathering, and visitors discovering something new. The smells of fresh food, the colors of the produce, and the energy of the people create a truly memorable experience. If you’re in Cancun and want more than just resorts and tourist shops, this market delivers true local flavor, authentic atmosphere, and a welcoming environment. It’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Highly recommended!"— Garry Borgacci

Delve into the rich history of the Mayan civilization at the modern Museo Maya de Cancún, followed by an exploration of the adjacent San Miguelito archaeological site, featuring ancient ruins.

"Visited this museum with a tour group, expecting to learn about Mayan culture, archaeology, and Cancun’s history. However, we were very disappointed. The building was poorly maintained, with broken air conditioning and an elevator during our visit, and some areas inside were dark and lacked proper lighting. Many descriptions were only in Spanish, and some exhibit halls had no displays at all. The outside area looked neglected and rundown. The archaeological sites outside were somewhat better, but numerous mosquitoes, which our guide didn’t mention beforehand, made the experience uncomfortable. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend visiting—it’s better to skip this museum. If you decide to go, make sure to bring mosquito repellent."— Patrick Min

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea from Playa Delfines, also known as 'El Mirador,' one of Cancun's most beautiful public beaches. Take photos with the iconic Cancun sign and feel the ocean breeze.

"beautiful beach area"— Purushothaman Thambirajah

Embark on an adventurous snorkeling tour to MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), where you'll discover hundreds of submerged sculptures that double as an artificial reef, teeming with marine life.

"Such an amazing and surreal experience. This underwater museum feels ethereal and leaves you craving for larger oxygen tanks or a return visit. This was my first diving experience and I think it has spoiled me for any future dives. Crystal clear and warm waters with over 25 feet of visibility. Was able to see a variety of sea life. Will definitely return. I would come back to Mexico just to dive here again."— James Lynn

Unwind and soak up the sun on the pristine white sands of Playa Forum, one of Cancun's most popular and vibrant public beaches, perfect for swimming and people-watching.

"🙏 Like this review if it helped you! 🙏 Absolutely gorgeous beach, incredible views, the water felt amazing. You can walk really far out into the ocean and still touch the bottom. If you go all the way down the beach and to the end of the breakpoint, you can get some scenic pics and enjoy a change of vibe. Be careful on the big rocks through, don't fall! 🙏 Like this review if it helped you! 🙏"— Michael Howell

Stroll through the open-air La Isla Shopping Village, featuring canals, charming boutiques, and various entertainment options, offering a pleasant atmosphere for an afternoon walk.

"La Isla was across the street from our resort during a recent visit to Cancun, and here's what you need to know: it's very safe and you'll have a great time. You can explore both luxury and non-luxury stores, enjoy its restaurants and cafés, and take endless strolls in this beautiful spaces."— Sam Jaroudi

Embark on a half-day trip to Cenote La Noria, where you'll swim and explore stunning underground formations. This excursion includes travel to this natural wonder near Puerto Morelos, offering a unique blend of nature and adventure.

"cenote was great! it was beautiful and you can jump from a high ledge as many times as you want. this whole place is fantastic and offers many experiences. i personally enjoyed the horseback riding while my family enjoyed the cenote. i had carlos as a trail guide and he was 1000% amazing. the staff are very nice and accommodating and welcoming. they included pictures to be purchased at an additional cost and i bought it because the prices are very reasonable compared to other attraction places that charge high prices."— Jessica Vo

Explore the compact Mayan ruins of El Rey, an ancient ceremonial site and former fishing village, notable for its well-preserved structures and resident iguanas.

"Very cool place! The entrance fee is well worth it. There was more iguanas than visitors, which is really fine by me!"— Marc Berube

Unwind on the pristine white sands and swim in the clear turquoise waters of Playa Gaviota Azul, a beautiful public beach located in the heart of Cancun's Hotel Zone.

"Nice beach. Great sand. There is a little seaweed on the shore. Pretty area. Still fun to splash in the waves and explore on the jetti."— Drifty C

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Isla Mujeres' charming downtown. Wander through colorful streets, browse local artisan shops, and then relax and swim at the world-renowned Playa Norte, famous for its calm, shallow waters.

