Travel

An Unforgettable 2-Day Tahiti Itinerary

Kristin Lee

Dreaming of a remote island vacation? Visiting Tahiti for two days is just enough time to get a taste of the island's unbeatable tropical beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and offers visitors the opportunity to chase waterfalls, surf incredible waves, and relax on stunning beaches.

Whether you're looking for a romantic escape, to re-center yourself in nature, or to just have an unforgettable family vacation, this article will help ensure that you make the most of your time in Tahiti!

Day 1: 2-Day Tahiti Itinerary

© Grégoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters

Papeete Market

Papeete is the vibrant capital city of French Polynesia and is filled with so many wonderful places to explore and observe the daily life of the locals. And one of the most iconic places to visit is the bustling Papeete Market!

Here, you'll find hundreds of stalls with everything you can think of. From fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods and fully cooked meals, this market is a foodie's heaven. As such, it's also one of the best places to grab a cheap and delicious breakfast to fuel the rest of your day's adventure.

And while the food is exceptional, especially the fresh mangoes, visitors to the Papeete market will discover that local vendors also sell all kinds of handcrafted souvenirs. So, if you're looking for a unique souvenir back home for some loved ones, this is the perfect place to find something!

Fautaua Waterfall

After you have filled up on tasty local dishes, it's time to embark on an exciting adventure -- trekking to Fautaua Waterfall. This waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Tahiti and stands at an impressive 400 feet tall! It's located deep in the island's mountainous interior, so getting there requires a bit of effort.

The hike is easy-to-moderate and takes around half a day to complete. Along the way, you'll get to wander through lush greenery, ford shallow rivers, and come across all kinds of eunique plants and flowers. You'll even pass through a small village on your way to the trailhead, which offers you a glimpse of the lifestyle of many locals.

Ultimately, seeing the breathtaking Fautaua Waterfall in person is one of the most incredible activities to partake in around the island. So if you want to see this natural beauty, make sure to grab your permit from city hall before embarking on your journey!

Place Viaete

By the time you complete the hike, there's a good chance you'll be ready to devour a giant meal! One of the best places to dine in the evening is Place Viaete, which is located near the Papeete harbor.

Almost every night around sunset, this area transforms from a quiet area near the harbor into the place to be in downtown Papeete! Visitors will discover the area has tons of food trucks, which are locally referred to as roulettes. Everything from traditional Tahitian dishes and crepes to Chinese food and everything in between is served here!

Another one of the best parts about Place Viaete is that the prices are quite affordable, so there's no need to worry about spending an exorbitant amount of money to get a good-portioned meal!

And if you need further incentive, most nights, this area offers live music, as well as a variety of games – perfect for making an unforgettable evening out of it. So make sure to stop by if you're ready to indulge in amazing food and support some local small businesses!

Day 2: 2-Day Tahiti Itinerary

Point Venus Lighthouse

For the second day of this 2-day Tahiti itinerary, you'll get to visit a couple of historical sites around Tahiti and learn about their ancient culture.

The first historic site is the Point Venus Lighthouse, which marks the exact location where Captain Cook sailed to in 1769. He originally sailed to this island in an attempt to determine the distance between Earth and Sun. Cook set out to calculate this by recording the transit of Venus across the sun. Hence, the name of the site!

Surrounding the lighthouse is a memorial site. Visitors can walk along a pathway that illustrates the story of the first Protestant missionaries that arrived in Tahiti in 1797 and began a new period of development for the island.

Additionally, there are two playgrounds that can be found around the lighthouse. So for families traveling with kids, this is an easy way to keep them entertained while you take a moment to appreciate the significance of this area.

Marae Ārahurahu

The next stop is Marae Ārahurahu, which is located on the Western side of Tahiti and one of the most important archaeological sites that can be on the island.

For those who have never heard of a Marae, it is essentially an ancient temple that was used by the local French Polynesian people. The ceremonial site often functioned as a place of gathering for special ceremonies or religious practices.

Back in the 15th century, the island used to have several different Maraes located all across Tahiti However, with time, they slowly disappeared, were destroyed, or simply became unrecognizable.

