day trips yucatan

The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

For several years, Mexico has consistently ranked among our favorite countries in the world to explore–and after our most recent return visit to take a Yucatan road trip, we are more confident than ever that it will never be unseated. 

Between the overwhelming number of interesting sights, absolutely sublime food, and incredibly welcoming culture, we can never get enough of Mexico.

With this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, we hope we can help you fall in love with it too!

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of those just-right destinations that is easy enough to travel in that newer travelers will feel comfortable exploring, and fascinating enough that veteran travelers will never be bored.

Between the Mayan cities and mystical cenotes, the colorful towns and delicious food, the lagoon of Bacalar and the stunning beaches the region is known for, a Yucatan road trip truly has something for everyone.

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Table of Contents

How We Structured This Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

Why choose the yucatan for a mexico road trip, getting around during your road trip in the yucatan, will this 10 day yucatan itinerary work without a car, other destinations to add to your yucatan road trip itinerary, useful driving tips for this mexico road trip itinerary, faq about taking a road trip in the yucatan peninsula, yucatan road trip itinerary map, the best time to road trip the yucatan peninsula, what to pack for your yucatan road trip.

We structured this Yucatan road trip itinerary to center around some of our favorite things to do in the Yucatan: explore Mayan ruins, swim in cenotes, and enjoy beautiful beaches.

We are covering the Yucatan peninsula here, not just the state of Yucatan, and much of this Yucatan travel itinerary does take place in Quintana Roo.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves climbing many pyramids, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually only take around 12 hours.

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in 10 days!

We’ve included some of Mexico’s biggest tourist highlights here, including Chichen Itza, while also throwing in up-and-coming spots like Bacalar, and organized them in a loop beginning and ending in Cancun (aka, the biggest airport hub in the region by far).

This guide to spending 10 days in the Yucatan is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

When looking for the perfect road trip in Mexico or even all of Latin America, the Yucatan peninsula immediately shoots up to the top of the list.

The peninsula is known as one of the safest regions for tourists in all of Mexico (and for the record, we have always felt incredibly safe not only there but everywhere we’ve been in Mexico), the driving is very lowkey, and the sights, from the ruins of Mayan cities to beaches to colorful towns to the peninsula’s world-famous cenotes, are sublime.

With a flawless combination of safety, ease of travel, and unforgettable sights, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect Mexico road trip than one through the Yucatan.

The best company to rent a car for your road trip in Mexico from will likely vary dramatically depending on exactly when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your Yucatan road trip.

Check prices and shop rental cars for your Yucatan road trip today!

Parts of it, yes, but it would be more of a hassle to reach some spots.

Mexico’s ADO bus network is impressive, incredibly comfortable (some of the most comfortable buses we’ve ridden on anywhere, quite frankly), and can easily get you around the peninsula, including all the way down to Bacalar.

For smaller day trips like visiting Ek Balam and the cenotes around Valladolid , though, you’d need to either negotiate a taxi (not terribly difficult, but a hassle, especially if you’re not comfortable negotiating in Spanish), jump in a collectivo, or book a tour.

There’s no doubt that driving will make this particular 10 day Yucatan itinerary much easier and more flexible, but if you can’t or would prefer not to drive, you can still have an incredibly rewarding trip to the peninsula using this Yucatan travel guide.

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun and head to Valladolid.

Assuming you arrive in Cancun early enough in the day to reach Valladolid before sunset, we highly recommend grabbing your rental car at the airport and then immediately hitting the road!

If your flight arrives in the late afternoon or evening, though, you’ll want to spend your first night in Cancun itself and then get an early start by driving to Valladolid the next morning.

Valladolid is a little under 2 hours from Cancun by car.

Day 2: Explore Valladolid and check out nearby cenotes.

The colorful, small city of Valladolid is a laid-back and delightful place to explor.

The Zocalo, cathedral, and the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena are all worth a look, as are the many delicious restaurants and the colorful street of Calzada de los Frailes.

The main reason that Valladolid is a favorite for people exploring the Yucatan, though, is not for the charming city that is itself one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos (Magic Towns), but for what lies outside of it.

Valladolid is located at the perfect epicenter of many of the area’s best day trips, including several cenotes and Mayan ruins.

For the first several days of this Mexico road trip, we recommend basing yourselves here–the next few days of this Yucatan itinerary are designed as day trips from Valladolid.

For today, start your stay in Valladolid by exploring the town and potentially by checking out a few of the nearby cenotes.

Instagram-famous Cenote Suytun is less than 15 minutes from town by car, as is the complex housing both Cenote Samula and Cenote Xkeken.

Too tired to drive anymore but still want to check out a cenote today?

No worries–Cenote Zaci is certainly not the most impressive of these cenotes, but it does win points for being right in the center of town!

Where to Stay in Valladolid

Valladolid has a fantastic selection of places to stay, ranging from budget hostels to beautiful boutique hotels. 

Here are some of the best, including the hotel we adored on our most recent visit!

Hostel Candelaria — Featuring a perfect location in the center of Valladolid, colorful decor, hundreds of near-perfect reviews and plenty of dorm and private room lodging options, Hostel Candelaria is a go-to choice for budget travelers to Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Hostel Candelaria!

Casa Aluxes Hotel — We absolutely adored our stay at this boutique hotel. The breakfast is fantastic, the service perfect, the inner courtyard and pools beautiful, and their location excellent. When we return to Valladolid yet again, we’ll definitely consider staying again.

Check rates & book your stay at Casa Aluxes Hotel!

Le Muuch Hotel — This luxury hotel in Valladolid offers spacious family rooms, excellent service, and a fantastic breakfast, all housed in a convenient location within walking distance of Valladolid’s major sights.

The grounds include two beautiful pools, and the hotel’s hundreds of excellent reviews make it a sure bet when visiting Valladolid.

Check rates & book your stay at Le Muuch Hotel!

Day 3: Visit Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil.

For your first day trip from Valladolid, head to none other than Mexico’s most famous Mayan ruin and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza.

We highly recommend showing up very, very early, and entering the park as soon as it opens at 8:00 AM if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Most of the big tour buses bringing visitors in by the hundreds from Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen won’t show up until an hour or two after that, giving you a bit of time to explore the ruins in relative peace.

After you finish up at Chichen Itza itself, be sure to take a dip in nearby Cenote Ik Kil!

Day 4: Visit Ek Balam and Cenote X’canche.

I’ll be honest: I intentionally scheduled Chichen Itza as the first Mayan city on this Yucatan itinerary, not only because I know just about everyone wants to visit, but because the other Mayan cities you will visit after it–in my biased opinion–blow it out of the water.

Ek Balam is located about half an hour from Valladolid, and in contrast with bustling Chichen Itza the previous day, will likely feel downright deserted.

With far fewer crowds and plenty of structures that you can climb, visiting Ek Balam is an absolute delight and one of our personal favorite stops on this Yucatan road trip.

Located in the same complex of sorts–you won’t need to move your car again–is Cenote X’canche, which is arguably our favorite cenote that we’ve seen on the peninsula as well!

Featuring brilliantly beautiful water, a slightly wild feel, and a waterfall, Cenote X’canche is one of those places where it is easy to understand why the Mayan religion purports that cenotes are the entrances to the underworld.

Day 5: Make your way to Tulum.

On day 5 of your Mexico road trip, it’s time to say goodbye to Valladolid and head for the beach!

Tulum is about an hour and a half away from Valladolid, giving you plenty of time to make your way back to the coast and then visit the famous Tulum ruins and beach.

While the ruins are certainly more crowded than Ek Balam from yesterday, their setting just cannot be beat–the views of the Mayan city overlooking the phenomenal beach are just magnificent.

Be sure to bring your swimsuit along: your ticket to visit the Tulum ruins also includes access to the beach, and you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours there!

When it comes time to find somewhere to stay for the night, you absolutely can stay in Tulum itself, but be prepared for some serious sticker shock: Tulum is not only expensive as compared to other cities in Mexico, it’s just expensive, period.

If you’d like to save a little cash, consider staying outside of Tulum instead–there are plenty of options, from luxury accommodation to hostels to boutique hotels, a 20-30 minute drive down the road.

One of the major benefits of being on a Yucatan road trip rather than a traditional itinerary is that you can take advantage of flexibility like that!

Optional Yucatan Road Trip Stop: Coba.

Still dreaming of more Mayan ruins?

With three archaeological sites in three days included on this Yucatan itinerary, you quite possibly will not, but it’s worth pointing out that as you drive from Valladolid to Tulum, you’ll pass right by the Coba ruins, which also make for a delightful place to explore.

Less popular (read: crowded) than Chichen Itza, but more crowded than Ek Balam, Coba boasts some stunning structures in a forested setting, and you can climb the main pyramid for beautiful views over the jungle.

Day 6: Road trip Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Bacalar.

On day 6, it’s time to head to the most up-and-coming destination on this 10 day Yucatan itinerary, a place we’ve heard described as “what Tulum was 30 years ago”: Bacalar.

The drive from Tulum to Bacalar takes less than 3 hours, so depending on time you could spend the morning in Tulum before heading down, or stop at Sian Ka’an Biosphere to see another magnificent part of the Yucatan peninsula.

Alternatively, you could wake up early and head right to Bacalar to maximize your time at this otherworldly lagoon–more on it below.

Day 7: Enjoy Mexico’s Lagoon of Seven Colors.

Look out over the beauty of the Bacalar Lagoon, and you may just be convinced that you’ve been transported to the Maldives or to an obscure Pacific atoll.

You’ll almost certainly have a hard time comprehending that the brilliant blue you see doesn’t come from a sea or ocean of any kind, but from a freshwater lagoon.

Bacalar, both the town and the lagoon it is named after, is a sleepy, beautiful place where it’s easy to kick back, relax, and enjoy some truly unique nature.

While you’re there, consider taking a boat tour to discover the best swimming spots and viewpoints on the lagoon, checking out the rapids (basically a natural lazy river), and hopping down to one of the beach clubs for a swim and some food served up with incredible views.

Back in town, be sure to visit Fort San Felipe, which was built by the Spanish in the 18th century to defend against the real-life pirates of the Caribbean that attacked the town.

For dinner, we can heartily recommend La Playita–one of the best-known spots in town with one of the best restaurant views imaginable–and also La Pina, which isn’t located right on the lake but has an impressive garden atmosphere all the same.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

We recommend spending two nights visiting Bacalar as part of this Yucatan road trip–here are some great options for where to stay.

Blue Hotel — With comfortable rooms, affordable prices, and excellent service, Blue Hotel is a fantastic choice for travelers visiting Bacalar on a budget.

While the hotel is located a bit further from the center of town than most, in Bacalar, that’s not a problem when you’re on a Yucatan road trip–you’ll probably drive to most attractions anyway.

Check rates & book your stay at Blue Hotel!

Hotel Tuparenda — We loved this boutique hotel in Bacalar–so much, in fact, that when we doubled back to Bacalar on our Mexico road trip, we returned for a second stay here!

The location is excellent (a short walk from La Playita), rooms comfortable, and service wonderful.

The rooftop, where the included breakfast is served and there is a small pool, has a lovely view of the lagoon in the distance!

Check rates & book your stay at Hotel Tuparenda!

Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel — Want to stay directly on the lake, with a restaurant and spa located on-site and no reason to leave?

If so, check yourself in for relaxation and pampering at the popular and well-reviewed Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel for a taste of luxury… at far more affordable prices than a similar accommodation would go for in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

Check rates & book your stay at Maya Bacalar Boutique Hotel!

Day 8: Head to Playa del Carmen, stopping at Akumal on the way.

At this point during your Yucatan road trip itinerary, things become a bit choose-your-own-adventure by virtue of the fact that there is so much to do between Bacalar and your eventual destination of Cancun, where you’ll say goodbye to Mexico in a couple of days.

Our suggestion is to head to Playa del Carmen (we loved our time at Isabella Boutique Hotel if you’re looking for an adorable but not insanely expensive place to stay), which is about a 3.5-hour drive from Bacalar and will put you both much closer to Cancun and in the heart of plenty of things to do in the Yucatan.

Along the way, consider stopping off at Akumal to cross a major highlight off of your Yucatan bucket list: swimming with sea turtles.

Day 9: Cross one more thing off your Mexico bucket list. 

With one more day of your Yucatan road trip left and an excellent central base in or near Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya is your oyster.

Here are a few of our suggestions for what to do on the last day of your road trip in the Yucatan…

Go for a swim in a cenote (or two).

Playa del Carmen is surrounded by absolutely stunning cenotes, including Cristalino, Jardin del Eden, and Cenote Azul.

Have a beach day at Xpu-Ha.

While the beaches in Playa del Carmen proper are not among the best on the Riviera Maya, Xpu-Ha, which is located just a short drive outside of town, is absolutely amazing and a fantastic place to kick back and relax.

Go snorkeling or scuba diving.

The stunning island of Cozumel is located very close to Playa del Carmen, and is especially well-known for its incredible scuba diving and snorkeling! Whether you book a day trip from Playa del Carmen or hop one of the many ferries over to Cozumel yourself, you’ll be able to find excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Prefer to go underground?

Snorkeling in an enclosed cenote is an unforgettable experience.

Day 10: Return to Cancun and say goodbye (for now) to Mexico.

As your Yucatan road trip comes to a close, it’s time to return to Cancun.

Before saying goodbye to Yucatan travel, though, consider hitting the beach one last time if you have time before heading to the airport!

Cancun has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and some are absolutely free to visit, including the positively magnificent Playa Delfines.

A mere 10 days in the Yucatan could never hope to cover all the incredible peninsula has to offer.

If you have a longer Yucatan itinerary to work with, here are a few other places to consider adding onto your Yucatan road trip!

I specifically didn’t include popular Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox in this Yucatan travel blog post, as they’re decidedly not road trip destinations, but we adore them both and they’re definitely worth considering adding to your itinerary for the Yucatan as well!

In fact, we started our most recent trip to the Yucatan peninsula with a few days on Isla Mujeres before picking up our rental car, and couldn’t recommend the experience more.

The pink lakes of Las Coloradas, Mexico have become increasingly #instagramfamous in the last few years, and they are still one of the most unique places to visit in the Yucatan!

They are actually private reservoirs belonging to a salt company, not natural lakes at all, but they are incredibly interesting to look at.

Visiting has become more regimented over the years, and these days you’ll be charged a small fee to enter and be required to keep a guide with you, and you definitely can’t swim in the lakes.

If you’d like to see them for yourself, they’re a doable day trip from Valladolid (a little under 2 hours of easy driving each way).

The colorful, beautiful ex-pat haven of Merida is incredibly popular with visitors planning long stays in the Yucatan, but it’s quite far out of the way for this Yucatan itinerary that focuses more on the southern and central parts of the peninsula.

If you have longer than 10 days in the Yucatan, though, definitely consider stopping by to explore some of the best things to do in Merida .

It’s a beautiful, colorful city with lots of amazing food to offer, and is also the capital of the state of Yucatan.

Buried deep in the jungle in the state of Campeche, Calakmul is one of the most difficult Mayan ruins to get to, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Climb atop the pyramids there, and you will see nothing but ruins surrounded by lots and lots of jungle.

If you look closely on a clear day, you may even spot the tip of La Danta, a pyramid in modern-day Guatemala that once stood in the lost city of El Mirador and is–by some measures–the tallest pyramid in the world.

The city of Izamal is located vaguely between Valladolid and Merida, and is known primarily for its brilliant color–much of the town is painted bright yellow!

Be sure to check out the Convent of San Antonio of Padua, the beautiful (yellow) architecture downtown, and the markets while there.

Our current favorite archaeological site in Mexico is located only an hour and a half north of Bacalar, making it easy to add on to your Mexico road trip!

Becan is uncrowded, inexpensive, incredibly well-preserved, and a true hidden gem on the Yucatan peninsula. 

If you’re looking for a memorable side trip while traveling the Yucatan, we can’t recommend a visit to Becan enough!

Plan to drive only during the day.

With lots of speed bumps (more on that below) and very few street lights, the Yucatan peninsula is not an ideal place to drive at night. 

Luckily, this Yucatan road trip itinerary should make it fairly easy to drive during the day only–most days include only a couple of hours of driving.

Keep an eye on the time (zone).

This itinerary covers destinations in both the state of Quintana Roo and the state of Yucatan.

Despite being right next door to each other and frequently covered on the same trip, these Mexican states are in different time zones!

Quintana Roo uses Eastern Standard Time, and Yucatan uses Central Standard Time.

Typically, someone will pump your gas for you.

Most frequently, when you pull up to the gas pump in Mexico, someone will pump your gas for you as well as clean your windshield. You’ll want to provide a small tip for the service.

If you don’t see someone servicing the pumps, though, you can also pump your own gas in some places, so keep an eye on what others are doing!

… but be sure to check the pump to avoid scams.

There’s a known gas station scam in the Yucatan in which you’ll be charged extra because the gas pump isn’t set to $0.00 before the attendant starts pumping your gas.

This has never happened to us, but we’ve heard of fellow travelers experiencing it!

Luckily, the way to avoid it is very simple: if you’re not pumping your own gas, be sure to look at the pump and confirm it’s set to zero before the attendant starts to pump.

Keep an eye out for topes.

Topes (in English, speed bumps) are the major way that speed limits are enforced in the Yucatan peninsula, especially in towns and other population centers.

Go over them too fast, and you’ll throw out the suspension of your rental car–proceed carefully and when in doubt, go slow.

Don’t leave anything visible in the car when you park.

This is truly good advice for most of the world, but it especially goes here: visible luggage and belongings left in a parked car can attract thieves.

Leave nothing visible.

Check for onsite parking when booking hotels.

It will make your life much simpler if there’s parking onsite at each place you stay in Mexico, and hotels with parking are very easy to find.

We’d consider it a road trip mistake to accidentally show up somewhere without parking!

Pick up a Mexican SIM card before you get started.

Having cell phone data with you will make your Mexico road trip through the Yucatan far, far simpler, and buying data is incredibly affordable.

To save time and hassle, consider picking up a SIM card for your phone before you even leave the airport.

Do you need to speak Spanish for this Yucatan road trip?

No, but it will make your trip much, much easier.

While you definitely don’t need to know how to speak Spanish well for this Yucatan itinerary, we recommend learning at least some basic phrases before you go.

How’s the driving?

Incredibly easy!

Truly, we found driving in the Yucatan to be far, far easier than driving in most places we’ve been in Europe. 

For most of this Yucatan road trip itinerary, you’ll be driving on flat, well-signed, uncongested highways.

After the initial few hours of getting used to driving in Mexico, we found our road trip to be extremely relaxing.

Like in virtually all places around the world, driving is a bit more complex and congested in and around large cities, but not overly difficult for confident drivers.

Is this road trip in Mexico safe?

Safety is a very complicated subject, of course (I discussed a bit more about safety in Mexico here ), but generally speaking, yes. 

While cartel violence is certainly a problem in Mexico, it very, very rarely touches tourists and even more rarely touches tourists who avoid going near illegal activities (don’t stumble out of a bar drunk at 3am and try to pick up a prostitute on the way home, basically).

We have spent months in Mexico, spread across many different states, and have always felt supremely safe–just as safe as we feel in an average town in the USA.

Our fellow American travelers do tend to stick to the Riviera Maya (basically the corridor between Cancun and Tulum), but every place on this Yucatan road trip itinerary has a fairly developed tourism structure, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and tourism services.

Very generally speaking, the people traveling this route are made up of a combination of European and Canadian vacationers (including lots of young families!), as well as Mexican tourists exploring their own country and a fair number of long term travelers/people backpacking the Yucatan.

In other words, while these places are a bit off the beaten path for an average US citizen taking a week off of work to head down to Mexico, they’re not remotely intimidating places to travel once you get the hang of the route, and they feel very safe.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

The high season for traveling the Yucatan Peninsula runs roughly from mid-December to April, with the biggest crowds (and highest prices) typically found around Christmas, New Yea’s, Spring Break, and Easter.

This is most prominent on the Riviera Maya, though–we’ve traveled the Yucatan peninsula extensively during high season on multiple trips, and have had no issues with crowds or extreme prices outside of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Hurricane season runs from June to November, and while the odds are long that your trip would be caught up in a hurricane, you can expect more rain and cloudy weather during your Mexico road trip during those months.

Lower prices and fewer crowds might very well be a solid trade-off, though, depending on your travel style.

Travel Insurance — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced Yucatan road trip is definitely better a case of safe than sorry.

We use and recommend Safety Wing for trips to Mexico.

Cell Phone Holder — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip in the Yucatan.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Additional Car Insurance — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable.

Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

I use them on all boats and the occasional bus, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

28 thoughts on “The Ultimate 10 Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary”

This is basically my dream Mexico trip!!! My boyfriend and I had talked about going this year but obviously we’ll see. Either way saving this post for inspiration. We’ll definitely make sure to see that cenote at Ek Balam, wow.

Ahh I’m so happy to hear that Jessica! We truly love this part of the world so much, I just want to shout from the rooftops about it. SERIOUSLY hoping your trip can happen this year, for so many reasons.

Currently planning ours for next month!! Thank you so much

As a fan of this area for over 35 years, enjoyed reading your writings here. As far as shouting from the rooftops, I often feel maybe I have done that too much. Holbox and Bacalar are two places I have known for many years and often recommended. But now due to mass development they are both becoming almost unrecognizable to me and that is a sad thing.

Great post, Kate. We’re stuck up here in Ohio at the moment and would love to be on the beach in Mexico instead.

Thanks, Mark! Completely agree–we’d much rather be back on a beach in Mexico right now too.

This article was extremely helpful. Thank you for suggested itinerary and descriptions.

So happy to hear that, Beth! Hope you have a great trip to the Yucatan!

Do you think a road trip around the Yucatan would be at all feasible with a 1 year old? I think we’d have to make some modifications but overall do you feel like it would be safe and not an insane amount of driving?

Hi Michelle!

Yes, it’s absolutely doable with modifications (depending on the one-year-old in question, of course). We’ve always seen quite a few families out and about when in the Yucatan. Hotels and restaurants tend to be extremely welcoming to kids.

If you want to cut quite a bit of driving, you can trim off Bacalar to stay more central. Most of the driving distances in this itinerary are fairly short, coming in at 3 hours or less of driving a day.

I finally booked plane tickets to Mexico thanks to your blog! Thanks for all the inspiration. I’ll be following most of your itinerary!

Thank you so much, Allie, that makes my day! Hope you have an amazing trip!

Hi, thanks so much for your 10 day itinerary post. I’m trying to figure out which of the islands -mujeres or cozumel- to include given ill cut out chichen itza and coba probably, and bacalar as i want to minize driving time. Im travelling with a two year old so ruins may not be the best idea. Would really appreciate your thoughts.

Both islands are beautiful, but Cozumel is better known for diving and Mujeres for its beaches. You guys could have a great time in either, but if I had to choose, I’d say that Mujeres is probably a bit more toddler-friendly.

We (couple with 16 year old son) went to Cancun for the first time in March 2021 and really loved it! Planning a trip back in the spring of ’22. We split our time between Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, including day trips to Coba, Tulum, and Akumal. Just wanted to add an update, though…unfortunately at the time we went there was no climbing at the ruins which had previously allowed it. We heard different reports of whether that was temporary due to COVID-19, or if that was permanent. Also, do watch out for gas station scams! (Search it on the internet…) I had read of some before we went and was prepared, but I was still pretty surprised when the very first place we stopped for gas the attendant used one of the scams to try to rip us off! We called him on it and he tried to talk his way out of it at first, but when we insisted on speaking to his boss he changed his tune and gave back the extra money. We totally would have been fooled if we hadn’t read about it first.

Hi Katie! Thanks so much for the additional information, sounds like you love the area as much as we do. So far I’ve only heard that climbing at Coba is limited due to COVID, but we’ll definitely keep an eye on whether it becomes permanent. Coba is beautiful but if you’re looking for even more ruins next time, Becan, Calakmul, and Ek Balam are all among our favorites.

Hi! What do you think of going on this trip in May?

You will be very, very hot! That wouldn’t be a deal-breaker for us, personally, especially since you’ll probably also benefit from a shoulder season dip in prices, but be prepared for soaring temperatures, especially inland.

The rainy season generally starts in June, so your odds of having sunny weather are solid (especially if you visit toward the beginning of the month), but be prepared to spend lots of time cooling off in the water.

Hello 🙂 thanks for a great post. we are planning the first night in Cancun as we arrive late. the next day we will drive to Valladolid early and have 1 night there. then we will travel to Tulum, and here my boyfriend and I are discussing, whether we should stay in Tulum and take day trips to Bacalar and Akumal or whether we should take overnight stays in Bacalar and playa del Carmen as you recommend. my boyfriend feels stressful changing hotel all the time and driving so much. did you find it stressful? and would you have done something different now if you could? we arrive March 2 and travel home March 11, 2022 – can we snorkel with sea turtles at this time? or is it only possible in the sea turtle season? thanks in advance. Sincerely, Christina

It all depends on your tastes, but I’d be more likely to stay somewhere other than Tulum and day trip to it rather than from it! The prices, crowds, and traffic are all much higher in Tulum than in the surrounding areas.

Basing yourself in fewer places and taking day trips is definitely much easier than changing hotels every night! That being said, driving in the Yucatan is pretty simple once you’re outside the larger cities.

The sea turtles are in Akumal year-round, you shouldn’t have any problem seeing them in March. 🙂

Hope you guys have a great trip!

Thank you for the great ideas and suggestions . We are planning on visiting Cancun in April 24, 2022. We are looking for transportation from Cancun Airport to Valladolid. We don’t want to rent a car, any suggestions? Thank you in advance

Sincerely, Estela

If you don’t want to drive, the easiest way is definitely to take the ADO bus! You’ll need to take one bus from the airport to the downtown terminal or Playa del Carmen, and then catch a bus to Valladolid.

The ADO buses are very comfortable and popular with travelers (but bring a jacket because they tend to blast the a/c).

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or private transfer, but it will be very expensive!

Hi Kate – Thank you for all the great tips! We are trying to figure out how to rent a car after our trip to Isla Mujeres. Essentially we are flying into Cancun, going to Isla Mujeres and then renting a car to drive around the Riviera Maya. We’ll return the car. I tried the car rental place but I can’t figure out how to rent near the Isla Mujeres ferry. Any tips? Thank you!

Hi Mary! It’s just a quick cab ride from the ferry to the airport, where you can easily rent a car. Taking a taxi to the rental car agency will likely be the simplest way to get there.

Thanks a mill for this itinerary! We are planning 2-3 weeks for my big milestone birthday so having the different add-ons to extend the trip is so great 🙂

Just nervous about driving, as we drive on left side here in Ireland but I’m sure I’ll figure it out!

You definitely will! We’ve gone the opposite way (spent about a month in total driving in Ireland) and it wasn’t nearly as bad switching between the sides as we feared. 🙂

Hello, thanks for this great post! My husband and I were in this area 20 years ago but a lot has changed! We are considering traveling here with our kids (ages 16 & 12) in late June – early July. They are pretty experienced travelers and have been to different areas in MX a few times before. I’m just worried that the level of heat, rain & mosquitos might make the trip unpleasant. We were in Greece last summer and found that as long as we arranged our day to be in water, AC or driving for the middle part of the day we were fine, but that was dry heat. Any advice? Thanks much!

Hi Rebecca,

With the caveat that I spent my upbringing in very hot and humid climates (Texas, Florida, Oklahoma), I would say that generally speaking, the humidity will probably be more intense than in Greece but the general format of your trip will still be doable.

The heat will be more of an issue at the inland locations for sure, I’d definitely plan on some slow afternoons at cenotes and/or resting, and try to reach any ruins you visit first thing in the morning.

There will definitely be weather moments that can be described as unpleasant, but that personally wouldn’t be enough to keep me away from Mexico. 🙂

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Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

The 15 Best Day Trips in the Yucatan from Merida Mexico

January 17, 2020 By John Widmer 71 Comments

One of Merida’s greatest attributes is its centralized location in the Yucatan, which is so full of intriguing excursions to take. That’s exactly why we rank Yucatan day trips as #1 in our Best Things to Do in Merida Travel Guide .

There are so many awesome day trips from Merida to tour the entire region! You’ll discover an abundance of the Yucatan’s best beaches, Mayan ruins, cities, cenotes, and other attractions all scattered within close proximity to Merida.

Each of the day trips from Merida listed here are within a two-hour drive from Merida . There are enough worthwhile Merida day trips to fill an entire one-week or two-week Yucatan itinerary. Yet even with a few days basing yourself in Merida, you’ll be able to pack in many of these excursions, as you explore the many awesome adventures throughout the Yucatan!

But it hasn’t always been easy to figure out where everything is located, how to get there, how much it all costs and what is actually worthwhile to visit. That’s why we decided to assemble this detailed travel guide of what we’ve found to be the best day trips from Merida, Mexico . We hope that our effort of putting together this info-packed guide will help other Yucatan travelers to plan out their adventures and enjoy the best of what the Yucatan has to offer!

In each of the following Merida day trips, we provide suggestions for Merida tours and DIY directions. The Merida tour recommendations should prove helpful for those looking for convenience. Meanwhile, independent travelers and those traveling through the Yucatan on a budget should appreciate the detailed do-it-yourself directions. We show how to get to each of these locations on your own from Merida, using public transport or rental car. Having your own wheels is essential for a few of these Yucatan day trips from Merida. Other sites can be easily traveled to by public transportation or a Merida day tour.

Meanwhile, taking a day tour from Merida can be a seamless and affordable way to visit other attractions. For each Merida day trip recommendation, we compare what we’ve found to be the best tours at the best prices. Sit back and leave all of the logistics to the Merida tour agency. Simply get scooped up directly from your hotel and have a guide to fill you with local knowledge along the way.

However you arrive to these intriguing destinations throughout the Yucatan, we do hope the following suggestions for Merida day trips are helpful to your travel planning!

🏛️ Best Mayan Ruins near Merida Chichen Itza | Uxmal | Mayapan | Ruta Puuc |  Dzibilchaltun

🏖️ Best Beaches near Merida Progreso | Celestun | Other beaches

🕳️ Caves & Cenotes for Yucatan Adventure Cuzama Cenotes | Other Cenotes |  Calcehtok | Loltun |  Tzabnah

🌇 Cultural Cities & Towns to Visit Campeche | Izamal | Valladolid | Acanceh

🏜️ Best Haciendas & Culture Attractions Choco-Story Museum | Yaxcopoil | Ochil | Sotuta de Peon

And here’s a handy Yucatan map to refer back to. (If you’re doing some travel planning, you may want to bookmark this page.) If you get lost in this big info-laden post, simply scroll back up to the top here and use this map or the table of contents to help find your way.

Best Mayan Ruins Near Merida

There are numerous Mayan ruin sites all throughout the Yucatan peninsula. The recommendations below are what we firmly suggest as the best Mayan ruins near Merida. It includes a mix of the most popular Mayan ruins, in addition to a few lesser visited ruin sites near Merida that you can find off the beaten path.

1) See the Famous Chichen Itza Ruins without the Crowds

But with all of these superlatives, Chichen Itza has become the most popular Mayan ruin site in the region. It attracts quite the crowds and vendors. Don’t let this deter you from a visit though. Simply plan to arrive early, right when Chichen Itza opens, or even a bit before. There are no crowds at Chichen Itza during these early morning hours. Most of those annoying hawkers haven’t even arrived yet. This calm and cooler environment makes for a much more pleasant experience.

As of 2020, Chichen Itza opens its gates at 8:00 am. As such, the famed ruin site can be virtually empty until 9:00, with only light crowds lasting until about 10:00. Crowds really begin to arrive in full force around 11:00. Noon-3:00 is always the busiest time to visit Chichen Itza. This is when tourist hoards arrive from buses, coming from the Cancun resorts and the Cozumel cruise port, a few hours away to the east.

It takes 2½ hours to reach Chichen Itza from Cancun. But Merida enjoys a much closer position with a drive of less than 90 minutes. So when coming from Merida, it’s easy to be among the first few people into these impressive Mayan ruins near Merida. Arriving in the morning, visitors can expect no crowds, no pesky vendors, and without that harsh midday Yucatan heat when all the tour buses arrive from the Riviera Maya.

If you have your own means of transportation, we would suggest departing Merida around 6:15 am, in attempts to arrive to Chichen Itza by 7:45, just before the gates open. Or take this small group Chichen Itza Dexluxe tour which departs at 7:00am (confirm times), arriving to Chichen Itza before all the large group tours show up from Cancun.

Directions: How To Get from Merida to Chichen Itza:

While it’s possible to get from Merida to Chichen Itza using the following four ways, we recommend to either rent a car or take a Chichen Itza day tour from Merida .

🚗 Self-drive from Merida to Chichen Itza : It is an easy and direct route from Merida to Chichen Itza using the very nice highway 180D, which has hefty tolls of $95 pesos, each way. The drive takes about 90 minutes if things go smoothly, but you may want to budget for two hours, pending traffic departing Merida. Parking fees at Chichen Itza are an additional $30 pesos. Exact driving directions: here on GoogleMaps .

🚕 Taxi from Merida to Chichen Itza : You may be able to negotiate a round-trip fare of $1,000 pesos for a taxi from Merida to Chichen Itza. This should include a few hours waiting time at the ruins. Expect to cover tolls ($180 pesos) and parking fee ($30 pesos) in addition to the taxi fare. Once you factor in admission ($486-pesos) and lunch, you can expect the total cost to well exceed US$100 for a couple, even if a good taxi fare is negotiated. Hence, we believe a tour or rental car is a better option.

🚌 Bus from Merida to Chichen Itza : Buses from Merida to Chichen Itza depart from both the CAME and Noreste terminals for the approximately 2-hour ride. Second-class buses start around $70 pesos each way, while the ADO  bus from Merida to Chichen Itza are $150 pesos each way. There are typically 3-4 ADO buses that depart Merida in the morning hours. (Check ado.com.mx for an up-to-date timetable.) The problem with the ADO bus is that there is only one return bus from Chichen Itza to Merida each day, which is not until 4:30 pm in the afternoon. This leaves visitors at the sweltering ruins for a longer time then needed.

We instead recommend considering the  Your Way Shuttle Bus to Chichen Itza ( check here for schedule and availability ). It’s a great deal since it’s just a bit more than the ADO bus, but this shuttle bus further includes an access pass to the adjacent Mayaland Resort and pool! There’s a private entrance between the resort and the ruins, so it’s easy to use that pool to cool off after roaming around the hot ruin site. Book it on Expedia .

🚐 Chichen Itza Day Tours from Merida : Chichen Itza day trips from Merida can present good value, given the convenience and all that is included in the price. Most tours include a full lunch, resort pool access at the ruins, a professional and guided tour of Chichen Itza.

For a Chichen Itza day tour that arrives early, before the crowds, it’s well worth it to take this Open-the-Gate tour that departs Merida between 6:00-6:30. It arrives to Chichen Itza right as the gates open and even takes guests through a hidden side entrance. Check availability and prices .

Chitzen Itza tours from Merida can be a good option for a day trip to Chichen Itza, not only for the convenience but because you’ll also get an informative guide who will explain the many details about this impressive ancient site. Yet it’s all the extras that really add value, as some day trips even detour to nearby cenotes before returning Merida. All tours mentioned below include access to Mayaland Resort, in which you can use their private entrance to Chichen Itza and free use of their pool. Pack a bathing suit!

See the table below to compare these popular tours from Merida to Chichen Itza. Be sure to click thru the links to confirm up-to-date info, availability, latest reviews, and pricing (there are periodic deals, in which pricing is actually less than indicated in this table.)

2) Explore the Uxmal Ruins from Merida

Uxmal is arguably the best Mayan ruins near Merida to visit . The Mayan ruins of Uxmal are the other major Mayan ruin site within easy reach of Merida. It’s our favorite Mayan ruins near Merida to roam around and we highly recommend. Go to Uxmal to learn all about the importance of Rain God, Chaac. It’s all an interesting education about the Mayan inhabitants who once thrived here centuries ago.

Ancient Uxmal, built between 700-1,000 AD, was once a massive city of 25,000 people living here in the dry jungle of the Yucatan. Today the well-preserved ruins give a glimpse deep into Mayan history, allowing visitors to immerse themselves throughout the intricate complex that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Unlike at Chichen Itza, it is permitted to actually climb atop and even inside many of the ruins at Uxmal. This makes for a fun experience and some incredible views! Gaze down and imagine what this impressive site must have been like when the Mayans ruled the land.

The Uxmal ruins are much less trafficked than Chichen Itza. Yet Uxmal can still become moderately popular in the afternoons. Arriving early is a good idea to beat any crowds, but it’s really not as big of a concern compared to Chichen Itza. Morning visits are still a good idea, more so to beat the heat than the crowds.

The video below shows what a visit to the Uxmal ruins is like, as captured in June during the late morning hours (10:00-Noon).

Nearby : While in the area, consider combining a trip to Uxmal with a visit to the nearby Kabah ruins and the excellent Choco-Story Museum. (Info on those sites follow in this guide.)

Directions: from Merida to Uxmal :

Uxmal is an easy day trip from Merida. To get from Merida to Uxmal – driving, buses, and day tours to Uxmal are all great options to consider.

🚗 Drive from Merida to Uxmal : It’s a straight shot on good roadways that should take slightly more than an hour to reach Uxmal. Consider driving through the town of Muna, not around it using the bypass. Muna has mirador (viewpoint) and it’s worth stopping there for both the views and to take a look at Pedro’s artwork. Parking at Uxmal is $30-pesos. Exact driving directions are here on Google Maps .

🚌 Merida to Uxmal Bus : Buses depart from Merida’s Terminal de Segunda Clase (TAME)  bus station for the ~1.5-hour journey. The fare is $65 pesos each way. The timetable at time of writing shows departures from Merida to Uxmal at 6:00, 9:00, 10:40, 12:00, 14:35, 17:00, and 18.05. There are five return buses from Uxmal to Merida that depart roughly every 2-3 hours. You can plan your departure time for approximately a two-hour visit to Uxmal.

🚐 Day Tours from Merida to Uxmal :

Day tours to Uxmal can be a very convenient option, including hotel pick-ups, lunch, resort access to cool off in their pools, and to get all the knowledge that a guide can fill you in about the fascinating site. The tours can also be a good bet, adding in stops nearby, such as the Kabah ruins, Mayan Planetarium, and/or the Choco-Story museum. Below is a comparison chart of two Uxmal tours from Merida that we recommend. We suggest the Uxmal, Kabah & Planetariu tour as the best way to pack in all these top sights while near Uxmal for great value. Although those who desire a more leisurely and flexible visit may want to consider Uxmal On Your Own .

3) Appreciate Having the Under-Rated Mayapan Ruins All to Yourself

About 25 miles outside of Merida are the majestic Mayapan ruins. These impressive Mayapan ruins are what we vouch are the most under-appreciated Mayan ruins near Merida . The site is not as large nor as popular as Uxmal or Chichen Itza. But that’s all part of Mayapan’s appeal. You will likely be able to enjoy the beauty of these Mayan ruins all to yourself. Take in the tranquility. Be sure to climb all the way to the top of Temple of Kukulcan and get some postcard-worthy photos.

At a mere $40-peso entrance fee, a visit to these ruins is of incredible value. And after frenzied experiences at other popular ruin sites, you’ll be treated to a quiet and serene experience at Mayapan. For all of these reasons, we put the Mayapan ruins firmly amidst the best day trips from Merida. And it’s among the closest Mayan ruins sites near Merida too!

Directions: from Merida to Mayapan Ruins :

It can be a little tricky to take the bus from Merida to the Mayapan ruins, but it’s doable. Mayapan is better approached by rental car or day tour.

🚗 Self-drive from Merida to Mayapan Ruins : Taking state road 184 south will enable you to reach Mayapan in under an hour. You’ll see clearly marked signs for Mayapan, just a bit past the town of Telchaquillo. Consider stopping at the town of Acanceh, which is on the way. (There’s more about Acanceh later in this article.) Exact driving directions to Mayapan ruins are: here on Google Maps .

🚌 Bus from Merida to Mayapan Ruins : Use the Noreste bus terminal, located here at Calle 67 and Calle 50 . Buy a ticket on the Telchaquillo bus, which will get you close to the Mayapan ruins. Be sure not to confuse the ruins of Mayapán with the village of Mayapán, which is a completely different place that shares the same name. Say “ruinas de Mayapán” or “zona archeologica de Mayapán.” The bus cost is $25 pesos each-way. Departures and returns run about every hour. As this is a 2nd-class bus, it makes many stops and will take about 1.5 hours to get to the Mayapan ruins.