"Isla Mujeres is a picturesque island located just a short and convenient ferry ride from Cancun, making it a popular and easy day-trip destination. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, the island offers a peaceful escape from the fast pace of the mainland. Frequent ferry services allow visitors to reach the island quickly and effortlessly. Once there, exploring Isla Mujeres is part of the fun. Many visitors choose to rent a golf cart or bicycle, which makes getting around the island both easy and enjoyable. One of the most popular spots is Playa Norte, famous for its soft sand, shallow waters, and gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and relaxing. Another highlight is Tortugranja, a sea turtle sanctuary where visitors can learn about conservation efforts and see rescued turtles up close. For those who enjoy the ocean, Isla Mujeres also offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities along its nearby coral reefs. The clear waters provide great visibility, allowing visitors to observe colorful marine life in a natural setting. After a day of exploration, the island’s beachfront restaurants are perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and sampling local Mexican flavors. As evening approaches, visitors can stroll through local shops and vibrant marketplaces filled with handmade crafts and souvenirs before heading back to Cancun. Overall, Isla Mujeres offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, relaxation, and cultural charm, making it an ideal getaway for a memorable day of exploration."— Moni M

Visit the local turtle farm, a government-sponsored sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. Learn about their life cycle and see various species in different stages of development.

"This place is pretty small, and the entree fee reflects that. It's a cheap 30 minute thing to check out. Loses a star because they gave me change in small denomination coins (probably thinking I would just leave the coins as a tip. Literally 40 pesos in 16 coins)"— Aneel Maan

Rent a bicycle for an adventurous ride to the southern tip of Isla Mujeres. Explore Punta Sur's dramatic cliffside, the scenic sculpture garden, and the ancient Mayan temple ruins dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and medicine.

"Very nice hike through and along the edge of cliffs and Mayan ruins. Not much left visually of the ruins but you can feel the Presence of the Mayan Ancestors if you tune in. It is quite beautiful along the cliffs. Cost is $6 usd or 100 pesos well worth it. There are restaurants, ice-cream shops and several handcrafted booths with items and clothing for sale."— Isabelle Henigman

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the calm waters of Nichupté Lagoon by stand-up paddleboard, offering a unique perspective of Cancun's natural beauty and mangroves.

"Paddling in the Laguna was an incredible experience! The mangrove is wonderful. It was the highlight of my holidays!"— Maxime Lhuillier

Spend a leisurely afternoon unwinding and swimming at Playa Langosta, a public beach known for its calm, shallow waters, ideal for relaxation and families.

"Positives first, free parking, playground, and the softest sand I have ever seen. Also almost no waves unless a boat goes by. Pretty clean too. Not so positives…You can go to the left of the playground but there’s a ton of boats. We went over there and it smelled so much like sewage we had to leave. We went to the right of the playground next which is in front of a hotel and the smell was less obvious, but we still couldn’t bring ourselves to get into the water. There is a roped off swimming area which I assume is for the seaweed, but maybe not. It makes the swimmable area very, very small. Yes parking is free but it’s a nightmare to get into because there’s a gate. This causes huge traffic backups. You have to just wait for your turn to get in which can take a LONG time. Definitely NOT a safe place to snorkel with the boats and wave runners that go by."— Erin Johnson

Wander through the vibrant Coral Negro Flea Market in the Hotel Zone, browsing for local crafts, souvenirs, traditional textiles, and perhaps sampling some local snacks.

"Most, if not all of the shops have the exact same product. There was a lot of NFL/Mexican culture crossover items. Each and every shopkeeper was pushy. Several "interesting" offers were made, as you can read in other reviews. Some people did price higher than the product was worth. Visit the Mexican Outlet nearby if you want a good comparison before purchasing. Overall, I came because they were small shops, joined together, and they might provide a unique experience. That experience is exactly what I got."— B P

Wander the colorful cobblestone streets of Isla de Flores, admiring the colonial architecture, browsing local artisan shops, and soaking in the relaxed island atmosphere. Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Petén Itzá.

"A small, cute and relaxed island town. Colourful buildings and colonial architecture make wondering the streets an experience. Plenty of accommodations, travel agencies, restaurants and shops to keep you entertained. Boat tours, jet ski rentals. This quaint place has it all."— J M

Walk across the causeway from Flores to Santa Elena and immerse yourself in the bustling Mercado Central. This vibrant local market is a hub for fresh produce, textiles, and local crafts. Look for street vendors selling Tostadas Guatemaltecas.

