Mexico

Cozumel is often associated with cruise ships and scuba diving, but during our 3-day stay as a couple in September 2024, we discovered a much more relaxed, authentic, and surprisingly romantic side of the island. Easily accessible from Cancún and Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is perfect for a short escape focused on boat tours, turquoise water, snorkeling, and slow island life. This guide is based entirely on our real experience, with honest tips, logistics, and highlights. If you’re looking for a detailed itinerary covering the Yucatán Peninsula and its must-see stops, you can also check out my full guide : 2-Week Mexico Itinerary: Yucatán Road Trip (Tested & budget). This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. How to Get to Cozumel We landed at Cancún International Airport, then: Took an ADO bus to Playa del Carmen (comfortable, affordable, very easy) Spent one night in Playa del Carmen Took the ferry to Cozumel the next morning (I booked with GetYourGuide, perfect!) The ferry ride is straightforward and smooth, making Cozumel one of the easiest Mexican islands to reach. Where We Stayed in Cozumel We chose Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel, mainly for one reason : its location. The hotel is located right in front of the transparent boat tour dock, which was the main experience we wanted to do. It made everything incredibly convenient, especially after a long travel day. The hotel itself is simple but comfortable, perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring. Day 1 : Arrival & Transparent Boat Tour We arrived in Cozumel around lunchtime. It was raining heavily, which initially felt disappointing : but it didn’t last long and didn’t ruin the day at all. Private Transparent Boat Tour (Highlight) We booked a private transparent boat tour for two, and it was absolutely incredible. The experience included: Several stops to observe sunken shipwrecks directly through the transparent bottom of the boat A snorkeling stop in crystal-clear water Drinks and fresh pineapple onboard Being alone on the boat made the experience feel very special and intimate. If you’re visiting Cozumel as a couple, this is 100% worth it. After the tour, we grabbed a few beers at the bar next to the dock, went back to the hotel for a shower, and rested. Dinner in Cozumel Town In the evening, we took a taxi to the city center for dinner. We expected more nightlife and animation, but the atmosphere was calm. That said, the island felt very clean, safe, and pleasant, even outside the main hotel zones. Day 2 : Jeep Rental & Island Loop On our second day, we rented a jeep with HTL Rentals : one of the best decisions of the trip. Local Lunch at the Central Market We started the day at the central market, where we enjoyed a local lunch and tasted a wide variety of Mexican dishes. This was one of the most authentic meals of the trip. Driving Around the Island We then spent the day driving around the island, stopping at different beaches along the way. Each one felt different, and all were stunning. Cozumel is perfect for this kind of exploration : Easy roads Incredible coastal views Plenty of spontaneous beach stops In the evening, we followed the same routine: dinner in town, then back to the hotel to rest. Day 3 : El Cielo Boat Tour & Back to Playa del Carmen We left the hotel early and headed to the ferry terminal to book a tour with Pink Tour. El Cielo Boat Tour (5+ Hours) Unlike the private transparent boat tour, this one was shared and fully booked, but still very enjoyable. The tour included: Multiple snorkeling stops Shipwrecks A turtle sanctuary (very crowded) A starfish area And finally… El Cielo. El Cielo Lagoon El Cielo is a shallow lagoon with: White sand Turquoise water Water reaching only waist height It was genuinely magical and lived up to the hype. Drinks and snacks were included, and the atmosphere was relaxed and joyful. Price: around $50 USD per person After the tour, we took the ferry back to Playa del Carmen. (If you love boat experiences and are planning a trip through the Yucatán Peninsula, I also wrote a full article about our catamaran cruise on the Bacalar Lagoon, which is another must-do for water lovers in Mexico.) Last Night in Playa del Carmen We stayed at Kinta Kan Cabanas Hotel Playa del Carmen, right on the beach. We enjoyed: Cocktails on the beach at sunset Dinner at Osteria de Roma, without exaggeration one of the best Italian meals of my life Everything : the food, the service, the quality, was