🚐 Day Tour from Merida to Mayapan Ruins : Although we think a visit to Mayapan is very worthwhile, it is not a common or popular day tour from Merida, so you may have trouble finding an operator who offers it. This Mayapan tour on Viator is a good option that also includes a visit to the Mayan town of Acanceh and a nearby cenote. Check current prices, availability, and latest reviews .

4) Drive Over the Hills of the Ruta Puuc Ruins & Kabah

The Ruta Puuc is a great driving route for anyone wanting to explore some of the lesser visited Mayan ruins near Merida . Coast across the hilly and forested terrain and you’ll pass by three separate Mayan ruin sites. This includes Sayil, Xlapak, and Labna.

Each site has its own unique features and feel. Labna has its impressive and elaborate arch that is not to be missed. The Xlapak palace may be smaller than neighboring sites but has a wild feel to the unrestored mounds that remain. Meanwhile, Sayil  sports a rugged atmosphere with an impressive palace and other structures.

Each of the three Mayan ruin complexes has short trails connecting different ruins to one another. While nearby Uxmal and Kabah are largely exposed to the sun, the jungle canopy of trees throughout the Ruta Puuc offers a welcomed reprieve and provides a sense of exploration. It’s that sense of discovery of these more wild ruins and the lack of anyone else here, that makes the Ruta Puuc ruins such a worthwhile day trip from Merida to embark on.

If visiting these three Mayan ruin sites along the Ruta Puuc from east to west, you’ll then reach the Mayan ruins of Kabah . This site is bigger and grander than the previous three and it’s logical to also include a stop at Kabah while touring the Ruta Puuc. Some consider Kabah as a part of the Ruta Puuc too. It’s here at Kabah that you’ll find the former administrative structure of Codz Poop and the hundreds of detailed Chaac masks that still adorn the building today.

For more about this awesome route that connects multiple Mayan sites, then be sure to read all the details in our full separate post :

• How To Visit Ruta Puuc: Yucatan’s Road Trip Across the Mayan World
• Sayil Entrance Fee: $55 pesos
• Xlapak Entrance Fee: Free
• Labna Entrance Fee: $55 pesos
• Kabah Entrance Fee: $55 pesos

Nearby : It’s worthwhile to consider further extending your Ruta Puuc road trip to culminate at Uxmal.

Directions: From Merida to the Ruta Puuc :

We believe that the Ruta Puuc is best experienced by car. Yet there are some limited bus and day tour options from Merida for those who may be uncomfortable driving the Ruta Puuc.

🚗 Drive from Merida to the Ruta Puuc : We suggest beginning on the east side, starting with Labna, which should take 1½-2 hours. From Merida to Ruta Puuc, take 184 towards Oxkutzcab. From there, it’s another 15-minute drive up 31 to the Ruta Puuc turnoff, which is clearly signposted. Continue on the Ruta Puuc to Labna, Xlapak, then, Sayil. Consider further continuing to Kabah and Uxmal to pack in a very full day of Mayan ruins from Merida. Exact directions from Merida to the recommended east turn-off for Ruta Puuc is here on Google Maps .

🚌 Ruta Puuc Bus from Merida : Oriente Bus operates on Sundays only , departing at 8:00 am and stops at all three sites on the Ruta Puuc for 30-minutes each. The bus continues onto Kabah (40-minute stop) and Uxmal (2-hour stop). The price is $280 pesos per person, plus all admission fees at your own expense (+$583 pesos for all 5 sites). This totals $863 pesos + lunch expense (about $50 USD total) for the Sunday outing. This Ruta Puuc bus returns to Merida around 5:00 pm. The bus departs from the Terminal de Segunda Clase (TAME station) on calle 69 between 68 and 70 .

🚐 Ruta Puuc Adventure Tour from Merida : Instead of taking the big Sunday bus, consider this small group tour to the Ruta Puuc and Loltun Caves . It’ll cost a bit more. But it runs every day of the week, is a more intimate experience, includes transportation and guide to the three Ruta Puuc sites, plus the Loltun Caves. This makes for a nice full day of adventure from Merida. Check prices and availability .

5) Visit the Closest Mayan Ruins Near Merida: Dzibilchaltun Ruins

The Dzibilchaltun Ruins may not be as large as Chichen Itza, as impressive as Uxmal, as intimate as Mayapan, or as much of an adventure as the Ruta Puuc drive. But the  Dzibilchaltun ruins are the closest Mayan ruins to Merida , includes an artifact-filled museum and an even onsite exposed cenote that you can swim in.

Another appeal of Dzibilchaltun is that you are permitted to climb up some of the temples here. So while it may not hold quite the esteem as some of the aforementioned Mayan ruins sites, Dzibilchaltun still makes for a very worthwhile half-day trip from Merida.

We recommend Dzibilchaltun for convenience, given it’s close proximity to Merida. Dzibilchaltun is so close to Merida, that on a clear day atop these ruins, you can even see the skyline of Merida off in the distance!

And if you happen to be in the Yucatan during an equinox (around March 21 or September 22), it is highly advisable to visit the Dzibilchaltun Ruins at sunrise to witness the Templo de las Siete Munecas light up, making the doors of the temple glow since they are perfectly aligned with the sun.

While most of the other Mayan ruin sites in this guide are full-day excursions, Dzibilchaltun can be easily visited from Merida in a half day. If going to Dzibilchaltun on a hot day (which is just about every day), be sure to bring your bathing suit to take a swim in the refreshing waters of Cenote Xlakah.

Directions: to Dzibilchaltun Ruins from Merida:

Being the closest ruins near Merida, Dzibilchaltun makes an easy day trip from Merida that can be reached using any of the following options. Tip on best time to go to Dzibilchaltun : To have a more tranquil experience, avoid busier weekends and avoid days that cruises are in port at Progreso ( check Progreso cruise schedule here ).

🚗 Driving from Merida to Dzibilchaltun : Depending on traffic, you can reach Dzibilchaltun from Merida in less than a half hour, although planning for 30-45 minutes may be more realistic. It’s $20 pesos for parking at Dzibilchaltun. The site is well signed and exact directions from Merida centro are here on Google Maps .

🚌 Colectivos from Merida to Dzibilchaltun : Colectivos are frequent and depart from Parque San Juan . Check on Calle 69a and 67a, between Calle 62 and 64. Cost is $11 pesos for the 30-minute trip and you’ll get dropped off about 1 km from the ruin site. Then walk (or take a mototaxi) the remaining way to the ruins.

🚕 Uber/Taxis from Merida to Dzibilchaltun : An Uber estimate to Dzibilchaltun is about $200 pesos, each way, although you may have to negotiate with your Uber driver to wait there for the return trip since it is a bit far of a pick-up spot. Taxis have been known to do the round-trip from Merida to Dzibilchaltun for $250-$300 pesos including an hour or so of waiting time at Dzibilchaltun.

🚐 Tour to Dzibilchaltun: Given how close Dzibilchaltun is to Merida, a tour isn’t really necessary since it can be easily reached by public transportation or taxi at a reasonable cost. But this tour combines Dzibilchaltun & Progreso Beach  to make a full day trip for those who may prefer a tour from Merida. (More about Progreso beach below.)

Other Mayan Ruins Near Merida, Mexico

The Mayan ruin sites listed above are what we recommend as the 5 best ruin sites from Merida to visit. But know that there are even more ruins near Merida and throughout the Yucatan. If you want to continue exploring the ancient Mayan world, you can consider visiting Xcambo and Oxkintok . These lesser visited ruin sites are best approached from Merida by car .

Oxkintok Ruins

The ruins of Oxkintok are said to be among the oldest in the area . There’s a well-preserved pyramid that you may be able to climb and even go inside. Located in the hills of the thick jungle, when driving to Oxkintok, be careful of the growth on the skinny road that will easily scratch your car. Oxkintok is very close to the Calcehtok Caves, 45-minutes west of Uxmal, and about an hour or so drive directly from Merida to Oxkintok. Open 8:00-5:00, entrance fee: $55 pesos,  located here .

Xcambo Ruins

The Mayan complex of Xcambo is an interesting detour to make if driving along the coast near Telchac Puerto. It’s certainly worthy of dropping in for an hour if already in the area, but this smaller ruin site of Xcambo may not justify a day trip from Merida onto itself. Xcambo is said to be a former fish curing and salt-producing center, which makes sense given its location near the coast. Xcambo is another ruin site that allows you to climb up the structures and you’ll likely be the only visitors. Open 8:00-4:30, entrance fee: $70 pesos,  located here , about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Merida.

Best Beaches Near Merida, Mexico

The city of Merida itself is landlocked, so there are no Merida beaches, per se. Yet there are plenty of beaches all around Merida dotting the Yucatan coastline!

These beaches near Merida may not have quite the large expanse of white sands as in nearby Cancun and the Riviera Maya. But the beaches near Merida are very nice nonetheless. Even better, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more local beach experience near Merida, rather than tourist crowds or spring breakers often found at the sprawling resorts on the other side of the peninsula.

The beaches near Merida also tend not to be bombarded by the influx of Sargasso seaweed that often affects Mexico’s Caribbean beaches. An added appeal of the beaches near Merida is that you’ll pay a fraction of the cost at restaurants and hotels on these Gulf Coast beaches, compared to the Yucatan peninsula’s eastern shores.

A day at the beach makes for an easy and excellent trip day from Merida. So which beach near Merida to go to?

6) Relax on the Beaches of Progreso, Mexico

A short 27 miles from Merida is the tranquil beach town of Progreso. This makes Progesso the closest beach near Merida. It’s even easily possible to reach Progreso beach from Merida Centro in less than an hour!

For those looking for a relaxing day trip from Merida, a day at Progreso beach is a perfect idea. Go here to escape the city heat and to have some fun in the sun. In Progreso, you can take a dip in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters while marveling at the longest pier in the world.

Take a stroll down Progreso’s mile-long malecon lining the shorefront to work up an appetite. When it’s time for lunch, find one of the many seaside restaurants to devour some fresh local seafood. Or pull up a plastic chair at one of the abundant palapa restaurants on the beach to kick back a few cervezas while you bury your toes in the sand. This is what Progreso beach is all about.

So where to grab some seafood and a beer while chilling out on Progreso beach ? There are endless opportunities. We can personally recommend Sol y Mar for their delicious ceviche and they’ve been known to run a ceviche promotion that includes a pitcher of beer. Also, the Eladio’s location right on the beach is excellent. The beers at Eladios are slightly overpriced but they more than make up for it with the extremely generous platefuls of bontanas (Mexican tapas) that are delivered to your table complimentary. Expat favorite, Milk Bar , is always fun to pop into whether for a shake or a beer.

El Corchito Ecological Reserve: An Awesome Side-trip from Progreso

While roaming around Progreso, consider taking a side trip to El Corchito. A mere $35 pesos grants entrance to this eco-reserve, including a boat ride across a lagoon and into a mangrove tunnel. Great value! It feels worlds away from Progreso beach as you are immersed in this natural environment where local critters are known to hang out. Expect to see raccoons, coatis, and fresh-water turtles. Speaking of fresh water, there are three exposed cenotes at El Corchito to swim in. If the beach gets too hot or windy, El Corchito can make for a most pleasant retreat to swim around in the clear fresh waters among the friendly wildlife.

The boats to El Corchito depart from here , which takes about a 30-minute walk from Progreso beach or a very quick taxi or drive. The mosquitos love El Corchito just as much as the lazy raccoons and coatis, so definitely pack some natural bug repellent like this .

Tip to beat the crowds at Progreso Beach : Understand that Progreso is a port for Carnival Cruise ships. These cruises tend to come 1-3 days each week. Plan your visit to Progreso beach when a Carnival cruise is not in port to avoid a heavy influx of visitors, higher prices at some restaurants, and an abundance of people searching for shore excursions in Progreso. So check this  Progreso cruise ship schedule  to see which days a ship may be in port during the time you’re visiting. Avoid those days if possible.

Also, Progreso beach gets packed with Merida residents over the weekends, particularly so during hottest summer months. Consider a weekday visit if you want a more tranquil beach experience. Yet we find that the local weekend crowds give Progreso a fun & festive atmosphere. ¡Fiesta!

Directions: How to Get from Merida to Progreso Mexico:

The closest beach to Merida is easy to get to. We recommend to either drive or take the very frequent bus to Progreso beach.

🚗 Self-Drive from Merida to Progreso Mexico : If you have a car, it’s an easy straight shot up highway 261. Once you’re out of the city, it’s about a 20-30 minute drive to Progreso beach. But plan for at least 45 minutes if you’re departing from Merida centro.

🚌 Bus from Merida to Progreso Mexico : There’s a very convenient bus from Merida to Progreso, operated by AutoProgreso, that runs every 10 minutes between 5:15 am to 10 pm. The price is $20 pesos one-way or $36 pesos round-trip. Catch the bus from Merida to Progreso from the AutoProgreso terminal on calle 62 between 65 and 67 .

🚐 Tour from Merida to Progreso : A day tour to Progreso really isn’t necessary. The AutoProgreso buses running every 10 minutes make Progreso, an easy and inexpensive beach to get to from Merida. But for those who are more comfortable with having a guide, consider this Dzibilchaltun Ruins & Progreso Beach tour .

7) See Flocks of Flamingos at Celestun Beach

Celestun is a sleepy fishing town on the western side of the Yucatan peninsula. The beaches are decent and you’ll likely have them all to yourself.

Beachfront restaurants serve up fresh-caught seafood. Meanwhile, inexpensive hotels offer fantastic value to the trickle of travelers who decide to stay in Celestun overnight. It’s one of the rare places around the world where you can score a nice beachfront hotel with an ocean view room for only $30! Check availability at the beachfront Hotel San Julio .

But the real draw to Celestun beach is the eco-tour boat trip through the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestun. This is where you can find thousands of wild flamingos that tend to flock here in the winter months and into the spring.

If you poke around the swampland on the road leading into Celestun, you may be lucky to spot a few of the pink birds. But if you really want to see thousands of flamingos flocking and squawking, you’ll want to take the two-hour boat tour around the Celestun River Biosphere Reserve. For any nature lovers visiting the Yucatan, seeing the flamingos in Celestun is a must-do day trip from Merida!

See what our boat tour of Celestun was like when we first visited in 2014.

If you arrive at the docks on your own, the 2-hour boat tour will cost $1,500 pesos for the entire boat. But you can split that cost with up to 6 other people since the boats fit 7 passengers total. You’ll have a chance of paying as little as $215 pesos per person if there happens to be the perfect amount of other people to join you on the boat. But this is not a hugely popular tour. So there is a real possibility that you may arrive at the boat docks and find no one else there to split the costs.

Tip : It is said that the flamingos are most active in the morning, so you may opt to drive to Celestun the evening before and stay overnight in order to be there to catch an early boat in the morning.

Directions: from Merida to Celestun :

🚗 Self-drive from Merida to Celestun:  From Merida, it’s about a 90-minute car ride westbound on Highway 281. The docks for the boat tour are well sign-posted, on the left, about 1.5 km before you reach Celestun’s beaches. Here is the exact location of where you can catch the boats for the flamingo tour: on Google Maps .

🚌 Bus from Merida to Celestun : You can take a bus to Celestuun from Merida’s  Noreste bus terminal on Calle 50 at 67 . The bus departs hourly from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. The cost is $56 pesos each way. If visiting only for the boat tour at the Reserva de la Biosfera Ría Celestun, ask the bus driver if he can drop you off there. Otherwise you’ll be dropped off near the beach and will need to backtrack by walking (or take a taxi) 1.5 km to the boat docks at the Reserve.

🚐 Celestun Day Tour from Merida : A convenient option to visit Celestun is with a small group tour from Merida. That way, you’ll get picked you up directly from your hotel, with an informative English-speaking guide, to seamlessly get to the Celestun River Biosphere Reserve to see the flamingos. This Celestun Flamingo Tour on GetYourGuide receives positive reviews, includes the flamingo boat tour, a beach-front lunch, and free time at the beach! Check availability and prices .

Other Beaches Near Merida

If looking for a beach day near Merida, the aforementioned Progreso and Celestun are the two clear favorite beaches for ease, convenience, facilities, and nearby attractions. Yet there are a few more beaches near Merida you can consider for those who want to explore deeper. The locations of these beaches near Merida are each marked on the map that’s embedded at the beginning and end of this post.

🏖️ Chelem : This beach is a 20-minute drive west of Progreso is this small little beach town that is growing in popularity with expats.

🏖️ Chicxulub Puerto : Almost an extension of Progreso, the Chicxulub beach lies 8 km to the east of its more developed neighbor. The beaches around Chicxulub are skinnier here with high tide often bringing the ocean up close to the many beachfront properties that line the shore. Unlike Progreso, the shorter pier here is open to the public.

🏖️ Sisal : This is perhaps the most out-of-the-way beach from Merida, as it isn’t connected to any of the other barrier beaches by road. But those who do take the hour+ drive from Merida Centro, will be rewarded with tranquility at the beach in this sleepy port town.

🏖️ Telchac Puerto : Further east from Progreso, it’s about a half-hour drive from Progreso to reach the small beach Telchac, which has some facilities and a central pier you can walk out on. The beach isn’t anything distinctly different from the others, but there are some other interesting and worthwhile natural attractions nearby. The road from Progreso towards Telchac is along a lagoon, rather than the beach. As you approach Telhac, there are a few spots along the way where you can find pink lagoons and even flamingos (although not in abundance as in Celestun). It’s just across from the lagoon from the  Xcambo ruins . See the map for exact location.

Caving and Cenotes Around the Yucatan

A quintessential and very unique experience in the Yucatan is visiting one of the many cenotes throughout the peninsula. Taking a dip in these natural underground swimming holes can be an otherworldly and refreshing experience. There are hundreds of cenotes within close proximity to Merida.

So what are the best cenotes around Merida to visit? That’s a matter of opinion and can be subject of fierce debate among travelers to Merida. We’ve listed our favorites below. Get underground!

8) Get Underground at the Cuzama Cenotes

If you were to only visit one set of cenotes, our recommendation is to go to the Cuzama cenotes. The cenotes themselves are impressive. Yet half the fun of visiting the Cuzama cenotes is the process of getting there. Your means of transportation is by using a mining cart that’s pulled by a horse!

It’s an exhilarating and bumpy experience. There are three different cenotes to explore as the horse-drawn cart brings you to each one. This horse-cart ride to the cenotes is such an awesomely unique adventure in the Yucatan!

Don’t just admire the cenotes though. To really experience them in full, you’ll need to jump on in. Bring a mask and snorkel to be able to see the beautiful dark blue abyss below along with interesting rock formations.

If you had to ask us to pin down an absolute favorite Yucatan day trip, we may vouch for this one. You can experience the adventure of the horse cart, take in the scenery of the dry jungle, and relax in the clear illuminated water of the cenotes themselves. This is so refreshing under the hot Yucatan sun. It’s all a magical day trip from Merida.

For a better understanding of this adventure, check out our full blog post from our first visit to the Cuzama cenotes .

Directions: How to Get from Merida to Cuzama Cenotes :

There are three completely separate cenote complexes around Cuzama run by three entirely different cooperatives: X’Tohil, Cuzama, and Chunkanán. It is very easy to get them confused with one another. All three Cuzama cenote cooperatives provide similar experiences with a horse-pulled cart ride, yet they simply visit different cenotes. Competition is fierce and you’ll experience people flagging you in as you approach. We’ve personally been to two of the three (Cuzama and Chunkanán) and found experiences at both to be similarly great and have heard the same about the other (X’Tohil).

So which of the Cuzama cenotes to go to? That’s entirely up to you. There’s really no bad option. The cenotes at all complexes are fascinating and each has their own appeal. These recommendations may help you to decide. On a tight budget:  We recommend Chunkanán, as it is $100-pesos less than the other two. Longest horse-cart ride : We suggest Cuzama cenotes as it gives you the most time being pulled around on the carts. Coming by public transpor t: We advise X’Tohil, as it’s most convenient to reach by bus or colectivo from Merida.

Here’s exactly where each of the three Cuzama cenote complexes are located:

🚗 Self-Driving from Merida to Cuzama Cenotes : From Merida Centro it takes about an hour or so to reach Cuzama. Directions are here on Goolge Maps . Those directions take you past the X’Tohil Cenotes, to the center of Cuzama town. Make a right, to head towards Chunkanán. Within a few kilometers, you’ll see a Cuzama cenote complex on your right. Another kilometer or so past that is the final Cuzama cenote complex of Chunkanan. You’ll have no problem finding any of the three sites as there are ample flaggers and even kids on bikes directing you.

🚌 Colectivo or Bus from Merida to Cuzama Cenotes : Buses to the town of Cuzama depart the Noreste terminal, located here on calle 67 and 50 . The bus to Cuzama costs $20 pesos each way and takes 1.5 hours. The Cuzama buses depart at these times: 7:45, 9:15, 10:45, 12:30 and 14:30 (at last check, times may change). Alternatively, there are colectivos that depart across the street from the Noreste terminal on calle 67. If you are using public transport to reach Cuzama, you may want to ask the driver to drop you off at the X’Tohil cenotes before reaching the town of Cuzama. Otherwise, you’ll need to walk or take a motor taxi the additional 2+ km south of the town, to reach the other Cuzama cenotes.

🚕 Taxi from Merida to Cuzama Cenotes : From the taxi stand at Santa Ana in Merida, expect to pay $1,000 pesos round trip from Merida to Cuzama, including waiting time. But it may require some negotiating to reach that rate.

🚐 Day Tour of Cuzama Cenotes : You can book this well-priced  adventure tour to the Cuzama cenotes that includes hotel pick-up, guide, the horse ride, all entrances, a visit to the town of Acanceh and even lunch too!

Search for Other Cenotes around Merida

There are so many great cenotes all around Merida. There must be over a hundred of them, if not a thousand! Some are very well-known and packed with people, while others are located on private property. There’s even a handful of hidden cenotes scattered around Merida not written about anywhere.

We stumbled across one of these secret cenotes near the small town of Tekit. There were no signs and no entrance fees. Just a drive down a dirt road, park, and you’ll have a private oasis completely to yourself. Go on an adventure and discover your own off-the-beaten-path cenotes while in the Yucatan. Visiting a centote is one of the best day trips you can take from Merida.

To attempt writing about each of the best cenotes in the Yucatan would demand another article entirely. Instead, we’ll round-up some of our favorite and most popular cenotes near Merida.

• Cenote San Ignacio : Perhaps not one of the nicest cenotes, but it’s one of the closest cenotes from Merida, about 30 minutes away, and has an onsite restaurant.
• Cenote X’batun : Beautiful cenote located off highway 261, just past Hacienda Yaxcopoil, about 45 minutes drive from Merida.
• Cenote Xlacah : Exposed cenote located at Dzibichaltun (see Dzibichaltun section of this guide for more info) that’s worth a jump in after exploring the ruins.
• Cenote Kankirixche : Blue-water cenote located about 50-minutes drive south of Merida.
• Homun Cenotes : There are so many cenotes all around the town of Homun, about 1:15 hours’ drive from Merida: Cenote Tza-Ujan-Kat, Santa Rosa, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Antonio, Yax Balcaltun, and more!
• Cenote X’keken and Samula (Dzitznup) : Visit these cenotes near Valladolid. (See the Valladolid section that follows for more info).
• Cenote Zaci : Visit this cenote right in the middle of Valladolid. (See the Valladolid section for more info).
• Cenote Azul : between Valladolid and Chichen Itza
• Ik-Kil : Visit this scenic and very popular and scenic cenote near Chichen Itza.
• Secret cenote : We can’t tell you. It’s a secret! 😉

How to Get to these Cenotes from Merida

Most all cenotes mentioned above are best reached by car. Some require traveling down a dirt road, as you can see in the short video below which shows the road to Cenote Kankirixche. Meanwhile, Cenote Zaci is within Valladolid and hence can easily be walked to. Similarly, the Dzitznup cenotes are a short cycle or cab ride from Valladolid. Most others will require your own wheels to get to.

9) Go Caving Near Merida

If you’re ready for high adventure, then get low into Yucatan’s largest cave systems, which are just a short drive away from Merida!

Grutas de Calcehtok: Best Cave Near Merida for High Adventure

Grutas de Calcehtok  is the largest dry-cave system in the Yucatan. Yet when approaching this cave, it looks like nothing more than a hole in the ground. Local guides lead you on private tours of the cave system, based on the level of adventure you feel most comfortable with: “easy,” “adventure,” or “extreme!”

We chose “adventure,” which we felt to be pretty extreme by our standards (and we’ve done a lot of caving around the world). Here at Calcehtok, there were no helmets, no harnesses. Yet down you go! During the adventure tour, it was about two hours spent underground, crawling through the tightest of passages and getting hopelessly stuck at times. This is not for anyone who is even mildly claustrophobic.

The payoff of making it through these tight squeezes is not just a sense of accomplishment. We were further rewarded by gazing upon ancient Mayan relics and even the remains of sacrificial sites that have been preserved deep in this cave, untouched for thousands of years. This cave experience is a bit crazy and only for the adventurous. It goes down as an all-time favorite adventure in the Yucatan! Wear old clothes. You will get filthy.

🚗 Self-Drive (best method) from Merida to Grutas de Calcehtok : 75 Km Southwest of Merida off highway 184, just past the town of Calcehtok. Be careful driving there, as there is a turn-off for another cave that is part of the Calcehtok system, called X-Pukil, which is incorrectly marked as Grutas de Calcehtok on Google Maps. X-Pukil may also be a great experience but we’ve yet to investigate. So we can only provide our account for Calcehtok, in which you’ll need to look for the turn-off towards the Oxkintok ruins, both of which are clearly signposted. This is the exact location of the Calcehtok Caves we ventured to.

Grutas de Loltun: Most Physically Accessible Cave Near Merida with Big Illimunated Chambers

The Loltun Caves are another dry-cave system in the Yucatan. The cave is most known for the amount of ancient Mayan artifacts that have been discovered in the cave, as well as murals by the ancient people. The cave can only be entered via a tour that departs at 9:30am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm. The tours (one hour and 20 minutes) are usually in Spanish, but can be in English if that is the majority of the language of the people in the tour group.

The Loltun Caves are the most accessible and least physically demanding of the dry caves within reach from Merida. That said, there is still a bit of light climbing involved, uneven pathways, and semi-tight passages. But there’s no crawling and the spaces throughout Loltun are generally spacious, with lighting throughout to easily see the rock formations

The Grutas de Loltun are often visited as part of the Ruta Puuc, as they are located near the end of the route.

Directions: How to Get from Merida to Grutas de Loltun:

The Loltun Caves are the only caves that can be reached by a day tour from Merida and we’d recommend that or to self-drive. Although it is possible to reach these caves, with a little extra effort by using colectivos plus a taxi.

🚗 Self-drive from Merida to Grutas de Loltun : Access Loltun from Oxkitzcab, taking 261 to Muna, then 184 to Oxkitzcab, to make a right on 31 to Grutas de Lotun.

🚌 Bus from Merida to Grutas de Loltun : Second-class buses depart from the Noreste Terminal in Merida to the nearby city of Oxkutzcab (8:30 am). The price is $38 pesos for the 1.5-hour trip. There are also regularly colectivos ($55-pesos) departing from  Parque San Juan on c alle 69 to Oxkutzcab. 🚕 Once at Oxkutzcab, you must take a taxi the remainder of the 7Km to the Loltun Caves ($120 pesos roundtrip).

🚐 Grutas de Loltun Day Tour from Merida:  This  tour visits the Loltun Caves and the Ruta Puuc ruins   all in one day. The price includes lunch, all entrance fees, and guide.

Grutas Tzabnah: Rural Cave Near Merida with Cenotes and Bats

The Tzabnah Caves are another adventurous approach to caving near Merida. For this one, you’re provided a hard hat and we soon found out why this was needed. As you walk through the Tzabnah Caves, crouching is necessary for most of the way and it is so easy to hit your head as the ceiling begins closing in.

It’s about a one-kilometer walk, each way, through this hot and muggy cave. You will encounter bats hanging from the ceiling, which take flight when startled. Also, there are about a dozen cenote pools along the way, which contain shrimp and fish that you can see near the surface with a flashlight.

Towards the end of this cave, the space tightens as you’re forced to crawl on your hands and knees to get to the final cenote. We found ourselves dripping with sweat by the time we reached it, so we were relieved to be able to swim in this one. Most refreshing!

Directions: How To Get from Merida to Grutas Tzabnah

The Tzabnah Caves are best approached by car.

🚗 Drive from Merida to Grutas Tzabnah : It’s about a 45-minute drive from Merida Centro, located just south of the town of Tecoh. The exact location of the caves is here on Google Maps .

Historic Cities, Towns, and Villages near Merida

Throughout the Yucatan you’ll find a number of interesting towns to poke around. These are big cities like the impressive Campeche to smaller hidden gems not listed in the guidebooks, such as Acanceh. Whether big or small, they all are very friendly and worthy of exploring. Visit the recommendations listed below to discover which cities may clique with you.

10) Discovering the UNESCO Walled City of Campeche

Campeche is a stunning seaside city with colorful architecture and fascinating history. The historic city is a designated UNESCO heritage site, only about a two-hour drive from Merida. The historic center of Campeche is surrounded by a two-mile wall that was built in the 1600’s to protect the city from invading pirates. Today, portions on the top of the walls are used by visitors to admire the beautiful view of the city.

Explore the colorful buildings throughout the walled city and pop inside some of the fort’s bastions which have now been turned into museums and gardens. Climb atop the city’s walls for a birds-eye view or have a leisurely stroll along Campeche’s most-pleasant malecon. There is plenty to do in town. Here are our top 5 Things to do in Campeche . You may even want to make it more than a day trip from Merida, and stay for a night or two.

How To Get from Merida to Campeche:

🚐 Drive from Merida to Campeche : It’s an easy 2-hour drive on the well-trodden Highway 180. Exact directions are on Google Maps here .

🚌 Bus from Merida to Campeche : There are frequent buses from Merida to Campeche. The duration is 2.5 to 3 hours and prices run from $138 pesos to $300 pesos, one way. Check ADO for up-to-date pricing and schedule.

🚐 Day Tour from Merida to Campeche : This  day trip to Campeche includes round-trip transportation, guide, admission fees, lunch, and a visit to the nearby Becal town along the way.

11) Explore Izamal : The Yellow City

A short drive east of Merida is the picturesque city of Izamal. Known as the “Yellow City,” Izamal is a lovely place to spend hours strolling the streets and finding the ancient Mayan ruins which are interspersed all throughout town. Izamal may be one of the best day trips from Merida for photographers. You’ll love snapping photos of all the unique and bright yellow architecture found all over Izamal.

The most notable building in Izamal is the monastery: Convento de San Antonio de Padua (free, $5 pesos to enter the museum 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm on Sundays). Spaniards came here in the 14 th century and destroyed a Mayan temple that was once on this site. They then used the stones of the temple to build the monastery! If you look, you’re still able to see carving designs from the former Mayan temple within the church stones.

Also be sure to visit the Mayan pyramid of Kinich-Kakmo. It’s free (8am-5pm) and well worth trekking up the steep steps for the best panoramic view of Izamal!

A good way to see all of Izamal is from a horse-drawn carriage. $200 pesos will get you an hour tour of this gorgeous yellow city.

How to Get From Merida to Izamal:

🚗 Driving from Merida to Izamal : It’s about an hour drive Eastbound on 180. There’s plenty of free street parking around the monastery. Exact directions are here on Google Maps .

🚌 Bus from Merida to Izamal : There are frequent buses from the Noreste bus terminal ( Calle 67 and Calle 50 ) for the 1.5-hour journey to Izamal. Price is $31 pesos one-way.

🚐 Day Tours from Merida to Izamal : This  day tour to Izamal  includes hotel pick-up, horse-drawn carriage tour, climbing the pyramids, a visit to the convent, and even lunch at what we think is Izamal’s best restaurant, making for a perfect day in the yellow city. It only runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Check prices & availability for your dates .

12) Find the Colonial Charm and Cenotes around Valladolid

The quaint colonial town of Valladolid offers a backdrop of beautiful historic buildings, plazas, and even a cenote right in the middle of town. Relax in Valladolid’s pleasant square and admire the Church of San Bernardino. That’s a good place to start exploring the city, as there is an adjacent Palacio Municipal (Municipal Palace) which houses a tourism information office. Walk up the stairs above that office to get a birds-eye view of the plaza from the palace’s balcony.

Take a walk down the Calzada de los Frailes to the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, where you can tour this convent that dates back to the late 1500’s. Stop into the many boutiques along the way or wander over to one of Valladolid’s local markets.

Be sure to dip into one of the town’s many restaurants to sample the local cuisine, such as lomitos de Valladolid, of which the city is known for this signature pork loin dish.

And don’t miss the Cenote Zaci. This beautiful blue cenote is situated right in the middle of town. Speaking of cenotes, consider combining a day trip to Valladolid to also visit Cenote Xkeken and Cenote Samula, which is located just a few kilometers outside of town. You can cycle to these cenotes from Valladolid. Otherwise, it’s a short and easy drive.

How to Get From Merida to Valladolid :

It’s best to approach Valladolid by car or bus. Or even consider staying a night or two.

🚗 Drive from Merida to Valladolid : It’s about a two-hour drive from Merida to Valladolid using 180D toll road. The toll is $149 pesos each way. There is free street side parking around Valladolid. Exact directions are here on Google Maps .

🏨  Stay Overnight : If venturing out to Valladolid, it can be worth staying overnight. We always stay at the  Colonial La Aurora Hotel . The lovely interior pool and courtyard is even more charming in person than the pictures. Try the breakfast on the rooftop patio. Best of all, this 3-star hotel presents excellent value at around USD$30 per night!  Check availability and rates for Colonial La Aurora here .

13) Acanceh: A Mayan Temple within a Small Mayan Town

Acanceh is a small village located just 19 miles outside of Merida. The highlight of Acanceh is the ancient Mayan temple that’s integrated right within the town. You’ll also find a cathedral at the town square right across from the archeological site.

Acanceh is like a smaller, less-traversed version of Izamal. It’s most certainly a worthwhile stop while in route to Cuzama, Mayapan, or other regional highlights. Yet it may not be worth a trip solely to visit this town on its own. So we recommend stopping at Acanceh on your way to another Yucatan location. Plan to spend about 30 minutes or so exploring the little town, visiting the cathedral, and admiring the pyramid, where you can often find a local to open up the gates to provide a brief impromptu tour for a few pesos.

How to Get From Merida to Acanceh :

You will pass through Acanceh on the way to the Mayapan ruins or Cuzama.

🚗 Driving from Merida to Acanceh : It takes about 45-minutes from Merida centro to reach Acanceh using highway 180 & 184. Directions are here on Google Maps .

🚌 Bus from Merida to Acanceh : Buses depart from the Noreste Station located on Calle 67 between 50 and 52. The price is $24 pesos one-way. Buses leave about every few hours. You will find more frequent colectivos from Merida to Acanceh, across from the Noreste Station.

🚐 Day Tour to Acanceh : As this is not a major attraction on its own, there are no scheduled tours solely to Acanceh. However, tours to Cuzama and Mayapan do pass through Acanceh. This  Mayapan tour on Viator  makes a visit to Acanceh. So does this  adventure tour to the Cuzama cenotes.

Cultural Attractions & Haciendas Near Merida

Many of the best museums and cultural attractions in the Yucatan are located directly in Merida. See our Top Things to Do in Merida for several recommendations right within the city. Yet further afield, in addition to the museums and culture experienced at the ruin sites, we recommend a visit to the Choco-Story Museum near Uxmal and also the quintessential Yucatan experience of a hacienda visit. There are many haciendas near Merida that you can simply pop in to take a brief tour on your own.

14) There’s Much More than Chocolate at the Choco-Story Museum

The Choco-Story museum is so much more than a museum about chocolate . What seems like a total tourist trap, located right across from Uxmal, is actually an extremely well-done museum that goes far beyond the story of chocolate. Mayans are credited with the discovery cocoa after all, so the museum does examine its origins here.

But Choco-Story ultimately delves deep into the Mayan civilization and culture, which we found to be more in-depth and informative than the onsite museum at neighboring Uxmal, or any of the other ruin sites for that matter.

Choco-Story has a unique layout too. This interactive museum is part eco-park, as it takes you into the Yucatan jungle. The museum is sprawled out across a number of open-air huts connected by trails. Choco-Story also operates as an animal rescue center, where they are caring for and rehabilitating jungle life such as jaguars that were discovered injured or illegally captured, hence cannot go back into the wild. So you’ll have an opportunity to see these native species that have been rescued. And halfway across the trails, don’t be surprised to find yourself ushered into a private Mayan ceremony. Cool experience!

But a highlight, of course, is tasting the fresh hot chocolate drinks made from an ancestral recipe. There’s additional chocolate to taste, in the form of bars, when exiting through the gift shop.

Located next to Uxmal, the Choco-Story Museum is an easy add-on during a day trip to Uxmal. And c’mon… it’s chocolate – yum!

How to Get to  the Choco-Museum Uxmal from Merida :

The Choco-Story Museum is located across the street from the entrance road to Uxmal, right here .

🚗 🚌 By Bus or Car : Follow the directions that were provided to Uxmal.

🚐 Day Tours to Choco-Museum from Merida: Some day tours from Merida to Uxmal may stop at Choco-Story Museum. Although now in 2020, Uxmal day tours are beginning to opt to stop at the Planetarium instead.

15) Step Back in Time at a Hacienda

A quintessential Yucatan experience is visiting an old hacienda, making for one of the best day trips from Merida. Haciendas in the Yucatan are sprawling farming and manufacturing estates, that aren’t so dissimilar to plantations of the US South. The main crop produced at these Yucatan haciendas is henequen, used for its fiber, which led to a boom and subsequent wealth to the region in the late 1800’s and into the early 1900’s.

With the Great Depression and the invention of synthetic fibers, most of these once-wealthy estates began to fall into disrepair by the early 1900’s. More recently there have been efforts to restore some of these haciendas to their former glory. As such, there are beautiful estates that have been transformed into 5-star luxury resorts and high-end restaurants.

Even if you can’t afford the $200-per-night price tag, just take a look at some of these absolutely incredible haciendas to swoon and dream over:

• Hacienda Temozon, A Luxury Collection and
• Hacienda San Jose Luxury Hotel

For those on a more modest budget, thankfully there are other haciendas near Merida that can simply be toured during the day to learn about their unique history and henequen production from over a century ago. The following suggestions are what we’ve found to be among the most affordable, interesting, and easily accessible haciendas from Merida .

Hacienda Yaxcopoil: Well-Preserved with Period Furnishings

The Yaxcopoil Hacienda dates back to the 1600’s and its Mayan name translates to “place of the green Alamo trees.”Yaxcopoil was considered to be one of the most important haciendas near Merida , for both its cattle ranches and its henequen production. This atmospheric hacienda has been handed down from generations from the family who owned it in the 1860’s. Their descendants have kept it well-preserved, as you can visit the hacienda today to view the famed Moorish double arch, the workshops, and even wander into the main building to see the period furnishings. Plan to tour the hacienda for about an hour.

How to Get From Merida to Hacienda Yaxcopoil :

Hacienda Yaxcopoil is an easy stop-off on the way to Uxmal and is best approached by car or tour.

🚗 Driving from Merida to  Hacienda Yaxcopoil : It takes about a half hour or so to reach Hacienda Yaxcopoil from Merida centro. Directions are here on Google Maps .

🚐 Day Tour to Hacienda Yaxcopoil : This Hacienda Day Tour on Viator   visits Yaxcopoil, two other haciendas, and two cenotes, packing in quite a lot for a modest price. Check current rates .

Hacienda San Pedro Ochil: Scenic Estate that’s  Great for Lunch and Exploration

Stop by this scenic hacienda to get a better understanding of henequin production. Hacienda Ochil includes grand Moorish archways, palm-tree lined rail tracks, artifacts from the boom days, and a lovely open-air restaurant that sits in the former casa principal. There’s also a small museum on-site and a cenote surrounded by an amphitheater. It all makes for some great photography opportunities.

How to Get From Merida to Hacienda San Pedro Ochil :

Hacienda San Pedro Ochil is another easy stop-off on the highway towards Uxmal and is best approached by car or tour.

🚗 Driving from Merida to  Hacienda Ochil : It takes about a half hour or so to reach Hacienda Ochil from Merida centro. Directions are here on Google Maps .

🚐 Day Tour to Hacienda San Pedro Ochil : This Hacienda Day Tour on Viator   visits Hacienda San Pedro Ochil, the aforementioned Yaxcopoil, another hacienda, and two cenotes. Great way to see many haciendas in single day.  Check current rates .

Hacienda Sotuta de Peón: Most Popular Hacienda to Tour from Merida

Sotuta de Peón may be the most popular hacienda near Merida to visit. At $550 pesos, it also may be among the priciest to tour, yet it leaves many satisfied customers. Unlike the prior two haciendas where you can simply drop by, you must visit Sotuta se Peon as part of a tour.

