Have you ever dreamed of planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cancun, but felt overwhelmed trying to create the perfect itinerary? We get it—there’s a lot to take in, and so many incredible things to do in the Riviera Maya.
As locals who’ve lived in Playa del Carmen for over five years, we’ve experienced the very best (and a few of the not-so-great) adventures this region has to offer. Now, we’re here to share our insider tips and help you plan the ultimate Mexico vacation.
In this guide, we’re breaking down 11 unmissable day trips from Cancun that are totally worth it!
Why Cancun is the Most Visited City in Mexico
Millions of local and international travelers visit the popular beach city of Cancun every year—over 3.9 million tourists in 2024 alone. Source: Datatur Sectur
So why is Cancun, Mexico such a hotspot on the Caribbean coast? Here are just a few reasons:
🇲🇽 It’s close and convenient for US & Canadian travelers
Cancun International Airport is just a short flight from most major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Flights are often affordable, and once you land, you can be relaxing at your hotel in Cancun in under 45 minutes.
🏖️ It’s a budget-friendly destination
The exchange rate works in your favor—whether you’re spending dollars, pounds, or euros, your money goes further in Mexico. While the Riviera Maya isn’t the cheapest part of the country, it’s still much more affordable than many other global beach destinations. You can enjoy great food, beautiful hotels, and amazing activities without breaking the bank.
🐠 There’s so much to see and do
Cancun is the gateway to some of Mexico’s most exciting spots—like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel Island, the famous Xcaret Parks, and more. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, there’s something here for everyone. In this post, we’re sharing our top 11 day trips from Cancun, but honestly, we’re only scratching the surface.
💦 The beaches are next-level
Cancun and the surrounding areas are famous for their bright turquoise waters—some of the most stunning in the world. And with warm, beach-perfect weather almost year-round, it’s easy to see why this tropical paradise keeps visitors coming back.
Of course, there are so many more reasons Cancun continues to be one of the most visited destinations in Mexico—but you’ll have to keep reading to find out why we love it so much.
Where is Cancun and How to Get There
As mentioned earlier, Cancun is in the state of Quintana Roo, in southern Mexico. It sits at the northern end of the state, with other popular spots like Playa del Carmen and Tulum located about an hour to the south.
One of the best things about Cancun’s location is how close the Cancun International Airport is to the hotel zone—just a short drive away, making travel super convenient.
While you can fly into the brand new Tulum International Airport, it’s not the most practical option if you’re headed to Cancun, since you’ll still need to travel about three hours north by car or bus to reach the hotel zone.
Just a quick note: Cancun is divided into two main areas by the large Nichupté Lagoon—Downtown Cancun and the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Most travelers choose to stay in the hotel zone, as it’s where you’ll find the beautiful beaches, along with most of the hotels and restaurants. The easiest way to get there is by private shuttle, but we’ll dive deeper into the best transportation options later in this article.
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Is Cancun Safe?
As locals living in this part of Mexico, we often get asked by foreigners if we feel safe here. The short answer? Yes, we do. The mainstream media tends to portray Mexico—especially tourist hotspots like Cancun—as extremely dangerous, but that’s not the full picture.
It’s true that cartel activity exists in the region, but as long as you’re not getting involved in risky situations (like drug-fueled jungle parties), there’s really not much to worry about.
The main thing to be cautious of is leaving your personal belongings unattended, particularly on busy beaches. Other than that, as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid getting overly intoxicated in public, Cancun is just as safe as any city in the U.S.
The Absolute Best Time to Visit Cancun
Since Cancun is in the Mexican Caribbean, you can expect pretty much perfect weather all year round. But after living here for over five years, we’ve figured out the best time to visit—based on what we love most: cooler weather (without the risk of hurricanes), fewer crowds, and no sargassum!
In our opinion, the absolute best time to visit is from the end of October to mid-December. This is when hurricane season has just ended, and we start transitioning into autumn. You’ll get sunny days with more comfortable temperatures—not too hot, not too humid.
