Top Day Trips from Cancun
Cancún is one of Mexico’s crown jewels – a spectacular destination with stunning white-sand beaches and a nightlife that doesn’t stop. However, just beyond this bustling beach city, there’s a world of excursions and adventures offering a pleasant change of pace, including ancient pyramids, otherworldly cenotes, and charming colonial towns to explore.
1. Relax in Isla Mujeres
Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes
A quick ferry ride from Cancún transports you to Isla Mujeres, a laid-back island with beautiful scenery. The main town is draped in vibrant murals and known for its stunning Playa Norte – a white-sand beach with swaying palm trees and tranquil turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxed beach day.
Stroll along Calle Hidalgo, a pleasant pedestrian street lined with artsy boutiques and eateries; in the evening, enjoy live music at open-air bars. Alternatively, explore the island by golf cart, stopping at Playa Garrafón for snorkeling and Punta Sur, where you can find crashing waves and the Maya temple to Ixchel.
How to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancún: Ultramar operates ferries from the Zona Hotelera, including Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol. Tickets are M$270 each way.
2. Cenote Hop Along the Riviera Maya
Travel time: 1 hour
The coastal road (Hwy 307) from Cancún to Tulum is dotted with spectacular cenotes, which are crystal-clear pools found in deep underground caves or in beautiful jungle settings. Spend a day hopping between them, snorkeling and swimming.
Favorites include Cenote Azul, known for its teal waters and stone walkways; Cenote Manatí, winding through lush mangrove forests; and Dos Ojos, which features twin caverns decorated with stalagmites connected by an underground river.
How to get to cenotes along the Riviera Maya from Cancún: Colectivos (shared minivans) are an inexpensive method of travel along Hwy 307, leaving every few minutes from Cancún’s bus station.
3. Swim with Sea Turtles in Akumal
Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
The calm, clear waters in front of Akumal are designated as a marine conservation area, where you can spot endangered tortoises year-round. Come for a snorkeling tour to see turtles in their natural habitat, or join staff members from local ecological organizations for an evening walk to observe nesting turtles.
How to get to Akumal from Cancún: Colectivos from Cancún drop passengers off at the turn-off to Akumal, a 1km (0.6-mile) walk to the beach. Alternatively, renting a car or hiring a cab provides more comfort.
4. Experience the Yucatan at Xcaret Eco-Park
Travel time: 1 hour
Xcaret is a sprawling tropical park that offers an immersive experience into the Yucatan’s beauty. Float in underground rivers, wander through butterfly gardens, snorkel along reefs, and explore folk art museums and Maya ruins.
Live performances throughout the park include a spectacular nightly show that showcases regional music and folk dances, making it an excellent day trip option.
How to get to Xcaret from Cancún: Xcaret provides round-trip transportation from Cancún hotels, or you can use the ADO bus service from downtown Cancún.
5. Take in the Colonial Vibe of Valladolid
Travel time: 2 hours
Valladolid is a charming town just inland from Cancún, featuring a central plaza surrounded by historic buildings. It’s a vibrant spot frequented by locals, especially in the afternoons with regional dance performances and street vendors selling elote (corn on the cob) and paletas (popsicles).
Consider visiting MUREM or other local museums or strolling down Calzada de los Frailes, a cobblestone street lined with artisanal boutiques and cozy cafes.
How to get to Valladolid from Cancún: ADO provides bus services from downtown Cancún to Valladolid numerous times a day.
6. Wander Through the Maya World of Chichén Itzá
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Chichén Itzá, one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological zones, features magnificent palaces, pyramids, and ball courts. The iconic El Castillo pyramid creates the shadow of a serpent during the equinoxes, which draws tourists year-round.
Arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Hiring an onsite guide enhances your understanding of the site and its significance in Maya civilization.
How to get to Chichén Itzá from Cancún: First-class buses travel from downtown Cancún to the ruins, while renting a car allows the quickest travel via the well-maintained toll road (Hwy 180D).
This guide will help you find the best day trips from Cancún, whether you’re drawn to adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion. Explore the beauty and history just outside this vibrant city and create unforgettable memories.