At Sotuta de Peon you can learn how a traditional hacienda operated back in the 1800’s. This hacienda has been immaculately restored to its former glory. In the heyday, Souta de Peon harvested mass quantities of fibers of the henequen plant, which was (and still is) planted throughout the property.

In fact, Sotuta De Peon claims to be one of the only haciendas that still has the ability to process the henequen . The fibers from the plants are ultimately used to make various products here, such as rope, rugs, and handbags.

The pricey tour of Hacienda Sotuta De Peon does include a cart ride pulled by mules and a visit to the cenotes on property, the Dzul-Ha Underground River. Consider coming for lunch.

How to Get From Merida to Sotuta de Peon:

🚗 Driving from Merida to Sotuta de Peon : The drive from Merida takes about 45 minutes, pending traffic. Directions here on Google Maps .

🚐 Day tour to Sotuta de Peón : Tours depart from Merida hotels and other locations throughout the city. Visit their website for exact times and locations, or to make a reservation. Price for tour, lunch, and transport is now $1,210 pesos in 2020.

Important Items to Pack for Yucatan Adventures:

There are a few unique items you’ll want to bring with you for your Merida day trips. Many of these items are not available in or around Merida, so plan accordingly. Pack lots of dry-wicking clothing and a bathing suit , of course. I f you will be swimming in cenotes, please consider the ecological implications that your sunscreen and insect repellent will have and come prepared with some of these suggested natural products.

• *Biodegradable* sunscreen  is very important to bring if you plan to go into the area’s cenotes. Regular sunscreen can cause damage to the cenotes, kill the fish, and add chemicals to the fresh water. So please use biodegradable sunscreen, which can be difficult to find in Merida. This Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 45 is a great choice on Amazon , has consistently great reviews, and is inexpensive too.

Getting Around the Yucatan from Merida

How to pursue all of these various day trips from Merida is entirely dependent on your comfort level with independent travel, the destinations you’re trying to reach, your budget, and personal preferences. Buses can be a great bet for some people for some locations, but tours and rental cars are more practical (or necessary) for other Yucatan attractions.

Using Public Transportation to Move Around the Yucatan

For those comfortable with independent travel, public transportation can be a good consideration to get around Yucatan’s more connected destinations. Frequent buses make day trips to places like Progreso a very easy journey. Yet for some of the more far-flung destinations, traveling by bus can be inefficient or difficult. It’s always cheap though!

When using buses to travel from Merida throughout the Yucatan, be careful to note the departing terminal. There are a few different bus terminals and departure points in Merida. There’s the ADO bus terminal, Segunda Clase (TAME), Noreste, and the AutoProgreso bus terminal to Progreso. Understand which one you need to get to your location. And be sure to know return times for less frequent routes.

Renting a Car in Merida to Drive around Yucatan

Rental cars in Merida can be very inexpensive if you book in advance. Renting a car can make for a good way to get around the region on your own terms.

We find the Yucatan highways to be in good condition overall. But in rural Yucatan, you will encounter hazards such as livestock, potholes, and steep “topes” (speed bumps), among other obstacles. Other considerations are Merida traffic, Spanish road signs, rental car insurance, and navigating through unfamiliar areas. Yet if you’re comfortable driving internationally, rental cars can be a great option to explore around Merida.

Cheap Rental Cars in Merida

For good deals on rental cars, we like to use the Priceline Rental Car Search , as we’ve used it to find rental cars in Merida at major agencies for as low as $5-USD per day and less! Most of the main rental car agencies (Budget, National, Alamo, etc.) have locations in Merida and they’re all listed on Priceline (often at lower prices than booking direct).  Check the rates now .

When reserving a rental car in Merida using Priceline (or any site), be sure to note whether the car you’re reserving is manual or automatic. The transmission is always listed, but sometimes it doesn’t stand out. So if you can’t drive manual, be careful to look for an automatic so you don’t show up to the rental agency and get stuck with a stick shift you’re unable to drive.

Also, pay attention to the location you’re reserving a car. If you’re staying in Merida Centro, we recommend booking at one of the agencies on Calle 60 in between 55 & 57. National, Enterprise, Payless, and others are located there. Meanwhile the Plaza Americana area can also be convenient and has rental car agencies such as Hertz, Budget, Alamo and more. Be careful not to rent a car from the Merida airport, unless you want to pick it up when flying in, of course.

If you don’t book in advance, usually the best prices we’ve found for a rental car on day-of tends to start around $500-$700 MXN ($25+ USD), including the required insurance. For this day-of price, we’ve booked with an agency called EasyWay on Calle 60 and never had any problems. But you’ll stand to save more by booking with one of the main agencies on Priceline .

Search your travel dates on Priceline to see rental car deals for your trip .

Using Day Tours to Get Around the Yucatan

Jumping on a tour can be another great way to see some of the main sights of the Yucatan. Many of the tours from Merida are very competitively priced, offering full days of adventure for what can be minimal cost. It’s a seamless and easy way to comfortably be whisked around the main sights. But perhaps the best benefits of taking a day tour are some of the great guides who can fill you in with local knowledge, which you can’t get by traveling independently.

So, where to book a day tour? There are agencies scattered throughout Merida that you can book day tours with once you’ve arrived in Merida. Often this can be the least expensive option for a tour, but it can come at the expense of taking the time to visit different agencies, discussing tours (sometimes in Spanish only), and negotiating the price. These unvetted tours may even become fully booked during busy times like the busy winter high season in Merida.

Instead, we recommend reserving your Merida day tours before arriving. We love using Viator.com to book tours in Merida, because they offer such a wide variety of Merida tours, have 24-hour phone support in English, generous cancelation policies (usually free if canceled 7+ days), and have easy online booking (no emails or phone calls necessary). Viator also lists verified traveler reviews, so you can easily vet out the good tours from the not-so-good. They also have a low-price guarantee so you know you paid the cheapest rate. If you find a lower price once you arrive in Merida, Viator refunds the difference.

Search all Viator tours from Merida for your travel dates .

Yet, you may have noticed that we also listed Merida day tours from GetYourGuide   throughout this post. GetYourGuide is another well-trusted website to find day trips in Merida, which also has a similar low-price guarantee and English customer support. GetYourGuide simply offers a different inventory of Merida day tours.

Search all GetYourGuide tours from Merida .

Some of the tours and pricing are different between the two competing websites, so it can be worth searching both to find day tours that best fits what you’re looking for. Although, we’ve picked out what we’ve found to be the best Merida day tours for the best price within each section of this travel guide.

When comparing tours, be sure check the latest reviews so you can book a good tour with confidence. And be careful to pay attention to what’s included (meals, entrance fees, etc.) and what you’ll need to cover with your own pesos.

Best Yucatan Day Trips from Merida?

Have you been to any of these day trips from Merida? Which Yucatan adventure is your favorite or are you most excited to pursue? Please let us know in the comments.

If you’ve found this Best Merida Day Trips travel guide to be helpful in planning your trip to the Yucatan, we’d love to hear from you. 🙂 Or feel free to ask us any questions about all these different day trips from Merida.

Also, if you haven’t come across them yet, be sure to check out our other detailed travel guides to Merida Mexico :

• Top 15 Things to Do in Merida Mexico offers several suggestions you can do from right within Merida.
• Best Restaurants in Merida provides what we think to be some great local dining recommendations and also shows where to find all the best cheap eats in Merida!
• 75+ Best Mexico Travel Tips to Know Before Your Trip in 2022  reveals how to save money, avoid hassle, stay safe, respect cultural etiquette and have fun in this wonderful country!

Have a great trip to Merida and the Yucatan!

Publishing note: This Yucatan travel guide is continually updated in an attempt to best reflect recent changes, new Yucatan attractions, and price fluctuations. This post was most recently updated in January 2020.

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June 4, 2020 at 1:19 PM

Oh my god!! THANKS A LOT 🙂 so much to learn and visit in this beautiful Peninsula in Mexico! and you did an spectacular job… this is one of the most complete descriptions that certainly are very helpful for we that love travel and learn those little details not included in commercial travel packages. THANKS A LOT for sharing all this information that opens my mind about more hided places that I must visit in my next trip in that area that hopefully is not that far due to the actual situation. I enjoyed a lot reading your experiences and info. THANKS!

April 9, 2020 at 12:36 AM

Wow thank you so much for all your hard work in posting this for all of us travelers! My husband and I are coming to Progresso on a carnival cruise ship and are very interested in doing a trip to one of the Cenotes or something of the like. Do you have any recommendations (places to go, or fun adventurous activites) specifically for those coming in by cruise ships with limited time (8:00 – 4:00pm)? We would greatly appreciate your advise!

April 20, 2020 at 3:53 PM

It really depends your interests, travel style, and budget. But I can try to suggest a few ideas. The ship’s excursions may be the most convenient, particularly if you’re trying to go far from Progreso. Personally, I wouldn’t attempt to go to Uxmal or Chichen Itza, since time constraints would make it a lot of time in a bus to arrive at the ruins during the most hot and crowded time. Instead, I’d recommend one of two options.

For one, you could go to Merida for the day, as there’s much to do in a day in that beautiful city. (See our separate guide of things to do in Merida). On the way there or back, you can stop by the Dzibilchaltun ruins to explore and take a dip in the open-air cenote. You could try to do this on your own using bus/taxi/Uber or I believe Carnival may offer an excursion that goes to Merida and Dzibilchaltun.

Another idea would be to stay along the coast. From Progreso beach, go to El Corchito to see the raccoons & coatis and swim in the exposed cenotes there. It’s possible to book a half-day tour that takes passengers to El Corchito, then east towards Telchac Puerto. Along the way you can find pink lagoons, flamingos, and other beaches. If time permits, you may be able to include a visit to Xcambo ruins too. Carnival may sell such an excursion. But we’ve also seen them available locally.

Whatever you do, I’d suggest to plan to arrive back to Progreso at least an hour or two before the ship departs. That’ll give some wiggle room in case you hit a delay. But also it’ll give you time to enjoy Progreso too! It’s a nice little beach town to explore a bit and perhaps stop for a drink. And if you just wanted to have a more relaxing day, you could always just hang around Progreso all day and just chill out.

Hope that helps and you have a great trip!

December 23, 2019 at 2:05 PM

I’ve been to Isla Mujeres and/or Cozumel a dozen times, and am now combining with a week in Merida’. Great site- thanks so much! I have a much better idea of what to plan in the area. Keep up the great work, and I’ll remember to give feedback once I’m back in mid-January.

December 3, 2019 at 10:46 PM

Thank you so much for this great useful info. I have resurchrd slot and yours is probably the best and easiest. My question is I have been greatly…hugely cautioned about the Mexican police giving tickets/fines to non natives in rental cars. We are brave souls and even.know how to drive a stick and have no issues driving off road but I am leery about the tickets. I was told “never,never,never rent a car out of Cancun (I’m blond and white). I’m thinking merida is different? What is your experience?

December 20, 2019 at 5:16 PM

We’ve driven widely throughout the Yucatan and have never been stopped by police for tickets or fines. From our perspective, it’s not a widespread practice around Merida. That said, it certainly has been known to happen in Mexico. It’s called “Mordida.” And it’s illegal. If the police were to stop you for no reason and ask you to pay a fine on the spot, you can refuse to pay there and ask to be taken to the police station to pay the fine there. If you haven’t done anything wrong, they may just let you go on your way to avoid all that. Likely it won’t happen at all and if it does may not even come to that. While it is a possibility, I wouldn’t worry about it or let it prevent you from renting a car. But it is good to know about mordida and have some idea of what to do if it happens. Hope you have a great trip!

October 16, 2019 at 3:01 PM

HOLA – this is not my usual doing – I hardly ever take time to leave a reply – always running after Mr. time – this “time” it is different – after reading ALL of your SUPER GOOD ADVISES so well formulated – I hereby crown you to the best blog ever – I m 70 and planning YUCATAN for this winter – THANKS to all your good advise it will make it a whole lot easier to travel around and abroad – many THANK YOU s are still not enough – take care – feel free to sleep on my coach in Cannes (small apartment) only for a few nights if ever you would travel this side of the world – I suggest that all people taking advantage of your precious time do invite you when passing in their area – ALOHA so much love and light to both of you NAMASTE

October 17, 2019 at 4:04 AM

Thanks so much for the kind sentiments, which fuels us with much encouragement to keep on writing travel guides like this. It puts smiles on our faces to hear this is helpful in sorting out trip plans. Hope you have such a great time in the Yucatan and enjoy it to the fullest!

May 31, 2019 at 4:31 PM

WE are taking our two teenage daughters (16 and 13) to Merida/Akumal in August. Are there any other tips or suggestions for traveling in Merida and going on day trips with teenagers? Is it best to pay in pesos/cash? What would be the best affordable private tour for Uxmal and ChichenItza for a family with teenagers (so they are informed but not bored) 🙂 Any other suggestion for the Akumal/Cancun area (we don’t want really touristy stuff, more cultural exposure for our daughters. My husband and I both are fluent in Spanish and familiar with Mexico. Thanks!

June 2, 2019 at 5:32 PM

With teenage daughters, I’d imagine cenotes throughout Yucatan may be particularly appealing and interesting. In August, I’d just really limit ruin visits and other outdoor activities to the mornings because it does tend to get scorching hot in the afternoons. Great time to take a dip in the cenotes though! Yes, it’s only pesos accepted around Yucatan. Some restaurants and most hotels will take credit card, but attractions and smaller shops tend to be cash only. For interesting things around the Akumal area, we enjoy renting bikes to cycle through the Coba ruins. Some great cenotes around there too. Also, we really enjoy Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, where you can take a boat ride to float down an ancient Mayan-dug canal, for a really unique experience. More info on that here: https://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/how-to-visit-sian-kaan-biosphere-preserve/

March 1, 2019 at 6:11 PM

Awesome blog, thanks! I’m going to spend 2 weeks in the Yucatan, dividing my time between Merida and Valladolid, as my primary reason for visiting the Yucatan is to explore Maya sites. Would you recommend I split my time 50/50 between Merida and Valladolid? Or, is there much more to see and do in Merida than Valladolid? Again, my primary interest is visiting Maya sites and experiencing local culture, as I do speak Spanish and I’m something of a Maya history buff. Thanks!!!

March 3, 2019 at 12:40 PM

Our two cents… We’d recommend considering to spend more time in Merida compared to Valladolid. We love Valladolid and there are some great Mayan ruin sites around there (most notably, Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Coba.) Those are easy and ideal to reach within a few days or so, based in Valladolid. But Valladolid is much smaller compared to Merida, where you’ll find much more to do, making it worth more time there. Merida will likely prove to be a more ideal base for all the other ruins mentioned in this guide. And as a Mayan buff, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at Merida’s vast Mayan World museum, among others. You may also want to consider spending a night or two near Uxmal while exploring the Ruta Puuc. It’s worth it, in our opinion, to be able to spend more time at those major ruin sites south of Merida, rather than running back and forth between there and Merida. So with two full weeks, perhaps 3-4 days in Valladolid, a full week based in Merida, and a few days out by Uxmal and Ruta Puuc.

March 3, 2019 at 5:26 PM

Wonderful, thanks so much for the advice! It makes a lot of sense to do it the way you recommend. I’m using your blog as a primary tool for planning my trip 🙂

February 26, 2019 at 5:19 PM

You have covered the area very well. I might add one place: Isla of Arena out on the west coast is interesting, has a modern movie museum dedicated to a local movie star from the 40s and 50s, a few restaurants, cabanas and no one there. The drive out is through old hellequin plantations and a very long causeway through mangrove swamp-the drive is worth the trip. I think it is about a two hour drive from Merida.

March 3, 2019 at 1:08 PM

Thanks for the recommendation! Really sounds quite fantastic. I think we’ll definitely need to add Isla of Arena to our list of places to check out during our next adventure through the Yucatan! 🙂

February 20, 2019 at 5:44 PM

I wish you nothing but success! Unlike many travel blogs which are more focused on the writer, you offer a tremendous amount of help to the traveler. I’m planning a solo trip to Mérida next month and you have provided some great ideas and useful information. Keep traveling and keep writing!

February 22, 2019 at 8:57 PM

That’s so encouraging to hear! 🙂 Thanks so much for dropping us a comment to let us know. Hope you have a great trip to Merida and enjoy it to the fullest! We’re excited to be heading back to Mexico in the upcoming months to continue writing more travel info about this beautiful country!

December 8, 2018 at 2:53 PM

Thank you for putting me in touch with Viatour. They fully answered my questions, but if I decide to rent a car instead what difficulties would there be? (Parking, waiting in line, getting lost?)

December 10, 2018 at 1:01 PM

A car could get you there even earlier and you’ll have the autonomy to go at your own pace, both nice perks. But driving in the Yucatan can be intimidating for some and is not without some hassles. We’re totally comfortable driving around the Yucatan but others may not be. After departing Merida, the toll highway to Chichen Itza is fairly straightforward, but there’s always potential to get lost. You will encounter fee-based parking at Chichen Itza and potential ticket lines. A tour will have more simplicity and ease, in addition to an informative guide to provide more insight about the famous ancient site. They each have their pros and cons. Really it just comes down to which of the two methods you think you may prefer and may be more comfortable with. Hope that helps. Have a great trip!

December 2, 2018 at 8:52 AM

I have several questions about the Chichen Itza Early Tour that I cannot find answers to online. How do I email this tour operator?

December 6, 2018 at 8:20 AM

That particular tour is through Viator, so I’d suggest directing any questions through them. We’ve used their customer service before and they tend to be pretty helpful. Their contact info is here: https://www.viator.com/faq/articles/kA0d0000001HioICAS Hope you get the answers you’re looking for and have a great trip!

November 30, 2018 at 6:48 PM

I have been to 13 countries in the past 4 years and this is by far the best summary of adventures in any country, city or state that I have come across. Better than guidebooks. Thank you so much for being so thoughtful and thorough. I prefer public transit/colectivos and I can easily plan my trip based on your transportation advice. I am even considering renting a car and driving through Ruta Puuc- it seems like the experience of a lifetime. Thank you!

December 1, 2018 at 3:25 PM

Thanks so much for the kind and thoughtful feedback! Always makes us smile to read such sentiments. 🙂 We also tend to prefer using public transit. But it is nice to have the freedom of a car in the Yucatan too. Plus the cheap rentals and the semi-easy driving conditions make it such an attractive option too. Just watch out for the added rental insurance they’ll try to push on you. We love the Ruta Puuc! Hope you make it out that way and enjoy it to the fullest – happy travels!

April 3, 2018 at 11:57 AM

Hi – just wanted to say I know you posted this a while back but I just discovered this article. I am currently in Mérida for a while studying Spanish and this is the best summary of all of the sights to see that I have found. You put so much work into this and especially useful is the transport information by car or bus etc and the links to suggested tours. Thank you so much!!

March 20, 2018 at 1:54 PM

Helpful information. My wife and I plan on going late-2018 and this page will definitely help us plan our day trips. thank you for posting this.

March 21, 2018 at 12:55 PM

We’re thrilled that you found our guide helpful! Have a fantastic time exploring the Yucatan!

March 5, 2018 at 5:21 PM

Hello there! I spent a week in Merida and used many of your travel trips when I wanted to get out of Merida but not go too far. The Ruins and beaches were amazing! Your advice and descriptions of each activity was perfect!

My favorite were the small but impressive Dzibilchaltun ruins, mainly because of the swimmable cenote there, and I wanted to give an update on how to get there. I went searching for the combis to the ruins, but they either were discontinued or only run on weekends or Sundays. So I found my own way, but thought I would keep you guys informed.

Travel to Dzibilchaltun: Combis leave for Chablekal on Calle 65 and Calle 58 about every 15minutes for 10 pesos. Take the Combi all the way to Chablekal center and from there it’s a quick 10-15 pesos moto-taxi to the actual ruins. Repeat in opposite to return to Merida.

December 17, 2017 at 11:00 AM

Invaluable – Thank you!

Off on Monday 🙂

December 18, 2017 at 8:58 PM

So glad it’s helped! ¡Buen viaje!

November 15, 2017 at 4:32 PM

Hello there!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful info! Would you be willing to share an estimated daily cost of rental cars out of Merida (including insurance, fees, etc.)?

November 18, 2017 at 4:27 AM

So glad it’s helped! Every time we’ve rented a car in Merida, we’ve used the Easy Way Rental Car, located in Centro. They’ve tended to have the best walk-up rates among the couple of agencies that are located right next to each other in Centro. We’ve always had a fine experience using them, decent cars, and never had any issues. I can’t remember the exact amount we paid but it was around $500-600 pesos per day, including the necessary minimal coverage, for a compact automatic car. (We use our credit card which further covers us.) Hope that helps!

August 20, 2017 at 3:27 PM

Hi guys, I just wanted to say a big thanks for your blog – it has been so helpful to me, as a solo traveller without my own transportation. Keep up the awesome work!!

August 21, 2017 at 5:48 PM

So glad to hear it’s been helpful! Thanks for stopping by to let us know! 🙂 Have a great trip to the Yucatan!

June 10, 2017 at 12:50 PM

This is very helpful, particularly the “getting there” section. I am going to Merida tomorrow, and I found this blog is a quick guide for making my checklist to visit Merida.

June 12, 2017 at 11:31 AM

Fantastic! We’re always so glad to hear these guides are proving helpful. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting to let us know. Have a great trip to Merida and exploring all around the Yucatan!

April 26, 2017 at 10:39 AM

Thanks for this. It was very timely, as we are thinking of going to Merida this summer or fall. 🙂

May 1, 2017 at 4:42 PM

Thanks for the comment Melissa! We have no doubt that you’ll have a wonderful time exploring beautiful Merida and it’s surroundings 🙂

March 28, 2017 at 2:34 PM

This was really helpful and I referred back here every day on my 5 night Merida visit. Merida is a great city and the plentiful choices for day trips makes it a Primera destination. Thanks!

April 3, 2017 at 11:03 AM

Hi Peter, Thanks so much for the comment. We’re so happy that you found our Merida guide helpful during your recent trip! What was the highlight during your visit? We’re thrilled that you enjoyed beautiful Merida and it’s surroundings as much as we did 🙂

December 8, 2016 at 1:23 AM

Sotuta de Peon was AWESOME! We visited there on our trip in 2012 and we loved it. At the end there is a great cenote for swimming. My husband’s family lives near Chichen Itza and we’re taking our kids for their first visit to the ruins next week! Can’t wait to be back in Yucatán!

December 8, 2016 at 10:59 AM

Hey Renee! Thanks for the comment! How great is it that you can take a dip in a refreshing cenote after roaming around the hacienda? Have a great time exploring all the ruins with your kids and enjoy being back in the Yucatán!

October 22, 2016 at 7:24 PM

I’ve been to Mexico City twice, and we traveled all around Puebla, Mexico. Merida is our next stop, and this list is AMAZING! Thank you! Now I can fathom staying in Merida for 7 nights with all of these day trips!

November 3, 2016 at 11:11 AM

Ah, cool – we loved Mexico City and Puebla. Merida is so different from those places but we hope you find it to be equally awesome! So glad to hear you found this helpful in your travel planning. There really is so much to do there. We had no idea during our first visit just how much there was to do in the area. You couldn’t definitely fill a week if you wanted to. Have a great trip and enjoy the Yucatan!

May 6, 2016 at 10:42 AM

This was seriously so helpful! I’m going to Merida next week, and this is the most detailed blog post (especially the travel information!) about day trips that I have found.

I’m even more excited now!

May 8, 2016 at 12:37 PM

Yay! We’re so glad to hear this article proved to be helpful! Thanks for the kind feedback. We hope you have a great trip to Merida and throughout the Yucatan! Buen viaje!

March 17, 2016 at 12:29 PM

Hi Mandy. We talked about smash in Merida. I would love to do some of these day trips so kids could learn about Mayan Civilation and so much else. Take a look when rested.

March 18, 2016 at 12:57 PM

I’m not sure if this was intended to be a comment or an email to someone else. But either way, I hope it gets to the right person and you enjoy everything there is to do around Merida. What a great opportunity to introduce kids to the Mayan civilization!

March 16, 2016 at 7:10 PM

Valladolid also serves as a great base to hit Chichen Itza from if you can’t handle the hustle and bustle of Merida 😉

March 18, 2016 at 1:06 PM

We loved staying in Valladolid too! Great as a base to Chichen Itza, lots of cenotes, and Izamal, among other places.

March 15, 2016 at 12:51 PM

Wow! So many trips I don’t know how to choose! I think i’d go to Campeche first because it looks like an amazing photography stop and then i’d probably head to the beach to get a bit of sun!

March 18, 2016 at 1:20 PM

Campeche definitely has some great photography opportunities. Lots of colorful buildings to take pictures of! There are some beaches around there too, so it is possible to kill two birds with one stone 🙂

March 15, 2016 at 8:45 AM

Wonderful and informative post, John! I feel bad that I didn’t get the chance to explore the rest of Central America while living in South America. I’ve daydreamed countless of times about all the ruins, villages and cenotes scattered all over the Yucatan peninsula. I can’t wait to experience every bit of history, culture and cuisine of Mexico! Someday! Keeping my fingers crossed! Would you say that the country is safe for solo female travelers? Thanks for sharing all of this, John!

March 18, 2016 at 1:26 PM

Hi Trisha! We also hope that you make it to the Yucatan to experience all of it’s charms. From our experience here, we definitely think it’s safe for solo female travelers. Heather goes out all the time by herself with not the slightest of issues. We’ve found the Yucatan to be extremely safe and it is often cited as the safest state in all of Mexico! We hope you make it here someday but until then, happy travels!

March 14, 2016 at 9:17 PM

I just bookmarked your post! So many neat ideas on day trips. I’m definitely including the flamingos and the yellow city. It looks really cool!

March 14, 2016 at 5:42 PM

Great list! And once you’re done with the cenotes in Cozuma, you can try the ones in the nearby village of Homun.

March 18, 2016 at 1:39 PM

Thanks! We’ll have to check them out the next time that we’re in the Yucatan. There are so many awesome cenotes to explore, we’ll never make it to them all. But we’re adding the Homun cenotes to our list 🙂

March 14, 2016 at 1:04 PM

Thanks for the tips on the “less busy” ways to see Chichen Itza! When we visit the Yucatan, this is definitely something i would like to spend time doing (and photographing with less people around ahah)!

March 18, 2016 at 1:42 PM

Glad we could help! The Chichen Itza ruins get absolutely swamped with tourists in the middle of the day. Add to that the extreme heat and hundreds of vendors selling souvenirs throughout the entire site, and it can make for a unpleasant experience. We’ve found that it’s definitely best visited in the early morning. We were actually able to get shots of the entire pyramid without any other visitors. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Yucatan and have a great time at Chichen Itza!

March 13, 2016 at 11:54 PM

I love Mexico and I would love to explore this area further. I was bummed that I didn’t get to make it to Chichen Itza last time I was there!

March 18, 2016 at 1:43 PM

We love Mexico too! Sounds like you’re going to need to come back here and make it to Chichen Itza some day. 😉 Although that’s the big-named ruin site here, definitely consider some of these other ruins too which we’ve found to be equally impressive and much more tranquil!

March 13, 2016 at 7:33 PM

Wow! This is such an excellent post! You’ve opened up a world of things to see and do outside of Merida! I’ve been to Chichen Itza, but I’d love to enjoy the ruins at Mayapan! The historic towns, like Campeche, are so colorful and ooze with culture and history. The flamingos at Celestun would be beautiful to see, too. I’m going to pin this post for future travel to Mexico. 🙂

March 13, 2016 at 5:19 PM

I have yet to explore the Yucatan, but the Mayan ruins would be at the top of my list. I studied Mayan culture in college, and seeing the temples in person would be unbelievable.

March 13, 2016 at 5:49 PM

Add the Yucatan to your list and get down here 🙂 There are so many Mayan ruins that await your visit!

March 13, 2016 at 9:48 AM

This is super timely as I’m planning a trip to the Yucatan. I love that you include public transport options for all of these sites as well!

March 13, 2016 at 1:05 PM

So glad you caught this before your trip and hope it helps with your planning. Have a great trip and let us know if any questions!

March 12, 2016 at 11:53 AM

I was supposed to be heading out to Mexico next month but plans got changed. Hoping to make it out next year now so this will come in very handy. Thanks for such an informative post!

March 13, 2016 at 1:07 PM

Oh no, well we hope you do make it to Mexico next year to explore some of these awesome places. We’ve been in the country for over two months now and are absolutely loving it.

March 12, 2016 at 10:20 AM

I’d love to see Chichen Itza… and the flocks of flamingoes! What a great post with some beautiful photos!

March 13, 2016 at 1:18 PM

Thanks Tami! Chichen Itza really is impressive, as are the flamingos. Hope you make it over to the Yucatan to see these awesome sights first hand!

May 29, 2016 at 3:10 PM

Good job on your post… I have been to most of these spots and many others here in Yucatan, retired here from Canada 4 yrs. ago. Do day rides on my Harley to many interesting spots.. Keep up the good work!

June 8, 2016 at 12:49 PM

Thanks! That means a lot coming from someone living in the area. What a great place to live, by the way! And what an awesome way to get around the Yucatan… on the back of a Harley! Love it!!

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• Mexico City
• Copper Canyon
• Guadalajara
• San Cristóbal de las Casas
• San Miguel de Allende
• 5 Days in Mexico City
• 10-Day Baja California Road Trip
• 10-Day Copper Canyon by Train
• 10-Day Guanajuato Road Trip
• 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip
• 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip
• Playa del Carmen
• Punta Allen
• Isla Mujeres
• Cozumel Island
• Holbox Island
• Puerto Escondido
• Hot Springs
• Mayan Ruins
• Mountains and Valleys
• Wildlife Experiences
• Best Mexican Foods
• Best Mexican Movies
• Best Books about Mexico
• Mexican Artists
• Mexico Fun Facts
• Mexico Historical Facts
• Mexican Holidays
• Day of the Dead in Mexico
• Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico

Yucatan Road Trip: My 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary [2024]

• by Nellie Huang

For an epic Yucatan road trip, here is a detailed 10-day Yucatan itinerary packed with outdoor adventures and cultural immersions.

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a lot more than just all-inclusive resorts and wide sandy beaches — it’s dotted with gorgeous cenotes (underwater sinkholes), impressive ancient ruins and charming colonial towns. Since moving here, we’ve discovered that the region really has no shortage of archaeological ruins, historical colonial cities, and freshwater caves.

We chose to live here, for good reasons! I promise you’ll fall for the Yucatan, just as we did. To help you plan the perfect Yucatan road trip , I’ve put together this action-packed Yucatan itinerary that will show you the best beaches, colonial cities and ancient sites in just 10 days.

Table of Contents

How to Get to the Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico travel requirements , best time for a yucatan road trip, is this yucatan road trip safe, how much does a yucatan road trip cost, where to stay in valladolid, yucatan itinerary day 2: valladolid, swim in cenote zaci, visit convent of san bernardino, visit the stunning cenote suytun, explore ek balam , swim in cenote x’canche, float in cenote ik kil, visit the yellow city of izamal,  soak up mexican culture in merida, where to stay in merida, see the monumento a la patria, visit  the palacio de gobierno, explore the mayan world museum of merida, catch a pok ta pok mayan ball game, experience a shaman ritual in cenote sacamucuy, where to stay in tulum, visit  mystika tulum, swim in the gran cenote, extending your yucatan road trip, more travel tips for the yucatan:, further reading on mexico, yucatan  road trip guide.

The main gateway to Yucatan is Cancun International Airport (even though Cancun is not in the Yucatan state). Flying into Cancun from the US is really affordable. You can  fly from New York to Cancun  for as little as $300 return (4.5-hour flight).  Flights from Los Angeles to Cancun  are slightly more expensive around US$350 return (4.5-hour flight).

Book Flights to Cancun

Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane or ferry. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.

However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. It is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19.

Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my  travel insurance guide  for more details.

How to Get Around the Yucatan

For this Yucatan road trip, I recommend hiring a compact car. An economy rental car in Mexico averages just $200 for a whole week, which is less than $25 a day. The current price for gas is 16.50 pesos per liter (about $2.50 per gallon), though this varies throughout the country.

It’s generally easy to drive in Mexico, especially outside of the cities. I drive in Playa del Carmen everyday and find it quite easy: just watch out for portholes and crazy drivers! In this Yucatan itinerary, we cover roads that are in relatively good conditions. 

Check Car Rental Prices

If you don’t want to drive in Mexico, it is absolutely possible to follow this Yucatan itinerary by bus. Mexico has an extensive bus network and buses are really affordable. The buses are generally good quality and air-conditioned. The most popular bus company in the region is Grupo ADO. Book tickets online to ensure availability . Some offer luxury or de lujo services with lots of legroom, reclining seats, and TVs.

The best time to visit the Yucatan is during the dry season between December and April , when there is virtually no rain. Head to the Yucatan Peninsula at the start of the season (November to early December) when prices are lower. Read this guide on the best time to visit the Riviera Maya .

The wet season begins in the south in May and lasts until October. The Caribbean coast can be affected by the hurricane season, which runs from June to November. Try to avoid public holiday as surcharges are common around Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.

 Yucatan is one of the safest places in Mexico for travelers . While petty crime is common here, it has one of the lowest rates of homicide in Mexico (10 times lower than the rest of the country).

Many travelers report that taking public transport around the peninsula is safe during the day. However, like the rest of Mexico, it’s advised not to travel around at night . Carjackings have been reported, most occurring at night or on desolate roads.

A common scam targeting visitors is money switching, particularly at gas stations. You may hand over a 500 peso note and the attendant swiftly changes it for a 50 peso note, insisting you need to pay more. Make sure when you hand over the correct amount, keep your eyes on them and don’t leave until you have the correct change.

Mexico is generally very affordable, but the Yucatan Peninsula is slightly more expensive than other parts of Mexico that receive less tourism. Budget travelers can survive on around US$40 – $50 per day.

My 10-Day Yucatan  Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Cancun
• Day 2: Valladolid
• Day 3: Day Trip to Ek Balam
• Day 4: Day Trip to Chichen Itza
• Days 5-7: Merida
• Day 8-10: Tulum

Yucatan Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in CANCUN

Begin your 2-week Mexico itinerary in Cancun. If you’re coming a long way here, then spend a few nights at a resort in Cancun and have some downtime. Check out our list of fun things to do in Cancun and where to stay in Cancun . But for those who don’t like lazing at an all-inclusive resort (like us), I recommend heading straight to Valladolid.

Calm and unpretentious Valladolid is one of the best kept secrets of the  Yucatan Peninsula . Despite being the closest town to  Chichen Itza, Valladolid is surprisingly quiet and laidback. It’s a 2-hour drive away from Cancun, on a new tolled highway.

Listed as one of Mexico’s  pueblo magico  (magical towns), Valladolid is lined with cobblestoned streets, pastel colored houses and old colonial buildings converted into art galleries or indie boutiques. It also has a large Mayan population — you’ll see plenty of locals walking around in traditional dress and lots of the restaurants serving typical Mayan dishes.

Budget: Casa Hipil

A lovely homely budget option, this place feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel and even has a lounge and communal kitchen. It’s warm and welcoming with clean and comfortable en suite rooms. Check rates here.

Midrange: Hotel Colonial Zaci

Located just one block from the main central square, Hotel Colonial Zaci is a graceful and elegant choice. Rooms feature dark wood furniture and beautifully-patterned tiles on the floor, but also feel modern and updated. There’s also a lovely central courtyard to relax in. Check rates here. 

Luxury: Le Muuch

One of the best and newest hotels in Valladolid, Le Muuch is full of charm and color. Open-air public spaces feel jungle-like with lots of plants and foliage. Individually-decorated rooms are themed around different precious stones and feature added touches such as a hammock, traditional cookies and local Mexican coffee. Check rates here.

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Valladolid. There are actually many things to do in Valladolid , from exploring archaeological sites to cenotes and charming colonial architecture.

One of the best things to do in Valladolid is to wander around town aimlessly. It’s such a pleasure strolling along the streets, admiring the pastel colored houses and wondering what surprise is in store around each corner.

The most photogenic street in Valladolid is the Calzada de los Frailes, which has been tastefully restored with indie boutiques, museums, and small cafes. Be sure to stop at  Idilio Folklore Cervecero , a stylish restaurant that offers a small museum and beer tasting sessions.

Valladolid is unique in the fact that it boasts a cenote right in the center of town: the Cenote Zaci . While beautiful and easy to get to, it’s not the most spectacular of the Cenote’s close to Valladolid. One of the best we visited was Cenote Saamal , a very deep cenote with a gorgeous tumbling waterfall. Just grab a taxi from the central square to get there.

In the evening, head out to the elegant San Bernardino Convent , where you’ll see video mapping and colored lights are projected onto the sides of the complex. The projections tell the story of Valladolid and its history in a beautiful and magical way. Check with the Tourist Information Office on the main square as to the days and timings.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 3:  Ek Balam

I’m a big fan of cenotes: they’re in essence natural sinkholes or caves that contain water. Cenotes were commonly used for water supplies by the ancient Maya, and occasionally for sacrificial offerings. Of all the cenotes I’ve been, my absolute favorite is   Cenote Suytun .

Yes, it’s risen to enormous fame thanks to Instagram, but it’s one of those rare few places that’s actually as magical as it appears in photos. I took the following photos with my iPhone (no filter!) and didn’t need any fancy photography equipment.

If you visit first thing in the morning (9am) like we did, you’ll avoid the crowd and be able to capture the famous sunbeam (provided it’s sunny). It’s only a 12-minute drive from Valladolid. Read my guide to visiting Cenote Suytun .

A 20-minute drive from Cenote Suytun is the spectacular and less-visited archaeological site, Ek Balam . It’s equally impressive but far less commercialised (you won’t find any vendors here!). Read my guide to Ek Balam ruins .

It’s also still possible to climb to the top of the pyramids. At 100 feet (29m) high,  the Acropolis  is the tallest structure in Ek Balam. A spectacular view awaits at the top: ancient pyramids poking above the tree canopy and lush green jungles for as far as the eye can see!

Midway to the top of the pyramids is the tomb of Ek Balam’s powerful ruler, Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok, who reigned during the city’s peak in 800 A.D. The tomb is being restored, but you can see carvings, paintings, and murals.

Next to the archaeological site of Ek Balam is the wild and rugged Cenote X’canche .We absolutely loved the wild and atmospheric setting of this cenote. It’s surrounded by the jungle, with tree roots hanging over the spearmint blue water and rickety wooden bridges running along the sides of the cenote. There’s also a zipline over head, which our 6.5 year old daughter loved!

Best of all, it was actually empty when we visited on a Saturday afternoon, and we had the whole place to ourselves.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 4: Chichen Itza

One of the highlights for any first-time visitor to the Yucatan Peninsula is surely Chichen Itza , one of the country’s most celebrated Mayan archaeological sites. An important Mayan-Toltec city it spans a thousand years of history. Today, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , it ranks #1 on the best things to do in  Yucatan .

It’s only a 30-minute drive from Valladolid, but I recommend leaving early and reaching the site around 8am, before all the day-trippers arrive from Cancun. I also suggest hiring a guide, as there aren’t many plaques or information. Read my guide on how to get to Chichen Itza .

No trip to Chichen Itza is complete without a swim in the Cenote Ik Kil , a sinkhole that is connected to Chichen Itza by a raised pathway. It’s said that this large natural well may have given Chichen Itza (“Well of the Itzáes”) its name.

The use of the Sacred Cenote was exclusively ceremonial. Over the years, the water has yielded many artifacts including gold, jade, copper, shells and the bones of around 200 people who were thrown in as a sacrifice.

This cenote isn’t my favorite, as it’s the most commercialized that we visited (artificial stairways, lookout points and too many tour groups). But with an almost perfect circular opening and lush green vegetation dangling over the water, the cenote definitely has a stunning setting.

Cost: 150 Pesos ($7.50) per person

Yucatan Itinerary Day 5:  Merida

Start by strolling along the Paseo de Montejo, a tree-lined street flanked by the most beautiful buildings in Merida. Walk the whole length of 2 miles or 3.2km, and make stops at the numerous cute cafes and chic shops along the way. Read our full list of 30 best things to do in Merida .

Budget: Hotel & Hostal Boutique Casa Garza

A beautiful budget option for solo travelers, this centrally-located hostel has beautiful rooms with a garden, terrace and small pool. Check rates here.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 6:  Merida

Dating back to 1892, the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) houses Yucatan state’s executive government offices and it’s open to the public. You’ll find murals and oil paintings by local artist Fernando Castro Pacheco, depicting the Yucatan Peninsula’s history.