Marae Ārahurahu is particularly noteworthy because it's one of the oldest of its kind in Tahiti and is incredibly well-preserved and maintained. As such, this is a wonderful site for visitors to walk around, learn about ancient traditions, and connect a bit with Tahiti's past!

Taharuu Beach

Lastly, no visit to Tahiti would be complete without spending a few hours relaxing at the beach! And one of the best beaches to visit is Taharuu Beach, which is located about 20 minutes by car from Marae Ārahurahu.

This beach is one of the island's most popular black sand beaches and offers something to everyone. For example, if you've been wanting to take advantage of the smooth waves of Tahiti, this is a fantastic beach break for experienced surfers.

Alternatively, if you don't want to hop on a surfboard, you can also go swimming in Tahiti's brilliant blue waters. You'll likely realize that these waters are the ideal way to cool down after soaking up the sun at this gorgeous beach!

And if you get hungry, don't worry -- there's a snack bar where you can purchase a few treats to tide you over until you can grab a proper dinner! So regardless if you're here to surf, watch the surfers, or just recharge for a bit, this is a beach you'll want to make sure you hit up during your trip!

Other Fun Activities to Check Out

Moorea - If you have extra time, consider traveling to Tahiti's sister island, Moorea. It's only a 45-minute boat ride away!
PK18 Beach - This is a popular white sand beach located on the eastern side of the island
Water Gardens at Vaipahi - A gorgeous green space filled with beautiful flowers and plants that is lovely to stroll around.

Final Thoughts: Unforgettable 2-Day Tahiti Itinerary

There's something truly magical about Tahiti, and it's easy to see why so many travelers come back year after year.

From exploring the island’s stunning beaches, learning about its ancient culture at historic sites like Marae Ārahurahu, and relaxing at some of Tahiti's most beautiful spots, there are all kinds of activities available.

And while a couple of days is far from enough time to fully explore the island, with this 2-day itinerary, you'll be able to get the most out of your trip!

3 Days in Buenos Aires | A Family Itinerary

Alex Brown

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, one of the safest countries in Latin America. This Europeanized city is a perfect place to ease into South America for anyone who is more used to westernized countries such as those in Western Europe and the USA or Canada.

Casa Rosada in Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. Image by depositphotos.com

It combines culture and culinary delights in a city with a lot of history.

Buenos Aires was the birthplace of many famous individuals including Formula One racing champion Juan Manuel Fangio, football legend Alfredo Di Stefano, and even Pope Francis.

Today it is the epicenter of Argentine culture with tango dancers performing on the streets, and affordable steak available in abundance.

An Introduction to Argentine Cuisine

Steak and Asado

When it comes to steak, there is no better country on the planet than Argentina. The high protein content makes it a nutritional option that’s popular amongst locals. This is also the cheapest country in the world to find steak dishes.

Perhaps the jewel in Argentina’s culinary crown is the asado - barbecue. This is an assortment of meats cooked on a parrilla (grill) and often served in large enough portions to feed 2-4 people.

The asado usually consists of asado de tira (ribs), vacío (flank steak), chorizo (sausage), morcilla (blood sausage), and often one or two other cuts. Popular additions include cuadril (rump steak) and ojo de bife (rib eye), although there can be variations depending on the preferences of the asador (chef) and the choice of restaurant.

To get the perfect steak, it is important to be familiar with the following terms:

Vuelta-vuelta: Extremely rare. The steak is blue

Muy jugoso: Very rare. Still very pink with juices flowing

Jugoso: Medium-rare. Still juicy at this point

A punto: Medium. At this stage, there’s very little juice although it’s still pink on the inside

Cocido: Well done. Well-cooked and brown on the inside

Bien cocido: Very well done. Perfectly brown on the inside

Asado can often be served with chimichurri sauce. This green-coloured sauce consists of parsley, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic.

Other Savoury Bites

Argentina is a very meat-heavy country. And even without something as filling as a steak, the most popular foods generally come from animals.