Plus, since it’s not peak tourist season, the beaches are quiet, and you’ll have more flexibility with last-minute bookings for tours and hotels. Best of all, the ocean is usually crystal clear with almost no sargassum in sight!
That said, we know not everyone can pick their travel dates so easily, so here’s another great option:
Mid-January to mid-March: This is another sweet spot. The weather is still pleasant, and it’s not overly crowded. While the beaches usually stay free of sargassum during this time, we did start seeing a bit of it by late February.
Times we recommend avoiding? The week between Christmas and New Year’s, as well as Semana Santa (Easter week), since everything gets packed and prices go up—unless you don’t mind the hustle and bustle. We’d also steer clear of the super hot summer months, from July through the end of September. Not only is it sweltering, but it’s also peak hurricane season.
Here’s an over view of average temperatures throughout the year in Cancun
Source: NOAA
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11 Best Day Trips from Cancun for Adventure, Culture, and Relaxation
While it was virtually impossible to think of just 11 of the best things to see and do near Cancun, we did our best to only mention the most worth-while experiences.
We’ve personally done each of the trips mentioned below, so you can go read more blog posts or watch our YouTube videos on each experience to help determine which activities are best for you!
In no particular order, these are 11 unmissable spots to see on your dream trip to Cancun:
1. Explore the Magic of The Xcaret Parks Near Cancun
If you’ve never heard of the Xcaret Parks before, think of them as the Disney World of Mexico—but way more natural and way less artificial. There are six parks in total, but the three most popular (and biggest) are Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Xplor, each offering a totally unique experience.
What makes the Xcaret Parks so special is how beautifully they blend into the natural landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula. They give you a chance to really connect with the region—from ziplining over the lush Mayan jungle, to snorkeling in crystal-clear inlets, to rafting through underground rivers. These parks are packed with fun, no matter what kind of traveler you are.
We’ve written in-depth guides for each one, but here’s a quick breakdown:
🌿 Xcaret Park
This is the flagship park and a full-day (and night!) experience. Here, you can swim through cenotes, try delicious local food, and enjoy some of the best cultural performances in all of Mexico. It’s the most well-rounded of the parks, with something for everyone.
Xcaret Park
Riviera Maya’s Most Visited Theme Park
✔︎ 50+ activities included
✔︎ Epic cultural shows & displays
✔︎ Private beach & inlet for snorkling
🌊 Xel-Há Park
Known as the water park, Xel-Há is famous for its huge natural ocean inlet. You can swim and snorkel for hours, explore stunning cenotes, and relax in a hammock under the palm trees—it’s pure tropical paradise. One of our favorite things about this park? Your ticket includes all-you-can-eat-and-drink all day (yes, even alcohol!), which makes it amazing value.
Xel-ha Park
The Riviera Maya’s Ultimate Water Park
✔︎ access to multiple cenotes
✔︎ snorkeling & tubing
✔︎ all you can eat and drink
⚡ Xplor Park
This is the adventure park, and hands down our favorite of the bunch! It’s packed with adrenaline-pumping attractions like the 8-part zipline circuit that flies you high above the jungle. And don’t miss the Taboganxote—a massive 5-in-1 waterslide that’s just as fun as it sounds.
Xplor Park
The Riviera Maya’s Zip Line & Park
✔︎ 8-part zip line course
✔︎ 5-in-1 mega slide
✔︎ epic lunch buffet included
📸 Watch Our Full Xcaret Guide on YouTube
2. A Quick Day Trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen
Because Cancun is so big and developed, it’s easy to lose that authentic Mexican charm. Just an hour south, though, is Playa del Carmen—a smaller, more laid-back town that we’ve been lucky to call home for the past five years.
Playa del Carmen is perfect for a relaxed day trip. You can stroll along 5th Avenue (La Quinta), a pedestrian-only street that stretches for about five miles. It’s lined with souvenir shops, swimwear boutiques, restaurants, and stylish open-air malls like Paseo del Carmen and Quinta Alegría.
