Top 6 Day Trips from Cancún

Cancún is one of Mexico’s gems—a breathtaking destination boasting stunning white-sand beaches and an endless nightlife.

Just beyond this vibrant beach city lies a realm of excursions and adventures that provide everything from a refreshing change of scenery to a richer understanding of the region’s heritage, featuring ancient pyramids, mystical cenotes, and charming colonial towns.

Here are some day trip options from Cancún along with all the details you need to make them happen.

1. Unwind in Isla Mujeres

Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes

A short ferry ride from Cancún whisks you away to Isla Mujeres, a relaxed island with backpacker origins. The main town is adorned with vibrant murals and is famous for the stunning Playa Norte—a picturesque stretch of white sand framed by swaying palm trees and serene turquoise waters, ideal for a leisurely beach day.

Stroll along Calle Hidalgo, a charming pedestrian street lined with artistic boutiques and dining spots; in the evening, enjoy live music at several open-air bars.

Alternatively, discover the island by golf cart, making stops at Playa Garrafón for snorkeling and at Punta Sur, where you can enjoy crashing waves and visit the Maya temple dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. You can easily fit all of this into a single day, especially since ferries operate from 5:30am to midnight.

How to reach Isla Mujeres from Cancún: Ultramar runs two ferries from the Zona Hotelera at Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol, along with one just north of downtown Cancún at Puerto Juárez. Tickets cost M$270 each way.

2. Cenote hopping along the Riviera Maya

Travel time: 1 hour

The coastal highway (Hwy 307) from Cancún to Tulum is lined with breathtaking cenotes, crystal-clear pools of water found in deep underground caves or nestled in open-air jungle settings.

Dedicate a day to exploring these cenotes, snorkeling and swimming until dusk. Most are located just south of Playa del Carmen, with new ones popping up each year.

Top picks include Cenote Azul, a stunning collection of open-air cenotes featuring turquoise waters, stone pathways, and ledges for diving in; Cenote Manatí, a unique oceanside cenote meandering through a vibrant mangrove forest; and Dos Ojos, twin caves adorned with stalagmites and linked by a refreshing underground river. Snorkeling gear rentals are available at each location.

Getting to cenotes along the Riviera Maya from Cancún: Colectivos (shared minivans) offer an affordable way to travel along Hwy 307; they depart every few minutes from outside Cancún’s bus station and will stop at your request.

If they’re full, they won’t stop to pick up passengers, so you might need to wait for an available seat between cenotes. Alternatively, consider renting a car for the day or hiring a taxi to transport you from one spot to another.

3. Swim with sea turtles in Akumal

Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

The tranquil, clear waters right in front of the beachside village of Akumal are designated as a marine conservation area for a good reason: endangered loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles feed, rest, and nest here, making them visible in and around Akumal Bay throughout the year.

Join a snorkeling tour to explore the turtle feeding grounds, where you’re most likely to see them (guides are mandatory for water entry and can be easily found on the beach); or participate in an evening walk with staff from Centro Ecológico Akumal to observe nesting turtles and monitor nests. Always keep a safe distance from the turtles and avoid touching them.

Before departing, take some time to enjoy the stunning palm-fringed beach, then head north to Half Moon Bay for a beachfront meal at La Buena Vida.

Getting to Akumal from Cancún: Colectivos from Cancún drop off passengers at the turn-off to Akumal, followed by a dusty 1km (0.6-mile) walk to the beach. For added comfort, consider renting a car or taking a taxi. There’s a parking lot and a taxi stand just outside the town arch.

4. Experience the Yucatán at Xcaret eco-park

Travel time: 1 hour

Among the theme parks in the area, Xcaret stands out as the most ambitious, featuring a vast tropical setting on stunning oceanfront land. It’s an ideal spot to immerse yourself in the Yucatán’s diverse offerings. Spend your day drifting through underground rivers, wandering butterfly gardens, snorkeling over coral reefs, and exploring folk art museums and ancient Maya ruins.

The park also hosts live performances, including an impressive nightly show that showcases Mexican folk dances, regional music, and even a traditional Maya ball game. While it’s definitely a packaged experience—with all-inclusive meal options available—it makes for an unforgettable day trip, particularly if you're pressed for time.

Getting to Xcaret from Cancún: Xcaret provides round-trip transportation from any hotel in Cancún, which is convenient but subject to the shuttle schedule. Additionally, ADO buses run several times daily from downtown Cancún. If you’re renting a car, free parking is available. Taxi stands are also readily accessible for easy transport in either direction.

5. Embrace the colonial charm of Valladolid

Travel time: 2 hours

Valladolid is a delightful town located just a short distance inland from Cancún. The main plaza serves as the focal point, lush with greenery and surrounded by historic architecture, bustling with locals. In the late afternoon, enjoy regional dance performances and vendors selling elote (corn on the cob) and paletas (popsicles).

Don't miss the opportunity to explore one of the town's museums, such as MUREM or Casa de los Venados, both showcasing impressive collections of traditional attire and Mexican folk art. Alternatively, take a leisurely walk along Calzada de los Frailes, a cobblestone street lined with charming boutiques and inviting cafes.

Conclude your visit with a tour of the magnificent Templo de San Bernardino, a grand Franciscan church and convent that also served as a fortress during the Caste War. If your schedule allows, consider staying overnight to fully immerse yourself in the town’s ambiance, and don't forget to take a refreshing swim in one of the nearby cenotes.

How to reach Valladolid from Cancún: ADO offers multiple bus services from downtown Cancún to Valladolid throughout the day. If you're driving, you can easily access it via Hwy 180 (libre) or the toll road Hwy 180D (cuota).

6. Explore the ancient Maya site of Chichén Itzá

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Located west of Cancún is the renowned archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, a stunning Maya ruin featuring impressive palaces, pyramids, and ball courts. The most iconic structure is El Castillo, a majestic 25m-high (82ft) pyramid designed to cast the shadow of a serpent down its staircase during the spring and fall equinoxes.

This archaeological wonder is a must-visit throughout the year, showcasing the intricate lifestyle of the ancient Maya. Arriving early helps you dodge the heat and crowds; hiring a guide can enhance your appreciation of the site's history. Afterwards, unwind at the nearby Cenote Ik Kil or enjoy a meal in the quaint town of Pisté at Restaurante Las Mestizas, where you can savor authentic Yucatecan dishes.

How to reach Chichén Itzá from Cancún: First-class buses provide service from downtown Cancún to the ruins. If you choose to drive, the toll road (Hwy 180D) offers the quickest route, while the libre (Hwy 180) allows you to pass through local villages. Additionally, a rail service via the Maya Train is planned for the future.