Another local favorite is the milanesa de carne. This cutlet is often made of beef, chicken or pork served in breadcrumbs, although pork is less common. It is essentially the same as the schnitzel you can find in Germany and Austria. The milanesa is often served with chips and salad.

There is also the milanesa napolitana. This version involves the cutlet being covered in cheese and tomato. Sometimes ham is also added, making it a more filling option than the original milanesa.

For something a little lighter, empanadas are the perfect snack and can be found all over Buenos Aires.

Cafe Tortoni. Image by depositphotos.com

These small pastries are filled with various ingredients. They are served either as snacks if one or two are ordered, or full meals for more than two.

Common fillings include beef, chicken, cheese, vegetables and onions. But some can be filled with eggs, sauces, sweet foods, or just about anything else.

Empanadas are a staple of the Argentine diet, and cost less than $2 for a single one. They are a must-try during any trip to Buenos Aires.

Sweet Treats in Buenos Aires

Porteños (port city people), as the locals of Buenos Aires are known, love their desserts just as much as their steaks.

Topping the list of popular treats in the capital are alfajores. These are honey, flour and nut-based pastries, often filled with dulce de leche. They are loved by locals not just in Buenos Aires, but all across South America’s Southern Cone (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile).

Dulce de leche is a sweet blend of condensed milk and sugar, heated until it becomes a spread with a similar appearance to caramel. The locals love it, and many bakery treats will have dulce de leche inside them. It’s hard to avoid it during a trip to Buenos Aires.

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary for Buenos Aires

Tango dancers in Buenos Aires. Credit: Alex Brown

Day 1: Monserrat, Free Walking Tour, and Dinner by Rio Dique

A slow start is recommended after a long flight. It will take a long time to reach Buenos Aires unless coming from another South American country, so take it easy in the morning.

Monserrat is the best neighborhood to stay in for families in Buenos Aires. The popular Palermo area should be avoided with younger guests due to the abundance of noisy bars and clubs in the area. Monserrat offers a slightly quieter setting, albeit a busy one throughout the day amidst the hustle and bustle of commuters and tourists passing through.

Spend the morning walking around Monserrat and surrounding areas, whilst becoming familiar with the local streets, shops and restaurants.

By mid-afternoon, the perfect way to see the city is via a free walking tour. Free walking tours (tips-based rather than truly free) are the perfect way to become familiar with a new city.

A local will show the highlights of a particular area over the course of 2-3 hours whilst explaining the history of the place.

By doing one, it is easy to find the most fun attractions, the tastiest restaurants and learn local tips about safety, transport links, or anything interesting that may not be found online.

A free tour of the city centre starts at the National Congress with an introduction to Buenos Aires and its history. It then progresses up the famous Avenida de Mayo, best known for its impressive European-style architecture.

Argentine Congress building. Credit: Alex Brown

The guide will stop at further points of interest including the mural of popular politician Eva Perón - the wife of Juan Perón, whose “Peronist” politics have shaped Argentina today. Rather than “left-wing” and “right-wing”, Argentine politics are generally divided between “Peronist” and “anti-Peronist”, such is the impact that the 1940s power couple had.

Then the tour heads towards Cafe Tortoni. This spot is famous as the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires and a favorite of politicians and celebrities alike. Juan Manuel Fangio, Einstein and Hillary Clinton have all been spotted here since the cafe first opened in 1858. It is also a spot well-known for watching Argentine tango performances.

Next up is Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada. The former is the city’s oldest public square and the scene of many major protests and events over the years. The latter is the president’s official workplace, and somewhere that can be visited on a separate tour. Even without an interest in the history, Casa Rosada is a great backdrop for photographs with its iconic pink coloring. After all, “Casa Rosada” is Spanish for “pink house”.

This concludes the 2.5 hour tour, which provides a great introduction to Argentine history and shows visitors a good chunk of the capital.

In the evening, finish off with a trip to the waterfront for dinner. It takes 12 minutes to walk from Casa Rosada towards the Rio Dique and Rio Darsena Sur. In both of these spots, a series of restaurants can be found offering all sorts of cuisine ranging from Argentine to Italian, American, Japanese and more.