Don’t forget to stop at the famous Portal Maya statue for a photo—and stick around to catch free traditional performances like the Papantla Flyers and Mayan dancers. (Tips aren’t required but definitely appreciated.)
You’ll also notice that the beaches here are quite different from those in Cancun. Playa has tons of beach clubs where you can hang out, grab a drink, and enjoy the sea.
One of the best parts about Playa (as us locals call it) is how walkable it is. Since downtown blends right into the tourist area, it’s super easy to find delicious, affordable local food. We recommend checking out the Municipal Market or Doña Mari (only open for dinner) for an authentic meal.
Or you can book this top-rated food tour to get a taste of everything! 🌮
3. Take a Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel for the Day
Cozumel is the largest and most visited of the four main islands in this part of Mexico. That’s mostly because it’s a major cruise ship stop in the Caribbean and famous worldwide for its incredible scuba diving.
The island itself is pretty big, and ideally, you’d want a few days to explore it properly—but even with just one day, there’s plenty to see and do. One thing to know: you’ll need to rent a car, and we recommend going for a Jeep if you can. The best way to explore is to drive around the island, making stops at different beaches and scenic spots along the way.
For a great lunch, head into town and check out La Casita del Indio 333. It’s one of our go-to spots for delicious, authentic, and budget-friendly seafood.
P.S. To get to Cozumel, you’ll first need to head to Playa del Carmen and catch the ferry. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
⛵️ Avoid Queues, Get Your Cozumel Ferry Tickets in Advanced Here
4. Visit Isla Mujeres: A Peaceful Getaway from Cancun
This might just be our top recommendation for a day trip from Cancun! It’s super quick to get to, gives you a feel for a smaller Mexican Caribbean town, and has some of the most stunning beaches in the whole region.
The ferry ride takes only about 25 minutes and leaves straight from Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Once you arrive, you’ll land in Isla Mujeres’ fun and colorful downtown area, which is really easy to explore on foot.
While you’re there, don’t miss Playa Norte and Playa Centro—they have some of the clearest, bluest water you’ll ever see!
To really soak in the island vibes, rent a golf cart and drive around the whole island. Make a stop at Punta Sur—it’s known for its beautiful cliffs, ocean views, and cool Mayan statues.
Local Tip: Hang on to your Xcaret Ferry ticket! It includes a free ride up the observation tower back in Cancun, where you’ll get an epic panoramic view of the city. Most people don’t even realize it’s included.
⛵️ Avoid Queues, Get Your Isla Mujeres Ferry Tickets in Advanced Here
5. Discover Isla Contoy: A Hidden Gem Near Cancun, Mexico
The gorgeous island known as Isla Contoy, is located just north of Isla Mujeres, but it is very different to either of the two previously mentioned islands (Cozumel & Isla Mujeres). This island is tiny and is actually a protected area, meaning that less that 200 people step foot on this island per day.
The island is about as raw and untouched as you’ll find, with very limited access for tourists and no one inhibiting the island.
The wildlife surrounding this stunning island is second to none – on our trip out to Isla Contoy, we spotted a giant manta ray, a pod of dolphins, and couple turtles. One we landed on the island, we saw multiple star fish in the shallows and hundreds of unique bird species. And to top it off, the beaches were the cleanest and most dazzling we’ve ever seen.
The only way to see this gorgeous island is by taking a tour, and most tours will include time on this island as well as a quick stop-over in Isla Mujeres too.
This is one of the most gorgeous and unique experiences we’ve had in this region and highly recommend making it a part of your Cancun Itinerary.
Here are the top-rated tours to see Isla Contoy 💦
6. Swim with Whale Sharks in the Riviera Maya
There are only a few places in the world where you can swim with whale sharks—and the Riviera Maya is one of them! If the idea of swimming with “sharks” sounds a little scary, don’t worry. These gentle giants aren’t dangerous at all.
They feed on things like crab and fish larvae, small fish, and jellyfish—not humans. In fact, their throats are so small, they physically couldn’t swallow a person even if they wanted to.