A 20-minute drive from Merida is the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Museum), which houses the largest collection of Mayan art and artifacts in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s lauded as the best museum in Merida, so it’s worth a trip for art and history lovers. Note: it’s closed on Tuesdays.

Pok Ta Pok is an ancient Mayan game that was played thousands of years ago. The ball game was part of a sacred, sacrificial ceremony, pitting good against evil. The winner (yes, winner!) of the game was sacrificed, which was then the highest honor bestowed on a Mayan player.

On Friday nights at 8-9pm, the ancient sport is reenacted in front of Merida Cathedral – luckily though, sans sacrifice. It’s fun to watch and it gets pretty crazy towards the end, when the ball is literally ON FIRE, prompting faster passes, for sure.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 7:  Uxmal Day Trip

Yucatan Itinerary Day 8:  Drive to Tulum

Even so, the area near the beach hasn’t been overly built up and the jungle comes right down the sand. Beyond the beach, you’ll also find  cenotes (sinkholes filled with crystal clear waters), secluded lagoons, turtle reserves, and fascinating Mayan ruins that have been tumbled and shaped by time. Check out our list of best things to do in Tulum .

The town itself doesn’t have any particular attractions, but it’s great for tacos and vegan food. For lunch, there are some great places to dine in town. If you’re a vegetarian, I highly recommend La Hoja Verde , which offers lots of typical Mexican dishes with vegetarian alternatives. The other place I absolutely loved was Burrito Amor , who make their own deliciously spicy sauces.

Budget: Che Tulum Hostel

Situated in the center of Tulum Town, this may be a budget choice, but it still offers an outdoor pool and fun hip vibe. There are both private and dorm rooms available, as well as lockers and free wi-fi. They also rent bikes, so you can easily cycle to the beach. Check the rates here.

Midrange: Coco Hacienda

Sitting on the edge of town, the Coco Hacienda is a great option for those who don’t want to pay the high prices on the beach, but still enjoy being surrounded by nature. As it is located a bit out of the center, the hotel has a large tropical garden filled with palms and banana fronds. It’s built in a rustic colonial style and has two tranquil swimming pools. Check the rates here.

Luxury: The Beach

As the name suggests, this gorgeous eco-boutique hotel sits right on the beach and offers a boho-chic vibe with a rustic charm. The luxurious thatched cottages offer private plunge pools and hammocks, while the communal areas feature several pools hidden amongst the jungle foliage. There are also free yoga classes each morning. Check the rates here.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 9: Tulum Ruins

You can’t travel to Yucatan without visiting the Tulum Archeological Zone . The area is filled with Mayan ruins, which sit high above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, as well as numerous iguana and tropical flora. Remember to bring your bathing suit as there are a few lovely white sand beaches, which can only be accessed from the site.

After a busy day under the sun, head to the Gran Cenote , a gorgeous sinkhole filled with clear turquoise-colored waters, partly open to the sky and partly under an enchanting cave. Remember to bring a mask and snorkel with you (or rent one when you’re there) as a variety of fish and turtles live beneath the surface.

 Itinerary Day 10: Fly Home!

If you have some extra time before your flight, I recommend doing a day trip from Tulum checking out cenotes and wilderness reserves in the area. Some of my favorite cenotes include Car Wash Cenote, Cenote Cristal and Cenote Escondido . Each one is totally unique and beautiful in its own way.

• Buy a Mexican SIM card before you start this Yucatan road trip.  Having internet data will make it easier to navigate, do research on the go and contact hotels etc. You can get a Telmex SIM card from OXXO for less than $10.
• Pump your gas in advance, don’t wait until your gas tank is completely empty. We always use PEMEX (the petrol kiosk withe the best prices), as we’ve always found the staff to be reliable. They always pump it for you, though they expect a small tip.
• Try to avoid driving at night, as you won’t be able to see the speed bumps.
• That brings me to my next point —   you’ll find MANY speed bumps (topes) on the roads of Yucatan, including on the federal highway. Some of them are treacherous, so make sure you slow down when you see a sign that says ‘TOPE’.
• Don’t leave anything visible in your car, to avoid break-ins and theft. We always leave anything we have in the trunk.
• Parking is super easy anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula . In the city centers, there are usually street parking (marked by white squares) and green parking meters for paying. You simply key in your license plate number and throw in a few coins (average cost is 10 pesos/hour). Once outside the center, parking is free.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

• 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
• 30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum
• 20 Best Day Trips from Tulum
• 30 Fun Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
• 30 Best Things to Do in Merida
• 20 Cool Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico
• My Guide to Isla Holbox Mexico
• 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip Itinerary
• 10-Day Baja California Itinerary
• 10-Day Guanajuato Itinerary
• 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
• 10-Day Copper Canyon Itinerary

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15 thoughts on “Yucatan Road Trip: My 10-Day Yucatan Itinerary [2024]”

thanks for this trip plan! A few good ideas for me.

peeked at your WildJunket very quickly…and my first thought was:

The true voyage of discovery is not in going to new places, but in seeing with new eyes. – Marcel Proust

And this is coming from 80+ country traveler….most of recent travels – past decade, most places have been to countries I’ve already been to – but certain specific places.

Most unexplored place in the world…is looking back at you in the mirror….ever heard of a True Mirror?

anyway…like your photos of the Yucatan. 2nd trip to Yucatan next year…but will rent car, so not dependent on tours, buses, guides.

Thanks very much for the kinds words! Interesting stuff.. I need to go read up on True Mirror!

I think one thing to mention is that MERIDA is a HUGE CITY / area of 1.2 million people. which may come as a shock to anyone traveling in Yucatan. There is no other city larger than 100,000 people (Per wiki).

All your lodging choices (Look nice) are smack dab in the middle of the city…which I guess is ok if you arrive by bus or what not…but I’m not driving through that mess of streets in a car. Don’t use GPS – just printed maps (sometimes I print google maps out) and sense of direction.

Want to visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, but that’s on the fringe a little, on a major street. I think staying in Progreso is a better choice or Ixmal. Or for a visit to Uxmal, right near Uxmal in small towns.

You’ve added several days to my planned trip!

Ah yes.. Merida is a big city, but honestly the town center doesn’t feel that way. It feels rather quaint and small to me. We drove our car and stayed in the center of the historical city. The streets aren’t too messy or hectic to navigate and there’s not a lot of traffic. We parked the car at the hotel and mostly walked everywhere, but used to it to explore outside of the historic center like the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya and Uxmal. Progreso does look pretty laidback (I made a new friend who lives there) and we definitely want to visit someday!

ok..took a closer look…if one stays on the main drag or two, easy to avoid 99% of all other streets…so staying in the center is not as bad as I thought.

Also I see the sequential street numbering, so not hard to get around from that angle.

Progreso still looks more peaceful for the $! 🙂 We’ll see…

Hi! Your information about the Yucatan is awesome. Can one safely travel with small children?

hi Rachel, yes! We live in the Yucatan Peninsula (specifically Playa del Carmen) with our 7-year-old daughter and we feel safe traveling around the region with her. The area is great for kids because of all the outdoorsy activities available, like cenote-hopping, exploring Mayan ruins, and beach combing.

Hi Nellie, your 10-day road trip around the Yucatan Peninsula sounds great. I was curious how much downtime there is factored in. My wife and I are going on a 8/9 day trip at the end of November and I want to make sure we don’t end up rushing around too much. How would you adapt the trip to allow enough downtime? Any suggestions you can give would be much appreciated. Thanks, Phil

hi Phil, thanks for dropping in! Honestly, there’s not a lot of downtime factored in. If you want to allow for some downtime, I would suggest removing Uxmal from the itinerary (since you’ll be seeing Chichen Itza, Ek Balam and Tulum ruins) and then spending the day relaxing in Merida or even going to Tulum earlier to chill on the beach. You can also skip the cenotes in Tulum since you’d have visited a few in Valladolid (which in my opinion are better there). Hope this helps!

Just wondering if it’s possible to do 5 days of all inclusive resort and 4 days of road trip. Do you know if I can book separately?

hi Cathy, oh it’s all up to you and what kind of travel you like. I personally don’t like all inclusive resorts but it’s easy to see why it appeals to so many people. You can definitely book it yourself and then hire a car to do the road trip yourself. If you need some ideas on where to stay, check out this Cancun article I’ve written. From there, you can do a short road trip to just Valladolid, Chichen Itza, and Cenote Suytun. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay on the coast, then you can head down to Tulum, see the Tulum ruins and explore the cenotes near there. I’ve written about all these destinations so feel free to search on my site.

Great itinerary! We have been to Mexico several times and done road trips. We felt that it was safe, and smooth sailing. I think I have been to all the places on your list! We love visiting cenotes, Mayan ruins, and places in the cities.

Hi Nellie, just want to thank you so much for all of the wonderful tips you have provided! We have 6 nights booked in Merida at an AirBnB, and another 7 nights in the Yucatan area. Your advice is helping me to plan a route and narrow down where we should stay for the later half of the trip. Thanks again from Canada.

Aww Kathie, thank you for the very kind comment! I’m so glad you’ve found my tips helpful! Have a great trip in the Yucatan Peninsula. 🙂

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25 Best Day Trips from Merida Mexico in 2024 [Locals’ Guide]

Looking for the best day trips from Merida, mexico?

You’ve come to the right place because — I live in Merida — and I’ve done quite a few day trips from Merida!

I know first-hand that while there’s seemingly no shortage of things to do in Merida itself, there’s also no end to the number of amazing Merida day trips.

Centrally located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida’s location makes it the ideal home base for all the amazing day trips highlighted in this article.

From swimming in cenotes to climbing Mayan ruins, strolling the streets of colonial cities to exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites — and even crossing one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list — you won’t run out of day trips from Merida Mexico!

Ready to discover the 25 best Merida day trips? Let’s get to it

Day Trips from Merida Map

Each Merida day trip mentioned in this article is located within 2.5 hours (or less) of Merida, Yucatan. For your convenience, they have been pinned to the Merida map below for you ⤵

As you venture to the more rural parts of the Yucatan Peninsula, your cell signal will go in and out.

A Mexico SIM card will help here; however, if you’re driving a rental car , download an offline map via Google Maps or Maps.me before you embark on any Merida day trips.

✈️ First Merida Trip? Check out my Ultimate Merida, Mexico Travel Guide [Written by a Local] to help plan the ultimate vacation!

Day Trips From Merida

Merida car rental.

The easiest, most convenient way to go on Merida day trips? A rental car from Discover Cars , of course — the company I use!

If you’re wondering about the whole rental process, head to Merida Car Rental: Everything You Need to Know + 10 Driving Tips .

If you’re wondering Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — the answer is yes! As a general rule, the Yucatan Peninsula is considered safe for both visiting and for driving.

However, there’s the obvious caveat to that: You’ll be driving in a foreign country where you’re unfamiliar with the laws!

Since you will be driving in Mexico, you should take the time to familiarize yourself with Mexico driving laws, or ask the agent at your car rental for quick tips.

You can also and check out these 10 Mexico Driving Tips to help you with how to drive in Mexico.

Merida bus travel

If you’re not renting a car in Merida, no worries! You have plenty of day trip options using Mexico’s public transportation system.

From buses to  colectivos  (shared vans), rest assured you can get to every place in this article — even if you’re not driving to them.

Mexico’s main bus company is  ADO bus, with big, luxury-class busses that have AC, large comfy recliner seats and outlets at each one to charge your gadgets.

They have daily trips to and from the majority of places listed here. You can buy your tickets online , or at the bus station.

Day Trips From Merida : MERIDA TO valladolid

Best colonial cities near merida, mexico, 1. valladolid.

Valladolid is an increasingly popular Merida day trip destination. It is also one of Mexico’s 135 or so pueblos magicos , or magic towns, and known as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico — so get your camera ready!

10 Best Things to Do in Valladolid, Mexico: Cenotes, Ruins & Hotels

There are many gorgeous buildings to photograph, especially on Valladolid’s prettiest street, Calle (or Calzada) de los Frailes.

When you’re hungry, head to the famous La Casona de Valladolid restaurant, and walk to the back to photograph the large talavera tile fountain after your meal.

Don’t miss the town’s impressive colonial churches — the Convent de San Bernardino de Siena and Iglesia de San Servacio. The Iglesia de San Servacio is Valladolid’s main church; find it in Valladolid’s Zocalo (Main Square).

Instagrammable spot in valladolid

Just outside of the Convent de San Bernardino de Siena, you’ll find another photo op. This is where you’ll see the large, colorful letters spelling out Valladolid, and just one street over from Calle de los Frailes.

Love art? Head to the Casa de los Venados , a private home-turned-gallery. Owners John and Dorianne Venator open their home once a day at 10am for a tour to see their 3,000-piece collection of Mexican folk art.

If you want to buy some folk art or artistic souvenirs in Valladolid, head to Kuxtal Cafe & Mexican Art. They sell many styles of folk art, handmade by artists from all over Mexico, at one of the best cafes in Valladolid.

Best Cenotes Near Valladolid

Ready to cool off with a swim in one of Mexico’s famous cenotes ? In case you’re wondering, What is a cenote? They are swimmable sinkholes containing freshwater, with the largest concentration on Earth located in the Yucatan Peninsula.

In fact, some of the best cenotes in Yucatan are located within 30 minutes of downtown. The b est Valladolid cenotes include Cenote Ik Kil, Cenote Oxman, Cenote Suytun and Cenote Zaci; though there are certainly others.

Merida to Valladolid Tours

Best valladolid hotels.

If you’re thinking it sounds like there’s a lot to you in Valladolid — you’d be right!

In fact, if you wanted to make Valladolid an overnight or weekend trip, instead of a day trip from Merida, here is a list of all the best hotels in Valladolid, Mexico .

Day Trips From Merida: MERIDA TO Campeche

2. campeche city.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site — Mexico has an impressive 35 of them — the walled city of Campeche is known as one of the most colorful Yucatan towns. Its historical significance, however, comes from its fort walls.

Located right on the Gulf of Mexico, centuries ago, San Francisco de Campeche’s location made it vulnerable to pirate attacks.

Nowadays, with pirates posing less of a threat, you can take a leisurely walk along the walls atop the Fuerte de San Miguel (Saint Michael’s Fort).

Merida to Campeche City: How to Take the Ultimate Day or Weekend Trip

There, you’ll see the old cannons pointed directly at the Gulf of Mexico, and get some amazing city and water views. It costs about $25 pesos ($1USD) to walk atop the fort walls along the ramparts, but it’s money well-spent.

Now, back to these colorful Campeche buildings! While most Mexican colonial towns follow a color scheme, the entire downtown Campeche City is painted in every color of the rainbow. 

Campeche Downtown

Though not large at only about 30 square blocks, leisurely stroll the entire downtown before stopping at one of the Instagram-worthy Campeche cafes, Altagracia Cafe or Chocol’Ha Cafe, for a sweet snack.

A few of Campeche’s downtown streets are pedestrian-only, and restaurants have tables set up outside so you can dine and enjoy the colors.

The most picturesque of these is Calle 59, where you’ll enjoy La Recova Cincuenta y Nueve, La Choperia, and others.

After eating, head to the Zocalo (Main Square) and hop on one of the tranvias (trams) for a Campeche tour of the city. At the end of the day, head west to the Malecon (walkway) to catch the sunset on the Gulf of Mexico.

Merida to Campeche Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to izamal.

Izamal has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, and is one of Mexico’s 135 amazing pueblos magicos (magic towns). These two draws make Izamal a very popular Merida day trip.

Known as “The Yellow Town,” Izamal is, well — yellow! The word yellow is in italics because every single building in downtown is painted the same shade of bright yellow 💛

Downtown Izamal’s small “ pueblo ” size means you can stroll the whole area in about two hours.

Don’t feel like walking? Take a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) tour to see all the sights, including the Convent of San Antonio de Padua, in the town’s Zocalo (Main Square).

Strolling around Izamal

When you work up an appetite, head to Kinich Restaurant or Mercado Municipal De Izamal (market) to try authentic Yucatecan food .

At the mercado , be on the lookout for one of the area’s most interesting dishes, dzik de venado (shredded venison), a local delicacy.

If you have extra time after seeing the city, head to the Izamal Mayan archeological sites just outside of downtown — Zona Arqueologica de Izamal and Kinich Kakmo Pyramid .

Merida to Izamal Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to chichen itza, best mayan ruins near merida, mexico, 4. chichen itza.

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, does Chichen Itza even need an introduction!? A Mexico bucket list travel destination, Chichen Itza is one of the most popular Merida day trips, and best Mayan Ruins in Mexico .

Chichen Itza is also one of Mexico’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and one of the most important Mayan archeological sites on Earth.

Chichen Itza shares the title of the most visited archeological site in the country with Mexico City’s Teotichucan — both averaging 2.75 million visitors a year!

10 Best Merida to Chichen Itza Tours for a Unique Experience

With so many visitors, you’ll want to get to Chichen Itza as close to 8am when they open as you can, so you can beat the crowds. Getting there early also means you’ll beat a lot of the midday heat.

When visiting Chichen Itza , head to see its iconic El Castillo (The Castle/Temple of Kukulcan), the one in most Chichen Itza photos.

There’s also the Temple of the Warriors, Sacred Cenote, Grand Ball Court, Group of a Thousand Columns and Wall of the Skulls.

Visiting Chichen Itza

As you might have gathered, Chichen Itza is big — as in 740 acres big! With a site of this size and historical significance, you’ll want to take a Chichen Itza tour with a knowledgeable guide to explain all of the site’s secrets and significance.

You can also hire an onsite guide, though during busy times, you might not be able to.

Upon arrival, you’ll see many guides by the entrance selling day tours for about $1,000-1,500 pesos ($50-75 USD). If you want to hire a guide on site, remember to bring enough pesos to pay them.

Merida to Chichen Itza Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to uxmal, 5. uxmal mayan ruins.

Though overshadowed in name by Chichen Itza in name recognition, Uxmal, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is just as impressive.

It is also much less crowded and touristy, seeing only about 10% of the amount of annual visitors as Chichen Itza.

Besides the obvious smaller crowds at Uxmal (pronounced yoush-mall ), you won’t be approached by souvenir vendors, deal with endlessly searching for parking, and all the other perks that come with visiting Mexico hidden gems over popular destinations.

If you’re wondering, Do I visit Chichen Itza or Uxmal? — there is one reason below that might convince you to pick Uxmal ⤵

Can you climb the Uxmal pyramids?

The top reason to choose Uxmal over Chichen Itza? You’re actually allowed to climb the structures and one of the pyramids at Uxmal.

🗿 Merida Travel Tip: Chichen Itza does not allow visitors to climb any of the pyramids or structures at the site — but Uxmal does.

While visitors aren’t permitted to can’t climb the large El Adivino (Pyramid of the Magician), you can climb the nearly-as-tall Great Pyramid right next to it. From the top, you’ll have amazing views of the entire Uxmal site.

You can also get up close and personal with the intricately carved stone on Uxmal’s buildings to see the beautiful design esthetics the Mayan Puuc sites are famous for.

Merida to Uxmal Tours

B est hotels in uxmal, mexico.

Booking a hotel in Uxmal means you can leisurely explore this underrated part of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula!

Pair your visit to Uxmal with a visit to the other four Mayan archeological sites on the Puuc Route , as well as the Choco-Story Chocolate Museum and Uxmal Mayan Planetarium.

Prefer an Uxmal tour of the whole area? Book the Two Cenotes, Uxmal & Chocolate Museum Tour !

Uxmal has several buildings in the Puuc style — but it’s not the only one with this aesthetic.

There are actually five archaeological sites along what is called the Ruta Puuc , or Puuc Route, a 36-mile drive (58km), which you can visit on a Puuc Route Tour , if you don’t have a rental car.

Besides Uxmal , the other four sites on the route, Labna, Kabah, Sayil and Xlapak , all feature the same stone carving esthetics and Puuc -style elements. 

As lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path Mayan ruins, there’s a good chance you’ll have these sites all to yourself.

🚕💨 Merida Travel Tip: Unless you have a rental car , or hire a taxi for the day to drive you on the Ruta Puuc, you’ll need a tour, like the Loltun Cave and Puuc Route Full-Day Tour .

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO Coba

6. coba ruins.

The Coba ruins site is in Quintana Roo state, home to Tulum , Cancun and Bacalar Lagoon , “the Maldives of Mexico.”

Coba is a complete Mayan city with many Yucatan ruins, and visitors can rent a bike at the entrance to see the whole place, or hire a taxi trike guide to take them around.

🦟 Merida Travel Tip: Bring eco-friendly insect repellent , as Coba is deep in the jungle!

The entire Coba site is about five miles in total, which is a bit of a trek. Combine this walk with the climb up Coba’s largest pyramid, Ixmoja (AKA Nohoch Mul), and you’ll definitely get in your steps for the day.

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO Mayapan

7. mayapan ruins.

As an off-the-beaten-path Mayan ruins, you may have this whole place to yourself to explore uninterrupted!

When visiting Mayapan Yucatan Ruins, combine it with a swim in the nearby cenotes — Cenote Nah Yah, Cenote Telchaquillo, Cenote Suem and Cenote Noh-Mozon.

Prefer an Mayapan tour? Book the Mayapan and Mayan Cenotes Adventure Tour !

Merida to Mayapan Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to dzibilchaltun, 8. dzibilchaltun ruins.

Dzibilchaltun (pronounced zee-bee-shall-tune ) is the closest Mayan ruins to Merida.

Though small, there’s also an onsite museum with Mayan artifacts and Cenote Xlacah to swim in. It is a popular site to visit on Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, to see the sunrise at the Dzibilchaltun pyramid.

Cenote Xlacah

When planning to visit, make sure you factor in some time to swim in Cenote Xlacah at Dzibilchaltun — the closest cenote to Merida.

This open, swimming pool-style cenote is very popular with locals, so head there early to beat the crowds.

Merida to Dzibilchaltun Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to las coloradas, best nature near merida, mexico, 9. las coloradas: mexico pink lakes.

Las Coloradas (The Blush) are Mexico’s famous pink lakes in the Yucatan Peninsula.

These pink lakes gained popularity after a viral Instagram photo a few years back, but because of their remote location, the pink lakes remain an off-the-beaten-path Mexico destination.

In fact, if you’re not driving, visiting Las Coloradas isn’t easily accessible by public transport and will take 1-2 buses and a taxi to get to.

For this reason, the best way to visit is by booking a tour of Las Coloradas — See Las Coloradas tour options below ⤵

Las Coloradas Pink Lakes FAQ

Las Coloradas has pink water because of the red algae, plankton and brine shrimp that live in this salty water. The salt content in this water is so high, this area has been used as a natural salt mine by the Mayans for centuries.

In fact, the flock of wild Yucatan flamingoes that live in this part of Mexico drinks this water, which in turn keeps their feathers pink!

The pink color of the lakes shows brightest on very sunny days. Keep this in mind if you plan to make the trip from Merida. On overcast, non-sunny days, the water will not be vibrant pink.

For photography, the lakes show brightest during (approx.) 11am-1pm, when the sun is directly overhead. The lakes are pink year-round, so the real factor is the sun… meaning definitely check the weather report before heading there.

A few years back, the Mexican government stopped allowing swimming. The reason for this is that the salt content can actually be toxic on the skin.

While there’s no one around monitoring if you go in or not, there’s also not a hospital too close to Las Coloradas, so don’t risk your health and safety for a photo.

Merida to Las Coloradas Tours

It’s not super easy to get to Las Coloradas unless you have a rental car . In fact, even after you arrive in the closest town, Rio Lagartos, you’ll need to coordinate a boat to take you over to Las Coloradas.

The easiest way to see these pink lakes? On a tour, like the Chichen Itza & The Pink Pools Tour. This tour goes to both Las Coloradas and Chichen Itza, so you can cross two places off your bucket list in one day.

The Live the Pink Sea & Exotic Beaches Tour, which goes to Las Coloradas, Rio Lagartos, and Cancunito Beach.

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO Celestun

10. celestun biosphere reserve.

Located in the small fishing village of Celestun , you’ll find the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve.

This large nature preserve is the best place to see flamingos near Merida. Besides the Celestun flamingos, this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is one of the best places in Yucatan for bird watching.

However, most people go to kayak in the mangroves and see the flock of Celestun flamingos, which some say is as many as 35,000 🦩 during their November to February mating season.

🦩Best time to see Celestun Flamingos

This large flock of feathered Yucatan residents travels throughout the peninsula during the year, so they move between a few places.

The best time of year to see them in Celestun is from November to February, though they do live in the area from November to April.

Besides flamingos, this is the best place to kayak in the Yucatan. The secluded beaches of Celestun are also beautiful, so head to one of the thatched-roof restaurants for some fresh Mexican ceviche after a long kayak ride.

Merida to Celestun Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to rio lagartos, 11. rio lagartos.

Besides Celestun and Chelem, you can also head to Rio Lagartos to get your Yucatan flamingo fix. Since it’s right next to the Mexico pink lakes of Las Coloradas, most tours combine a visit to Rio Lagartos with Las Coloradas .

They stick around this area in large numbers from March to June, though some stay year-round.

The Rio Lagartos natural area is known for having some of the best bird watching in the Yucatan, with more than 300 species 🦜 calling it home.

Besides birding, many take a boat tour on the Rio Lagartos (Alligator River), where as the name implies, you’ll likely see some alligators.

The Rio day trips boat tour also goes to an area where you can cover yourself in natural clay for a baña Maya (Mayan bath).

Merida to Rio Lagartos Tours

Day trips from merida: merida to progreso, best beaches near merida, mexico, 12. progreso beach.

Puerto Progreso is the closest beach to Merida, and also one of the best places to windsurf and kitesurf in Mexico. It is one of the best beach towns in Mexico , of those that sit on the Gulf of Mexico.

As the “ puerto” in the name might have cued you in on, this is a cruise port. On days when a ship docks, expect thousands more people than usual in this beach town.

If you’re looking to have Progreso all to yourself, check to see if there’s a cruise docking before you visit.

10 Best Merida Yucatan Mexico Beaches in the Yucatan Peninsula

Popular tours in Progreso Yucatan Mexico is a sightseeing tour that you can do on your own. Once you arrive in Progreso, stroll down the Malecon (walkway) for a bite to eat and to get a better feel for the town.

Find your favorite spot to rent a beach chair from (about $100 pesos/$5 USD), or head to one of the best Progreso beach clubs, Silcer Beach Club and El HaGuay.

El HaGuay is located next to the giant Progreso letters sign, on the east end of the beach. They let you have a beach chair for the day for free, as long as you order food and drinks.

Silcer Beach Club is located closer to the center of town, and generally has more of a party atmosphere than El HaGuay.

For a sunset dinner, head to the western end of the beach to eat at one of the best restaurants in Progreso, Eladio’s Bar. For a fancier atmosphere, check out Almadia and Crabster Seafood & Grill, both located on the Malecon .

Auto Progreso: Merida to Progreso Bus

Don’t feel like driving to Progreso from Merida? No worries; there’s an easy way to get to Progreso from Merida — the Auto Progreso bus.

Auto Progreso has a private bus terminal, and departs about every hour or so from Merida to Progreso Beach. The drive is one hour, and AutoProgreso tickets cost just $25 pesos ($1.50 USD) each way.

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO Sisal

13. sisal beach.

Looking for quieter, more relaxed beaches?

Look no further than Sisal, one of Mexico’s 135 ( or so ) pueblos magicos (magic towns)!

Sisal has a cute pier to walk down a few places to eat and drink — but little else. It is where Merida locals head for an alternative to the livelier Progreso Beach.

🏖 Merida Travel Tip: Rent a beach chair under a palapa outside of the Muelle de Sisal restaurant. Rentals are about $50 pesos ($ 3 USD) for the day, and if you’re ordering from the restaurant, you can also use their bathroom all day.

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO San Crisanto

14. san crisanto beach.

San Crisanto is among the prettiest beaches near Merida , and a great off-the-beaten-path Yucatan destination.

It is a coconut grove, and there’s usually more coconut trees than people at San Crisanto beach, so this is the place to relax and enjoy beautiful, uninterrupted nature.

You can enter the Sac-ha balneario (beach club) to use their palapas , restrooms and showers for about $150 pesos ($7.50 USD) per car.

Be sure to pack a cooler with lunch and drinks, as there’s nothing besides nature on San Crisanto beach!

Ojo de Agua & Mangrove Tours

You can also make this more of a complete day trip with San Crisanto Mangroves EcoTour , a boat ride through the mangroves and a stop at the Ojo de Agua cenote to swim. 

You can see them both in the video above (beginning at the 0:14 mark), and you’ll find tour operators near the beach.

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO Telchac Puerto

15. telchac beach.

Telchac Puerto is a small fishing town. The boats pull right up the sand on the area’s not-at-all-crowded beaches. There’s also a Malecon (walkway) along with a beach and also a small downtown where you can buy snacks and drinks.

Xcambo Ruins & Pink Lakes

Besides the beach, there’s also a Xcambó Mayan Ruins and nearby Xtampú Laguna Rosada (Pink Lagoon) in Telchac Puerto.

In case you didn’t know, there are Mexico pink lakes 💗 You’ll find info about the more famous ones, Las Coloradas , above, but know they are quite far from Merida.

If you want to see the pink lakes near Merida, head to the Xtampu pink salt flats just minutes from Telchac Beach.

Now, they only show bright pink on very sunny days and around midday, but if you catch them at the right time, they are spectacular.

DAY TRIPS FROM MERIDA: MERIDA TO Chelem 

16. chelem beach.

The final beach town is the most up-and-coming for expats moving to Yucatan’s beaches. Chelem is still on the quiet side, but you’ll find a few amenities here, like stores and restaurants.

It is another Yucatan fishing town, so life here revolves around boating and the beach.

However, Chelem is a stop for birdwatchers looking to see some of the area’s wind flamingos. The large Yucatan flamingo flock, which is in the thousands, usually hangs out around Chelem from about June to December.

🦩 Want to see the flamingos in Chelem?

Head to the beach, where you’ll find many boat operators offering tours to the Ria Chelem River to see the flamingos and many other bird species.

MERIDA DAY TRIPS: Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche

Best haciendas near merida, mexico, 17. cenotes hacienda mucuyche.

The grounds of this 18th-century hacienda have been left in semi-ruin, but that’s all part of the effect. Hacienda Mucuyche and its cenotes are gorgeous, and kind of look like the Garden of Eden meets the Blue Lagoon!

💦 You must book a tour in advance to visit Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyche. They are offered Monday-Sunday from 9am-3pm.

In addition to the rustic Mexican hacienda vibes, there’s two cenotes onsite, Cenote Carlota and Cenote Azul Maya. They are super refreshing to jump in for a swim after your guided tour of the grounds.

best haciendas near merida

18. hacienda santa cruz.

Looking to have a spa day in Merida? Look no further than Hacienda Santa Cruz and Mauyl Spa. This gorgeous, restored 17th-century hacienda is the perfect place to relax all day in a beautiful setting — at one of the best Merida spas.

🏰 Want to stay in a Merida hacienda? Book your stay at Hacienda Santa Cruz !

Stroll the grounds to see the gardens and eat some brunch. Then, head to the Mayul Spa for treatments that range from honey facials and hydromassage to a traditional Mexican temazcal (sweat lodge) purification ceremony — all at one of the best haciendas in Merida .

19. Hacienda Yaxcopoil

Hacienda Yaxcopoil (pronounced yash-coh-poh-ee l ) was built way back in circa 1650. It has been fully restored and is incredibly gorgeous. In fact, it’s known as one of the prettiest haciendas in Merida.

As with most of the best Merida haciendas, this one is mostly rented out for private parties and events. When not rented out, you can visit and tour the grounds.

The inside of the house itself is basically a museum . From the outside, you can tour the beautiful grounds and see all the old machinery used to make Merida’s main export — sisal , a thick, sturdy agave-plant fiber used to make twine.

Merida to Hacienda Yaxcopoil Tours

Merida day trips: merida cenotes, best cenotes near merida, mexico.

The final section of this guide is all about visiting Merida cenotes. These amazing natural treasures are some of the best things to do in Merida during your trip — but before we get to the best cenotes near Merida , let’s first clear a few cenote FAQs up.

• Cost: Cenotes have entry fees, though they are minimal. The more popular ones that provide amenities like restrooms, on-site restaurants, etc., should still cost no more than $300 pesos ($15USD) to enter. Most are closer in price to about $50-100 pesos ($2.50-5USD).
• Cash Only: Bring cash to cover both your entry and food. Most cenotes are in rural areas, and won’t have WiFi or the ability to take credit cards.
• Accessibility: Different cenotes have different levels of accessibility. Many will have well-maintained stairs with handrails, especially the more popular ones. Some have make-shift stairs, and some have ladders.
• Water shoes: Water shoes really help! As cenotes are natural pools, most have slippery rocks, muddy ground, etc. Water shoes also help you not slip in general, especially when walking down any staircase entryways. (I see this a lot!)
• Waterproof Phone Holder: If you want to take photos in the cenotes, and don’t have a GoPro, you’ll want to bring your waterproof phone holder .
• Life Jackets: I have never been to a cenote that didn’t provide or rent life jackets; but if you can’t swim, you might want to do additional research on the cenote(s) you’re visiting.
• Sunscreens and lotions: Don’t apply sunscreen, lotion, insect repellent — anything — before getting in a cenote. Many require you to rinse off before entering, so even putting anything on will be a waste.
• Photos: Want those people-less Instagrammable cenote photos? Go on a weekday, and arrive early! You also might want to bring one of those waterproof phone holders that go around your neck.

What is a cenote?

To make a long story short, cenotes are underwater sinkholes containing crystal-clear, freshwater.

They are only found in a few places on Earth, with the largest concentration in Mexico’s  Yucatan Peninsula , where there are close to 6,000 cenotes.

We can see and swim in them because the limestone once covering the water has collapsed and eroded away. ⁠

After the limestone fell into the water below, we’re left with either a completely exposed, above-ground cenote, or an underground cenote that you access by going into a cave.

Merida Cenote Tours

Merida day trips: merida to cenote ik kil, 21. cenote ik kil.

Cenotes come in all shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of convenience for visitors.

Meaning some have onsite bathrooms, some won’t, some have restaurants or sell snacks, some don’t, some have stairs leading into the cenote, some ladders, etc.

Ik kil Cenote is one of the best cenotes in Yucatan because it has everything you’d need: a restaurant, bathrooms, and even bar.

🍻 As you might have noticed, Cenote Ik-Kil is also stunning, and because of this, it’s one of the most popular cenotes to visit.

Best time to visit Cenote Ik-Kil

As one of the most Instagram-worthy cenotes in Mexico, combined with its proximity to Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is the one on everyone’s radar.

During peak hours and days, expect as many as 100 people swimming with you in that beautiful blue cenote water.

If you can, visit Cenote Ik Kil on a weekday. If you only have the weekend to go, try to arrive by 9 a.m. Cenote Ik Kil is open daily, 8 am-5 pm. 

MERIDA DAY TRIPS: MERIDA TO CENOTE Oxman

22. cenote oxman.

Considered one of the best cenotes near Valladolid , Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman, is a great option if you want that Cenote Ik Kil look but less of its crowds!

Cenote Oxman has a fun rope swing to enter its bright blue water with and live out your Tarzan fantasies.

This cenote is located on the ground of Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman , so you can even get on a little hacienda tour before or after your swim.

MERIDA DAY TRIPS: MERIDA TO CENOTE Zaci

23. cenote zaci.

This cenote is located only a few blocks from downtown Valladolid . With such easy access, this one is a favorite for both locals and visitors alike. In fact, locals seem to treat Cenote Zaci as the town swimming pool! As Valladolid is a relatively small pueblo , there aren’t too many locals to compete with for space, though, of course, weekends are much busier than weekdays.

🍽 Merida Travel Tip : There’s an onsite restaurant and if you spend $100 pesos ($5USD) on your Yucatan food and drinks , you can swim in the cenote for free; otherwise, it’s $30 pesos ($1.50USD) to enter.

Day trips from merida: MERIDA TO Santa Barbara Cenotes

24. santa barbara cenotes.

The Santa Barbara cenotes are located in the pueblo (small town) of Homun. This is a group of three cenotes — Cenote Chaksikin, Cenote Cascabel and Cenote Xoch.

The first two are in caves and the last one is a semi-open cenote.

Prefer to see them on a Merida cenotes tour? Book the Enjoy the Cenotes Santa Bárbara Tour now!

To visit, head to the Santa Barbara Cenotes on the map. At the entrance, you’ll pay either $200 pesos ($10 USD) for entrance to the cenotes or $300 pesos ($15 USD) for a meal of your choice at the onsite restaurant after visiting the cenotes.

From there, you can take a rental bike (included in the cost) or take a horse-drawn cart to the first cenote, Cenote Chaksikin, about 1/2 mile away.

After that, Cenote Cascabel is the second one, and Cenote Xoch is the third. When you’re done, you can ride the bike back, or take the horse carriage.

MERIDA DAY TRIPS: MERIDA TO CENOTE X’Batun

25. cenote x’batun.

This hidden gem cenote is not on many tourist radars, and it’s never very crowded.

Located only about 45 minutes from Merida, and very close to the beautiful Hacienda Yaxcopoil , you can combine these two into a Merida day trip, and still be back in the city for a nice dinner.

When visiting Cenote X’Batun, you get the best of both worlds! Here, there are actually two cenotes here — an above-ground cenote, and one underground called Cenote Dzonbakal .

Merida Travel Tip : When going to any Merida cenote, don’t forget your water shoes and waterproof phone holder . Also, don’t apply any sunscreen or lotion before entering any Mexico cenote , as it damages the cenote.

DAY TRIPS from MERIDA, Mexico

Merida, mexico travel faq, is merida safe.

This is the # 1 most asked question about visiting this country — Is Mexico safe for travel? Given mainstream media coverage, Mexico has a bad wrap. However, this is a huge country, and yes, there are parts you should avoid — but Merida isn’t one of them .

Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers? Safety Tips from a Longtime Resident

In fact, the entire Yucatan Peninsula is considered quite safe, not just Merida. Many opt for not only Merida day trips in their rental car, but entire Yucatan road trips to visit the must see Yucatan destinations in a single trip.

However, given that no place on Earth is 100% safe, have a look at the info below and consider getting travel insurance for Mexico, especially if you’re renting a car in Merida .

Want an added level of security and peace of mind while traveling to Merida? Just as you insure your car, home and body, you can also insure your luggage, belongings and health while traveling.

If Mexico and Merida travel safety are on your mind, get your free quote below now!

• Always listen to your intuition — because your intuition is always right.
• If you get a sketchy or uneasy feeling about a person or place, get away from that person or place asap. Don’t worry about making a kind, nice or politically correct exit from a creepy person or bad situation — Just get away fast.
• Don’t walk home alone at night.
• Don’t keep your phone, keys, wallet, passport, or anything valuable in your back pocket.
• Learn some basic Spanish. If you can’t learn it, save this infographic as an image on your phone so you have something to use even if you’re off-WiFi.
• Take all of your belongings into the bathroom with you, rather than asking a cafe/bar neighbor to watch your things. This is annoying, for sure, but it works to not get your stuff stolen.
• Speaking of bar neighbors… don’t take drinks from strangers and/or leave your drink unattended.
• Don’t wear flashy clothes, expensive jewelry, designer sunglasses, etc.
• Keep some cash in your pocket so you don’t have to pull your whole wallet out every time you need to pay.
• When in doubt: Get Travel Insurance !

Make sure you enroll in the FREE  STEP Program  before your trip. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

After you’ve registered, the U.S. Consulate in Merida can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc. STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home in the event of an emergency while abroad.

RELATED ARTICLE 🇲🇽 Ultimate Merida, Mexico Travel Guide [Written by a Local]

Book a Merida Airbnb

As a Merida local since July 2019, I went ahead and used my knowledge of this city to compile a list of the 12 Best Airbnbs in Merida for you.

These are all located in the best parts of town, and hosted by Airbnb’s vetted Super Hosts… so all you have to do is book and enjoy your Merida trip.

Book a Merida Hotel

If you’re more of a hotel traveler, here is a list of the 10 Best Hotels in Merida , all located in the most ideal neighborhoods visitors would want to stay in.

In the images below you’ll find two of the best boutique hotels in Merida, Rosas y Xocolate and Hotel Casa Azul .

What to pack for Merida?

As far as how to dress in Merida, Mexicans tend to dress on the conservative side. However, Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula have a hot, tropical climate — so think flowy, breathable, light-weight clothing.

As Mexico sidewalks aren’t the easiest to walk on, and you’ll want to opt for flats over wedges or heels.

Which of these day trips from Merida caught your eye?

I’d love to hear from you! Please drop me a line via the contact form on this page and let me know where you’ll be traveling around Merida, Mexico.