Day 2: La Boca and Café Tortoni

One of the most fascinating places in Buenos Aires is La Boca. Start the day with a quick breakfast before taking a taxi for $2-5 to La Boca, in time for an 11am tour. Please note that tours run daily but must be booked in advance.

It should also be noted that the areas surrounding the touristy spots of La Boca are not the safest and have been associated with several robberies. Therefore, taking a taxi is the best way to get here, and leave afterward. Buses run, but taxis are the better option here.

The touristy spots however are very safe and suitable for families as thousands of visitors flock to the area on a daily basis.

Street art in La Boca. Credit: Alex Brown

The tour will cover four main areas. The first is the waterfront by the Matanza River. Here the guide will explain La Boca’s history, and how it turned from one of the most dangerous areas in Buenos Aires into the safe, vibrant and beautiful spot it is today. There is also a statue here of artist Benito Martin, who was responsible for the area’s transformation to begin with.

Stop two is the main attraction: El Caminito. This colorful street is where all the action takes place in La Boca. Tango dancers perform on a regular basis. There are seemingly limitless steak options, and souvenir shops galore.

Wine and alfajores are amongst the many local favourites sold in this tiny microcosm of Argentine society.

El Caminito’s unique colors make it one of the most picturesque spots in the whole country. Therefore it’s a great place to get some photos.

The third stage of the tour passes many walls covered in street art. The paintings display some of the most important images to the Argentine people. Most notable are those of local football legend Diego Maradona. Maradona played for Boca Juniors, and is adored by the Argentine population for his role in winning the 1986 World Cup among other things.

Who are Boca Juniors? That’s the fourth place the tour guide will stop at and explain. Boca Juniors are the local football team, and the biggest in Argentina. The guide will explain a little of the history, and the tour will come to an end after this.

After the tour ends it is possible to visit the Boca Juniors Museum, which is right next to the finish point. For anyone with an interest in football, this is the perfect spot to learn about the history and see memorabilia related to one of South America’s most famous clubs.

The Boca Juniors Museum tour is self-guided and ends with a visit to the club shop where it’s possible to buy a replica shirt and other merchandise.

Buying tickets for a Boca Juniors game is very hard, a local contact is required. However, this is not recommended for families as matches can be quite intense and violence is not uncommon at games. There have also been multiple reports of fanatical fans snatching tickets from tourists entering the ground. Therefore, sticking to just the museum is recommended for anyone with children.

Argentine street Parrilla in La Boca. Credit: Alex Brown

Be sure to stay in La Boca for lunch and take in some of the amazing street food on offer. And yes, this is Argentina, meaning various cuts of meat are top of the menu at just about every food stall.

In the afternoon, take a bit of a rest, then head back to Cafe Tortoni. This time, it is time to stop here.

The cafe is open from 8am-9pm every day. It is a spectacular setting with its upmarket Parisian decor and has a wide range of items to choose from.

There are numerous sandwiches, salads, pizzas, meat dishes and appetizers to choose from for a main course. Desserts range from Western favorites such as cheesecake or lemon pie, to local treats including alfajores. Then there is the drinks menu which has plenty of coffees, teas and alcoholic drinks to choose from, whilst also offering lemonade and grape or orange juice.

This is a good spot to have dinner, whilst taking in some entertainment for the evening.

The main attraction of this historic cafe is tango dancing. Shows take place daily from 8pm. Tickets can be bought at the cafe itself, and cost around $13. Although this price fluctuates regularly due to the volatile Argentine currency.

Spend some time here, and finish the day on a high note.

Day 3: Los Bosques de Palermo, Recoleta Cemetery and Don Julio

Colourful buildings in El Caminito, La Boca. Credit: Alex Brown

On the final day, spend some time enjoying the many green spots that Buenos Aires has to offer. Los Bosques de Palermo (El Parque 3 de Febrero) is the most popular that the city has to offer.