"Lots of small, local shops in the area. Plenty of fruit and food stands to choose from. Cool place!"— Shelby Rice

Find a scenic spot along the shore of Lake Petén Itzá to relax, enjoy the tranquil views, and capture some beautiful photographs of the lake's natural surroundings.

"Beautiful. You should go to see the sunset. You can see a lot of animals here, like fish, turtles and birds."— Jeff Miranda

Embark on an early morning journey from Flores to the magnificent Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"Absolutely stunning, we went without tour guide or arranged transport. Entrance is 150qtz for foreigners and you can buy tickets online (govt website) or at the entrance. The amount of temples and ruins with all their separate uses and stories is another level, besides that we saw a ton of birds and a couple of mammals, it's like what you would imagine when being in a jungle and parrots fly around. A sunrise ticket costs an additional 100 qtz and you can enter from 4AM, but when we got there it was misty until 11AM or so, so I imagine there was little to no sunrise to be seen"— Vincent van Wolferen

Discover the awe-inspiring ancient Mayan city of Tikal, renowned for its towering temples, intricate stelae, and abundant wildlife amidst the lush rainforest. Witness the sunrise over the jungle canopy from Temple IV and explore the Great Plaza.

"Absolutely stunning, we went without tour guide or arranged transport. Entrance is 150qtz for foreigners and you can buy tickets online (govt website) or at the entrance. The amount of temples and ruins with all their separate uses and stories is another level, besides that we saw a ton of birds and a couple of mammals, it's like what you would imagine when being in a jungle and parrots fly around. A sunrise ticket costs an additional 100 qtz and you can enter from 4AM, but when we got there it was misty until 11AM or so, so I imagine there was little to no sunrise to be seen"— Vincent van Wolferen

Enjoy an adventurous afternoon kayaking on the serene waters of Lake Petén Itzá, circling the island of Flores and taking in the scenic views.

"Very good kayak rental service in Flores. Oliver is very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable. The kayaks (we took the aqua coloured ones) were very comfortable and sturdy. Even in some headwinds there was no imbalance at all, which we thought showed the quality of the kayaks. We did only part of the tour as recommended by Oliver (mostly because we visited already some highlights). The rope swing is fine but beware that there is an entrance fee, even for very short visits. Afterwards, we went to Las Luciernagas, from which you can walk to the Mirador and Tayasal. The mirador is closed, however (March 2026), yet Tayasal is worth a visit. The hotel restaurant also is a good place for drinks. Then, we continued to Playa El Chechenal for a break and swim. From there, we went to the museum on Isla Santa Barbara before returning to Oliver. This route turned out really nice."— Jurriaan Hoenderdos

Embark on a shared shuttle journey to Yaxha National Park, a significant ancient Mayan city nestled between two lagoons in the Petén rainforest. This journey offers glimpses of rural Guatemala.

"Had this gem all to myself. It was extremely quiet when the howler monkeys weren't roaring. I arrived at 0800 and stayed until 1600. The weather was sunny with a light sprinkle in the afternoon. The monkeys and birds were very active. The ruins were amazing to see. My fav was the lookout. Its approx 150 steps to the top but you can see the other temples. I went down to the lake and could have stayed there all day watching the bird activity. The walkways are very slippery so be careful. The trails are easy to follow with good signs just like tikal. You can arrange a tour via you hotel. No passport needed for this one. Just fill out a little piece of paper and pay cash only 80 Q. No card payment or atm so bring cash. Bring passport just in case that info changes 😉. Tikal requires passport. There's a few nature trails and gravel roads that lead off into the jungle. I found more monkeys and birds back there. Very lively place."— Cyrus Bueche

Discover the impressive Mayan ruins of Yaxha, known for its well-preserved temples and panoramic views from the top of its structures over the Yaxha and Sacnab lagoons. Look out for howler monkeys and diverse birdlife in the surrounding jungle.

Take a leisurely walk through the charming, colorful cobblestone streets of Isla de Flores, admiring the vibrant colonial architecture, local shops, and enjoy the island's relaxed atmosphere. A perfect opportunity for photography.