Merida Travel Planning Guide

Should i buy mexico travel insurance.

100% YES! — With basic coverage averaging just $5-10 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from Travel Insurance Master , one of the biggest names in travel insurance. ( Read more )

Can you drink the water in Merida?

No — You’ll want to buy this Water-To-Go Bottle , which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. ( Read more )

Is it safe to rent a car in Merida?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. ( Read more )

Will my phone work in Merida?

Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. ( Read more )

What’s the best way to book my Merida accommodation?

For Mexico hotels and hostels, Booking.com is the best site. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO , which is often cheaper than Airbnb! ( Read more )

What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I always recommend Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not — U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa or passport stamp upon arrival.

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See Mexico's top Mayan sites on the ultimate Yucatán road trip

Feb 28, 2020 • 7 min read

There are endless reasons to explore Mexico's majestic Yucatán – haciendas, pink salt lagoons, flocks of flamingos, white-sand beaches, and cenotes. But, history buffs are drawn to the area for the ancient cultural history in the region's countless Maya archaeological sites. Here’s how to take an epic week-long road trip to explore the Yucatán Maya archaeological sites.

Where to start: Arrive in the capital city of  Mérida  and stay the night there or book a hotel off the Ruta Puuc such as the FlyCatcher Inn Boutique Hotel or the gorgeous Hacienda Temozón  so you can get an early start the next day.

Day 1: Ruta Puuc, part 1

From Mérida, start your adventure early along the hilly Ruta Puuc, a meandering road along which are the architectural remains of the Puuc Maya civilization. Make a quick stop at Oxkintok at 8am when the site opens. The site is quite large and not as well restored as others but will give you a better understanding of the layout of a pre-Columbian Maya town. Archaeologists believe Oxkintok was inhabited from 300 BCE to 1500 CE.

Don't linger too long at Oxkintok because you'll want to beat the crowds to one of the most beautiful Maya sites – Uxmal. The massive site can easily take a full day to explore. Tour buses tend to arrive by 10 AM. Uxmal is in incredible condition and boasts some of the best-preserved ornate reliefs that display stories of Maya folklore along the Governor’s Building . The ceremonial Casa del Adevino or Temple of the Magician is 115ft tall and features unusual curved corners. Learn about the Mayan's celestial beliefs by visiting the Planetario Maya at Uxmal.

Where to stay: Spend the night at The Pickled Onion Where to eat:   The restaurant at the Pickled Onion is the perfect place to taste typical Yucatecan dishes including Poc Chuc and Pollo Pibil. 

Day 2: Ruta Puuc, part 2

It's a busy day so get an early start and head to Kabah , which means powerful hand. Climb up the stairs of the Palace of Masks for an incredible vista of the grounds including the sacrificial altar. On the way up you’ll notice gigantic faces – these depict Chaac, the Maya rain god.  

Your next stop will be Sayil . Be amazed by the three-tiered Palace building that’s an astonishing 280ft long. There are other buildings to see at the site including stelaes with detailed reliefs and various structures that have been reclaimed by the forest – following the dirt paths through the trees feels like a real adventure at Sayil compared to the infrastructure of other sites.

Just down the road is Xlapak which isn’t as well kept as the other sites and is significantly smaller but it’s worth a quick visit to see the detailed columns and latticework on the Palace. The last stop of the Ruta Puuc is Labná where you’ll be able to walk through an ancient archway with Puuc reliefs. Be sure to arrive before 5pm when the site closes.

Where to stay: Head back to Mérida for the night and stay at Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel with its famous pink pool or indulge in a night at La Hacienda Xcanatun .

Read more:   Feel the beat on the streets of Mérida

Day 3: Dzibilchaltún

The first two days on the Ruta Puuc are a bit rigorous so take it easy on the third day of your trip. Spend a leisurely morning walking around Merida. In the late afternoon, grab your swimsuit and head just north to Dzibilchaltún . 

The Maya city was occupied for nearly 3000 years and there are over 8400 structures here but only a few have been excavated and can be seen during your visit. The most popular time to visit is during the equinoxes when the sun rises and aligns with the main door of the Temple of the Seven Dolls casting a spooky glow. 

Don’t worry about working up a sweat as you walk around the grounds – you can take a dip at the on-site cenote or visit the air-conditioned Museo del Pueblo Maya to read more about the structures at Dzibilchaltún.

Where to stay:   Hotel Reef Yucatán  in Progreso Where to eat:  Have dinner at a restaurant on the sand on Progreso Beach

Day 4: Xcambo and Mayapán

Wake up and enjoy the beach before driving towards Xcambo . On the way, you’ll pass by the pink salt lakes of Laguna Rosada and flocks of flying flamingos. 

Xcambo is small but mighty with many massive structures in great condition. Climb up all of the structures for various vistas of the surroundings – if you’re tired then save your energy to get to the top of the Pyramid of the Cross. 

Hop back in the car for an hour and a half drive south to Mayapán . The site was the center of the Maya civilization from 1200 to 1440 CE. There are many structures to see in the cluster including impressive masks of Chaac and the Round Temple. Climb to the top of the Kukulcán Castle for an amazing view of the surrounding landscape.

Where to stay:   Hacienda Sac Chich so that you’re well prepared to head off early the next morning

Day 5: Aké and Izamal

Start your day early by reaching the archaeological site of Aké by 8am. The site is small and you won’t need a lot of time to explore. Aké means place of reeds in Yucatec Maya . Climb to the top of the Palace to walk through rows and rows of columns atop the Palace – the steps are long and short rather than steep and shallow unlike other structures in the area. Next door is an active hacienda where henequen (a fiber made from the agave plant) is still processed. 

In the afternoon head to  Izamal and enjoy the yellow architecture of the city and some of the restored pyramids around the town. There were once a dozen temples here as Izamal was a central place of worship for the major Maya god Itzamná, and the sun god, Kinich-Kakmó. The best-preserved temple is in honor of the sun god and can be climbed. At about 112ft tall, it’s the 3rd tallest pyramid in the Yucatán. 

Where to stay:   Mayaland and watch the light show at Chichén Itzá Where to eat:  Have lunch at Kinich Restaurant and order the papadzules which are rolled tortillas typically stuffed with egg and doused in a divine roasted pumpkin-seed sauce. 

Day 6: Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is the second largest archaeological site, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Crowds flock here by 10am. It’s worthwhile to get an early ticket and hire a guide who can explain all of the various buildings around the site, explain the history of the area, sacrificial ceremonies at the cenote, and how The Castle pyramid is actually a calendar. When you arrive, ask other tourists if they want to share the price of a guide.

During the equinoxes, the sun illuminates the side of the staircase of The Castle pyramid which makes it appear like a snake is descending the building. Due to the phenomena, this is the most popular time of year to visit.

Where to stay: Spend the night in Valladolid at Mesón del Marqués .

Day 7: Ek’ Balam

The last stop is Ek’ Balam which is dedicated to the Jaguar, a sacred Maya symbol. The showstopper here is the 104ft-tall pyramid which can be climbed. The steps are narrow so take your time as you ascend. From the top, you can see Chichen Itzá on a clear day.

Ending your trip

From Ek' Balam you can drive the two hours back to Merida or head to the coast to spend some time on the Riviera Maya . Playa del Carmen is a two and a half hour drive. 

Keep in mind

Most of the archaeological sites in the Yucatán have strict rules against the usage of drones and tripods without prior permission. If you bring them you’ll likely have to pay to store them in a locker as it’s better not to leave anything valuable in your car. They can cause damage to the sacred sites which is why they’re not permitted.

Drink plenty of water as many of the archaeological sites are sprawling so you’ll be walking quite a lot. The larger sites will have small cafes with refreshments but bring your own reusable bottle in order to avoid plastic waste. Be generous when applying mineral sunblock, wear comfortable walking shoes, and a hat. 

You may also like: Skip Chichen Itza and head to this remote Yucatán site instead Alternative Yucatán adventures away from the crowds Secret swims: the cenotes of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula

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15 Insanely AMAZING Day Trips from Merida

by Julie | Jan 12, 2024 | Mexico , Travel

Planning a trip to the Yucatan?

And wondering what day trips to take from Merida?

In this Mexico travel guide, I’m going to share with you the 15 BEST day trips from Merida . You’ve got your choice of ancient ruins, cenotes, beaches, haciendas, and nature reserves.

I didn’t have a car when I lived for two months in Merida, and I did all of these trips by colectivo (white van) or public bus . You’ll learn in this post EXACTLY how you can get to these 15 amazing Yucatan destinations by public transportation.

If you want a less stressful vacation , you can easily do these day trips with a tour . I’ll tell you about the BEST ones as well.

For more info on traveling to Merida, here is a list of 23 things to do in Merida .

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate and a Bookshop.org Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  Please see this website’s  Disclosure  for more info.

In This Post, You’ll Find…

I divided these 15 Merida day trips into 6 categories. Just click on the link to jump to the category that most interests you:

• Ancient Ruins
• Biosphere Reserves
• Historic Cities

Best Day Trips from Merida: Ancient Ruins

The Yucatan is full of ancient Maya ruins. Some are easy to get to with public transportation, while others require a car. I’ve included the ones that you can easily access via bus or colectivo.

The two most famous ones are Chichen Itza and Uxmal . But you cannot climb the ruins at these two places. However, if you visit Mayapan or Dzibilchaltun , you can have a fun day pretending you’re Indiana Jones and climb over ancient temples and pyramids in a park that is nearly empty of tourists.

1. Chichen Itza

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
• COST: MXN$614 (US$36.35) – foreigner price
• LOCATION: Google Maps

Chichen Itza has gotten a bad rap in recent years from the hordes of tourists vying for the perfect Instagram shot, vendors hounding you to buy their crappy, overpriced souvenirs, and unfriendly staff with their insanely strict rules.

But Chichen Itza is still worth visiting!

It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World .

So, you can’t leave Mexico without visiting this world-famous archaeological site  And the good news is that it’s an easy day trip from Merida .

Chichen Itza, which means “ at the mouth of the well of the Itza,” was the last great Maya kingdom before the final collapse of the Mayan civilization (the Maya had another civilization that collapsed centuries earlier at Tikal in Guatemala ). There was another one that succeeded Chichen Itza, called Mayapan , but it never reached the same level of glory and power that Chichen Itza did.

To avoid the crowds, get to the ruins early . No later than 10:00 AM.

Follow this itinerary to avoid crowds:

• First, head to the piece de resistance of the ruins: El Castillo (above photo). No pyramid in the Maya world was as perfectly built as this one, in my opinion.
• Next, visit the second most popular structure at the ruins, the ballcourt . This is without a doubt the biggest Maya ballcourt ever built.
• After visiting the two most popular structures, you can wander wherever you want . The other structures at Chichen Itza will be less crowded.

Some of my other favorite spots are the morbid Skull Platform with its rows of skulls and the elegant Edificio de las Monjas (also called the Nunnery because to the early colonialists, it looked like a convent).

The Most Comfortable Way to Get to Chichen Itza:

• 4 Stops in 1 Tour: Travel in comfort with a tour to Chichen Itza, Izamal, Valladolid, and a Cenote Chichikan. RATING: 4.6/5 (230+ Reviews) | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

How to Get to Chichen Itza from Merida by Public Transporation:

Once the Maya Train is ready, you’ll be able to get from Merida to Chichen Itza in 2 ways:

• Bus – cheapest; the bus station is in the historic center
• Train – more expensive; train station is far from the historic center

From Merida to Chichen Itza by bus:

You can get a first-class ADO Bus from the ADO Bus Terminal . It costs MXN$175 and takes 2 hours . Buses leave at 7:15 am, 9:30 am, and noon (January 2024). Check the ADO website for the most up-to-date times.

A second-class bus will be cheaper but it will also take at least 3 hours to get to Chichen Itza as it constantly stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the way.

You can also try Terminal 50 Oriente to see if it has buses leaving for Chichen Itza.

How to get back to Merida by bus:

This is how I got back to Merida in 2021: I went to the same spot where the bus dropped me off . A woman was selling tickets using the Oriente Bus Card (it’s a card that you can upload money onto and use to take the Orient second-class buses; it gives you a small discount). You don’t have to buy individual tickets. My bus came at 2:30 PM and arrived in Merida at 5:30 PM. I was told that this was the last bus back to Merida. Not sure how true that is, but make sure to ask the bus station and the bus driver about this.

From Merida to Chichen Itza by train:

The Maya Train will connect Merida with Chichen Itza when it begins full regular service. You can check schedule and buy tickets at the official government website. Be careful of the FAKE websites that are trying to scam people into buying FAKE tickets .

Best books to read on the ancient Maya

• Jungle of Stone by William Carlsen
• Incidents of Travel in the Yucatan by John Stephens
• The Maya: A Very Short Introduction
• The Maya by Michael Coe and Stephen Houston
• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M – Su)
• COST: MXN$441 (US$26.11)

Whenever I ask people which ruins they like better, Chichen Itza or Uxmal, Uxmal wins every time.

There are so many reasons why people love this archaeological site :

• fewer tourists trampling around the ruins,
• fewer hawkers harassing you,
• a more compact space making it easier and quicker to see everything,
• more masterful architecture to gaze in awe at
• You can climb the temples and pyramids at Uxmal  

So the decision of whether to do a day trip from Merida to Uxmal is a no-brainer.

Uxmal was the capital of a large terminal classic state from 850 to 922. However, it never reached the power and domination that Chichen Itza did.

There are so many incredible buildings at Uxmal that it’s hard to choose a favorite. The first one you’ll see when you enter is the massive, elliptical-shaped pyramid called the Magician’s House . The structure is off-limits to climbers, but even if it weren’t, I don’t think I would have been able to climb the steep steps.

Next to this pyramid is the Nuns’ Quadrangle , a 4 building structure with a plaza in the center. The highlight here is the serpent with its head emerging out of the wall of one of the buildings. Another structure that wows people, though, is the huge Palace of Gobernors. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get close enough to study its interesting geometric design.

After touring Uxmal, I crossed the highway to visit the Chocolate Museum .

The Easiest Way to Get to Uxmal:

• Visit BOTH Uxmal and Kabah Ruins: This highly-rated guided tour includes a visit to BOTH Uxmal and Kabah ancient ruins in an air-conditioned van. RATING: 5/5 | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide
• Uxmal + Chocolate Museum Tour: In this tour, combine a visit to Uxmal with a tour of the Choco Story Museum. RATING : 4.7/5 (35 Reviews) | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide
• Uxmal + Hacienda Yaxcopoil + Cenote Tour: This fabulous tour includes a stop at Uxmal and the hard-to-get-to hacienda Yaxcopoil as well as stop to cool off at Cenote Peba! Lunch is included! RATING: 4.8/5 (24 Reviews | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

How to Get to Uxmal from Merida by Bus:

Two buses were leaving for Uxmal on the Sunday I visited. I took the Sur Bus Line from the ADO Bus Station at 9:05 AM (leaving from Gate 22) . The bus arrived at Uxmal an hour and a half later , dropping the passengers off on the side of the highway. It was just a five-minute walk to the ticket office. The bus cost MXN$21 (US$1.24) .

How to Get back to Merida from Uxmal:

I waited at the bus stop along the highway opposite the ruins and in front of the Chocolate Museum. I was told the last bus back to Merida would be at 3:19 PM . However, the bus didn’t come until closer to 4:00 PM . Luckily, there was a place to sit under some shade to wait for the bus.

Top 2 Tours of Uxmal

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• COST: MXN$65 (US$3.85)

Mayapan may not be as grand or architecturally stunning as Uxmal and Chichen Itza, but visiting it is loads of fun .

For one thing, you can climb all over the ruins including to the top of a beautiful pyramid that looks like a replica of El Castillo at Chichen Itza.

Second, few tourists get in the way of your photos and no vendors bother you. It’s also cheaper by far than the other ruins on this list. Only MXN$65 . Plus! It’s only a one-hour bus ride from Merida.

Mayapan was the last power center of the Maya people . After Mayapan collapsed (due to a civil war between two powerful families), the Maya dispersed to different places around the Yucatan and as far south as Guatemala. Never again would there be a powerful united city-state that ruled over the Maya people.

There are a few structures that you don’t want to miss during your visit to Mayapan. The most magnificent one is the Pyramid of Kukulcan (the feathered serpent). Climb to the top for stunning views of the other ruins and the Yucatan. Go inside the round observatory-like building called the Caracol. Another structure you can enter is the Temple of the Painted Niches . Supposedly, in the Temple of the Fisherman, there is a beautifully painted floor of fish. It was not open when I visited.

How to Get to Mayapan from Merida by Bus:

I took a second-class bus from the Noreste Bus Station in Merida at 9:25 AM .

When you buy your bus ticket at the station, make sure you say that you want to go to “ ruinas de Mayapan ” and NOT “Mayapan” because there is a city with the name “Mayapan,” which is not anywhere near the ruins.

My ticket cost MXN$40 (US$2.37) and it said “Tiket” on it, which is the nearest city to the ruins. However, the bus that I got on said “Teabo”, which is the bus’s last stop.

When I got on the bus, I told the driver that I wanted to go to “ ruinas de Mayapan .”  AT 11:05 AM , the bus driver dropped me off on the side of the highway and I had to walk a few minutes to the entrance and ticket office of the ruins.

How to Get Gack to Merida from Mayapan:

I was told by the bus driver that the last bus back to Merida was at 2:15 PM , so I waited on the side of the highway across from the ruins.

However, before the bus showed up, a colectivo came by, and I got that instead. The drive didn’t make any stops back to Merida and we arrived in 45 minutes !

I was dropped off across from San Cristobal Park , which is near Noreste Bus Station. The colectivo cost me MXN$40 .

4. Dzibilchaltun

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tu – Su)
• COST: MXN$259 (US$15.36)

Another fun day trip from Merida is a visit to the ancient ruins of Dzibilchaltun. Located 10 miles from Merida , Dzibilchaltun is one of the oldest Maya sites . It was founded around 500 BCE and ended after the Spanish conquest. Amongst the Maya temples and pyramids, you’ll also find the ruins of a Catholic Church.

The most famous structure is the Temple of the Seven Dolls (seven stone dolls were found in the temple). During the spring equinox, you can see the sun as it rises in the morning through the east and west doorways of the temple.  

After seeing the Temple of the Seven Dolls, walk down a long raised sacbe (sacred road) to get to the other ruins. There are lots of small pyramids that you can climb.

The most interesting structure for me was structure 44 as I hadn’t seen one like it before. It’s a very long structure with stairs that cover its whole length–kind of like bleachers at a football stadium. At the top is a long open hallway.

There’s a museum and cenote as well at Dzibilchaltun. Unfortunately, both were closed to the public when I visited.

If I had to choose between seeing Mayapan or Dzibilchaltun, Mayapan wins. It has more interesting buildings and even though Mayan is farther away from Merida, it was easier and cheaper to get to.

How to Get to Dzibilchaltun from Merida:

The bad news is that even though these ruins are the closest ones to Merida, they aren’t the easiest to get to.

I couldn’t for the life of me find the colectivo that gets you there. I asked so many people and visited so many colectivo stations, but none of them went to Dzibilchaltun and none of them could tell me the correct station.

I ended up taking a taxi with inDriver . It’s an App in which you enter your destination and how much you’re willing to pay for the ride. Then drivers bid on your trip. You then select the cheapest bid. The driver comes and picks you up. It cost me MXN$120 for a 30-minute ride out to the ruins. I probably overpaid as a friend said he got a ride to Dzibilchaltun for MXN$60 . If I had used Uber, it would have cost me MXN$250.

How to Get Back to Merida from Dzibilchaltun:

I wish I could tell you how to get back to Merida. I cheated. I met another traveler, who had a car and hitched a ride with her . I did see a taxi waiting in the parking lot of the ruins , though. Plus! Later on, someone told me that you can take a colectivo from the main town back to Merida.

5. Kabah and the Puuc Ruins of Labna, Xlapak, and Sayil

• OPEN: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (M-Su)
• COST: MXN$70 (US$4.15) – Kabah; MXN$70 (US$4.15) – Puuc Ruins

A group of small and less visited ruins are Kabah and the Puuc ruins of Labna, Xlapak, and Sayil. They’re located near each other so you can visit all of them on the same day.

Kabah is the largest and most impressive of these three ruins. In ancient times, it was connected to Uxmal by a sacbe (a white sacred stone road). The highlight of Kabah is the large and stunning Palace of Masks. The façade is covered in 250 Chaac masks (rain god). On the east side are two tall standing human sculptures. The other things to take note of are the carved door jambs.

Labna and Sayil are two smaller sites but there are some elaborate and masterful elements and structures to see. Labna is home to the famous arch that you can find in the John L Stephens’ book Incidents in the Yucatan . The other structure not to miss is the Palace with its façade covered in chaac god masks (rain god) and geometric designs . There is also a serpent whose head is jumping out of the façade like at Uxmal. The last structure to see is the El Mirador temple with its intricate roof comb.

The most impressive building at Sayil is the three-tiered Grand Palace . Climb the grand staircase leading up to the third level. The rooms on the second floor are the most interesting as they’re decorated with masks, columns, and other designs.

The Easiest & Most Comfortable Way to Get to Kabah

• Visit BOTH Kabah and Uxmal Ruins: This highly-rated guided tour includes a visit to BOTH Uxmal and Kabah ancient ruins in an air-conditioned van. RATING: 5/5 | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

6. Ek Balam and X’Canche Cenote

• COST: MXN$534 (US$31.68) for ruins and MXN$180 (US$11) for the cenote

Ek Balam, meaning Black Jaguar, is one of my favorite ruins in Mexico . It’s not only one of those sites with pyramids that you can climb to the top, but the ruins are also unique and stunning. There is one humungous structure called the Acropolis with 360-degree views of the countryside and a door that resembles the mouth of a monster . What’s more, a ten-minute bicycle ride (free rental comes with the entrance fee) will get you from the ruins to a beautiful cenote.

Located half an hour by shared taxi from Valladolid , Ek Balam is going to be one of the trickier and more costly day trips from Merida. I visited the ruins and cenote on a day trip from Valladolid . But you can do it also from Merida. I’ll tell you the logistics below.

After you’ve visited the ruins, head to X’Canche , a nearby cenote. You can use one of the bikes at the ticket booth for the cenote. It’s included in the price of the ticket.

How to Get to Ek Balaam from Merida:

You’ll have to take a first-class ADO bus early in the morning to Valladolid . It’ll take about 2.5 hours. Buses leave multiple times a day. Check the ADO Bus website for the most up-to-date times.

Then from the ADO Bus Station ( Google Maps ), walk a couple of blocks to the shared taxi station ( Google Maps ) on Calle 44 between Calle 35 and 37. If you want to share a taxi ride to the ruins, it cost me MXN$60 to $70 (it’s probably more expensive in 2024). I didn’t want to wait for the taxi to fill up, so it cost me MXN$200 one way . It takes 30 minutes to get to the ruins .

How to Get Back to Merida from Ek Balaam:

Take a shared taxi from the Ek Balam parking lot back to Valladolid. Then hop on an ADO bus back to Merida. As of January 2024, buses were going back to Merida at 6:15, 7:52, 8:15, and 10:22 in the evening . Check the ADO Bus website for the most up-to-date times.

Tips for Taking a Colectivo Around the Yucatan

If you’re going to do one of these Merida day trip destinations by public transportation, you’re going to end up taking a colectivo at least once during your Mexico trip.

In Merida, a colectivo is usually a white van that has a fixed route like a bus . Some white vans will have a second color like red, blue, or green. Sometimes you’ll find people in Mexico refer to shared taxis as colectivos as well . This is true in Valladolid.

A colectivo’s home base is usually a parking lot in the center of the cit y. You just need to look for a sign at the entrance of a parking lot saying the destination of the colectivo. In Merida, you’ll see signs for destinations such as Tizimin, Homun , Izamal, etc. Sometimes you’re lucky and you can find their starting point on Google Maps or Maps.Me .

The vans will also say on their front and/or sides what their final destination is and sometimes their popular stops along the way.

The colectivos will pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along the route to its final destination. To catch a van along the road, just put your hand out.

Sometimes you pay when you get on, but other times it’s when you get off. When you want to get off the colectivo, just say “ paraba, por favor .” The cost is sometimes the same as a bus, while other times it’s cheaper.

Occasionally, they leave at fixed times , but most of the time they depart once the driver thinks there are enough people in the van to begin the trip. They are often more frequent than buses. I would say that colectivos are much less comfortabl e than a bus as a driver can smush as many people as he wants into the van.

Day Trips from Merida: Cenotes

For most people, the most unforgettable day trip from Merida is a visit to a cenote . Cenotes are underground caves filled with beautiful clear and refreshingly cool water.

The cenotes had their origins about 66 million years ago when an asteroid hit the earth off the coast of the Yucatan. The asteroid not only wiped out all the dinosaurs but also created underground caves or caverns across the Yucatan.

Over the years rainwater seeped through the porous limestone ground and landed in the caverns forming what the Maya called cenotes. Because no vegetation grows in many of these cenotes, the water is perfectly and stunningly clear and clean . It’s like you’re swimming in a very deep bathtub. The water is also at a refreshingly cool temperature .

It’s believed that there are 6,000 cenotes across the Yucatan Peninsula . Many of them are located along a ring that radiates out from Merida.

7. Cenotes of Homun

• OPEN: It varies by cenote but often 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• COST: It varies by cenote – see this Homun cenote article for up-to-date prices

Out of all these day trips, visiting the cenotes of Homun was by far my favorite. And this is coming from someone who’s an archaeology nerd and who could spend days and days visiting ancient ruins without getting bored.

After being out and about in the blazing heat of the Yucatan, the cool refreshing water of the cenotes is heaven. Absolute heaven!

Homun is a small town about an hour’s colectivo ride from Merida. The town is littered with cenotes. Some are found in highly developed complexes like the Santa Barbara Cenotes and Restaurant , while others are just holes in the ground in someone’s backyard.

The Easiest & Most Comfortable Way to Get to Homun:

• Santa Barbara Tour: Get picked up at your hotel in an air-conditioned bus for a trip to the Santa Barbara cenotes. Includes entry tickets | RATING: 5/5 | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

How to Get to Homun from Merida:

In one day, I visited 5 cenotes. You can read about my trip to the cenotes of Homun and find out exactly how to get there, what to see, what to bring, and how much it’ll all cost you.

8. More cenotes near Merida

There are many more cenotes in Yucatan that you can visit on a day trip from Merida. Just take a look at Google Maps and zoom in on a small town and you’ll find one. Here is a list of cenotes that I have heard about. I haven’t visited any of them, though.

• Cenote Yokdzonot – On your way by second-class bus from Merida to Chichen Itza, you’ll pass a town called Yokdzonot. You can ask the bus driver to drop you off in the town and just a short walk is a local cenote with nice facilities and not as crowded as Cenote Ik’Kil. ( Google Maps )
• Cenote Kikil – Six kilometers from Tizimin is Cenote Kikil. According to Lonely Planet, the facilities are well-run and clean. There’s also a restaurant on the grounds.
• Cenote Ik’kil – Near Chichen Itza, this nearby cenote is very popular with those visiting Chichen Itza from Valladolid . ( Google Maps )
• Cenote X’Batun – Off of highway 261 on your way to Uxmal is Cenote X’Batun. ( Google Maps )
• Cenote Mucuyche and Cenote Yaal Utzil – A pair of cenotes at an eighteenth-century hacienda along Highway 261 on your way to Uxmal. ( Google Maps )
• Cenote Dzitnup – This cenote complex (3 cenotes) is just a few kilometers outside of Valladolid. I have an article on how you can get to Cenote Czitnup from Valladolid by bike .
• Cenote Oxman – This cenote complex is VERY popular with day trippers from Valladolid. Find out in this blog post how to get to Cenote Oxman from Valladolid by bike .

Great Books to Read Set in the Yucatan

• Gringos by Charles Portis
• The Caste War of Yucatan by Nelson Reed
• Incidents of Travel in Yucatan by John L Stephens

Day Trips from Merida: Beaches

It gets hot and humid in the Yucatan, so having a beach nearby is crucial for your sanity . There are several beaches that, although may not be as good as the ones in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, are still pretty decent.

For most of them, you need a car. But there are two that are doable by public transportation: Progreso and Celestun . You can read about Celestun under the Biosphere section.

9. Progreso

One of the easiest day trips from Merida is a visit to the beaches of Progreso. When I was there I found a long, lovely white sandy beach with crystal clear water and lots of tasty seafood restaurants lining the street in front of the beach.

Unfortunately, Progreso is also where the cruise ships come in . I visited during the pandemic when there were no cruise ship crowds, so maybe my impression of the city might be a bit skewed.

However, if you’re looking for some sun, surf, and seafood, Progreso is a great option. I highly recommend eating at Eladio’s Bar and get the grilled octopus.

How to Get to Progreso from Merida:

It’s super easy. On Calle 62 there is a bus station called Auto Progreso ( Google Maps ) devoted solely to taking people to Progreso.

Buses leave every 20 minutes and cost MXN$2 4 (US$1.42) one way. The bus will drop you off at a bus station ( Google Maps ) just a few blocks from the beach.

How to Get Back to Merida from Progreso:

Just hop on one of the frequent buses going back to Merida. It costs MXN$24. I think that the last bus is at 6:30 PM. I could be wrong, so please double-check.

PRO TIP: No one likes to think about insurance, but accidents do happen. I highly recommend getting travel insurance. During my travels over the past 2 years, I’ve been using SafetyWing for my insurance. They’re very affordable for all ages, and digital nomads can use their insurance long-term.

Day Trips from Merida: Biospheres

If you’re looking for more sun but also more nature , then a day trip from Merida to one of the Yucatan’s 2 biospheres is a great option.

There are two biospheres that you can visit from Merida. One can be easily done with public transportation: Celestun . The other one in Rio Lagartos requires you to take a car or a tour in order to do it in one day. If you want to do it with public transportation, you’ll have to stay overnight, which is what I did. Whichever one you visit, only go during the season when you can actually see flamingos (December to March with January and February being the best months). I went to Celestun at a time when there were no flamingos! Such a waste! Also, don’t always believe the travel agencies in Merida when they tell you that it’s the right time to see flamingos.

10. Celestun

• COST: MXN$350 for a boat trip to the biosphere

If you want to see hundreds of flamingos , the easiest way to do it is with a trip to Celestun. The best time is between December and March and early in the morning or after 5:00 pm .

I went at mid-day in June and saw not one single flamingo. Tour boat operators will tell you that it doesn’t matter when you go, but I don’t think that’s true. However, I did go right after a week of heavy continuous rainfall in the Yucatan, so that may have contributed to my seeing nothing.

Located two-and-a-half hours by bus from Merida, Celestun is a small seaside town. On one side of the town is the ocean and on the other is the biosphere reserve. There’s a decent beach with a few restaurants serving overpriced and under-liquored margaritas but uber-delicious ceviche . The water in the ocean was warm but quite murky when I was there.

The beach is facing west so you can watch the sun setting over the ocean . Beside the beach are a couple of blocks dedicated to tourism (hotels, tourist shops, restaurants) and then a typical but not very special town square. Kitty-corner to that is the Oriente Bus station for buses to and from Merida.

What makes locals and foreign tourists flock to Celestun isn’t the beach instead, it’s to see the flamboyance of flamingos at the Celestun Biosphere Reserve . You’ll also see mangroves (kind of cool), perhaps an alligator (I didn’t), and some other waterfowl (I saw nothing special).

Tours to the reserve leave at all times of day from either the bridge entering town or the beach . I tried to research which place was better but couldn’t find a definitive answer.

If you want to leave from the bridge , you’ll need to tell the bus driver to let you off at the bridge. Then on your way back to Merida, you’ll have to wave down the bus from the side of the road. The bridge is not within walking distance of the bus station. A bit of a hassle if you ask me and you won’t be guaranteed a seat.

It’s probably easier to grab a tour from the beach . Getting a good boat driver/guide is all luck, really. Oh and they don’t speak English , so if you’re Spanish isn’t good enough, well, who drives your boat and points to a bird here or there doesn’t matter. If you do get one from the beach, the bus station is nearby .

At the end of your tour, you can also grab food and beer from a restaurant on the beach. This last part turned out to be the best part of my day.

The Easiest & Most Comfortable Way to Get to Celestun:

• Rio Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour: Get picked up at your hotel in Merida for a trip to Celestun and a boat ride through the Biosphere Reserve. RATING : 4.2/5 (47+ Reviews) | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

How to Get to Celestun from Merida:

I took a bus from Terminal 50 Oriente ( Google Maps ) in Merida at 8:00 AM and arrived in Celestun at 10:35 AM . Some buses leave frequently throughout the day. My bus stopped at the ADO Bus Station before leaving Merida as well.

The bus arrives at the Celestun bus station ( Google Maps ) kitty-corner to the town square and a few blocks from the beach. My ticket cost MXN$61 one-way.

How to Get from Celestun to Merida:

There are second-class buses that leave Celestun throughout the day from the bus station ( Google Maps ) in the center of town. The return bus doesn’t stop at the ADO bus station . It goes all the way to Terminal 50 . However, I asked the bus driver to let me off near my hotel, saving me from having to take an Uber or taxi back to my hotel.

You might be interested in these Mexico travel posts:

• Oaxaca Travel Guide for Culture, History, Food & Art Lovers
• Puebla Travel Guide for Culture, History, Food & Art Lovers
• Valladolid Travel Guide for Culture, History, Food & Art Lovers

11. Rio Lagartos and Las Colorados

• OPEN: tours to the biosphere are all day
• COST: MXN$300-$400 (US$15 – $20) for the tour (3 hours)

Another option for seeing a flamboyance of flamingos is a trip to Rio Lagartos . It’s much farther from Merida than Celestun is, so you’ll need a car or you’ll need to take a tour if you want to see it in a day . Your other option is to spend the night in Rio Lagartos. That’s what I did.

Rio Lagartos is a sleepy seaside town suffering more from neglect than overtourism. Located along an estuary, there’s no white sandy beach for sunning yourself. Instead, you’ll find a port filled with fishing and tour boats and in the distance mangroves.

To find a boat tour to see the flora and fauna of the area, you just need to walk up and down the boardwalk and someone will find you. Or if you’re staying overnight, your hotel can arrange a tour for you . I got my tour through my hotel, Hotel Mercy Inn , and negotiated down from MXN$400 to $300 per person for a group tour.

I had better luck seeing flamingos in Rio Lagartos in June than I did in Celestun. I also saw a few other colorful birds but no alligators even though Rio Lagartos means “Alligator River.” I did go on my tour at 8:00 AM so perhaps the early morning hours had something to do with my luck.

My tour also included visiting the pink lagoon at Las Coloradas . It gets its pink color from the algae, plankton, and shrimp that make their habitat in the salty water.

At the end of the tour, we stopped at a deserted beach to swim.

It’s rare to find a guide that speaks English. However, if you stop by La Mojarrita Rio Lagartos Restaurant , the owner is an official tour guide who speaks English . He can also do fishing tours as well. Oh, and his wife makes the best ceviche I have ever tasted in my entire life .

The Easiest & Most Comfortable Way to Visit Rio Lagartos:

• Las Coloradas + Rio Lagartos Tour: The only way to visit Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas from Merida in a day is with a tour. The tour also includes time for relaxing on the beach! RATING: 4.7/5 | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

How to Get to Rio Lagartos by Bus:

According to the Noreste Bus Terminal in Merida, there are two direct buses a day that go from Merida to Rio Lagartos , leaving from Noreste Bus Station ( Google Maps ) at 9:00 and 16:00.

Another option is to take a bus to Tizimin Noreste Bus Station ( Google Maps ), leaving Merida at 5:00, 9:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:00, and 17:00, and then another bus to Rio Lagartos at 4:00 AM or 13:00 or a colectivo, which is a couple of blocks from the bus station (sorry don’t remember the exact location).

You can also take a colectivo to Tizimin from Calle 52 between Calle 65 and 67 ( Google Maps ) in Merida and then another one from Tizimin to Rio Lagartos. The colectivo station in Tizimin is a couple of blocks from the Noreste Bus Station.

There are two bus stations in Tizimin : Noreste Bus Station and the ADO Bus Station . They are right next to each other. If you want to go from Tizimin to Valladolid, you need the ADO Bus Station.

These bus times are from June 2021.

How to Get Back to Merida from Rio Lagartos:

You can take a bus or a colectivo from Rio Lagartos to Tizimin. Go to the bus station in town ( Google Maps ) and wait for a bus or colectivo to pass by. According to the bus schedule posted in June 2021 outside the bus station in Rio Lagartos, buses leave for Tizimin at 6:00, 7:00 (not on Wednesdays or Thursdays), 9:00, and 16:30. According to my hotel, colectivos leave at 7:00 and 14:00 . However, I got a colectivo at 16:00. Go figure!

According to the bus schedule at the station in June, economy buses leave from Tizimin to Merida at 6:45, 9:30, 14:00, and 18:30 and cost MXN$170 . Executive Buses leave at 7:30, 13:00, and 18:00 and cost MXN$320 .

I couldn’t find info on direct buses from Rio Lagartos to Merida when I was in Rio Lagartos.

Day Trips from Merida: Historic cities

For history and architecture lovers, the Yucatan has three easy-to-get-to cities and several smaller towns that are an easy day trip from Merida. I’ve included the three that I visited: Izamal, Valladolid , and Campeche . You can do all of them as day trips but I stayed for ten days in Valladolid, ten in Campeche, and one night in Izamal.

• COST: MXN$33 (US$2) by second-class bus (one-way)

One of the most unique and Instagrammable day trips from Merida is the yellow city of Izamal, named after the Mayan god of heaven, day, and night, Itzamna.

And yes the place is indeed yellow! Nearly every single building is yellow! It wasn’t always like that, though. In the year 1993, the Pope visited Izamal, and in honor of his visit, the town decided that every building had to be painted yellow after the yellow of the city’s famous and historic convent. And so now Izamal is a deservedly-so Instagrammable destination.

My favorite thing to do in Izamal is to just walk around taking photos of the yellow buildings. Probably the one building that stands out the most is the huge Convent of San Antonio de Padua . The convent and church were also the first residence of the infamous Franciscan friar, Diego de Landa , the one responsible for burning almost all of the Mayan manuscripts and bringing the Inquisition to the Yucatan. However, we do have to give him credit for documenting much of what we know of Maya culture in the 1500s. Still it’s not enough to get him off the hook for destroying so much of Maya culture.

There are also a few ancient Maya ruins in the town. When I was there, only one of them was open to the public: Pyramid Kinich-Kakmo . It claims to be the largest Mayan pyramid, but I’m quite skeptical after seeing the pyramids of Calakmul. Still, visiting it is free, and climbing it awards you with spectacular panoramic views of Izamal and the countryside.

One more thing to do in Izamal is to eat at one of the two popular restaurants in town: Kinich Izamal or Restaurant Zamna . Both are great opportunities to try the food of the Yucatan .

How to Get from Merida to Izamal by Public Transportation:

When the Maya Train starts running, you have 2 options for getting to Izamal from Merida:

• Bus – Cheaper; bus station is in the historic center of Merida
• Train – More Expensive; train station is far away from the historic center of Merida

From Merida to Izamal by bus:

It’s pretty easy. You can take a second-class bus from the ADO Bus Terminal, the Noreste Bus Terminal, and Terminal 50 . The bus will drop you off at either the Oriente Bus Station ( Google Maps ) or the Central Bus Station ( Google Maps ) in Izamal. Both stations are near each other. It takes over 2 hours to get to Izamal. I paid MXN$33 one way but I expect that in 2024 the price will be higher.

How to get back to Merida from Izamal by bus:

There are two bus stations you can choose from. I suggest getting your ticket from the Oriente Bus Station rather than the Centro Bus Station since the Oriente buses and waiting area are more comfortable and cleaner.

From Merida to Izamal by train:

The Maya Train will connect Merida with Izamal when it begins regular service. You can check schedule and buy tickets at the official government website. Be careful of the FAKE websites that are trying to scam people into buying FAKE tickets.

13. Valladolid

• COST: MXN$200 – $250 (US$10 – $13) by first-class bus one-way

Valladolid is one of those cities that oozes history — th e pastel-colored buildings , the cobble-stoned streets , and the old convents and churches . It’s easy to imagine those Spanish conquistadors entering the grand colonial buildings while riding their horses (why are those doorways tall enough for a horse and rider to pass through?). Or the Catholic friars forcing the Maya to build their grand convents and churches. Or in 1847 the two-month siege during the beginning of the Caste War, when the Maya finally revolted against the white and Mestizo oppressors.

You can do just a day trip to Valladolid or stay longer in the city and use it as a base to see the Maya ruins and cenotes. If you want to just tour the city and not the surrounding area, a day trip is doable.