Spend the morning walking around and enjoying sights such as the rose garden where many flowers bloom. Rent a paddle boat to enjoy some time on the water. Then visit the park’s planetarium where they host multiple exciting shows on a daily basis educating about space and the universe. All of the above are perfect for families with children of any age.

In the afternoon, head to Recoleta and check out the cemetery. It is the resting place of Eva Peron but is especially well-known for its beautiful graves and sculptures.

Lastly, head back to Buenos Aires for the evening. And stop for dinner at Don Julio. This traditional Argentine restaurant was named as the 19th-best in the world in 2023, the 4th-best in South America, and the best in Argentina.

Reservations are required and should be sorted in advance. Reservations often open around 90 days beforehand and go fast, therefore it is necessary to be quick to book a table. The restaurant opens from 11:30am-1am every day with a 3-hour closure from 4pm-7pm.

This prestigious restaurant is the perfect setting to bring down the curtain on a 3-day visit to Buenos Aires. An enjoyable travel destination for anyone.

Small Towns in The Yucatán State Worth Visiting

Andrew Uyal

Want to know which small towns in the Yucatan Peninsula are worth visiting?

Campeche, Mexico. Independence Plaza in Old Town. Image by depositphotos.com

Quick Facts About Yucatan’s Small Towns

When visiting Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, many tourists gravitate towards Cancun. Some make their way to Playa del Carmen. Cruise enthusiasts are likely to find themselves in Cozumel.

But we’re going to talk about some of the smaller towns like Valladolid, Campeche, Holbox, Izamal, and a few more that we will get into. These small towns are worth visiting if you’re looking for a more authentic Mexican vacation experience.

Travelers that want a more immersive trip will love the atmosphere of these and the other small towns we’ll go over today.

Small Towns Worth Visiting on the Yucatan Peninsula

Let’s get into our list of the best small towns on the Peninsula.

Holbox

Isla Holbox is on the northern coast of the state of Quintana Roo, one of the three states (along with Yucatan and Campeche) that make up the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a small island with lovely beaches and some great activities.

You’ll need to know how to get to Holbox, as it’s a bit off the beaten path. First, you’ll have to make your way to the town of Chiquila, where the ferry will take you to the Island.

Once you arrive there, you’ll be surprised to see no paved roads and no cars anywhere. The roads are dirt and the only cars are motorized golf carts.

A small, tropical island, Holbox is a safe place to travel. The beaches are scenic, and the sandbar stretches way out. You can walk a long way out into the sea and still be in waist-deep water.

Holbox Island is a great place to relax and get away from the big cities. Relax at one of the many beachfront bars with a refreshing cocktail.

The main square and the block or two that surrounds it is a happening area when sun sets, with many bars playing loud music and offering drink specials. Holbox can be as relaxing or as fun as you want it to be!

Izamal

Nicknamed “The Yellow City”, Izamal is about an hour west of Chichen Itza. It got its nickname because all the storefronts, churches, and houses that line the streets of Izamal are painted the same yellow color.

It’s a very small town that contains the ruins of an old Mayan pyramid right in town!

At the head of the main square is a huge convent that you can walk around. Izamal isn’t a high-volume tourist destination, so there won’t be a ton of people there to compete with for pictures. It’s a quiet town where you’ll be able to enjoy the sights at your own pace.

You can get to Izamal by collective vans, local bus, or by private transportation. Once you arrive in the main square, you’re in walking distance of the convent, the pyramid, and a great hidden gem of a restaurant called Restaurante Kinich Izamal, where they have the best cochinita pibil!

Isla Mujeres

Mainly known as a day trip from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a quality destination in its own right. It’s a small island town with some great cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

The downtown area gets a little touristy during the day with all of the day trippers from Cancun, but once you get away from the main square, you’ll find some very small and authentic restaurants like Minino’s, where you’ll find some great tacos and ceviches.

If you can get downtown early in the morning, you’ll have access to some of the best cafes, like Café Mogagua, to start your day with a nice coffee and bite to eat before all the tourists from Cancun show up.

There are also some unique experiences and tours available from Isla Mujeres. The tour to Isla Contoy for example, is quite exclusive because only 200 people per day are permitted by the government to visit Isla Contoy.