"Lugar u ico en la provincia de Peten, te siente como si estuvieras en la costa pero en realidad estás cerca de la selva, muchas actividades que realizar alrededor, desde ir asentamiento mayas hasta ríos que parecen arrecifes! La historia de la isla es única! Saber que fue el.ultimo asentamiento Maya conquistado por los españoles"— Tony Buitrago

Enjoy a tranquil boat tour around Lake Petén Itzá, allowing you to witness a stunning sunset over the water with Flores Island illuminated in golden light, and observe various bird species unique to the region.

"Beautiful. You should go to see the sunset. You can see a lot of animals here, like fish, turtles and birds."— Jeff Miranda

Stroll along the vibrant waterfront of the island, taking in the colorful buildings, local boats, and scenic views of Lake Petén Itzá. This relaxed walk offers a glimpse into local life and provides excellent photo opportunities.

Venture into the impressive Actun Kan Cave, also known as the Cave of the Snake, located just outside Flores. Discover its fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations and enjoy a mild caving experience suitable for all ages.

"Tikal is without doubt an incredible place to visit. The scale, setting, and history make it truly unforgettable. I highly recommend going with a guide. Without one, there's a considerable amount of knowledge and context you'll unknowingly walk past, which would be a real shame after travelling all that way. To enter the park, you’ll first pass through a checkpoint roughly 20 minutes south of the temples. This is where tickets are either shown or purchased. You must have your passport, or at least a clear photo of it, to buy a ticket—it's just the park's policy. Thankfully, we had a copy on our phone, which was accepted without issue. Once inside, I was surprised to find that you're allowed to climb several of the temples. This isn’t due to a lack of preservation, but rather because the park has thoughtfully built additional wooden structures to make the climbs possible without damaging the ruins. I won’t let the on-site restaurant affect my review of the park itself, as the two shouldn’t be compared. That said, don’t expect great things from the food. All in all, it was an amazing day out. If you're travelling from Flores, expect the whole experience to take around seven hours — and it’s absolutely worth every moment."— Trusty Traveller

Experience thrilling zip-lining through the jungle canopy and explore hanging bridges at Ixpanpajul Nature Park, offering an active and unique perspective of the Pet rainforest.

"Very cool nature park. We did the hang bridges, and saw many animals! This is a good place to go if you like birding. We saw a Collard Aracari, multiple Collard Trogons, and a White-necked Puffbird to name a few. We saw lots of coati and several howler monkeys. The views from the hang bridges and the lookout point (where there is a restroom and hammocks to relax) are spectacular. If you are staying near Flores and have some time to spare, I highly recommend Ixpanpajul."— Alexander Levas

Climb to the Mirador del Rey Canek viewpoint for panoramic vistas of Flores Island and Lake Pet Itz , providing excellent photo opportunities and a light walk.

"Closed for construction on 2/11/2026. Trail not well marked. May have been nice if there were signs indicating this before the trek through loose big gravel!"— Mike Longo

Learn about local wildlife conservation efforts and the dedication of the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center to protect the diverse fauna of the Pet region. See rescued animals and understand the importance of community involvement in preserving nature.

"What a hidden gem accessible by boat. This is a rescue and rescue and rehabilitation center for wild animals. There are animals here that were captive from a young age or rescued because they were injured which aren’t good candidates for rehabilitation and release. Nice hiking path around the space (it’s not flat and there are a number of stairs). Worth the time to visit."— Sandra Young

Rent a bicycle to leisurely explore the charming sandy streets of Caye Caulker village, soaking in the local island life and colorful houses under the evening sky.

"I came here for the food, music and the vibes and none of that disappointed! You're able to lounge out on the dock on some chairs, or if you want to sit at a table in the shade, or if you'd like to do both and sit in a table in the water all of tha is available. They have a high platform where you can jump into the water, food, and drinks were great. Highly recommend the pink pussy my favorite! Whole grilled lobster and fried snapper were amazing!"— Latoya McCalla

Spend the afternoon enjoying the vibrant atmosphere at The Split, swimming in the clear, shallow waters, and exploring the surrounding area.