My recommended itinerary for a day trip is a tour of the central square, a visit to the Folk Art Museum at Casa de Los Venados , and then a walk down the Street of Friars to the Temple de San Bernardino and the Convent of Sisal . You can also find a real cenote smack dab in the center of the city called Cenote Zaci.

Check out this FABULOUS travel guide to Valladolid for ideas on where to try some of the BEST dishes of the Yucatan .

A trip to Valladolid is one of the easiest day trips to do from Merida.

How to get to Valladolid from Merida by Public Transporation:

When the Maya Train begins its full service, you’ll have 2 options for getting to Valladolid from Merida:

From Merida to Valladolid by bus:

Take a first-class ADO bus from the ADO Bus Station in Merida. Leave as early as you can and leave as late as possible to make the most of your day in Valladolid. You might want to buy your ticket on the ADO bus website ahead of time to be assured of a seat.

The ADO Bus Station ( Google Maps ) in Valladolid is conveniently located in the historic center about 2 blocks from the main square.

How to get back to Merida from Valladolid:

Take a first-class ADO back.  As of January 2024, buses were going back to Merida at 6:15, 7:52, 8:15, and 10:22 in the evening .

From Merida to Valladolid by train:

The Maya Train will connect Merida with Valladolid when it begins regular service. You can check schedule and buy tickets at the official government website. Be careful of the FAKE websites that are trying to scam people into buying FAKE tickets.

READ MORE: Here is a list of all the best things to do in Valladolid for those who love culture, history, food, architecture, and a bit of adventure. It also includes the best cenotes around Valladolid .

14. Campeche

• COST: MXN$215 – $352 (US$13 – $21) on an ADO first-class bus (one-way)

Buildings the color of Easter eggs, city walls built to keep out pirates, vibrant sunsets over the ocean, and an easy day trip to rarely visited ancient Maya ruins, Campeche is one Merida day trip you don’t want to skip.

Like Valladolid , it’s only 2.5 hours from Merida by first-class ADO buses . So, it makes for a doable day trip from Merida. However, if you can, I do recommend staying longer.

Besides visiting its historic colonial center and watching its sunsets, Campeche is also home to two small, albeit fascinating, archaeological museums containing stunning jade masks from the tombs of Maya kings. There’s also the ancient Maya archaeological site of Edzna about one hour by colectivo from the central market in Campeche . You can even use Campeche as a base to explore the ruins of the most powerful Maya kingdom of Calakmul .

A trip to Campeche is one of the most fascinating day trips to take from Merida.

How to Get from Merida to Campeche by Public Transportation:

When the Maya Train begins its full service, you’ll have 2 options for getting to Campeche from Merida:

• Bus – Cheaper; the bus station is in the historic center of Merida
• Train – Expensive; the train station is far from Merida’s historic center

From Merida to Campech by bus

Take a first-class bus from the ADO Bus Station in Merida.

The bus drops you off at the ADO Bus Station ( Google Maps ) in Campeche , which is about a 10-minute (MXN$40-$50) taxi ride from the old walled city. This is where you want to spend most of your time.

Buses leave frequently throughout the day. You’ll find both first and second-class buses. Check the ADO Bus schedule for the schedule.

From Campeche to Merida by bus:

First-class buses return to Merida frequently throughout the late afternoon and evening. Check the ADO Bus schedule for the schedule.

From Merida to Campeche by train:

The Maya Train will connect Merida with Campeche when it begins regular service. You can check schedule and buy tickets at the official government website. Be careful of the FAKE websites that are trying to scam people into buying FAKE tickets.

READ MORE: Here’s a list of all the best things to do in Campeche. It’s ideal for those who love ancient ruins, food, culture, history, and architecture.

Day Trips from Merida: Haciendas

For those who want to learn about the history of the Yucatan , a day trip to a hacienda is a great idea.

During the 1800s and early 1900s, the Yucatan was one of the richest areas in Mexico . It grew, processed, and exported henequen (people used it for ropes) on these plantations called haciendas. These henequen producers made millions off the sale of this product. But the wealthier they became, the more money they wanted. To make more money, they needed more land, so they confiscated the land of the indigenous people , who were eventually forced into indentured servitude to the hacienda owners.

15. Hacienda Yaxcopoil

• OPEN: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (M-F); 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sa): Closed (Su)
• COST: MXN$150 (US$9)

One of the few haciendas you can get to by public transportation is Hacienda Yaxcopoil . At the height of its glory, it was one of the largest haciendas in the Yucatan . Today it’s now a museum.

You can tour the grand rooms with their original European furniture and the henequen shredding plant with its engines and machines from the 1800s. The tour will give you a sense of the opulence and splendor of that period. There are also some ancient Maya ruins and relics.

The hacienda has rooms in a guest house that you can book for MXN$2,000 (US$118) a night. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are extra.

A visit to a hacienda is one of the best day trips from Merida for those who want to explore more deeply the history and culture of Mexico.

Easiest Way to Get From Merida to Hacienda Yaxcopoil

• Hacienda Yaxcopoil + Uxmal + Cenote Tour: This fabulous tour includes a stop at Uxmal and the hard-to-get-to hacienda Yaxcopoil as well as a stop to cool off at Cenote Peba! Lunch is included! RATING: 4.8/5 (24 Reviews | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your G u ide
• Hacienda Sotuta de Peon + Henequin Tour + Cenote Tour: Learn about life on a hacienda in the nineteenth century at this lovely restored hacienda. Plus learn all about how henequin is made. End with a stop to cool off at Cenote Dzul Ha. RATING: 4.8/5 | BOOK TOUR HERE: Get Your Guide

How to Get to Hacienda Yaxcopoil from Merida:

You can take a colectivo going to Uman from near Lucas de Galvez Market . Then in Uman, take a bus from the west side of the park in front of the church. This bus will drop you off in front of Hacienda Yaxcopoil.

An alternative is that supposedly there is an Autobuses del Mayab bus leaving the Merida ADO station that passes by Yaxcopoil.

How to Take the Bus from Merida to Destinations Around the Yucatan

To do any of these 15 Meriday day trips, you’ll need to understand the bus system in the Yucatan.

There are two kinds of buses in the Yucatan: first-class ADO buses and second-class ones .

First Class Buses (ADO)

The first-class ( primera clase ) buses are with the company ADO (buses to Campeche are sometimes with OCCO). ADO is pronounced ah-day-oh . The ADO buses are faster, more comfortable, and more expensive than the second-class buses. They usually go directly to their final destination without stopping. The buses leave from the ADO Bus Terminal ( Google Map s) on Calle 70 between Calle 69 and 71.

You can buy tickets for the ADO buses at the ADO Bus Terminal (Google Maps) or through the ADO website . If you buy them online, you just need to show the bus driver the electronic version with QR code of your ticket on your phone. For bus schedules, look on their website, but be aware that schedules change. You can get an ADO bus to Valladolid and Campeche.

ADO first-class buses have assigned seats.

You can also put your luggage under the bus. Your luggage gets tagged and you’re given a ticket. You need to keep the ticket to retrieve your bag at the destination. When you get off the bus, just go to the side of the bus and wait for a bus employee to retrieve your bags for you.

The ADO Bus Terminal is rather nice, clean, and comfortable. There’s a Subway sandwich shop, a convenience store, and a coffee shop in the terminal.

There are no electronic signs announcing bus departures and the buses often do not indicate on the front or side where they are going. You need to pay close attention or have good Spanish to understand when your bus is being called.

Also, buses often depart late . When I was going to Campeche from Merida, my bus was supposed to leave at 10:00 AM, but it didn’t show up at the bus station until almost 11:00 AM.

Second Class Buses

You can get the second class ( segunda clase ) buses through various companies. They include Oriente, Noreste, Sur, Mayab. These buses leave from ADO Bus Terminal ( Google Maps ) on Calle 70 between Calle 69 and 71, Noreste Bus Terminal ( Google Maps ) on Calle 67 between Calle 50 and 52, and Terminal 50 Oriente ( Google Maps ) on Calle 50 between Calle 65 and 67.

The buses to Progreso leave from the Auto Progreso station ( Google Maps ) on Calle 62 between Calle 65 and 67.

Some of the buses are air-conditioned and relatively comfortable (see photo above) like the one to Celestun, while others like the one to Mayapan have no air conditioning. They’re much cheaper because they stop whenever a passenger wants to get off or on the bus.  

There are no assigned seats .

For most second-class buses, you can store your luggage under the bus .

You need to go to the bus station to see the schedule and buy your tickets. There’s no online bus schedule.

To give you some idea of ticket prices and bus departures, the schedule in the above photo is from Terminal 50 Oriente in July 2021.

The above three photos are from the Noreste Bus Station in July 2021.

Where to stay in Merida

When you’re taking day trips from Merida and touring the Yucatan, I recommend staying at Hotel Las Monjas ( Booking.com | Agoda ). It’s reasonably priced, has super comfy and clean rooms, and great WiFi, and is just a few blocks from the ADO Bus Station and Centro Historico.

Final Thoughts

So those are 15 of the best day trips from Merida. I love all of these destinations, so it’s hard for me to pick just one. I recommend doing at least one from each category: 1 cenote, 1 historic city, 1 ancient ruins, 1 beach destination, and 1 biosphere.

Once you’ve seen the best of the Yucatan, where should you go next in Mexico?

If you love to visit places with loads of history including ancient ruins, a deep rich culture, and the best waterfalls in Central America, then head to Chiapas and the cities of Palenque and San Cristobal. You can easily get to Palenque from Merida by ADO bus. I explain everything in my travel guide to Palenque .

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LOOKING FOR MORE TRAVEL INFO ON MEXICO?

• You can find lots of fun things to do in Merida in my list of   23 things to do in Merida
• Here’s a detailed guide on how to   visit some of the best cenotes in the Yucatan .
• Read this post on travel info on what   fun things to do in Campeche .
• I highly recommend making a trip to Palenque. Check out my list of 7   fun things to do in Palenque . 
• Here’s a detailed guide on how to EXACTLY get to the Roberto Barrios Waterfalls near Palenque.

Julie, thanking for writing this article. It is a must read for anyone wishing to explore Merida and beyond. I particularly appreciated that it is meant for travelers using public transportation; absolutely invaluable information!

What an amazing guide! It definitely makes me want to go back to the Yucatan! All of the ruins are spectacular, I’ve seen a few), but I’d love to see more. I’d also like to see some of the colonial cities.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Yucatan

Day trips from yucatan.

• Yucatan to Chichen Itza
• Yucatan to Valladolid
• Yucatan to Rio Lagartos
• Yucatan to Ek Balam Village
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

2. Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil, and Coba Ruins Reduced Group

3. Chichen Private Experience

4. VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour - Luxury Car

5. Uxmal and Kabah Ruins Tour with Chocolate History

6. Celestun Beach and Mangrove Boat Ride from Merida

7. Chichén Itza - Tour Xichén Deluxe by Xcaret

8. Tour to Uxmal, Cenote & Kabah from Merida

9. Tour to Chichen, Izamal & cenote from Merida

10. Chichen Itza Sunrise

11. Chichen Itza, Ek Balam, and Hubiku Cenote Reduced Group

12. Chichen Itza Private Tour plus Cenote and Valladolid Visit

13. Chichen Itzá Ik Kil Cenote Valladolid Small Group

14. Chichen Itza Private Tour VIP

15. Chichen Itza Cenote Ik Kil and Coba Small Group

16. UXMAL Private Tour and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote

17. VIP Chichen Itza & Ek Balam Private Tour

18. Ria Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach from Merida

19. Day trip to El Corchito Ecological Reserve and Pig Beach

20. Full-Day Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum Private Tour with Lunch

21. Discover the FABULOUS PINK WATERS in the Caribean (Las Coloradas+Río Lagartos)

22. Tour to the pink lagoons & Río Lagartos from Merida

23. Tour to Cenotes of Santa Barbara and Acanceh area from Merida

24. Chichen Itza Elite Private Tour from Merida

25. Ek Balam Majestic Mayan Ruins and Cenote Tour

26. Full Day Chichen-Itza, Cenote and Valladolid Complete Tour

27. Chichen Itza Private Tour from Cancun

28. Yaxcopoil Hacienda & Uxmal Plus Cenote from Merida

29. Full Day Historical Chichen Itzá Tour with Cenote and Valladolid

30. VIP Chichen Itza & Coba Private Tour

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Ultimate 10 Day Yucatán and Maya Riveria Mexico Itinerary

Disclaimer: This post might contain affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you).

Planning a 10-day trip to the Yucatan and Maya Riveria? Keep reading for a sample 10-day Mexico itinerary!

The Yucatan Peninsula and Maya Riveria are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico! With its beautiful blue ocean beaches, rich culture, and fascinating history, there is so much to do for people with a range of interests! Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or beach bum, the Yucatan Peninsula and Maya Riveria is perfect for you!

Filling up 10 days in the Yucatan Peninsula and Maya Riveria is quite easy because there are so many interesting and beautiful places to visit! In this 10-day itinerary, you’ll explore some of the top destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and Maya Riveria; from the best things to do in Tulum to the best things to do in Merida!

The first trip I ever took outside of the United States was to the Yucatán and Maya Riveria region of Mexico. As someone who took Spanish classes for almost 12 years, I was so excited to experience the language and culture that I learned so much about.

The best part about the trip was that everything we did was within a few hour’s drive of one another, making travel very easy! Keep reading to learn more about our 10 day Mexico itinerary!

This trip was in conjunction with them my high school AP Spanish class. The company Explorica planned and took care of everything on the trip. If you want to learn more about how you can travel as a high/school and college student, read our review of tour agencies here!

10-day Itinerary to Yucatán and Maya Riveria, Mexico

One day in cancun, day 1: arrive and explore cancun.

For the first day of your 10 days in Meixco, plan it as a travel day! Flying into Cancun is the easiest because it’s the largest airport in the region. I flew into Cancun, Mexico from Pittsburgh. This first day is a day to settle in, check into your hotel, and enjoy the beaches of Cancun!

Cancun is known for its nightlife, shopping, tourism, and beaches. If you’re feeling up for it after a day of traveling, visit El Centro for some shopping and to enjoy the city.

During your visit, if you’re not interested in renting a car, you can easily book private airport transfers to Cancun.

Four Days in Merida

Day 2 exploring merida.

On our second day after checking out of our hotel, we made our way to Merida , a cultural center and the largest city in the Yucatan. Merida ended up being my favorite spot because I felt like I was experiencing authentic Mexico with just a taste of tourism.

Merida is known for its Mayan and colonial heritage, as it was built on the site of the Mayan city T’hó. The streets are lined with colorful buildings and beautiful architecture. If there’s one word to describe Merida it could be charming! Merida is very safe, so safe it’s considered one of the safest cities in Mexico. And it’s affordable and the people are so friendly to tourists!

Merida is very walkable so take advantage of seeing the sights via walking. If you want a walking tour guide for the city, visit this post by Roaming Around the World .

Where to Stay in Merida : Hotel Del Peregrino

The first day is mostly for arrival, checking into the hotel, and exploring. We stayed at the Hotel Del Peregrino and LOVED it! It was located very close to downtown, which was perfect so we could walk everywhere. The inside decor was beautiful featuring high ceilings and restored mosaic tiles. Rooms had a private bathroom, cable TV, Wifi, and a safe. Every morning we were provided breakfast by the owners and it was amazing!

On our first day in Merida, make sure to visit the Catedral de Mérida – San Ildefonso and stroll down the Paseo de Montejo, the major avenue of Mérida, México. Also, take some time to visit Plaza Grande, the major park in the city.

Getting to Merida from Cancun : Merida is a 3.5-hour drive from Cancun if you’re renting a car. If you’re relying on public transit for this trip, the ADO bus line goes from Cancun to Merida . It is usually less than $50.

Day 3: Day Trip to Celestún Biosphere Reserve and Uxmal

On our second day in Merida, we went on a day trip to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve for a flamingo viewing boat tour. The Celestún Biosphere Reserve is a vast wetland system that serves as a wintering zone for migratory birds. Here, you can see a range of bird species, but the main attraction is the flamingos!

During our visit to the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, we went on a viewing tour that included viewing the flamingos, exploring the mangrove forests, swimming, and lunch. It was amazing to see so many flamingos in their natural habitat. It was literally a sea of pink!

Book a Tour to Celestun here! You can see the details of our tour to Celestun here.

Uxmal Mayan Archeological Site

After visiting Celestún Biosphere Reserve, we traveled to Uxmal . Uxmal is one of the most important archeological sites of Mayan ruins because of how well it’s preserved! The city was inhabited from 875 to 900 CE and is thought to the capital city of the Puuc region.

For a visit to Uxmal, it’s helpful to get a guided tour because there is so much history to learn about! The site is much smaller than the famous Chichen Itza, but it’s just as fascinating (and less busy!).

During your visit, take note of some of the amazing architectural acoustics. If you stand in front of the Temple of the Magician, the echo makes a sound that resembles a bird. So you have to try it!

All of the ruins at Uxmal were breathtaking! You can see palaces, ball courts where the Pok de Pok game was played (pictured below), and monuments. We even got to climb one of the structures. It wasn’t too scary going up it, but going down was nerve-racking because the steps were so steep. You can easily spend a whole day examining all of the small design features and architecture that remain at Uxmal.

In the evening, Uxmal offers a light and sound show that narrates the history of Uxmal. It was absolutely amazing and should not be missed! During the show, the lights shine on the ruins making a beautiful spectacle!

Book your tour to Uxmal here!

Day 4: Progreso Beach

On the fourth day of our 10 days in Mexico, we took a day trip to Progreso Beach from Merida, a beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Progreso Beach features plenty of restaurants, shopping, and the longest pier in Mexico! So if you’re looking for a beach fix during your stay in Merida, visit Progreso! This day on our trip was planned to be a relaxing day. If you’re not interested in the beach and want to spend more time in Merida, feel free to do so!

Day 5: Izamal and Chichen Izta

On day five, continue your Mexico adventure by departing Merida for Chichen Itza! Today was the busiest day of our trip because we visited three awesome destinations along the way.

First, we visited the small city of Izamal, which is known for its religious heritage and recognizable yellow buildings. It was only a short 1-hour drive from Merida!

Why is Izamal so yellow and popular desitnation? Since Izamal was founded on ancient Mayan grounds, it’s fitting that the modern city is yellow in honor of the Mayan sun god Kinichkakmo who was worshiped here. And you can still hear locals speak the Mayan language.

In 1993 Pope John Paul visited the city and hosted a mass at the convent of San Antonio de Padua. Here, he crowned the statue of the Virgin of Izamal, the patron saint of the Yucatán. This convent was founded in 1533 by Spaniards, which resulted in the destruction of the Mayan Ppapp-Hol-Chac pyramid.

Book your tour to Izamal here!

Chichen Itza

After visiting Izamal, we made our way to Chichen Itza. If you’re going to the Yucatan, you might as well visit one of the wonders of the world ! Although it is full of tourists, it’s definitely worth seeing! Don’t forget your sunscreen or hat, there is no shade and it can get very hot. For a visit to Chichen Izta, you can either hire a guide or do a walking tour on your own. Using a guide to especially helpful, we did guided tours on both our trips to Chichen Itza! Learn more about how to spend a day at Chichen Itza here!

Chichen Itza was established close to two cenotes, giving rise to the name meaning “At the edge of the well of the Itzaes.” The ruins are a great symbol of the Mayan and Toltec people who reigned in this region for centuries.

Book your tour to Chichen Itza here!

Ik-Kil Cenote

Cenotes are huge attraction in the Yucatan because they’re such unique natural structures and theres this sense of magic about them! Cenotes are essentially large sinkholes filled with groundwater. In Mayan culture, Cenotes were considered sacred, as they were the portal to the underworld.

After your trip to Chichen Itza, if you want to experience a cenote up close (and go for a swim in one), take a trip to the nearby Ik Kil archeological park. Here, there is a large cenote that you can swim in. Cenotes are large sinkholes filled with water. Ik-Kil was considered sacred by the Mayans in honor of the rain god Chaac. After our cenote adventure, we drove to Valladolid to spend the night.

Where to Stay in Valladolid: La Aurora

In Valladolid, we stayed at the La Aurora . This charming small hotel was perfect for our overnight stay. If you want to do all of this in one day plus Valladolid check out this tour here .

One Night Valladolid

Day 6: day trip to tulum and akumal.

On day 6 of our 10-day Mexico itinerary, we traveled to Tulum where we got to tour the Mayan ruins. Tulum was the Mayan port city for trade, so here you’ll see magnificent Mayan ruins along the coast!

Tulum is the Mayan word for fence or wall, which is appropriate for this site because walls around the city protecting it from invasion. El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God are the major three buildings at Tulum. The Temple of Frescoes was used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun. It’s honestly crazy to think about how innovative and intelligent the Mayans were considering there was very little technology.

Like we mentioned before, a guided tour is the way to go when visiting Tulum! In addition to the ruins, Tulum offers plenty of other things to do including snorkeling, cenotes, and other tours! Here are some of the tours available around Tulum!

• Tulum Early Bird Experience: Ruins, Cenote, Lagoon, & Lunch
• Tulum, Cobá and Cenote Day Trip with Transfer Options
• Tulum, Coba, & Cenote: Full-Day Tour
• From Tulum: Four-Cenote Adventure
• Tulum Express Half-Day Tour
• Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Maya Village Tour
• Snorkeling & Underground Cenotes Half-Day Tour from Tulum
• Coba & Tulum Mayan Ruins Discovery Combo Tour

To learn more about spending a few days in Tulum, visit this post by Year of the Monkey !

After we left Tulum, we went to lunch at the beach resort Akumal. The beach was beautiful! Akumal is known for its oceanic wildlife, lagoons, cenotes, and natural aquariums! The Aktun Chen Parque Natural is full of cenotes, caves, and an underground river!

Book your day trip to Akumal here!

After visiting Akumal, we drove to the hotel at Playa Del Carmen and checked in. Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen : Koox Caribbean Paradise . Playa del Carmen was our last stop in hour 10-day Yucatan and Maya Riveria itinerary!

3 Days in Playa del Carmen

Day 7: arrive in playa del carmen.

During the last four days of our trip, we spent time in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is known for its row of resorts and restaurants, which is perfect for those looking to relax and spent time at the beach. In our four days in Playa del Carmen, we enjoyed the beach, took a day trip to Xcaret, and did most of our shopping. Cozumel is another great day trip from Playa del Carmen! There are tons of fun things to do in Cozumel if you love water activities and island life!

Day 8: Day Trip to Xcaret

Xcaret Park is an eco-archeological park that highlights the culture of the Yucatan with fun activities. Visiting Xca r et as a day tour  from Cancun is a lot of fun! The park was huge so there was so much to do! It was actually very overwhelming at first, but once we walked around for a bit we figured out what we wanted to do.

Visit Xcaret Park and live the Mexican traditions, colors and flavors of this amazing culture. Your entrance includes shows, white sand beaches, underground rivers and much more! Save 15% booking online .

I personally went on the underground river tour, which was amazing! We visited an aquarium, butterflies garden, traditional cemetery, cultural reenactments, and sea turtle exhibits. We went to lunch at the cafeteria where we picked up the Xcaret passport activity book. This made the day super fun, I actually wish I should have gotten it earlier. It takes you around the park to collected stands. We got 19 stamps of the 24! It was fun trying to find them around the park.

Book your trip to Xcaret here!

In the evening, we went to a show that described Yucatan history and culture. The clothing, singing, dancing, and reenactment of the Pok de Pok game were amazing! Viewing the show was very worth it!

Day 9: Enjoy The Beaches of Playa del Carmen

For the rest of the time in Playa del Carmen, we spend our days shopping and enjoying the beach. The beaches are beautiful with lots of resorts where you can rent chairs and enjoy meals. If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen, book a hotel that’s close enough to the beaches that you can walk!

Day 10: Return Home

On our tenth day, we departed Playa de Carmen for Cancun so we could fly back home. So for your 10th day, plan it as a travel day!

We LOVED visiting the Yucatan Peninsula and Maya Riveria. This region of Mexico is perfect for anyone looking to explore the ancient and historic cultures of Mexico while having easy access to the world’s modern luxuries.

Planning Your Trip to Yucatan and Maya Riveria

• Where to Stay in Cancun
• Activities and Tours in Mexico 

Who’s Ready to Spend 10 Days in Mexico?

Hopefully, this 10-day Yucatan and Riveria May, Mexico itinerary will provide you with inspiration for your next trip! Where have you traveled to in Mexico? Let us know in the comments!

Like this itinerary? Pin here!

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10-day Yucatan Itinerary

The Yucatan peninsula is one of Mexico’s most visited destinations due to its fascinating cultural heritage and a wealth of natural resources and historical places to visit. I have lived in Cancun for seven years, and every time I could venture out, I was on the road exploring some new surroundings areas which I have included in this Yucatan itinerary.

Based on my overall experience, I’ve put together a sample 10 day road trip Yucatan itinerary that includes the most exciting places to visit, famous sites and best hotels to stay. It’s suitable for everybody but especially for first-timers. If you’re a solo female traveler, this Yucatan itinerary is perfect for you as it is a tried and tested route. 

I have included our stops on this map which you can see below to help you visualize the itinerary. And don’t forget to take our Mexican food guide on the road with you so you know what to eat.

But before diving into our road trip, let me share some useful facts:

• The Yucatan Peninsula is a geographical region that includes the three Mexican states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. 
• Quintana Roo is home to the famous Mexican Caribbean coast that stretches from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and Tulum down to Bacalar lagoon, blessed with pristine beaches and turquoise sea. 
• The Yucatan State is the cradle of the ancient Mayan world, dotted with approximately 6000 cenotes and many fascinating old Mayan cities to explore, similar to Joya de Ceren in El Salvador . 
• The State of Campeche, on the west side, is a more secluded and less touristy part of the Yucatan Peninsula but certainly not less attractive. In fact, it’s home to one of the largest protected areas in Mexico, the biosphere of Calakmul, a UNESCO-designated area which includes the eponymous archeological site , besides hundreds of animal species, bordering west with Chiapas and Guatemala .
• The Yucatan Peninsula is considered the safest place to travel in Mexico, and whether you explore it by car or by bus, you have endless itinerary options.
• This itinerary implies renting a car because it is the best way to enjoy the journey, in total freedom to stop wherever you wish and to change your plans as you please.
• The itinerary is not set in stone, and you can make any variations or change the number of days according to your taste and time availability. 

While this is considered the safest place to travel in Mexico, we always suggest traveling prepared. Remember to get travel insurance before you go from a trusted source. We highly recommend World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing as we have used them both before and can vouch for them. 

Day 1 – Start your Yucatan itinerary in Cancun

Although Airport Car rentals are notoriously more expensive than anywhere else in the city, it would still be more convenient for you to pick your car up at your arrival so that you will be free to move around from the very start. 

There are a few things you should know about renting a car in Mexico , for example:

• Purchase the full coverage insurance with 0 deductible, so you don’t have any issue if something happens. If your credit card insurance covers your car rental abroad, make sure you contact them to verify the terms. 
• Read all the car rental clauses about what’s included and not in the insurance. (usually, tires and window screens are not included)
• Check the car properly and mark every single small scratch on the paper that you sign (take pictures). 
• You might want to try and ask for a free upgrade. If it’s in the low season, they might be willing to do it. 
• You don’t need an international driving license to drive in Mexico. If your domestic driver’s license is not in English (Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic etc.), an International Driving Permit (IDP/IDL) or an official translation in English is required when you drive in Mexico, along with your original driver’s license. 

You might want to consider a hotel on the beach so that you wake up and put your toes in the sand right away. It seems like a great way to start your journey. 

My favorite hotels in the Cancun beach area are:

• NIZUC Resort and Spa , high-end, classy hotel at only 10 minutes from the airport, 
• Hyatt Ziva , an all-inclusive family resort
• Hyatt Zilara , adult-only all-inclusive resort

Both Hyatt properties are a little more affordable than NIZUC, but are still great luxury options.

All the above mentioned hotels have world-class restaurants in the premises if you’re looking for a place to grab a bite. 

Day 2 – Drive to Rio Lagartos 

After a tasty beachfront breakfast at your hotel, you will start your itinerary in Yucatan, and you will be heading to Rio Lagartos on the Yucatan eastern coast where a spectacular boat tour of the lagoon is waiting for you. 

But first, you will make a few strategic stops along the road. 

The first stop on your Yucatan itinerary will be at Cenote Choj Ha , a gorgeous and photogenic underground cave. As soon as you walk down the stairway into the cave, you will be impressed by the stalactite and stalagmite formations around and above the crystal clear water. After seeing many cenotes (surface connections to subterranean water bodies) I believe Cenote Choj Ha is one of the most spectacular and worth a little detour. Make sure you avoid weekends, though, as it will be crowded. 

Cost: 150 MXN per person.

Then, you will keep driving towards the archeological site of Ek Balam at only 1 hour from the cenote, where you will visit the ancient Mayan city.

You can hire a guide or you can just walk around on your own. If you have enough time you can also rent a bike and get to an open cenote, at about 1 km from the site, for another swim, before reaching your destination. 

If you really want to take it all in and learn more about the destination, you can take an ecotour of Ek Balam with an optional pick up and breakfast from Mérida, if that’s where you’re staying. The full guided tour is a fascinating Mayan culture and history adventure with a visit to Ek Balam, a bike ride to explore local farming practices, a stopover at a milpa, a Mesoamerican crop growing system (with pozole and sweets made from regional crops), a journey to the k’áax, or jungle and the Cenote Xcanche. You can book your guided tour online here . 

Late afternoon, you will reach Rio Lagartos , a very laid back fishermen village, very popular for being home to pink flamingos. A few people know that in this 60,000-acre territory, there are 400 bird species, 100 species of fish and 105 reptiles. The region was declared a protected reserve in 1999 for the preservation of the 8 ecosystems. 

Once in Rio Lagartos, make sure you are by the seaside for the sunset. The convenient location of Rio Lagartos makes it possible to enjoy both sunsets and sunrises on the lagoon. 

After a delicious fish-based meal you will want to have an early night to be ready and awake for the early morning wake up call. 

Suggested hotels in Rio Lagartos

• Yuum Ha Hotel
• Posada Perico Marinero

Day 3 – Rio Lagarto Tour of Las Coloradas

Make sure you are up and awake for day 3 on your Yucatan itinerary to admire the beautiful sunrise on the lagoon right before the tour. 

I booked my tour with the best guide in town, William Canto . He’s a biologist and a photographer, plus he’s local. He knows the lagoon inside out and all the best spots. I booked a private tour with him and had a blast. 

The boat tour includes a ride through the mangroves to spot birds and the big lizards (aka crocodiles) and, of course, the gracious pink flamingos. 

You will go to the natural spa to cover your body in a healing clay and then to a beautiful beach where you can swim and rinse it off. I am not sure about the real healing powers of the clay but it’s definitely fun. 

The tour could last from 3 to 5 hours and if you book it privately you can plan ahead with the guide. Prices vary accordingly. 

As a note, regardless of where you decide to book the tour, it would be advisable to arrange it ahead of time so that you can make sure you save your spot at the time you want. 

After the boat tour, you must visit the Insta-popular pink lakes of Las Coloradas, located only 30 minutes from Rio Lagartos. Once there, local guides will be waiting for you at the gate to show you around. You cannot enter the area on your own. It’s only 50 pesos and besides helping the local community, it’s worth the money. 

You will then drive to Valladolid where you will spend the night. The drive from Las Coloradas to Valladolid is only 2 hours and once you check into your hotel, you will have time to enjoy a nice walk around the plaza and try a Yucatecan dinner in one of the local restaurants.

Suggested hotels in Valladolid

• Hotel Meson del Marques for a budget stay
• Casa Hipil which is more mid-range 
• Hotel Le Muuch for much luxury

Suggested Restaurants in Valladolid

• Yerba Buena de Sisal – Vegetarian and vegan option- great ambiance

Day 4 – Spend the day in Valladolid

Valladolid is the first colonial city that you will find coming from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. It’s what I call the getaway to the colonial Yucatan since it’s where you have the first encounter with Mexican history and cultural heritage as well as the most important ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula .

There are many things to in Valladolid but since we only have one day, here are a few interesting activities that you could do

• Visit the convent 
• Visit the private museum
• Take a deep dive into the Cenote Zaci located in the heart of Valladolid historical center

In Chichen-itza, besides the obvious temples, also make sure you get to the Sacred Cenote. You cannot swim there but you will see the beautiful Mot Mot turquoise birds, considered a sacred bird by the Mayan Civilization. Even if you are not into birding, it’s a cute colorful bird with a long tail, worth seeing. 

If you make time, at only 10 minutes ride from Chichen-Itza, you can find the cenote Ik kil, another very touristy spot, but if it’s your first time in the area you might want to see it too. You will then spend the night in Valladolid so that you can try another restaurant and another typical Yucatecan dish. 

Insider tip : If you wish to visit Chichen-Iza, the most popular and iconic Mayan site, and one of the 7 world wonders, I would leave very early, around 7:30 am, to get there before the crowd and the heat. 

If you want to fit everything into this leg of your Yucatan itinerary but don’t want the hassle of planning your journey, it’s highly recommended to take a tour. This tour visits the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza, goes on a swim in the underground Ik Kil, and takes you on a guided journey of the Mayan civilization and exploration of the colonial city of Valladolid. Book online here . 

Day 5 – Drive to Izamal 

On day 5 of your Yucatan road trip, you’ll visit Izamal at about 1.5 hours from Valladolid. 

Izamal is also called the yellow town because all the buildings in the historical center are yellow.

Visit the monastery of San Antonio de Padua, walk around the city and have lunch in one of the restaurants by the main plaza. Try a quick 2 hour guided walking tour of Izamal for more insight into the area or a complete day trip with a visit to Cenotillo and Cenote Xooch. 

Tonight you will sleep in Merida, I would choose a hotel in the historical center so that you are within a walking distance to the most important sites. 

Merida is the capital of Yucatan and quite the cradle of colonial culture and architecture. Here you will learn a lot about Mexican history and heritage. 

Suggested hotels in Merida:

• Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + SPA – Luxury hotel on the Paseo de Montejo (awesome restaurants in the premises as well)
• Kuka Y Naranjo – cute mid-range property at a few blocks from the main plaza (ask for one of the deluxe rooms on the first floor) 

Suggested restaurants in Merida

• Micaela Mar & Lena – The grilled octopus is to die for
• Oliva Kitchen and bar – Italian flavors meet Mexico 

Day 6 –  Full day in Merida

Among the many things to do in Merida, I would start with a free tour organized by the local tourist center, located in the main square, opposite the church.

It only lasts one hour but it’s enough to learn about the history of the city and its main points of interest. The knowledgeable guides will take you around the most important iconic buildings and tell you many anecdotes and legends about the colonialism times and how Merida was built. It’s a fun tour after which you will be more familiar with the city.

Merida is also the starting point for many of the tours of the region from snorkeling adventures to capote hopping extravaganzas. So you may want to check out all the options where you can visit after your free guided tour of the town. See a complete list of Merida tours here . 

Afterward, you may check out the following sites:

• Casa Montejo , the residence of the founder of the city, Montejo y León (“el Mozo”), and his family that was sold to the Bank of Mexico and transformed into an art gallery.
• Museum of Contemporary Art , also known as El Museo Fernando García Ponce-Macay or just MACAY
• Cathedral of San Ildefonso, considered the oldest cathedral built in Latin America
• Palacio de Gobierno (Governor Palace) an important piece of history as its wall is painted by the local artist Fernando Pacheco whose art is mainly focused on representing Mayan history (also included in the tour)
• Walk along the elegant Paseo Montejo, an interesting avenue built with the intent to mimic the Champs-Élysées
• Take a walk in the picturesque and colorful local market 

You will stay the night in Merida, so check out our hotel recommendations from Day 5. 

Day 7 – Uxmal archeological site and Luxury Hacienda Temozon

On Day 7 of your Yucatan itinerary, you will leave Merida and explore Uxmal’s ancient Mayan site. Although it has become quite popular, it still preserves its magical atmosphere. Uxmal is, in my opinion, one of the most interesting and beautiful Mayan cities to explore. I would hire a local guide here, to learn more about each temple and history. Or even leave all your luggage at the hotel in Merida and take a day tour to Uxmal which will drop you back at your hotel. Book online here .

After the visit to Uxmal, you could either check out another less known site of the Ruta Puuc in the nearby area. My favorite is Sayil. There is a strong chance that you will have the site all for yourself, a mystical experience. 

Otherwise, you can head to your hotel and get pampered. 

In fact, your hotel for tonight will be the spectacular Hacienda Temozon , an old historical mansion (Hacienda) that has been turned into a luxury resort, part of the Marriott Luxury collection. 

The old building, located in a small village just outside Merida, has preserved the original structure and turned into a spectacular hotel with modern and world-class amenities and a charming vintage feel. 

I am sure that you will want to stay longer than one night that your Yucatan itinerary allows, but the boho-chic Tulum is waiting for you in the next couple of days and you wouldn’t want to miss it. 

Day 8-10 – Explore Tulum

Enjoy the morning in your beautiful hacienda with a delicious breakfast and some time by the pool or get pampered at the Spa before leaving for Tulum.

Keep in mind though that the drive will be about 5 hours long and you don’t want to be on the road at night, so you should get going not later than 1 pm.

Since you will have only 2 days in Tulum on this leg of your Yucatan itinerary you should book a hotel on the beach to make the most of your stay. Tulum beach is where the trendiest and cutest hotels are located and the perfect place to relax after a week of driving and exploring.

There are so many things to do in Tulum that you could stay for another couple of weeks. But if you stick to the two days of our itinerary you may want to choose among the following activities. 

• Bask in the sun and get pampered in your 5 stars beach hotel
• Visit one of the Cenotes in the surroundings 
• Visit the only archeological Mayan site on the beach
• Take a snorkeling trip from the beach
• Take a boat tour to Sian ka’an

Overwhelmed by all the options of things to do in and around Tulum? Why not take one of the many tours of the area. There are really so many options to choose from which are all quite amazing. See a complete list of activities in Tulum here . 

Suggested beach hotels in Tulum :

• Delek Tulum  
• Nomade Tulum
• Posada Margherita
• Cinco (rustic chic Glamping) 

Suggested Restaurants in Tulum

• Hartwood – trendiest restaurants in the beach zone
• Cenzontle – Beach and downtown locations great mexican gourmet food
• Asadero -The best for meat lovers but offers vegan friendly dishes 
• Nomade hotel restaurant – best vegan options

I am sure after this Yucatan itinerary you will leave with a better knowledge of the Mexican culture but most of all with the desire to come back again soon.  

If you are leaving from Cancun Airport consider about a 3-hour drive from Tulum and some time to drop off the car. Also be reminded that international flights require you to check-in at least 2 hours before departure. 

Isabella Biava travels for the sake of traveling and the journey is her destination. On Boundlessroads.com she shares solo female oriented travel guides, practical information about the nomadic lifestyle, and travel stories, as well as her photography.

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Magical Yucatan Road Trip: Your 10-Day Itinerary for 2024

Embarking on a Yucatan road trip is a highlight of any trip to Mexico. In fact, for many people, seeing the sunbleached Mayan ruins and the quaint traditional villages nestled in the heart of the Yucatan is the entire reason that they decide to visit Mexico in the first place. 

This guide showcases a 10-day Yucatan road trip itinerary. It has been written by someone who actually lives in the Yucatan (me) and who has traveled to corners of the state that most people have never even heard of! 

10-14 days is a perfect amount of time for an initial trip to the Yucatan. However, if your schedule allows it, you could easily spend several months here, using the cultural capital of Merida as a base. After spending weeks in the region, you are still constantly discovering new places. 

Table of Contents

Your 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary 

This 10-day Yucatan road trip itinerary starts in the state’s cultural capital Merida. You can catch a direct international flight to Merida from several cities in the United States and Latin America. Alternatively, you can transfer within Mexico via either Mexico City airport or Guadalajara. Merida Airport (MID) is conveniently located in the heart of the city center, making it easy to get from here to your hotel on arrival. If it is easier for you to fly into Cancun, you can also do this itinerary in reverse, using Cancun as your starting point. 

Yucatan Itinerary Days 1-2: Merida & Surroundings 

Start your Yucatan road trip itinerary by exploring the region’s cultural capital Merida. For the time being, Merida still remains relatively off the main tourist trail of Mexico. Its historic center is arguably the most beautiful colonial settlement in Mexico. It is characterized by quaint, colorful houses that have been painted virtually every color of the rainbow, narrow cobbled streets that open out into grand piazzas, and old colonial mansions. There are plenty of things to do in Merida to keep you occupied for weeks. The city, known locally as ¨the white city¨ was founded by Montejo y León in 1542. Many of the old houses, haciendas, and former mansions in the historic center have been converted into fine-dining restaurants, boutique stores showcasing the works of independent designers and eclectic coffee shops. The likes of Travel and Leisure and Conde Nast have recognized Merida as one of the best cities in the world in 2022! Visit now before the hordes arrive.