exceptional. We went to bed early, as we had a 4 a.m. bus to catch for our early morning flight out of Mexico. ✨ Tips from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨ Is Cozumel worth it ? Yes! Cozumel is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary : especially if you’re looking for a simple, beautiful, and stress-free island escape. This island is a great choice if : You love boat tours and snorkeling experiences You’re traveling as a couple and want something relaxed yet memorable You prefer nature, turquoise water, and slow moments over nightlife You only have a few days but still want a real “wow” experience Cozumel genuinely surprised me in the best way. It’s not about luxury resorts or party scenes : it’s about the sea, the light, and slowing down. If you’re already traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula, adding Cozumel to your trip is an easy decision you won’t regret. And if you’re planning a longer trip in Mexico, you can find more detailed tips in my 2-week Yucatán road trip itinerary, or read about my catamaran cruise on the Bacalar Lagoon for another unforgettable boat experience. BISOUS

This 2-week Mexico itinerary is based on a real trip through the Yucatán Peninsula and Quintana Roo. Every stop, hotel, activity, and transport option was tested on the ground during a road trip with four friends. If you’re looking for a realistic, balanced Mexico road trip, combining beaches, cenotes, colonial cities, and Mayan ruins : this itinerary is for you. (This post may contain affiliate links : which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.) Quick overview Duration : 14 nights / 15 days Start & end : Cancún Regions : Quintana Roo & Yucatán Travel style : Backpacking + road trip Group size : 4 people Transport : Bus, rental car, ferry Also doable by bus : Yes (ADO) Map of the itinerary Route : Cancún → Playa del Carmen → Tulum → Sian Ka’an → Bacalar → Mérida → Chichén Itzá → Valladolid → Holbox → Cancún Day-by-day itinerary (tested & real) Cancún : Arrival & recovery (2 nights) Cancún is the perfect gateway to Mexico. After a long flight from Paris, we took the ADO bus from Cancún Airport to downtown, which is cheap, fast, and reliable. Where to stay in Cancún Hotel Hacienda Cancún (👉 Book your stay here)  Budget-friendly, walking distance from the ADO bus terminal, ideal for arrival and departure days. What to do in Cancún Free public beaches (white sand & turquoise water) Zona Hotelera (brief visit) Dinner at Parque de las Palapas (cheap, local, lively) Playa del Carmen : Short road trip stop Playa del Carmen works well as a lunch stop or overnight break between Cancún and Tulum. Lively, touristy, but convenient. Personal recommendation (from another trip) : Kinta Kan Beach Hotel Boutique Playa del Carmen + dinner at Osteria De Roma. (one of the best italian meal of my life, 100% recommanded) 👉 Book your hotel in Playa del Carmen here Tulum : Ruins, cenotes & beaches (3 nights) Tulum is one of the highlights of any Yucatán itinerary : Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean, cenotes, and beach clubs. Where to stay in Tulum Oryx Tulum Hostel (👉 Book your stay here) : Private room for 4, small pool, jungle vibe, excellent value. What to do in Tulum Tulum Ruins Beach day (Xpu-Ha by colectivo) Cenotes (Chan Aktun Ha : stunning but expensive) Drinks at Batey Mojito Bar Nightlife around Mercado Centauro Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (day trip) A wild and untouched part of Mexico, Sian Ka’an is a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve best visited from Tulum. General admission to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is roughly MXN50 to MXN100 (US$3 to $5) but I highly recommand to take a guided tour for explanations et secrets of the biosphere.  Jungle walk Muyil archaeological site Observation tower 👉 Book Your Sian Ka’an guided tour here Bacalar : Lagoon of Seven Colors (3 nights) Bacalar was one of the biggest surprises of this trip. Calm, authentic, and absolutely stunning, it’s the kind of place where time slows down and every shade of blue feels unreal. Where to stay in Bacalar Ade Hotel Bacalar (👉 Book Your Stay Here)A small and charming hotel with a pool, excellent value for money, and easy access to a public lagoon entrance (a big plus in Bacalar where many docks are private.) What to do in Bacalar Swim in the Lagoon of Seven Colors Spend a day at Los Rápidos, where natural currents carry you through crystal-clear water Enjoy sunset