If you love adventure and feel comfortable swimming in the open ocean, this is an unforgettable experience. You’ll spend a bit of time on the boat—whale sharks usually hang out far from shore and can be tricky to find—but the few minutes you get in the water next to them are absolutely magical. It’s one of those bucket list moments we’ll never forget.
P.S. This is a seasonal activity, usually available from early June to around mid-September.
Here Are The Top-Rated to Swim with Whale Shark Tours 🦈
7. Visit the Tulum Ruins on a Day Trip from Cancun
If you’re even a little bit into history and culture, you have to check out the Mayan ruins in Quintana Roo. There are a few different sites to visit, but the Tulum Ruins are the only ones built right on the coastline—so you get incredible ocean views while exploring ancient history.
You can totally rent a car and go on your own, but we recommend doing a tour like we did. Our tour included hotel pickup, a visit to the Tulum Ruins with an awesome guide who gave us a fascinating rundown of Mayan history, and a delicious local lunch (included in the price!).
After lunch, we headed further down the coast to visit Coba, a smaller and much quieter Mayan site that felt completely different from Tulum—less crowded and more tucked into the jungle.
We ended the day at a beautiful cenote, where we got to cool off and spend about an hour swimming in the clearest water ever. It was the perfect way to wrap up the trip!
This is the exact tour we went on and would highly recommend it 🌴
8. Cenote Adventure at Kantun Chi Eco Park Near Playa del Carmen
One of the most special things about the Yucatán Peninsula—including the state of Quintana Roo—is its cenotes. If you’ve never heard of a cenote before, it’s basically a natural sinkhole filled with incredibly clear, fresh water. They’re completely unique to this part of Mexico—you won’t find them anywhere else in the world!
There are over 6,000 cenotes in the region, but only a small number are open to the public, and many can be tricky to reach.
That’s why we recommend visiting Kantun Chi Eco Park. It gives you the chance to explore both open-air cenotes and underground ones, all in one place. The park is tucked away in the jungle, but super easy to get to—right off the main Cancun–Tulum highway.
Our favorite part? Exploring the underground cenote. It’s such a cool, one-of-a-kind experience.
P.S. If you’ve got a bigger budget and want even more adventure, check out Xplor Park instead. You’ll get underground rivers, cenotes, ziplines, and a massive waterslide—all in one place.
Check Kantun Chi Park or Rio Secreto here 🐠
9. Day Trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun: A Must-See Wonder
Although we just talked about the Tulum Ruins, there’s another incredible Mayan site nearby that you shouldn’t miss—Chichén Itzá. You’ve probably heard of it before since it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Chichén Itzá is absolutely stunning and totally worth spending at least half a day exploring. The site is huge, with so much history and fascinating architecture to take in.
We’ve visited a few times, but honestly, we’ve never gone with a guide—and we’ve definitely missed out because of that. You can walk around on your own, but without a guide, you don’t get the full picture of how amazing and advanced the Mayan civilization really was.
So if you’re planning to go, we recommend booking a tour that includes transportation and a guide. It makes the whole experience smoother and so much more interesting.
P.S. Try to avoid going on a Sunday—Mexican citizens get free entry that day, so it tends to be a lot more crowded.
10. Explore the Colonial Charm of Merida from Cancun
While the state of Quintana Roo is all about beaches and cenotes, its neighbor, the Yucatán state, offers something totally different—a chance to experience colonial Mexico.
The drive to Mérida takes about 4 hours, so it’s a bit of a trek for a day trip, but it’s doable if you don’t mind spending some time on a bus. That said, if you really want to explore the area properly, we’d recommend staying 2–3 nights.
That way, you can also visit the nearby towns of Valladolid and Izamal—both super colorful, walkable, and full of charm. Plus, you’ll be closer to Chichén Itzá.
Mérida itself is a beautiful, easy-to-walk city with colorful buildings and photo spots everywhere you look.
You can spend hours wandering around the Centro Histórico, but we’d also suggest hopping on the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus. It’s a fun, comfortable way to see more of the city without having to walk in the heat.