Visit the ruins of Dzibilchaltun 

The ancient Mayan city of Dzibilchaltun sits in the northern part of Merida. It is easily accessible via bus or by Uber/Didi cab. The ruins are overlooked from most Yucatan itineraries, yet they are some of the most rewarding in the region. The name Dzibilchaltun means “writing on the flat stones” in Ancient Mayan. This is thought to point to the inscribed tablets that were found scattered around the site. The city dates back to around 200AD and at one point, was home to more than 25,000 people. There are several interesting pyramids and shrines scattered around the complex. Unlike the ruins at Chichen Itza, it is possible to climb and explore all of the structures at Dzibilchaltun. The most fascinating structure is the Temple of the Seven Dolls, believed to be dedicated to Yum Kax, the Mayan God of corn. The temple takes its name from seven crudely made clay dolls that were found inside. 

Admission to Dzibilchaltun is 282 pesos ($14) per person. You should also visit the on-site museum which provides more information and context. 

Explore the historic center of Merida 

Part of the fun of visiting Merida is simply found in taking the time to get lost in the various city streets and districts. Start by walking the Paseo Montejo – the main promenade that runs all the way from the center of town to the periferico in the north. In particular, you should look out for the giant Monument de la Patria. This towering monument depicting an indigenous Mayan man was created by Colombian sculptor Rómulo Rozo in 1956. At its rear, are 300 intricately carved smaller sculptures that depict historical events in Mexico through the centuries. On Sunday mornings, the Paseo Montejo is closed off to traffic so that pedestrians can walk or cycle along its length. This is a pleasant thing to do if your trip falls on a weekend. From the Paseo Montejo, continue onwards to the old squares of Merida. Admire the San Ildefonso Merida cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. The Iglesia de Santa Lucia is a magnificent church that dates back to 1620 and sits beside the central park of the same name

Meanwhile, the Iglesia de la Tercera Orden is a baroque-style church with indigenous influences that is quite unlike anything you will find elsewhere. When night falls, head to the bustling Parque Aleman in the northeastern part of the city center to hang out with locals and indulge in street food eats such as elotes, marquesitas, and esquites. 

Enjoy a beach day at Progreso or Yucalpeten  

The little beach town of Progreso is situated 30km away from Merida and is easily accessible via bus or Uber. It borders the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and boasts soft, powdery white sand that extends as far as the eye can see. Progreso may not exude the same desert island paradise feel that the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean do. But it provides some great respite from the heat and humidity of the Yucatan if you are looking for a day by the sea. Lay your towel down on the sand, or rent a sunbed and an umbrella from one of the local beach bars for a couple of pesos. Here, vendors walk up and down the beach selling fresh coconut and chicharron. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and stores for when you start to get hungry. El Cordobes (C. 80 38, Centro, 97320 Progreso) is a great place to stop for a traditional Mexican breakfast. Meanwhile, Crabster Progreso (C. 19 148a, Boulevard Turístico Malecón) serves fresh seafood prepared with only the latest catches. 

Progreso can get very crowded on Sundays when everyone is off work. Visit during the week for a quieter experience. Alternatively, you can head to Pig beach in Yucalpeten. The beach takes its name from 7 adorable little Vietnamese rescue pigs that live here. 

Think of it as being the Mexican version of Exuma in the Bahamas! Since being rescued, the pigs are now cared for by Progreso Ecological Patrol. They have adapted to their surroundings and love to swim in the warm waters of the Mexican Gulf. 

Sample traditional Yucatecan food   

Regional cuisine varies significantly from one part of Mexico to another. Yucatecan food is particularly unique and is likely very different from anything you have eaten before. 

The fascinating thing about this cuisine is how old it is. Many recipes are pre-Colombian and were invented by the Ancient Maya! Today, many of them are created using the same traditional methods that the Ancient Maya used all those centuries ago. You will not have to look far to find Yucatecan food in the Yucatan. However, several Merida restaurants stand out above the rest. For homely Yucatecan dishes in a restaurant predominantly frequented by locals, head to Habaneros (Calle 20-A Num 302 X 5b Y 5c, Xcumpich). For traditional food served in a gorgeous 16th-century hacienda, head to Hacienda Teya (Merida – Peto, Hacienda, 97370 Teya). 

Visit the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida

The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya de Mérida is without hesitation the best museum in Merida. Visiting the museum helps to give context to the various Mayan ruins that you will see around the Yucatan, and to gain a better understanding of the Mayan civilization. Over 1160 cultural objects are on display here. They range from textiles and traditional Mexican clothing to art pieces and artifacts recovered from ancient cities. 

The museum is not quite on the same scale as the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City, but it is equally as worthy of your time. Admission is 150 pesos ($7.50) for foreign tourists, with concessions available for Mexicans and Yucatecans. 

Where to stay in Merida 

If you are only going to be in Merida for a couple of days, it is better to choose a central location when deciding where to stay in Merida . The Zocalo,  the Parque de Santa Lucia, and the Parque de Santa Ana all place you right in the heart of the action. From here, you have a plethora of shopping, dining, and nightlife choices right on your doorstep. If you prefer to be in a more rural setting, there are several Yucatan haciendas near Merida that offer the ultimate luxury stay. However, keep in mind that they are a little further out of the center. Hacienda Santa Cruz and Hacienda San Jose are arguably the two best choices less than 30 minutes away from the historic center. 

Best Hotels in Merida 

Merida offers a plethora of accommodation options for every taste, travel style, and budget. A selection of the best hotels in the city is shortlisted below for your consideration. 

• Casa Del Balam – Gorgeous boutique hotel inside a renovated art deco mansion. Double rooms from just $45 USD per night.
• Hotel Embajadores – Comfortable budget hotel in the city center with a pool and traditional Yucatecan restaurant. Double rooms from $30 a night.
• Diez Diez Collection – Luxury hotel without the luxury price tag.  Stylish contemporary property with plush modern furnishings, unique artwork pieces, and a rooftop pool. Double rooms from $138 a night.
• Rosas Y Xocolat – Exquisite French mansion converted into grand, palatial-style hotel rooms fit for royalty. Rooms with private terraces from $300 a night.
• Hotel Boutique Casa Flor de Mayo – Eccentric, colorful, independently-owned property with just 8 rooms set inside an old colonial house. Rooms from $60 a night. 

Yucatan Itinerary Day 3: Uxmal Ruins 

The Ancient city of Uxmal is widely regarded as being one of the most important Mayan settlements. Its importance is on par with Chichen Itza, Edzna , and the city of Mayapan.  

The city dates back to 700 AD and is said to have been founded by Hun Uitzil Chac Tutul Xiu. However, much of the construction that you see today was built when Uxmal was the Mayan capital between 850-925 AD. It was one of the most important political and administrative hubs and at the height of the Mayan civilization, more than 25,000 people called the city home. Today, the ruins are home to some of the best-preserved Terminal Classic structures in Latin America. Upon entering the site, you are greeted with The Pyramid of the Magician, the most iconic image of the Uxmal ruins. As you continue through, you pass by the equally impressive Governor’s Palace and the Nunnery. Look out for the Pok-a-Tok ballcourt. This ancient Mesoamerican game was played using a hard rubber ball that players had to whack through a stone hoop mounted high on the walls using their hips. 

How to get to Uxmal

Buses from Merida to Uxmal run infrequently from Merida´s ADO central bus station. They depart at 06.00 am, 09.00 am, 12.00 pm, and 15,30 pm respectively. To allow yourself plenty of time, it is best to take the 09.00 am bus. The return journey from Uxmal to Merida departs at 14.30 pm. You only really need 3-4 hours to explore the ruins. However, you could pass the time by treating yourself to some regional food and Mexican drinks at one of the luxury hotel restaurants nearby. Alternatively, you can learn about the history of Mexican chocolate at the Choco-Story museum that sits directly across the road from Uxmal. 

Uxmal Tours

If you have a car, that obviously makes things a lot easier than having to wait around for the bus. You may also want to consider organizing an excursion with a local tour company to take some of the stress out of getting from A to B. A selection of reputable Uxmal tours is detailed below for your consideration. Book your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment!

• From Mérida: Uxmal and Kabah guided tour with lunch
• Uxmal light and sound night experience tour from Merida
• From Merida: Uxmal, Hacienda Yaxcopoil and Cenote with lunch
• Uxmal with private guide and transportation from Merida
• Uxmal: vintage land rover expedition to Uxmal cenotes 

Yucatan Itinerary Day 4: Santa Elena, Kabah, and Labna Ruins 

The Ruta Puuc (Puuc route) is an off-the-beaten-path part of the southwestern Yucatan that is home to several impressive Mayan sites. From Uxmal, you can drive onwards to the ancient cities of Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, Labná, and the Loltún caves. 

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a cute, quintessentially Yucatecan village that marks the halfway point between Uxmal and Kabah. It boasts a couple of accommodation choices for those wanting to explore the Ruta Puuc but it is far from touristic. There is little to see here, but there is just something charming about the town. Stop by for a cafe de olla in the town square, snap some photos of the quirky sculptures of Mexican singers and dancers, or grab homemade strawberries and cream ice cream at the colorful local Michoacana ice cream store. 

Kabah and Labná

A far cry from the crowded atmosphere of Chichen Itza, you may find that you have the entirety of these lesser-known ruins to yourself! Start with the city of Kabah, an ancient Mayan city that prospered at the same time as Uxmal. The city sees very few visitors which is a shame as it is one of the most impressive ruins in the Yucatan. Upon entering the complex, you are greeted with the grand-tiered building of ¨The Palace¨. However, perhaps most impressive of all is ¨The Temple of the Masks¨ on your right-hand side. A brief ascent up the centuries-old stone steps brings you to this phenomenal temple, dedicated to the Mayan rain god Chaac. Its facade is decorated with more than 250 intricately carved stone masks of the big-nosed God. A small inscribed altar in front of the temple building lies in ruin. As of yet, nobody has managed to decipher what the message carved into the stone means. Exiting the archeological site at Kabah and crossing the road brings you to an old Sacbe road that the Mayans would use to walk from Kabah to Uxmal. Here, in the middle of nowhere and not marked on any map, you will find a grand old ceremonial arch. It is believed that many more ruins remain hidden in the depths of the jungle here, but they have not yet been excavated. From here, continue onwards to the ruins of Labná. 

Labná is best known for its ornate archway that once served as the entrance to two grand courtyards. You will have likely seen this photographed in various Yucatan-related travel literature. Equally interesting are El Mirador, the structure of a pyramid topped with a temple, and El Palacio, another ruin decorated with Chaac masks.

Yucatan Itinerary Day 5: Homun Cenotes

One thing that the Yucatan region of Mexico is best known for is its cenotes. These are freshwater sinkholes that were created when the Chicxulub meteor that wiped out the dinosaurs crashed into the earth some 66 million years ago. You don’t have to venture too far to find Yucatan cenotes. It is estimated that there are more than 7,000 of them throughout this peninsula! The word cenote is of Mayan descent. It comes from the word word “Dz’onot” meaning “cavern with water”. The Ancient Mayans used the cenotes for both practical and religious purposes. Some were used to make offerings to the gods, some were used for human sacrifices, and some were simply used as water sources.

Visiting the Cenotes at Homun 

There are several cenotes throughout the Yucatan state that have become famous through social media. Unfortunately, these are crowded, and chaotic, and do not offer a relaxing experience. For the best cenotes in the region, head to the little town of Homun. This area is actually a anillo de los cenotes (ring of cenotes). You will find more than 20 cenotes here! It is easier to drive to Homun but you can also take a bus here from Merida. Once you arrive, you can hire a local guide and a motorbike taxi for around 200 pesos for the day (circa $10 USD). Tell the guide what kind of cenotes you are looking for (i.e. cenotes with platforms that are suitable for non-swimmers, cave cenotes, cenotes without tourists, etc). They will then form an itinerary and take you to 4-5 different spots. Alternatively, just instruct them to take you to their favorite places. Cenote Cholul is usually quite quiet and consists of two different pools. Look out for the Ancient Mayan handprints on your lefthand side after entering!

Meanwhile, Cenote Hool Kosom is one of the more photogenic cenotes. It is set inside a cave and boasts a white limestone roof with a small circular opening where the sunlight can pour in. After a day of cenote-hopping, enjoy lunch in Homun. The little town is charming. In particular, look out for the Parroquia San Buenaventura convent in the central square. This is a gorgeous Franciscan convent that dates back to the 16th century. 

If you enjoy driving, you can also venture onwards to some other little Yucatan villages and towns nearby. For instance, Cuzamá town offers lots of great grill house restaurants, while Hocaba also has a very charming church (Iglesia Principal San Francisco de Asis). 

Yucatan Road Trip Day 6: Motul and Izamal

Day 6 of this Yucatan road trip itinerary brings more off-the-beaten-path treasures as well as cultural highlights. Start by heading to the city of Motul, made famous by the invention of a popular local egg dish known as ¨huevos motulenos¨.

Motul isn’t a pretty town by any stretch of the imagination. However, if you seek out Mexican culture and gastronomy, it is one of the best cities in the Yucatan. 

Breakfast in Motul 

Huevos motulenos is a Yucatecan breakfast dish that you will find all over the Yucatan peninsula. It consists of tortillas topped with frijoles (black beans), fried eggs, ham peas, a tomato-based sauce, and plantains. Even though the dish is widely available, as far as Yucatecans are concerned, there is only one place to be eating it: in Motul. For the best of the best, head to Doña Evelia Huevos Motuleños restaurant in the Mercado Municipal 20 de Noviembre in Motul. You may have to wait 25-30 minutes to be served but rest assured, it is worth the wait. Wash it all down with a cafe de olla or a Mexican Chiapas coffee. As you dine, street performers play everything from Mexican banda music to classical Cuban songs. Look around and you will find that there is not another tourist in sight. Motul is perhaps the Yucatan´s best-kept secret. When you are sufficiently stuffed, the marketplace itself is worth a browse. Locals will tell you that they are unhappy with the ramshackle way that their Mercado looks due to a lack of funding and renovation from the government. However, the market, with its stalls selling everything from Yucatan honey to fresh Mexican fruits and veggies, possesses an authentic charm that simply isn’t found in more touristic markets. 

Chenche de las Torres

Chenche de las Torres is an unusual residential property that is well worth the quick detour to get to when traveling between Valladolid and Izamal. The hacienda, designed like a medieval European castle, was built during the henequen boom in the 18th century. Its owners, Don Alvaro Peón de Regil and Doña Joaquina Peón Castellanos, Counts of Miraflores owned several grand properties around the Yucatan. Their coat of arms can still be seen on the side of the house.

Today, Chenche de las Torres is a private residence. It was recently listed for sale for 1.9 million US dollars.

Within the grounds, there is a small chapel that Mexican families often rent for celebrations and events such as Quinceaneras. For 100 pesos (circa $5), you can tour the grounds and gardens of the property. It is a little slice of Europe in the middle of the Yucatan jungle.

Izamal, the Yellow City

The little town of Izamal, known as the Yucatan´s ¨Yellow City¨ is one of four Pueblo Magicos in the Yucatan state. Pueblo Magicos are towns and villages that have been recognized by the Mexican tourism board for their particularly interesting history, culture, or local gastronomy. 

Every building, church, and house in Izamal is painted in the same uniform shade of bright yellow. There are several different theories as to why this might be, with the most likely being that the town was decorated that way in honor of the Mayan Sun God Kinich Ahau.

Spend a few hours exploring Izamal and stop for lunch at restaurant Kinich (Calle 27.299y 28y 30, Centro). Here, you can indulge in exquisite regional fare beneath charming palapa huts. Nearby, you can climb the Kinich Kakmo pyramid dedicated to Kinich Ahau. Today, it is only one of a handful of pyramids in the Yucatan that survived the Spanish colonization. When sunset rolls around, head to the Convento de San Antonio de Padua to watch the sun dip behind the clouds. This is one of the oldest convents in all of Latin America and the largest of its kind in North America. 

Construction finished in 1561 and the site is still in operation today. If you walk past the garden at the rear, you may even see nuns sitting outside eating their lunch!

Yucatan Road Trip Day 7: Valladolid

After a leisurely breakfast in Izamal, set out on the journey to Valladolid. Valladolid, like Izamal, is also a Yucatan Pueblo Magico. 

The city dates back to 1543 and was developed by the descendants of Spanish Conquistadors. It was originally built close to a lagoon but then relocated inland, to its current location on the site of a Maya town. 

This led to several violent clashes and fights between the Spanish and the Maya that would last for centuries. Modern-day Valladolid is sleepy and tranquil – a stark contrast to its violent origins. 

A day is ample time to explore. Start by meandering through the little streets that veer off from the central square (Zocalo) and the Church of San Servacio. Be sure to stop by the colorful Convent San Bernardino too. 

It is one of the oldest convents in the Yucatan. You can opt to spend your day exploring the town and browsing its streets and markets, or you may want to spend a portion of your day swimming in a nearby cenote. There are a number of cenotes near Valladolid. The famous Cenote Suytan, Hacienda Cenote Oxmán, and Cenote Saamal are all worth considering. 

Yucatan Road Trip Day 8: Chichen Itza and Ek Balam

Saving the best til (near) last, day 8 of this Yucatan road trip is dedicated to exploring the phenomenal ruins of Chichen Itza, and the nearby site of Ek Balam. Chichen Itza is one of the ¨new¨ seven wonders of the world and needs no introduction. The ancient city was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988. It is believed to have been founded around 400 AD and during its heyday, it was home to more than 35,000 people.

Chichen Itza

Arriving early to Chichen Itza is imperative. The site opens its doors at 8 am and you should aim to be there by 7.30 if you want to see the ruins without the crowds. By 9.30, a ton of tour buses have already started rolling in and the crowds take away from the magic somewhat. If you don’t fancy waking up early to drive or get the bus from Valladolid, you can consider spending the night in one of the hotels near the entrance. Opting to hire a tour guide can help you gain a more in-depth understanding of the site and the various structures scattered around it. However, information plaques and audio tours are also available if you prefer to explore independently. The Temple of Kukulkan is the most famous structure and it is the first thing that you see as soon as you enter the complex. Look out for a platform to its left known as a Tzompantli.  

This stone platform, with sculls carved into the stone, is where the Maya would display the severed heads of their enemies to scare off other tribes. Equally impressive is the nearby Temple of the Warriors, the Iglesia, and the Sacred Cenote where men and children would be thrown to their deaths as sacrifices to appease the gods. The Chichen Itza site is larger than people realize. You should dedicate 3-4 hours to exploring it. 

Recommended Chichen Itza tours

Prefer to explore Chichen Itza with a guide and not have to worry about the logistics of getting there? A selection of reputable Chichen Itza tours has been shortlisted below for your consideration.

• Chichen Itza skip-the-line entrance ticket
• Private tour of Chichen Itza with private transport
• From Merida: Chichen Itza, Yokdzonot Cenote, and cooking class
• From Merida: Chichen Itza & Cenote Tsukan guided tour
• Chichen Itza with a private guide and transportation from Merida
• Chichen Itza and outdoor sports in Cenote spring from Merida

Grab lunch in Piste 

If you want to grab some lunch before continuing to Ek Balam, you can stop at a restaurant in nearby Piste. This town is a little touristy, sure, but there is no such thing as bad Yucatecan food. Some of the markets and stores here are great for picking up trinkets and Mexican souvenirs such as ceremonial masks and handicrafts.  

Ek Balam, meaning ¨Black Jaguar¨ in Mayan is an ancient city that is only just starting to fall on people´s Yucatan travel radars. It makes a nice travel pairing with Chichen Itza, in part because there is only a distance of 67km (1 hour and 10 minutes) between the two sites. The city thrived between 770 and 840 AD. During this time, it was a major political hub for the region.

Fascinatingly, the ruins were not rediscovered until as recently as the 1980s! After they were abandoned, like many other Mayan cities, they were reclaimed by the jungle.

The most notable sights in Ek Balam today are the incredibly well-preserved stucco tomb of Ukil-Kan-Lek-Tok and El Torre. El Torre is a 95-foot pyramid that you can climb.

From the top, you have unparalleled views over the jungle canopy. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Chichen Itza and Coba from up here!

Yucatan Itinerary Days 9 & 10: Kikil and El Cuyo

There is no better way to round off your Yucatan itinerary than with a few days spent relaxing in a tranquil beach town. Stopping at Kikil, start making your way toward the beach town of El Cuyo. 

Kikil and Cenote Kikil

The little village of Kikil is not a tourist destination. There is just something about it. The center boasts the ruins of an old convent, a tiny colorful church, and a smattering of street food stalls. Peculiarly, there is a local man that stands in the square with a saddled bull and lets people climb on top of it and take photos for a few pesos. Alarmingly, it’s mostly people with toddlers balancing their kids on the bull and laughing about it. It is an interesting spectacle to watch!  A lot of the people own ranches and live off the land, so you will find street stalls selling birria (goat stew from Jalisco ). This isn’t really common in the Yucatan but it is worth a try.

Although the dish is traditionally prepared with goat, in Kikil, it is prepared with beef. The meat is marinated with a selection of herbs, spices, and chilis. Then, it is served topped with onions and a pinch of lime.

After exploring the village, you may want to stop by the cenote. It is surrounded by lush tropical foliage and is arguably one of the most beautiful ones in the state. You will often find that there is nobody else here, perhaps bar the occasional iguana or motmot in the trees. 

While tourists flock to the coastal areas of Quintana Roo and elsewhere in Mexico (e.g. Puerto Vallarta , Cancun, and Tulum), those in the know know that El Cuyo is a more peaceful alternative. This little beach town is little more than a stretch of coastline with a small handful of hotels and restaurants around it. There are seldom (if ever) more than a handful of people on the beach here, largely because El Cuyo is so remote and not all that easy to get to. Days in El Cuyo are about lazing on tropical beaches, swimming and snorkeling in translucent waters, and spending your nights drinking pina coladas beneath the starry night sky.

Catching every sunrise and sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is a must. The wind conditions here are perfect for kitesurfing, and there is an ever-expanding community of kitesurfers that call the village home if that is something that you are interested to try your hand at.

Depart from Cancun/Merida

Depending on your schedule, depart from El Cuyo on day 10 or day 11 of your Yucatan road trip. You may choose to catch your onward flight from Cancun International Airport (CUN) or Merida International (MID).

It is a 163km (2.5 hour) drive from El Cuyo to Cancun. Traveling from El Cuyo to Merida takes 3.5 hours (261.7km).

Getting around the Yucatan

The easiest way to get around the Yucatan is to rent a car. Public transport in Mexico leaves a lot to be desired. Reaching some villages and ruins is near impossible if you do not have access to your own vehicle. Bus schedules here are limited, even to some of the country’s most famous attractions! If you do not feel confident driving alone and don’t want to rely on buses, you can also consider hiring local drivers or participating in local excursions. However, the price of doing so quickly adds up.

Renting a car in the Yucatan 

Renting a car in the Yucatan is not as daunting as it may sound. Mexico, in general, is a lot safer than people realize, and the Yucatan is one of the safest parts of the country .

You can opt to pick your rental car up from Merida or Cancun, or from the airport in either city. Do keep in mind, however, that one-way rentals are often substantially more expensive than renting a car and returning it to the same place you collected it from.

Many reputable international rental firms operate in the Yucatan, including Avis, Budget, and Europcar. Expect to pay around $30 a day for a car rental, including full-coverage insurance. Discover Cars is a great platform for comparing and contrasting quotes from different rental companies so that you can secure the best deal.

Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary FAQs 

Do you still have any burning questions or concerns about planning a Yucatan road trip itinerary? Hopefully, you will find the answers that you are looking for below! 

How many days do you need in the Yucatan peninsula?

10-14 days is a good amount of time for a first trip to the Yucatan. If you are short on time, you can cram some of the region’s highlights into 7 days. 

Is it safe to road trip in Yucatan?

The Yucatan peninsula is very safe and it is absolutely safe to travel around here independently. This applies even if you are a solo female traveler!

The Yucatan capital of Merida is not only the safest city in all of Mexico, but it is widely regarded as being one of the safest cities in the Americas, period! Leave your reservations at home and forget everything that you have heard about Mexico being a dangerous or lawless place when you come to the Yucatan. 

Is it easy to drive in Yucatan?

It is very easy to drive in the Yucatan peninsula. The roads here are in excellent condition and are well maintained. Driving in Mexico means driving on the right-hand side of the road , much like in the United States and most of the world. Roads are well signposted so it is easy to get to where you are going. 

As a rule of thumb, it is generally a good idea to avoid driving in the Yucatan at night. This is not because the area is dangerous, but because most roads are not well-lit. So, it makes it harder to see hazards such as stray dogs and wild animals that may wander onto the roads. 

How do I plan a trip to the Yucatan?

It is easy to plan a trip to the Yucatan. First, start researching the best places in the Yucatan that interest you the most. That may be secluded Yucatan beaches , caves, jungle treks, Mayan ruins , or quaint Pueblo Magicos . Then, take a look at a map of the area and start forming a route of how to get from A to B. Public transport runs between most major cities and tourist attractions, although the schedules are infrequent. Sites such as Bus Bud, Ado, and Rome2Rio are good for checking transport options. 

Final thoughts on taking a Yucatan road trip

What are your thoughts on this Yucatan road trip itinerary? Have you traveled to the Yucatan before? I have been living in Merida for a year now. 

If this is going to be your first trip to Mexico, you may also enjoy reading this post on Mexico travel tips to know before you travel. Have a wonderful time! Safe travels! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas

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The Ultimate 5 Day Yucatan Itinerary in Mexico

Planning your Yucatan itinerary for a trip to Mexico? You’re in the right place, because this guide will help you plan the ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Mexico trip, to both on and off the beaten path destinations.

The best thing about the Yucatan is that it has cities and towns of all sizes to use as a home base. From big-name resort towns like Cancun, colorful colonial cities like Merida, Mexico , and smaller pueblos magicos (magic towns) like Tulum, there’s somewhere for everyone.

There are also an endless number of things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula, both in the water and on land. From Mayan ruins to admire and even climb, to swimmable cenotes (freshwater sinkholes), and Yucatan beaches, you’ll have no trouble filling your five day itinerary.

Let’s start with all the things you need to know about the Yucatan, like how to travel there, and taking the bus vs renting a car in Mexico. After that, we’ll get into all the fun stuff, like where you’ll want to go and what to do there on your 5 day Yucatan itinerary in Mexico.

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico?

The Yucatan Peninsula is located on the southeastern side of Mexico. As the word “peninsula” says, this area is surrounded by water on three sides. On the southern and eastern sides, there’s the bright blue Carribean Sea; and on the northern side, there’s the Gulf of Mexico.

This peninsula has three states: Quintana Roo, home to top Mexico beach destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum and Playa del Carmen; Yucatan state, home to Merida, Chichen Itza and Valladolid, and the off the more beaten path state of Campeche, Mexico.

Best time to travel to Yucatan?

The best months to visit Yucatan are from November through April. This is the dry season, when the weather is cool. As it’s located in the tropics, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is hot for most of the year, averaging 25-35°C day and night, but winter is much cooler at about 21-25°C.

Being surrounded by water, Yucatan is in the hurricane and tropical storm path. Though Hurricane Season officially runs June 1 through November 1, the weather often gets nice by mid-October. Summer is the rainy season, so expect daily rain from about May to October.

Do I need a visa for Mexico travel?

U.S. and most European passport holders don’t need to get a travel visa for Mexico — so you could even spontaneously do this Yucatan itinerary if you’d like! For a list of the countries that must have a travel visa for Mexico, head here .

When you go through the Immigration line in Mexico, you will receive your 180 day (6 month) FMM tourist card. This “card” is actually just a small piece of paper that you have to give back to an Immigration officer when you leave the country — so make sure you don’t lose your FMM.

How do I travel to the Yucatan Peninsula?

To get to Yucatan, fly into Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). There are a few other regional airports in the Yucatan Peninsula, but Cancun Airport is generally the easiest, fastest and cheapest airport to fly into.

Renting a Car in Yucatan

The Cancun Airport will have the largest selection of cars anywhere in the Yucatan. Also, it’s quite expensive to rent a car from one place and return it to another in Mexico, so keep it simple and just both rent and return the car at Cancun Airport.

Prices vary, but you can usually rent a car in Mexico for about $25USD per day, with the minimum and required amount of driver’s insurance. If you prefer full coverage insurance, you’ll pay closer to $40USD per day. You can check the options available on Holiday Extras , which show you the full price, including the hidden fees some companies might try to charge you when you pick up your car, such as extra insurance.

Yucatan Public Transportation

If you don’t want to rent a car in Mexico, you can still get around in the Yucatan Peninsula via the ADO bus . This is Mexico’s largest bus company, and it’s inexpensive and rather efficient, but you will sacrifice more time to travel on the bus versus a rental car.

In all seriousness, Mexico has a great bus system, and you can actually travel the entire country via the. This is Mexico’s largest bus company, and all their buses have large, comfortable, recliner seats, AC, electrical outlets at each seat and a bathroom on board.

Now that we’ve got all the basics out of the way, let’s get to this 5 day Yucatan itinerary for your epic Mexico trip.

Yucatan Itinerary: Days 1-2

After you arrive in Cancun, get your rental car or take the ADO bus about two hours south to Tulum, Mexico. Click here to book your ticket in advance , as this is a popular route. While Cancun is a great place, the best way to experience it is just simply staying put in an all-inclusive resort , as Cancun is known for that style of vacation.

Stay in: Tulum, Mexico

In the last few years, Tulum has become a bucket list Mexico destination for many travellers. This photogenic town is popular on Instagram and YouTube, as it’s quite beautiful. From the Tulum beaches, to its bohemian vibes and art sculptures, you’ll spend your first few days here.

There are many accommodation options in Tulum, here are some suggestions from my trusted partner, Booking.com:

Things to do in Tulum

Tulum Ruins & Beach: The Tulum Mayan Ruins are located right on Tulum Beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. As this is a smaller ruins site, you can explore for about 1-2 hours, then take the staircase down to the beach cove below the ruins.

Tulum Beaches: Among the best beaches in Tulum, there’s Playa Ruina, the one beneath the ruins just mentioned, but there are many others. When in Tulum, check out as many of these beaches as you can: Playa Paraíso, Playa Las Palmas, Playa Pescadores and Playa Santa Fe.

Tulum Cenotes: No visit to Tulum, Mexico, is complete without a visit to the cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays). Cenotes are essentially swimmable sinkholes and natural pools containing freshwater.

There are said to be 6,000 Yucatan cenotes, and some of the ones are just minutes from Downtown Tulum. These include Cenote Calavera, Gran Cenote, Cenote Car Wash and Cenote Zacil-Ha, all located 20 minutes or less by car from Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum).

Yucatan Itinerary: Days 2-4

When it’s time to leave Tulum, drive your rental car or take the bus two hours north-west to Valladolid. This is one of the 135 or so pueblos magicos (magic towns) in the country, all recognized for their unique qualities and accommodations to comfortably host visitors.

Stay in: Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is one of the prettiest colonial towns in Mexico, and on the smaller side, so don’t stay too far outside of Downtown Valladolid. As it’s still an up and coming destination, you can find a nice place for a relatively small amount of money.

In Valladolid itself, there are some great sites right downtown. These include the iconic Iglesia de San Servacio Valladolid church, Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, a 16th Century Franciscan convent, and the beautiful Calzada de los Frailes street.

Located within walking distance of downtown, you can go for a refreshing swim in Cenote Zaci. Located within the city limits, this is one of the best things to do in Valladolid. There’s also a restaurant at this cenote, so you can go for a swim and then eat a nice meal.

Chichen Itza & Cenote Ik Kil

As it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the New World, Chichen Itza is a Mexico bucket list site, and among the best things to do in Yucatan. Located 45 minutes from Downtown Valladolid by car, you’ll want to head straight there in the morning after a hearty breakfast. Click here to book your transport ahead of time, as the best options sell out fast.

Since it’s so popular, Chichen Itza gets crowded and you’ll want to beat the crowds as much as possible. The site is also quite large, so wear comfy clothes and trainers, and figure you’ll be there at least 3-4 hours.

After a long (and likely sweaty) day at Chichen Itza, head to Ik Kil Cenote for a refreshing swim. Located just 10 minutes from Chichen Itza, the later in the day you visit, the better, so you can avoid the crowds.

If you prefer visiting a more off the beaten path Yucatan cenote, head to Cenote Yokdzonot or Cenote Chihuan, which is located inside a cave. Both aren’t too far from Chichen Itza, and will be far less crowded than Cenote Ik Kil.

Yucatan Itinerary: Days 4-5

With a bit more ground to cover in the Yucatan, you’ll wrap up your five day itinerary in Merida. This is known as the Cultural Capital of Yucatan, and also the safest city in Mexico. By car or bus, it is about 2.5 hours from Valladolid.

Stay in: Merida, Mexico

The best neighbourhoods in Merida for visitors are Paseo de Montejo and Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), located right next to one another.

Centro Historico is where you’ll find many historic sites, relaxing parks, boutique shops selling artisan crafts, and some of the best restaurants and bars in Merida. The Paseo de Montejo is the prettiest street in town, lined with trees, sidewalk cafes and charming shops.

Things to do in Merida

Free Merida Walking Tour: Get to know Downtown on the walking tour offered by the Merida Tourism Office. These hour-long tours depart daily (except Sundays) from the Palacio Municipal building in Plaza Grande (Main Plaza) at 9:30am. Note: There are no tours on Sundays.

Stroll Paseo de Montejo: As this beautiful street is only about two miles (3.2km) from end to end, you’ll want to walk the whole street because there’s a lot to see. You’ll also find charming cafes and restaurants along the way if you get hungry or need a coffee.

The Monumento a la Patria (Monument to the Fatherland), a large monument with 300 hand-carved figures, is on the northern end. From there, walk south passing the European mansions like Museo Palacio Canton and Casa Montejo 495, which are both now museums.

Eat at Merida Gastronomy Museum: The Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca (MUGY) is part restaurant, and part museum in Merida . Sample all the best Yucatan food at MUGY, like cochinita pibil (suckling pig) and poc chuc (grilled pork), and then take the short museum tour.

Located behind the restaurant, there’s a mini-Mayan village with traditional houses and kitchens. Going into each home’s kitchen, you’ll learn a different aspect of traditional Yucatan cuisine and its unique flavours.

Eat at ​​Taqueria La Lupita (As Seen on Netflix): Head to Parque Santiago and the Mercado de Santiago (Santiago Market) to eat at La Lupita. This humble taco shop was seen in Episode 3 of the Netflix show, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat .

At La Lupita, sample traditional panuchos (tortillas with black bean paste inside) and salbutes (puffy fried tortillas), and wash them down with piña con chaya (pineapple and chaya) juice. Perfect for a cheap meal in Merida, enjoy three tacos and a drink for only about $7USD.

Yucatan Itinerary: Day 5

Sadly, this is the time to head back to Cancun for a departing flight. The drive from Merida to Cancun is about 3.5 hours, so remember to give yourself enough time to return the rental car (if you got one) and still catch your flight.

AUTHOR BIO :

Shelley is a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world! After travelling solo to 14 states in Mexico, she now lives in Merida, Mexico full time. Shelley now helps travellers plan their dream Merida trip through her site, TravelToMerida.com .

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Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.

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12 thoughts on “ The Ultimate 5 Day Yucatan Itinerary in Mexico ”

oh my gosh!! This trip looks epic. I have been itching to go to Mexico and this looks like a great itinerary for my first trip and great to know about the weather and what time of year is best. Love the variety in this. Thanks for sharing.

I’m so glad you put Valladolid in there. I love the beaches in Mexico, but I’ve wanted so bad to step away from the beaches and visit some of the more historical and cultural parts of Mexico! Merida is also high on my list!

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8-day Best of Yucatan Peninsula Adventure

Price: Please Inquire

Discover the best of the Yucatan Peninsula on this unforgettable adventure, experiencing charming markets, tasting delicious regional cuisine, climbing Maya ruins, and relaxing by the Caribbean Sea.

With something for everyone, this Yucatan adventure captures the true essence of this famed Mexican region. Explore one of the New Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza, swim in a sacred cenote and tour underground cave systems.

As with all Journey Mexico tours, this Best of Yucatan Peninsula vacation can be fully customized to your specific desires.

Merida – Discover the lively capital of the Yucatan, a charming colonial city filled with markets, squares, and a bustling commercial center

Maya archeological sites – Take guided tours of the amazing archeological sites of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Cobá, and Tulum

The Puuc Route – Travel along the Puuc Route by car and by bike and stop at freshwater underground cenotes, the Loltún caves, and Acanceh

Rio Secreto – Take a journey into the amazing Río Secreto, the longest cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula.

Tulum archeological site – Marvel at the gorgeous beach-side ruins at Tulum and look up at this ancient castle from the Caribbean Sea

Day 1: Arrive in Cancun, transfer to Chichen Itza

When you arrive at Cancun International Airport, you will be greeted by a Journey Mexico guide and privately transferred to your hacienda. Settle in, stroll the grounds, and acclimatize to the warm Yucatan climate.

Overnight Hacienda Chichen

Day 2: Visit Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik-Kil, Merida

After breakfast, you will embark on a morning exploration of the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza in a privately guided tour with your expert guide. This site is world renowned for the sophistication of its structures and the high level of astronomical and engineering accomplishments on exhibit as well as the variety of temples, ball courts, and ritual centers. The site comes alive with the expert interpretation of your guide adding color and contour to the sprawling site. As the mid-day heat descends, you will head to Cenote Ik-kil, one of Yucatan’s most enchanting freshwater underground pools where you can opt for a refreshing swim.

You will continue on to Merida, the colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula, perfect for an evening walk through the cobble stone streets in the city center.

Overnight: Casa Lecanda

Day 3: A Taste of Merida with City Sightseeing Private Experience

To start this unique foodie adventure your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby. Discover Merida’s most emblematic cultural highlights as your guide shares their local knowledge about the city’s historic and gastronomic hidden treasures. Get to know the flavors of the Yucatán as you explore Mérida’s ornate streets, vibrant markets, and favorite traditional eateries.

The day begins with a delicious taco sampling at Wayan’e, a locally famous taqueria offering over 30 traditional Yucatecan stews to try wrapped in fresh tortillas. You can accompany your tacos with some fresh flavored water, made from seasonal fruits, as you soak up the atmosphere.

The experience continues exploring a couple of buzzing local markets starting at the commercial heart of the city, where you’ll sample traditional regional dishes at Mercado Lucas de Gálvaz. Feast your eyes on the market’s seasonal fruits and vegetables, sombrero stalls, hand made hammocks and religious articles. Peek into the tortilla factory to see a staple of Mexican cuisine in the making, as you take in the aromas of mixed spices in the air. Next, visit the Santiago neighborhood’s local market where you’ll get to taste dishes like cochinita pibil and el lechón, prepared using a Mayan pit-style oven that’s made in the ground.

During the adventure, you will also discover the historical centre’s colonial style architecture, grand building facades, and vivid colors. The main city square plays host to Yucatán style buildings, where you’ll explore the most important highlights including the oldest cathedral in Mexico, and the Government House with paintings by Fernando Castro.

After taking in the sights and colors, head to Los Trompos, an authentic local gem serving up Mexican Tacos. Washing down the vibrant regional flavors with an artisanal beer is highly recommended!

To end the experience, a visit will be made to El Colón on the elegant Paseo de Montejo Avenue. The traditional candy and sorbet shop, founded in 1907, serves up tangy sorbet and refreshing champola, a classic frozen drink made from milk and fresh fruit.

At the conclusion of your visit you will be driven back to your hotel.

Day 4: Loltún Caverns and Uxmal

Today after breakfast, you will traverse the underground cave system at Loltún, that shows evidence of the Maya civilization from the late pre-classic era (300 BCE-300 CE); in fact many mammoth and dinosaur bones were found here. A local guide will lead you through the cave, explaining the history and pointing out important stalagmites, stalactites, cave paintings, fossils and Maya handprints found there.

Afterwards, your guide will drive you to the ancient Maya city of Uxmal to view the amazing Palace of the Governors (considered by many to be the finest example of classic Mayan Architecture) and the mystical Pyramid of the Magician, which consists of 5 super-imposed temples.

Upon completion of your guided archaeological visit, you may enjoy some time for lunch (not included) before returning to your hotel in Merida for the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 5: Coba archeological site and Maya cenote, transfer to Tulum

After breakfast and hotel check out, you will meet your driver and head eastward towards the magic Mexican Caribbean. En route, you will visit Valladolid, the former colonial capital of the Yucatan Peninsula. The charming city center has preserved its small plaza and fine architecture that reveal the glory of a bygone era.

