Last Updated on September 16, 2025 by Kristin
Cancun is a favorite vacation destination for its top-notch beachside resorts. But did you know it’s also a great base for day trips? Many travelers opt to stay at the same all-inclusive resort during their whole stay. But staying put means missing out on the Riviera Maya coastal region’s lush landscapes, historical attractions and charming small towns. Consider renting a car to explore nearby destinations at your own pace, with no need to change hotels. Here are the best day trips from Cancun.
Fabulous Day Trips from Cancun
Puerto Morelos
38 km. / 24 mi. / 38 mins.
Looking for a quick escape to an authentic beach town? This fishing town offers a laid-back escape with fresh seafood restaurants and easy access to coral reefs. Snap a selfie with the famous leaning lighthouse, search for spider monkeys in the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden, or arrange for a boat to take you on a snorkeling tour to access the second-largest reef in the world. A big advantage of having a car is being able to explore the Route of the Cenotes, a road that starts in the city and leads to several freshwater sinkholes. The cool, shaded waters of these swimming spots provide a respite from the harsh sun. Check out as many as you’d like at your own pace.
Playa del Carmen
68 km. / 42 mi. / 1 hr. 5 mins.
Want to break up your resort routine? Head about an hour down the coast to Playa del Carmen. A town with a seemingly endless array of beachside buzz, it’s the perfect place to have brunch, souvenir shop on the colorful Fifth Avenue and catch a sunset at the beach. For a more family-focused adventure, Xcaret Park offers activities such as snorkeling, a coral reef aquarium, aviary and butterfly pavilion. More adventurous travelers can check out the Rio Secreto, an underground river with turquoise waters and impressive mineral formations. >> Recommended hotels in Playa del Carmen
Cozumel
114 km. / 71 mi. / 3 hr. 1 min. (including ferry ride)
You’ll find turquoise waters, powdery sand and an away-from-it-all magic during a stay on Cozumel, the 29-mile-long island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. While cruise ships like to stop here, the resorts away from the town center of San Miguel can be blissfully mellow, and include a number of all-inclusive options. >> Recommended hotels in Cozumel
Tulum
131 km. / 81 mi. / 1 hr. 52 mins.
Tulum’s bohemian vibes, white-sand beaches and proximity to a biosphere reserve make the city an adventurous alternative to Cancun’s sprawling hotel zone. Check out walled Mayan ruins right on the beach, go for a dip in the Gran Cenote and grab a coffee in town at one of Tulum’s many specialty cafés. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, a protected natural area featuring guided birdwatching tours, snorkeling and boat tours along a Mayan canal.
Valladolid
156 km. / 97 mi. / 1 hr. 50 mins.
Need a break from the beach? The walkable city of Valladolid makes for a charming escape. Here you’ll find an array of museums, old churches and pastel-colored colonial houses. Your first stop should be the former San Bernardino of Siena convent, a sprawling building constructed in the 1500s set against a large park. Then, stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes, a cobblestone street full of colorful houses, shops and restaurants. Head to Valladolid’s main park to check out the San Servacio church or the San Roque Museum. Squeeze in a visit to the folk art collection at Casa de los Venado, or learn more about the techniques to make traditional clothing at the MUREM museum. To cool off, take a dip in the Zaci cenote, conveniently located right in the city center.
Chichen Itza
200 km. / 124 mi. / 2 hr. 20 mins.
One of the most popular day trips from Cancun is to Chichen Itza, an archaeological site featuring Mayan ruins. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts structures including the Pyramid of Kukulcan and the Temple of the Warriors. If you’d like to learn more about the site’s history, guides can meet you at the entrance and provide a private tour. One of the benefits of driving to Chichen Itza in the early morning is that you can beat the tour buses and lines and explore the surrounding region at your own pace. Round out your afternoon with a refreshing dip in the Ik Kil cenote before heading back to your hotel in Cancun.
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