If you’re staying overnight, we stayed at Casa57—it was affordable, clean, had friendly staff, and best of all… it had a pool (a lifesaver in Mérida’s heat!).
P.S. Don’t miss a meal at La Chaya Maya—some of the tastiest Yucatán food you’ll ever have!
Find your ideal accommodation in merida with this map 📍
11. Relax in Puerto Morelos: A Laid-Back Riviera Maya Escape
As the Riviera Maya has become super popular around the world, many of the once small fishing towns—like Playa del Carmen and Tulum—have grown a lot and lost some of that laid-back charm. Thankfully, there are still a few hidden gems along the coast, and Puerto Morelos is one of them.
Just 40 minutes south of Cancun, it’s really easy to get here using a rideshare app like InDrive or Uber, or by renting a car. A rental gives you more freedom, but you honestly don’t need one to explore the town—everything is close together and easy to walk.
The best way to enjoy Puerto Morelos is to pick a beach club, order some super fresh ceviche, and just relax on the quiet beach. This town isn’t packed with things to do, so it might not be for everyone. But if you’re after a peaceful escape with great seafood and a laid-back beach vibe, this is the perfect place.
P.S. Just a heads up—there are no rideshare apps or public buses from Puerto Morelos back to Cancun, so your only option is a taxi, which can be expensive. That’s why we recommend renting a car for the day if you can.
Tips for Planning Your Cancun Day Trips
Visiting Cancun for the first time can feel a little overwhelming—but don’t worry. We’ve been exploring this region for over 5 years and have picked up some helpful tips.
🤢 Beware of Moctezuma’s Revenge
This is just a nickname for traveler’s diarrhea, and it usually happens from eating at unhygienic places. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try Mexico’s amazing street food, go for it! Most people are totally fine.
But if you do get sick, stay hydrated, avoid the sun, and head to a pharmacy for something called Treda—it works really well for settling your stomach.
💵 Pay in pesos, not dollars
Yes, many places in this region accept US dollars, but you’ll usually get a bad exchange rate.
It’s better to exchange your money for pesos at one of the money exchange booths found all over the tourist areas in the Riviera Maya.
🐠 A few essentials to pack
Everyone travels differently, but here are a few things we always bring:
- Water shoes – perfect for cenotes and water parks, and help prevent slipping or cutting your feet.
- Reef-safe sunscreen – regular sunscreen is harmful to marine life, and most parks only allow reef-safe options.
- A UPF50+ sun shirt – we use ours all the time, and it’s way easier than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
🌍 How to Stay Connected
You can get a local SIM card at the airport or in a convenience store, but your phone needs to be unlocked. If it’s not, try using an eSIM.
We’ve used Airalo and love it. Just download the app, choose a plan (they’re really affordable), and you’ll have data as soon as you land.
🚘 How to get around
In Cancun, the cheapest way to travel is on the large public buses. They run often and cost just 12 pesos per ride (less than $1 USD). You can also use ride-share apps like Uber or InDrive.
To get between Cancun and other places mentioned in this guide, you’ve got a few options:
- ADO buses – budget-friendly and reach all the major towns and cities.
- Guided tours – convenient, especially if they include hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Rental car – great for flexibility, but driving in Mexico can be a little tricky. If you’re confident behind the wheel, it’s totally doable.
🚗 Looking for an affordable rental? Here are the best options!
Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Cancun
As you can tell, there’s a lot to see and do around Cancun, which is one of the big reasons this beach city has become such a popular travel destination in Mexico. Whether you’re visiting with family or traveling solo, there’s something here for everyone.
If we had to narrow it down to just three must-do experiences, we’d say:
- Visit at least one of the Xcaret Parks
- Spend the day on Isla Mujeres enjoying that stunning blue water
- Make time for a trip to Chichen Itza—after all, it’s one of the 7 Wonders of the World!
We hope this guide helped you plan your dream Cancun itinerary. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments—and feel free to share this with a friend heading to Cancun soon! 👇