You’ll be able to visit the uninhabited island and spend the day at the quiet beach with an included lunch and come back home with a unique story.

Valladolid

Only about twenty minutes from Chichen Itza, Valladolid is a small colonial town with a lovely atmosphere. If you’re travelling around the peninsula, staying in Valladolid for a few days will give you a nice break between some of the big city destinations.

The main square has a picturesque park and a beautiful cathedral. There are cultural events and demonstrations almost daily in the square. You can see traditional dancers and musicians, especially in the early evening.

Close to Valladolid you’ll find some of the most beautiful cenotes on the peninsula. Check out the very photogenic Cenote Suytun. Cenotes Sac-aua, Tsukan, and Agua Dulce are all wonderful with slightly different aesthetics from open, to slightly covered, to fully covered cave cenotes.

The Mayan ruin site Ek Balam is close to Valladolid (and closer to Cenote Agua Dulce). This site is one of the best in the area. It sits amidst the jungle and the main structure towers over the canopy. You can climb up if you don’t mind a large number of narrow stone steps. The view is worth it!

Valladolid is a home base for all of these nearby attractions. After exploring the area during the day, you’ll find some delicious dining options in the downtown area, like Restaurante El Atrio del Mayab which offers high-quality authentic regional cuisine.

Campeche

On the west coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Campeche, you’ll find the state’s capital city of the same name. Campeche is a sleepy coastal city with a rich history.

Its position on the coast made it a naval trade hub, which in turn made it a target for pirates. Along the coast you can find remnants of old forts, watch towers, and turrets that were built to alert and protect the city and the port from these pirates.

One of the forts has been converted into an anthropology museum, so you can get a taste of the pirate history with the fort and its canons, and some regional Mayan history inside the museum.

There isn’t a lot of beach front in Campeche. Along most of the coast, the ocean comes right up to the side of the road that stretches along the water. This provides some excellent photo opportunities, especially for the sunset!

You can use Campeche as a home base for nearby attractions like the Mayan ruin sites of Edzna and Hochob. If you really want to get off the beaten path, you can go deeper inland to see the ruins of Dzibilnocac and Calakmul.

The downtown area of Campeche is surrounded by a fortified wall from the colonial days, more protection from pirates and other invaders.

If you’re used to big cities like Cancun and Merida, you’ll be thrilled at the prices in Campeche, as it’s the most budget-friendly of the cities on our list. Hotels, dining, and activities are cheaper here than any of our other recommended small towns.

Akumal

On the eastern coast of the peninsula, along the coastal highway between Cancun and Tulum is the town of Akumal. If you want to get out of Cancun but don’t want to pay the high prices of Tulum beach, Akumal is for you.

In Akumal you can find a lot of the same activities as Tulum. You’ll find things like whale shark watching, tours of ruin sites like Coba, and tequila and mezcal tastings.

You can also find some beautiful cenotes around Akumal, like Cenote Azul, an open cenote that is one of the most picturesque in the area. There are even tours where you can ride ATVs through the jungle from one cenote to the next and the next!

The beaches of Akumal are very pretty and you can enjoy them for a much lower price than the beach club experience in Tulum, Akumal’s neighbor thirty minutes south.

Akumal is close enough to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen to explore those bigger cities during the day if you’d like, then return to the smaller and more budget-friendly small town to have dinner and rest.

Summing Up Small Towns Worth Visiting on the Yucatan Peninsula

Ruins of the Mayan Temple on Isla Mujeres. Image by depositphotos.com

Staying in small towns is a good way to experience local culture, as larger cities like Cancun tend to cater more towards Americans. You’ll get a more authentic experience by venturing away from the cities and experiencing the small towns.

The architecture in the small towns of the Yucatan Peninsula has a more colonial feel than the bigger cities that are more built-up.

If you want a unique experience outside of the normal tourist trip, the Yucatan Peninsula has authentic regional food, lots of opportunities to practice your Spanish, and amazing sites to explore that will bring you home with stories that nobody you know will have experienced.