"I came here for the food, music and the vibes and none of that disappointed! You're able to lounge out on the dock on some chairs, or if you want to sit at a table in the shade, or if you'd like to do both and sit in a table in the water all of tha is available. They have a high platform where you can jump into the water, food, and drinks were great. Highly recommend the pink pussy my favorite! Whole grilled lobster and fried snapper were amazing!"— Latoya McCalla

Rent snorkel gear and explore the clear, shallow waters around The Split, discovering local marine life and enjoying the vibrant coral patches near the shore.

"We had an amazing experience with this company, from start to finish! They answered all my questions beforehand and helped create a custom spearfishing and snorkeling tour that would accommodate our group of kids and adults with varying interests and abilities. They were honest and upfront about shifting weather conditions and made changes so everyone would feel comfortable and safe. Everyone had an incredible time on the water; we saw sharks, rays, lots of incredible fish, and a manatee. Then we caught lobster and a variety of fish. The guides Jacob and Walter were incredibly patient, attentive, and knowledgeable. They cleaned the fish that were caught and recommended a local chef that would be able to cook our catch for us to enjoy for dinner! Extra shout-out to Walter who made a special trip to our hotel to deliver my son’s brand new sunglasses that he had left on the boat and was really sad to have lost. These guys are exceptional and you should look no further if you’re planning a fishing/snorkeling tour while you’re in Belize! We hope we get a chance to visit again someday and will absolutely book another tour with them!"— Katie Mathis

Visit the designated Tarpon Hole area to watch large tarpon fish being fed, offering a unique opportunity to see these impressive creatures up close.

"Wow! This was quite a neat experience feeding very large fish for only $2:50. Definitely a must see if you have kids! The adults will enjoy it just as much! You can watch for free. The only cost is if you want to buy sardines to feed the tarpons. Very nice area."— Nelson and Megan Garcete

Take a leisurely exploration of the quieter southern part of Caye Caulker, enjoying its pristine beaches, calm waters, and relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a peaceful swim or sunbathing.

"Caye Caulker is made up of two islands, north and south. We stayed at the north island at a very nice place called Zenses. But there isn't much on the north island, a couple resort hotels, a few restaurants, and residential areas, as well as the nicer beaches. South Caye Caulker is the party zone, if you are age 18-35 and no kids this is where you want to be. With kids or on a romance trip choose the north island."— John Foster

Discover the ecological richness of the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve, located north of The Split. Embark on a peaceful walk to observe diverse bird species and unique mangrove habitats.

"The reviews are pretty accurate. It’s quite the adventure if you are interested in making it to see the crocodile. There are two very aggressive dogs which you can sneak past if you walk quietly. It seems the people who live just off the path seem to think it’s their land and you shouldn’t be on it. They even parked the golf buggy right by the entrance to the path so you couldn’t clearly see it. Not sure why people think they have this right. We did get to see the crocodile lurking in the water."— Aleka Toogood

Spend a relaxing morning at The Split, the famous channel dividing Caye Caulker. Enjoy swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing on the sandy areas, and observing local life.

"I came here for the food, music and the vibes and none of that disappointed! You're able to lounge out on the dock on some chairs, or if you want to sit at a table in the shade, or if you'd like to do both and sit in a table in the water all of tha is available. They have a high platform where you can jump into the water, food, and drinks were great. Highly recommend the pink pussy my favorite! Whole grilled lobster and fried snapper were amazing!"— Latoya McCalla

Wander along the lively Front Street, browsing the small artisan stalls and local shops for unique handcrafted souvenirs and artwork, soaking in the relaxed island atmosphere.

"Excellent customer service. I visited the Belize City branch, where I met Ms Annika, I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, however the sales person was very patient and helpful. She showed me some beautiful rings and I ended up placing a customer order! ❤️I’m absolutely in love with my Sapphire ring."— Cicely Kelly

Take a leisurely walk along the quieter Back Street, observing local homes, lush vegetation, and catching glimpses of the serene mangrove channels on the west side of the island.

"The reviews are pretty accurate. It’s quite the adventure if you are interested in making it to see the crocodile. There are two very aggressive dogs which you can sneak past if you walk quietly. It seems the people who live just off the path seem to think it’s their land and you shouldn’t be on it. They even parked the golf buggy right by the entrance to the path so you couldn’t clearly see it. Not sure why people think they have this right. We did get to see the crocodile lurking in the water."— Aleka Toogood