walks along the lagoon Sailing & catamaran tour on the lagoon (absolute highlight) One of the most memorable experiences of this entire Mexico trip was a catamaran day tour on the Bacalar lagoon. The tour included: Swimming in Pirate’s Channel Stops near a protected bird reserve Multiple swim breaks in the most vibrant parts of the lagoon 👉 Book your catamaran / sailing tour with Day Tour in Bacalar If you want more details, I wrote a full dedicated guide about this experience here : The Best Catamaran Day Tour in Bacalar, Mexico. This sailing day was without a doubt one of the most magical moments of the trip and a must-do if you include Bacalar in your Yucatán itinerary. Mérida : Colonial city & culture (2 nights) Mérida is a vibrant colonial city and a great base to explore inland Yucatán. Where to stay in Mérida Casa NE (👉Book Your Stay Here) Central, affordable, perfect for a short stay. What to do in Mérida Historic center walk Mercado 60 (food court) Mezcal bars Live music at La Negrita Chichén Itzá & Valladolid : Culture stop (1 night) Chichén Itzá One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see in Mexico. Go early to avoid crowds. Book your Chichén Itzá guided tour to enjoy so as not to miss anything! Valladolid A charming colonial town, perfect for an overnight stop. Swim at Cenote Zací ($7) Walk around the main square Holbox Island : Slow travel & beaches (3 nights) Holbox is car-free, relaxed, and the perfect place to end this itinerary. Where to stay in Holbox Golden Paradise Hostel (👉 Book Your Stay Here) Good value, central, ideal for groups. What to do in Holbox Beach time Sunset drinks Walk to Punta Coco Total relaxation Rental car vs bus in Mexico Rental car (what we did with BSP Auto / Budget) Total cost: approx. €300 for 10 days (4 people) Easy driving overall Best option for flexibility Bus option (ADO) Comfortable, air-conditioned Reliable for long distances Slightly less flexible ✨Tip from Shiny Expatrie Frenchie ✨ After traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula with friends and testing this itinerary on the ground, here are a few real-life tips that can make a big difference when planning a 2-week trip to Mexico. 1. Traveling as a group makes everything easier (and cheaper) If you’re considering renting a car, traveling as a group is a game changer. Splitting accommodation, car rental, and fuel costs makes the road trip

Dive into the stunning Seven Colors Lagoon of Bacalar and experience a perfect day of relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking views on an eco-friendly catamaran. This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you : thanks for supporting my travels ! Sail the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” Bacalar Lagoon is one of Mexico’s true hidden gems :  calm, colorful, and simply unforgettable. The best way to experience it? A catamaran day tour with Day Tour Bacalar. Sailing across the lagoon’s seven shades of blue felt magical : no engine noise, just wind, music, and sunshine. The crew was amazing: friendly, funny, and full of great local stories. We stopped at the famous Pirate Channel, swam in crystal-clear waters near the cenotes, and relaxed on deck with tropical snacks and drinks. The vibe was perfect : laid-back, social, and full of good energy. What to Bring ? Biodegradable sunscreen & hat Swimsuit & towel Waterproof bag for your phone or camera Why I Recommend It ? This eco-friendly catamaran tour is one of the best experiences in Bacalar. The balance between adventure and relaxation makes it perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers. If you’re visiting the Laguna de los Siete Colores, don’t miss this experience : book in advance, grab your sunglasses, and let the turquoise magic do the rest. 👉 Book your Catamaran Day Tour in Bacalar here  ✨ Shiny Expatrie Frenchie Tip ✨ I didn’t have a drone yet when I did this tour and honestly, I regret it! 😅 If you do have one, bring it because flying over Bacalar Lagoon is allowed, and the views from above are absolutely next level. And here’s a little secret: when you finish your catamaran tour, ask if you can go up to the mirador near the dock. From there, you’ll get a breathtaking view of the entire lagoon : all the blues, all the layers, it’s pure magic. 💙 What makes Bacalar even more special is that it’s still mostly untouched by mass tourism. The vibe is chill, authentic, and the lagoon stays pristine. And honestly, finding a tour this good for under $40 USD? That’s a no-brainer.  BISOUS ✨