After some time for lunch (not included), your journey continues toward Coba the archaeological site in the Riviera Maya. Coba is amongst the largest Mayan city-ruins of the Yucatan region, surrounded by lush rain forests teeming with wildlife stimulate the mind to imagine ancient times. Coba’s architecture remains a mystery because its pyramidal temples and stelae resemble those of Tikal rather than Chichen Itza or Tulum, both much closer in proximity.

Out next stop, one of the Yucatan’s newest discovered cenotes (underground freshwater sink holes) deep in the Yucatan Jungle! You will enjoy the opportunity to swim and relax around the refreshing waters before continuing to your oceanfront accommodation. Enjoy a tranquil evening back at your hotel at leisure.

Overnight Ana y Jose

Day 6: Caving Private Adventure at Rio Secreto

Take a journey into the amazing Río Secreto, the longest cave system in the Yucatán Peninsula, that’s semi-submerged in crystal clear water.

Arriving to the natural reserve, you’ll be welcomed by your personal, specialised guide before heading to the Río Secreto entrance (15 mins approx). After a safety and equipment briefing, follow your guide inside the natural reserve, where you’ll receive a Mayan welcome ceremony.

Get ready to enter the underground cave system, a natural museum of rock formations, which tells the geological history of the area. With your expert guide, you’ll walk and swim following an otherworldly 1km route. Admire hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over many years, in a surreally beautiful setting.

Exiting the caves, toast to a truly unique experience with Xtabentún, a regional Yucatecan liqueur made from anise seed, honey and rum. To complete your adventure, refuel with a regional buffet and fresh, flavored waters before continuing back to your hotel.

Overnight  Ana y Jose

Day 7: Tulum archeological site

After breakfast, you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a private tour of the archaeological site Tulum, located just 25 minutes away; you will enjoy the spectacular view over the Caribbean Sea and its temples honoring the gods of the wind and rain. As you traverse the archeological site you will learn about Maya history and cosmology from your expert guide who will lead you in your exploration. You will also have a chance to swim in the Caribbean waters and look up at Tulum’s iconic “Castillo” from below.

Afterward, you will be driven back to your hotel for the rest of the afternoon on your own. You may choose to wander the property or simply enjoy the white sands and turquoise sea.

Day 8: Departure day

As your adventure comes to an end, you will be privately transported to Cancun International Airport from where you will catch your flight home.

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Two Weeks in Mexico: The BEST Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

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After spending a winter living in Mérida and years of trips traveling through the Yucatán Peninsula, I’ve finally put together the best itinerary for two weeks in Mexico.

Most travelers go to Mexico to lie on the beach for a week, maybe go on an excursion to a ruin or a cenote, and head straight home.

And yes. That can be fun. But you can do SO MUCH better than that!!

Mexico is one of my favorite countries. It’s absolutely brimming with culture and music and fantastic food and the nicest, kindest people. It’s diverse in experiences and it’s so much more than what most people think it is.

You might look at this itinerary and think to yourself, “You know, I’ve been to Playa del Carmen before. I’ve done Chichén Itzá, too. Is it worth it to go back to the same region?”

Yes. It’s worth it. Because the Yucatán is SO much more than just beaches and ruins. Plus, when you do it on your own — on a road trip or even by public transportation — it’s so much more satisfying than staying in a resort and traveling on tours.

Even if you’ve already been to a resort in the Cancún-Playa del Carmen-Tulum area, I encourage you to give road-tripping around the Yucatán Peninsula a chance. This is a fantastic part of Mexico.

You can download this as a printable itinerary here!

This post was most recently updated in January 2023.

Table of Contents

Two Weeks in Mexico

If you’ve got two weeks in Mexico, you could go in lots of different directions. Honestly, I’ve spent months in Mexico and my list of places I still haven’t been (Baja! Guanajuato! El Chepe!) is miles long.

But Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is great because it’s easy for all kinds of travelers, yet diverse and fulfilling enough for experienced travelers.

You’ll fly into Cancún International Airport, which is well-connected with lots of flights. You’ll drive on good roads. You’ll visit destinations that are accustomed to tourism — but not too overtouristed.

What does this part of Mexico look like? In two weeks in the Yucatán Peninsula, you could see places as varied as these:

Unusually, this Mexico itinerary does NOT include Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum. Almost every Yucatán road trip itinerary includes at least one of these destinations as a stopover. Not this time.

Why don’t I include them? Because there are better places to go.

My goal, today and always, is to ensure that you have the best trip possible. Those three destinations are overcrowded and expensive. You don’t have to go there just because everyone else does — but you’ll still pack in some beach time.

This two week trip to Mexico packs in so much! One of the coolest islands around, a big city with tons of great restaurants, ancient Mayan ruins, underground neon-blue cenotes, soft white sand beaches, and the Lake of Seven Colors.

Cenotes, in particular, are the best part of traveling the Yucatán, in my opinion.

Read More: 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico

Definitely don’t miss the vibrant city of Mérida , the lake of seven colors in Bacalar , and magical, bohemian Isla Holbox !

If you spend it in the Yucatán Peninsula , you’ll have easy access to beaches, ruins, cenotes, cool cities, and color-changing lakes.

Yes! The Yucatan is an incredibly safe part of Mexico (and Mérida is safer than every city in the US). It’s a safe place to travel solo as a woman.

The best time to visit the Yucatan is between December and March , when the weather is gorgeous and it isn’t too hot or too rainy.

Yucatán Road Trip Map

On the map above, you can see the driving route you would take on this trip. The destinations in blue are where you would overnight; the destinations in orange are day trip options.

Here is the two weeks in Mexico itinerary I recommend:

• Day 1: Arrive Cancún Airport, drive to Chiquilá, ferry to Holbox
• Days 2-3: Holbox
• Day 4: Drive from Holbox to Valladolíd
• Day 5: Valladolíd and surrounding area
• Day 6: Drive from Valladolíd to Río Lagartos
• Day 7: Drive from Río Lagartos to Mérida via Izamal
• Days 8-10: Mérida and day trips
• Day 11: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 12-13: Bacalar
• Day 14: Drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

Day 1: Arrive Cancún, drive to Holbox

Upon arrival, pick up your rental car and drive to the town of Chiquilá (two hours). This town is where you get the ferry to Isla Holbox . Holbox is a car-free island (except for some local vehicles), so you’ll be leaving your car on the mainland for a few days. You can take a golf cart to your hotel!

Park in one of the many parking lots in Chiquilá — don’t worry, this is a safe place to leave your car! Plenty of tourists do every day. The rates are usually 100 pesos ($5) for 24 hours.

Head to the dock and hop on one of the ferries that run every half hour. The journey costs about 200 pesos ($10) for an adult.

Once you arrive on the island, walk or take a taxi to your accommodation (the taxis are all golf carts here!). Then just relax and stroll around the island, getting to know your new home for a few days. You’ll be spending three nights here.

Where to Stay in Holbox

Holbox is a small island, and I recommend staying within a few blocks of the main center. The western part of the island is home to lots of rentals, but there aren’t as many shops or restaurants.

If you want a luxury accommodation, I recommend Ser Casasandra . This is the best luxury spot on the island (and I stayed here on my first trip ). I love the beachfront area, the pool, the romantic design of the rooms, and the food is outstanding.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Hotel Para Ti . I stayed here on my second trip and absolutely loved this adults-only hotel. It has a great pool area, the decor is bohemian and fun, they are a perfect quiet location a few blocks from the town, and once again, ADULTS ONLY.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotelito Villas Holbox . This hostel is right in the center of town, and rooms are small and basic but clean. If you want to stay at a hostel, I recommend Tribu , but know it can get loud at night.

Find deals on Holbox hotels here.

Days 2 and 3: Isla Holbox

Take these two full days to unwind on Isla Holbox. You can spend your time idling on the beach or taking day trips around the island. Either way, be sure to have some great cocktails and catch a few sunsets.

Things to Do in Isla Holbox

Take a boat trip to Cabo Catoche. I loved my trip to Cabo Catoche! This inlet is further away from town, but it’s where you get the clearest, most beautiful water. An absolute must for people who want good photos of Holbox. This Cabo Catoche tour includes snorkeling and/or fishing.

See three islands on a boat trip. This popular three-island boat trip will take you to Bird Island, home to tons of interesting birds; uninhabited Pasion Island, where you can walk on a sandbar; as well as the mainland to swim in Cenote Yalahau.

If you’re visiting from June through September, you can swim with whale sharks ! One of the coolest activities you can do in Mexico! Peak season is in July and August.

Head to Punta Cocos for the sunset. Watch with a cocktail in hand! It’s a very long walk and I recommend taking a taxi, as it will be dark when you start walking back. Taxis wait around to take people back after sunset. Bring mosquito repellant!

Just hang out on the beach. Even if you don’t book a hotel with beachfront access, there are lots of beach clubs and restaurants where you can set up camp for the day.

Read More: Ultimate Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico

Day 4: Holbox to Valladolíd

Take the ferry back to Chiquilá, pick up your car, and head out on the road. If you’re hungry, I recommend getting breakfast at La Sardina Enamorada on the mainland in Chiquilá.

Today you’ll be driving from Chiquilá to Valladolíd (just over two hours), crossing from Quintana Roo into Yucatán state.

Know that you will be crossing a time zone! As you cross into Yucatán state, time drops one hour earlier.

Valladolíd is one of the prettiest colonial towns in Mexico, and it’s especially nice in late afternoons and evenings, once the tourists day-tripping from all inclusive resorts go home. It feels gentle and welcoming. You’ll fall under its spell in no time.

Things to Do in Valladolíd

Take a dip in Cenote Zaci. Cenotes are all over the Yucatán, but Cenote Zaci is right in the middle of downtown Valladolíd! The water isn’t as clear as others but it’s a beautiful setting with waterfalls. It’s one of the deepest cenotes in the region, too, and hosts free diving competitions.

Note: Cenote Zaci closed for renovations in mid-2022. We hope it reopens soon. Their restaurant.

Enjoy the zócalo. Valladolíd’s main square is a lovely place to sit and people-watch.

Get gelato at Wabi Gelato . Good gelato is very hard to find in Mexico — this is a special place for a treat. Flavors are limited but inventive and change frequently. I loved their rosemary gelato.

Stroll down Calzada de los Frailes. This is arguably the prettiest street in Valladolíd, if not all the Yucatán, decorated with flags and lined with cafes, bakeries, shops, and hotels. I had a great pay de limón (lemon pie) at a cafe called ConKafecito .

Visit the Convent de San Bernardino de Siena. At the end of Calzada de los Frailes is a former convent that you can visit. There is a sound and light show in the evenings. This is also where you’ll find the town’s Valladolíd sign.

Where to Stay in Valladolíd

Valladolíd is a small, cheap city and you can enjoy it on a budget, but spending a bit more money can get you a much nicer hotel. I recommend staying within a few blocks of the zócalo, the main square, to maximize your time here.

If you want luxury accommodation, I recommend Le Muuch Hotel . This may be the most beautiful property in town with chic, colorful rooms and a beautiful outdoor area with hammocks and a pool.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Casa Tia Micha . This is a mid-range property that feels luxurious, from its classy stone bathtubs to its elegant carved wood furniture, but it’s well priced and central.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel Zazil-Maj . Here the rooms are simple but clean and recently renovated, just a few blocks from Cenote Zaci.

Find deals on places to stay in Valladolíd here .

Day 5: Valladolíd, Chichén Itza, and Cenotes

Today it’s all about seeing the surroundings of Valladolíd! First thing in the morning, head to the Chichén Itzá ruins (45 minutes). They open at 8:00 AM and I recommend being there as early as possible to get a good parking spot and avoid the tourist crowds from the resorts.

The Chichén Itzá ruins are some of the largest and most impressive ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, is an enormous and impressive pyramid, but I found that some of the most enjoyable sites are those further afield.

Keep in mind that Chichén Itzá allows merchants to sell direct on site, and it can get annoying having men constantly ask you to buy things. They sell devices that make a jaguar noise, so you’ll hear constant jaguar shrieks throughout your visit. Be ready for that!

Note: I do not recommend visiting Chichén Itzá on a Sunday. This is the day Mexicans get free admission. As a result, the site is even more insanely crowded and parking is a nightmare. If Day 5 is scheduled on a Sunday, I recommend going to Chichén Itzá on the afternoon of Day 4 instead.

After the ruins, backtrack a bit to enjoy a cenote. One of my favorite cenotes is in this region: Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxman . I love this cenote because it’s visually spectacular, large, not too touristed, the grounds are lovely, and the food is surprisingly good. It’s solid all around and a great place to visit.

You do drive back toward Valladolíd for this cenote (50 minutes), but trust me, it’s best to visit Chichén Itzá in the morning when it’s less hot and crowded and then cool off in the cenote after.

Another option is Cenote Ik-Kil , which has a similar look and style, but this is much more popular with Chichén Itzá tourists and it gets more crowded.

You might want to head back to Valladolíd and have a relaxed, chilled out afternoon and evening.

But if you want to continue ruins-hopping, consider visiting Ek Balam, which is about a 30-minute drive north of Valladolíd. Ek Balam only gets a fraction of the tourists that Chichén Itza receives!

There are tons more cenotes surrounding Valladolíd, including Cenote Suytun, the Instagram-famous one with the platform. Be sure to check out the “cenotes near Valladolíd” section of my cenote guide .

Day 6: Valladolíd to Río Lagartos

Today you’re getting an early start and driving north to Río Lagartos. This is a short journey — just 90 minutes by car — but this is the only day that you have here.

Because of that, I urge you to book a Río Lagartos tour before you leave on your trip. It can be hard to jump on a tour same-day.

If you’ve dreamed of visiting pink lakes, that’s the star attraction of this region. Those pink lakes are called Las Coloradas.

In Río Lagartos there are several tour operators in town who have both private and group tours of the landscapes and the neon pink salt flats. I don’t have a specific tour operator recommendation, but be sure to ask around and see just how much time you spend at the lakes. Some tour operators will whisk you by quickly without much time to enjoy them.

Keep in mind that you may not see as many flamingos as you’d like — peak season is from March to June and climate change has impacted the number of flamingos that make their home here. But the pink lakes? Spectacular.

Important note: Since Las Coloradas became an Instagram hotspot in the last decade, people are no longer allowed to get into the pink lakes or use drones at the lakes. Please respect the rules.

Where to Stay in Río Lagartos

Río Lagartos is a very small town and there isn’t a huge variety of accommodation — at least not yet! All of these properties are located within the center of town.

If you want upscale accommodation, I recommend Hotel Río Lagartos . While not super luxurious, this is one of the best properties in town. It has a nice pool and swim-up bar, as well as views over the water.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Hotel Tabasco Rio . This stylish property offers great value for money and has hot, powerful showers.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel Mercy Inn’s . This hotel is simple but clean and comfortable with beds that are a step above the usuals in budget Mexican hotels.

Find deals on places to stay in Río Lagartos here .

Day 7: Río Lagartos to Mérida via Izamal

You’ve got two options today. You can spend the morning on another tour in Río Lagartos, or head off as soon as you get up.

There’s a lot to see between Río Lagartos and Mérida, so I recommend figuring out what you want to do the most. The Ek Balam ruins and Cenote Sac-Aua (1 hour, 15 minutes from Río Lagartos) make a great pairing.

If not? Head straight to Izamal (two hours from Río Lagartos, 1 hour 45 minutes from Ek Balam). This town, one of Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos , is famous for its color — everything is painted bright canary yellow!

While some people say that it was painted yellow for Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1993, the town was actually yellow for quite some time beforehand. It’s a cute town and great for photos.

If you’re low on time, you can axe Izamal if you want to — it’s easy to visit from Mérida.

Finally, it’s time to drive from Izamal to Mérida (1 hour), where you’ll be staying for the next four nights.

Where to Stay in Mérida

My top recommendation in Mérida is to stay in Centro. Mérida is a huge city of many neighborhoods, and some of these neighborhoods are popular with expats, but I recommend Centro because you’ll be able to walk everywhere (or take a $1 Uber), the best restaurants are located here, and it’s filled with lovely colorful buildings and nice parks.

If you want luxury accommodation, I recommend Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel . Every inch of this beautifully restored villa hotel is drool-worthy, from the outdoor pool area to the elegant, classy rooms. It’s located right on the best restaurant street in Mérida, literally the best location possible, and is close to everything.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Viva Mérida Hotel Boutique . When you see this hotel, you’ll think it’s luxury — but it’s actually great value for money. The hotel is colorful and very Yucatecan in style, and it’s a few blocks from Mérida’s zócalo and the center of town.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend Hotel La Piazzetta . Located on the eastern part of the Centro on Parque de la Mejorada, this hotel is small and simple with comfortable rooms but they bring out cute creative touches wherever they can.

As far as hostels go, Nomadas Ecohostel is a classic.

Find deals on Mérida hotels here .

Days 8, 9, and 10: Mérida

I visited Mérida for the first time in early 2019, and I loved it so much, I came back to live there for two months a year later! Four years since that first trip, it’s still one of my top five favorite places in Mexico (along with Oaxaca , Guanajuato , Mexico City , and Bacalar ).

This city is low-key, welcoming, and cheap. It wasn’t on tourists’ radar for a long time, but it’s becoming more popular over the last five years. It seems like everyone who comes here loves it.

By this point, halfway through your Yucatán road trip, you’ll be looking to relax a bit, and Mérida is the perfect place to do so. Come here to explore the surroundings. I hope you’re ready to eat.

Mérida is a great place to hang out, but more than that, I’m convinced it’s the best base for day trips in all of Mexico. You can go to so many cool places within a short drive of Mérida.

Best Restaurants in Mérida

You can eat extremely well on the cheap in Mérida. Honestly, I’m including a whole restaurants section here because there are so many good ones. I miss the restaurants in Mérida so much!

For breakfast, my #1 recommendation is to get the molletes at SOCO . SOCO is a bakery and everything they make is scrumptious. Molletes are a very simple dish — just bread topped with beans, cheese, and pico de gallo — but SOCO makes them SO much better than anyone else. You can also pick up a loaf of sourdough to take back with you.

For lunch and dinner, my absolute favorite restaurant is Micaela Mar y Leña , which specializes in seafood but also has a lot of good meat dishes. This is a high-end restaurant and if you’re into design, you’ll love the interior. I want my future home to look like Micaela!

My favorite dishes are the smoked oyster dip appetizer (if you’re a New Englander missing chowder, this will scratch your itch), the fabulous grilled shrimp, and the whole octopus, which is a showstopper. The cocktails are sensational.

Another superb restaurant, and the one I visited most frequently while living in Mérida, is Hermana Republica (the location on Avenida Colón, which is central to Mérida). This is a local brewery with excellent beers. My favorite is the Belgian Blonde.

It may just be a casual brewery, but the food is SUPERB — Yucatecan and Mexican specialties that are just phenomenal, from sopa de lima to salbutes de cochinita to tostadas de atún . They also serve the best tortilla chips I’ve ever had.

Those may be my absolute favorites, but I have a few others to recommend. I love Chill-Akil for customizable chilaquiles for breakfast (you can also go to Chilakilez if you like them with crispy pork belly). La Casita del Cheviche is great for ceviche and especially the shrimp aguachile. Merci is where you go for fancy breakfast or lunch.

Mercado 60 is a trendy food hall with a huge variety of food, not just Mexican, and makes for a fun night out. El Catrín can be hit-or-miss, but the atmosphere is fun — go when it’s dark for a mezcal margarita, guacamole, and their light show.

My friend Nathan lived in Mérida for a few years and is the ultimate expert on the best restaurants in Mérida .

And if you love high-end coffee, Manifesto is phenomenal, with the best coffees in town. They roast in-shop. Márago Coffee is also nice and they’ll make coffee in lots of different ways, from Chemex to French Press to Aeropress.

Things to Do in Mérida

Honestly, I spend my time in Mérida hanging out, eating, or doing day trips outside the city. But if you’re looking for things to do within the city, here are a few great options:

Stroll down Paseo Montejo. Many people consider this one of the most beautiful streets in Mexico, lined with mansions, shops, museums, and cafes.

Experience a magical Mayan ancestral ceremony . My sister and I did this when she came to visit! This ceremony is an interesting look into Mayan culture right in Mérida. After receiving the ceremony from a Mayan shaman, you spend time soaking in several herb-scented tubs. It’s unusual, peaceful, and I recommend it.

Go on a design walk. Mérida is becoming one of the big design hubs for Mexico, and you can go on a few different tours to see how people have renovated these homes. The Mérida English Library puts on free walking tours ( see schedule here ).

Check out El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya . This phenomenal museum is one of the most comprehensive guides to Mayan culture, and has lots of interesting displays. It’s on the way out of town.

Visit the cantinas. Two of Mérida’s most fun casual bars are La Negrita and La Fundación Mezcalería , which are owned by the same people and both feature great drinks, live music, and dancing. La Negrita is open until 10 PM, making it an early spot; La Fundación Mezcalería goes until late.

Best Day Trips from Mérida

Where Mérida really shines is its day trips. It’s a huge advantage over other Mexican cities. If you’re eager to explore, take two of those Mérida days and spend them exploring the surrounding region. Here are some of my recommendations:

Celestún. This low-key beach town with powdery white sand just might be the next-next-next Holbox. You can also explore the mangroves. While flamingoes used to dominate the landscape, their population has dwindled in recent years due to climate change. Celestún is a great day trip, and a one-hour drive from Mérida. You can also visit on a tour from Mérida .

Progreso. Want a wilder Mexican beach town? Progreso is a true local experience with blasting music and beers on the beach. Is it pretty? Eh, it’s all right. But is it fun and authentically Mexican getaway? Hell yes.

Progreso is a 40-minute drive from Mérida. If you plan to drink on the beach, consider taking an Uber instead — it should take 40 minutes and cost around $15 each way.

Mayapán ruins and cenotes. The Mayapán ruins are close to Mérida (45 minutes — be sure not to drive to the town of Mayapán, which is a different place and further away) and one of the nice things is that you can actually climb them! Even the giant pyramid.

Mayapán is close to several of the best cenotes in Mexico , including Cenote Noh Mozon and Na Yah Cenote, both near the town of Pixyá. This tour from Mérida includes both Mayapán and the cenotes of Homún.

If you skip Izamal on your drive from Valladolíd to Mérida, some of my friends think that Izamal makes the perfect addition to a Mayapán and cenotes trip.

Uxmal ruins, chocolate museum, and cenotes. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uxmal ruins are better than Chichén Itzá, in my opinion, and get a fraction of the visitors. This tour from Mérida includes the ruins, the chocolate museum next door, and a cenote visit.

Homún or Cuzama cenotes. There are SO many cenote options in this part of the Yucatán! The towns of Homún and Cuzama are famous for their high concentration of cenotes, both hacienda cenotes and wild cenotes.

If you want a more developed and organized cenote with a restaurant on site, head somewhere like the Santa Barbara Cenotes . But if you want something more rough and wild, there are plenty of motorbike drivers who will take you to some off the beaten path sites. You can also book them on a tour from Mérida .

Campeche. This town is so pretty. Campeche has a UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, and it’s prettier and more put together than Mérida’s. At 2 hours and 15 minutes, it’s one of the longer day trips from Mérida, but it can be done. See my full Campeche guide here.

Alternatively, you can spend three nights in Mérida instead of four and spend the fourth night in Campeche.

Day 11: Mérida to Bacalar

Bacalar , a town set on a lagoon in Quintana Roo, is one of my absolute favorite places in all of Mexico. They call Lake Bacalar the Lake of Seven Colors and it genuinely lives up to its name, shimmering in every color from cerulean to aquamarine to ink.

Bacalar is unique and special, and juuuuust starting to get popular. My advice? Go as soon as you can; it may not always be as peaceful as it is now.

Bacalar is just over a four-hour drive from Mérida. If you eat pork, I have the BEST lunch stop for you: it’s a place called Carnes Asadas “Mr. Samy’s” in the town of José Maria Morelos, about halfway between Mérida and Bacalar. Samy and his wonderful family served me and my friends on the way there and back, and the food is SO good.

Most likely you’ll get to Bacalar in the late afternoon. Take it easy after your long drive: get settled in at your hotel and enjoy some drinks and ceviche while overlooking the beautiful lake at sunset.

Where to Stay in Bacalar

If you want luxury accommodation, there are two options depending on the kind of trip you want. I recommend Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort and Spa if you want an isolated luxury spa getaway on the lake. If you want to be central, and able to enjoy the town, Hotel Carolina is one of the nicest properties in Bacalar town with nice rooms and swings right in the lake.

If you want mid-range accommodation, I recommend Casa Chukum . This beautiful, environmentally friendly hotel has colorful rooms and a chlorine-free swimming pool, and the complimentary breakfast includes eggs.

If you want budget accommodation, I recommend The Yak Lake House Hostel . This classic Bacalar spot has both dorms and private rooms, and it’s a great place to meet new people or just relax at its lakefront location.

Find deals on Bacalar hotels here .

Days 12 and 13: Bacalar

You should spend a minimum of two full days in Bacalar, because one should be spent on a boat tour of the lake, and one should be spent at Los Rapidos. Trust me on this one. They’re both wonderful activities and I wouldn’t want to go to Bacalar without enjoying both to the fullest.

Things to Do in Bacalar

A boat tour is the most popular activity to do in Bacalar, and booking this should be your top priority. You can join a boat tour (this one has an open bar) — or hire your own boat if you want a private trip — and explore the lagoon, from the shallow waters of Pirates’ Canal to the dark cenotes within the lake itself. Many boats turn into a party!

Spend a day at Los Rapidos. Los Rapidos is a riverside beach club about a 20-minute drive outside Bacalar. You can sit by the river, lie in Instagrammable hammocks right in the water, and enjoy food and cocktails — but the best part is jumping in the river and letting it whisk you downstream! Insanely fun.

I highly recommend water shoes for Los Rapidos, as the pavement is sharp and painful to walk on, but the river carries you downstream so you can’t get out in where you left your shoes. Water shoes solve that problem. They’re also good for wearing in Lake Bacalar.

Check out the Cenote Azul. This is a good place to stop on the way to Los Rapidos, as it’s on the same road out of town. This giant open cenote is a nice place to stop for a morning swim.

Go stand-up paddle boarding. If you’ve never tried SUP before, a lake is the perfect place to learn. It’s a great core workout that doesn’t feel like a workout, and a gorgeous way to explore the lake. You can book a sunrise paddleboarding tour here.

Hang out on the docks and at the beach clubs. Throughout Bacalar town there are docks where you can just go and sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Many belong to hotels and guesthouses, but several are open to the public, too.

Read More: Guide to Bacalar, Mexico’s Lake of Seven Colors

Day 14: Bacalar to Cancún Airport

Sad times — it’s time to head home. The drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport takes about four hours.

If you have an early flight departing from Cancún, it might make more sense to drive up from Bacalar the night before and spend the night in a hotel close to the airport like the Courtyard by Marriott Cancún Airport , which is good value for money and just a four-minute drive from departures.

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

A lot of people get intimidated about driving in Mexico — but it’s not as scary as you think, especially here in the Yucatán Peninsula. This is a safe and easy region of the country. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive alone in this part of Mexico!

If you’re driving in Mexico for the first time ever, the Yucatán Peninsula is the perfect place to start. Most major roads are in good condition. Yucatán state has exceptionally low crime; Quintana Roo state’s crime is mostly concentrated in the resort towns you’ll be avoiding. The landscape is flat for the most part and you don’t have to deal with treacherous mountain passes.

In other parts of Mexico, like remote areas of Chiapas, locals frequently shut down roads due to protests or ask passing drivers for money; this is very uncommon in the states of Yucatán, Campeche, and Quintana Roo.

If you’re looking to get good value for money, I recommend comparing car rental rates at RentalCars.com . Keep in mind that the cheapest rates are often for manual transmissions — if you need an automatic car, specify that when you book so there are no surprises.

Obviously, you’ll need a license to drive in Mexico. Mexico recognizes English language licenses, regardless of country. If you don’t have an English or Spanish language license, you may want to bring an international driving permit (which is essentially a translation of your license that you can get in your home country).

Mexicans drive on the right side of the road.

If you’re nervous, you may want to do all your driving during the day. I planned out this Mexico road trip itinerary so that you could do all of your driving during the day if possible. The longest driving days are about four hours. A lot of people feel more comfortable driving during the day, when more people are out and the light is better.

Speed bumps are a continuous annoyance while driving in Mexico. They are everywhere — in the middle of towns, on smaller roads, on busy roads, and sometimes even on the highway. While sometimes they’re painted yellow and have signs, sometimes they appear out of nowhere and are hard to spot. Keep an eye on the road continuously.

There are lots of toll roads ( cuota roads) in Mexico, and they add up. Still, I recommend taking toll roads when you can, as they tend to be in far better condition with fewer potholes and speed bumps. Keep money on you — both bills and change — to pay these tolls. You may have to pay as much as 200 pesos ($10). Trust me, it’s better than the regular roads.

There are checkpoints throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, especially when crossing state lines. Sometimes they will wave you straight through; sometimes they will ask you where you’re going. One time, when driving into the town of Hecelchakán in Campeche, a local cop asked me why we were heading there. “Cochinita,” we replied — we were there for the famous slow-roasted pork. He grinned and waved us in.

Gas stations are easy to find throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. I’m a fairly cautious person and tend to refill when I get down to half a tank; you won’t need to worry about this, as there are plenty of stations. Gas stations in Mexico are full-service — the attendant pumps your gas for you. Be sure to give him a small tip (10-20 pesos is fine).

You should keep in mind that many rural areas of Mexico have no phone signal, and that includes along the highways. Much of the time you need to get to a town before you get phone signal.

Finally — Mexico is not nearly as dangerous as the American media would have you believe. Just like the US, there are very safe areas and not-so-safe areas. Much of the drug violence is concentrated in pockets of the north. The Yucatán Peninsula is a very safe area of Mexico — in fact, Yucatán State and Mérida are frequently cited as the safest state and city in Mexico.

Read More: Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe?

Alternative Yucatan Road Trip Itineraries

Want a slightly different two week Mexico itinerary? No problem! You can customize this Yucatán itinerary to your needs.

Would you rather take public transport than drive? You can do that!

Would you rather change accommodation less often and stay longer in fewer places? Indeed you can.

Do you only have 10 days or a week? We can absolutely work with that.

Do you have more than two weeks to travel? Lucky you. I have suggestions.

Traveling in the Yucatán by Public Transportation

Don’t want to drive? That’s okay! With a few adjustments, you can do this trip by bus. You won’t have the freedom to come and go as you please, and you’ll have to plan ahead for scheduling your time, but for some people, not having to drive makes it worth it.

The buses in this part of Mexico are very safe and comfortable. I’ve taken them many times as a solo female traveler and I wouldn’t hesitate to take them again.

Here is the two-week Mexico itinerary I recommend, using public transportation:

• Day 1: Get a shuttle from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá , then get the ferry to Holbox
• Day 4: Ferry to Chiquilá, bus from Chiquilá to Río Lagartos via Tizimín
• Day 5: Book a day trip to Las Coloradas from Río Lagartos, then bus to Valladolíd later
• Day 6: Colectivo from Valladolíd to Chichén Itzá and back
• Day 7: Bus from Valladolíd to Mérida
• Days 8-10: Mérida and day trips (include Izamal here)
• Day 11: Bus from Mérida to Bacalar
• Day 14: Bus from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

A few notes: You may want to switch up the order of Río Lagartos and Valladolíd. If you’re traveling from Río Lagartos to Mérida, you’ll need to change buses in Tizimín.

You technically can get a bus from Valladolíd to Chichén Itzá to Mérida, but you probably don’t want to drag your luggage around the ruins, so I recommend doing Chichén Itza as a day trip from Valladolíd and catching a bus to Mérida the next day.

While in Mérida, you’ll be better off doing organized day trips that include the transportation.

Here are a few easy and fun day trips from Mérida where you won’t have to drive:

Progreso beach: Head to Progreso by public bus from Mérida (20 pesos, or $1, each way), or take an Uber for about $15 USD each way. The drive is just 40 minutes.

Mayapán ruins and cenotes: The Mayapán ruins are close to several top cenotes. This tour from Mérida includes both Mayapán and some great cenotes nearby.

Homún cenotes: Take a colectivo from Mérida to Homún (1 hour) and upon arrival, hire a motorbike driver to either take you to Santa Barbara Cenotes (resort-like hacienda experience) or hire a driver for the day to take you to several wild cenotes in the area. Alternatively, take a tour to the Santa Barbara Cenotes direct from Mérida.

Another similar option is taking a colectivo to Cuzama, another town close to Homún that has its own collection of cenotes.

Celestún beach and mangroves: I recommend booking a tour for this as the public bus takes 2.5 hours but it’s just an hour’s drive from Mérida. This Celestún tour from Mérida includes time in the biosphere reserve and free time on the white sand beach.

Uxmal ruins, chocolate, and cenotes: This Uxmal tour from Mérida includes a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uxmal ruins, a trip to the chocolate museum, and a cenote visit.

A Slower Two Week Mexico Itinerary

Do you prefer not changing hotels often, with longer stays in fewer places? I totally get it. It’s the best way to have a relaxing trip. If that’s the case with you, I recommend basing in three places during your two week trip to Mexico: Holbox, Mérida, and Bacalar.

This can be done either as a Yucatan road trip or with public buses (though keep in mind the bringing your luggage to Chichén Itza issue — you may want to go there and back to get your bags before heading to Mérida).

• Day 1: Drive from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá, ferry to Holbox
• Days 2-4: Holbox
• Day 5: Ferry to Chiquilá, drive to Mérida via Valladolíd and Chichén Itzá
• Days 6-9: Mérida
• Day 10: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 11-13: Bacalar

If You Have More than Two Weeks

If you have longer than two weeks for your Yucatan road trip itinerary, you can add extra days to any of the previously mentioned destinations. Holbox, Mérida, and Bacalar in particular would be great places to add extra days. Here are some other things you can do.

Spend a night in Campeche . Or maybe two. Campeche is lovely — its old town is smaller, cleaner, prettier, and better put together than Mérida’s. There’s also a nice malecón , or path along the seafront. I wrote about my time in Campeche here.

Spend a night or two in Mahahual. This beachside town on the Costa Maya is on the verge of getting super-popular — the way Tulum was 15 years ago. The time to visit is now, while it’s still a bit low-key, before the major developers arrive.

If you REALLY want to, spend a night or two in Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, or Tulum. I’m not going to stop you. Just go in with measured expectations. They’re popular resort towns. Like I said, there are far better places to visit in the Yucatán Peninsula, and you’ve been to lots of them. (I’ve heard Isla Mujeres is quite nice, though.)

See the Coba ruins. The Coba ruins are about 45 minutes west of Tulum and like the Mayapán ruins, you can climb them! The Gran Cenote makes a good stop on the way back (there are turtles swimming in it!) but know it’s much pricier than the cenotes near Mérida and Valladolíd.

If you have the budget for a night or two in a resort, you’ll probably want to do it around the Riviera Maya. This part of Mexico is not lacking in resorts! Relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand can be a nice way to end your two-week Mexico road trip.

10 Days in Mexico Itinerary

If you only have 10 days in Mexico, I would make a few cuts on the places that excite you the least. If if were up to me, I would cut Río Lagartos out of your itinerary, limit Valladolíd to a short drive-by visit, and remove one of the days in Mérida.

Day 4 is going to be a LONG day. I recommend starting early to make the most of it.

• Day 4: Drive from Holbox to Mérida via Valladolíd, Chichén Itzá, possibly a cenote
• Day 5-6: Mérida and day trips
• Day 7: Drive from Mérida to Bacalar
• Days 8-9: Bacalar
• Day 10: Drive from Bacalar to Cancún Airport

One Week in Mexico Itinerary

If you only have one week in Mexico, I would split your time between two destinations: either Holbox and Mérida or Bacalar and Mérida. I know it’s tempting to add in lots of destinations, but trust me on this one.

In 2019 I spent a week in Mexico split between Holbox and Mérida and it was perfect. (And it definitely whet my appetite for more — a year later I came back to live in Mérida for the winter!)

You may want to consider a one-way car rental from Cancún to Mérida. One-way rentals can often be more expensive, but it saves you hours of driving in this case. Once again, RentalCars.com will give you an idea of the pricing.

But a car isn’t necessary for this weeklong trip. You can easily do this itinerary by public transportation on the ADO buses, as I did in 2019. If you go to Holbox, take one of the many shuttles from Cancún Airport to Chiquilá — it’s faster and easier than the bus.

• Day 1: Arrive Cancún, drive to Chiquilá and get the ferry to Holbox (or drive to Bacalar)
• Days 2-3: Holbox (or Bacalar)
• Day 4: Drive from Chiquilá (or Bacalar) to Mérida
• Days 5 and 6: Mérida
• Day 7: Depart Mérida

There is a lot more to see on the drive from Chiquilá to Mérida — Valladolíd, Chichén Itzá, some cool cenotes, Izamal — than the drive from Bacalar to Mérida.

So which place is better, Holbox or Bacalar ? Wow, that’s a tough one! Having spent time in both places recently, I would give the edge to Bacalar. It’s more unique and I think it has a better vibe.

Mexico Travel Tips

When you arrive in Mexico, you’ll fill out a form on the plane and present it at immigration. You’ll be given part of the form back. This needs to be presented when you leave Mexico — do not lose it! If you do lose it, there are places in the airport where you can pay for a new one.

If you want to get a SIM card for your phone when in Mexico, I recommend Telcel. Remember to bring your passport to the store for ID. If you run out of data, you can top it up at an OXXO drug store, which are all over Mexico.

Quintana Roo and Yucatán states are in different time zones. According to this itinerary, you’ll cross these time zones when you go from Holbox to Valladolíd on Day Four and when you go from Mérida to Bacalar on Day Ten. Keep that in mind.

Keep small change for using the bathroom. Many public restrooms charge you to use them. It’s usually 5 pesos (25 cents).

Keep in mind that an “M” on the bathroom means it’s for women! I have made that mistake before! M is for mujeres, or women. Sometimes bathrooms are labeled Mujeres and Hombres , or Damas and Caballeros .

The water is not safe to drink in Mexico. Your accommodation will often provide you with drinking water, and I recommend a LifeStraw  or SteriPen water purifier and  reusable bottle to cut down on your plastic waste. That said, there’s nothing wrong with brushing your teeth with Mexican water.

If you get sick in Mexico, consider visiting a Farmacia Ahorro. I learned this when living in Mérida — several pharmacy chains, including Farmacia Ahorro, have a doctor working in the pharmacy who can examine you! Ask the pharmacist and they’ll give you a ticket for the doctor. Tip the doctor when you’re done (100 pesos, or $5, is fine).

Best Time to Visit Mexico for a Yucatán Road Trip

The absolute best time to visit the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico is during the winter months: from December to March. This is primarily for weather reasons: nice sunny days, it rarely rains and temperatures are at their most pleasant.

This is especially important because Mérida is brutally hot for most of the year. The winter months are when Mérida is at its most pleasant, but even in winter, you’ll occasionally have some days at 95 F (35 C).

Outside of these months, it really heats up in Mérida. Mérida’s hottest month is May, and late April and early June are also brutally hot. It stays hot through November.

The other destinations on this itinerary, like Holbox and Bacalar, aren’t QUITE as hot as Mérida, thanks to their location by the sea, but the heat can still be unpleasant. Plus, so much of this itinerary is dependent on outdoor weather conditions and I know you’d rather not risk being rained out.

Consequently, this winter months are when Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula gets the most tourists, and when places tend to be most expensive. But I encourage you to visit at this time because weather really can make or break your visit.

Plus, visiting Mexico when it’s cold at home is the point! You need a warm weather escape, and Mexico is one of the best possible places you could visit. Your friends are going to be jealous of your photos…

What to Pack for a Mexico Road Trip

The good thing about Mexico is that you can often buy what you need there. Still, you should pack wisely, just in case.

In terms of clothing, you can wear whatever you want in Mexico — just nothing grotesquely revealing, and keep swimwear to the beach. Light fabrics help you breathe. I tend to wear dresses, skirts, and tank tops with sandals, plus some athletic wear for active days. You might want to bring a sweater and jeans for cool nights or bus rides.

(Like my bag in the photo above? I got it at Poshería , my favorite shop in Mérida, right on Paseo Montejo. Such a great, useful souvenir!)

Here are some items that are smart to pack for a trip to Mexico:

Biodegradable sunscreen . Leave your regular sunscreen at home — it can be harmful to delicate areas like cenotes, Lake Bacalar, and the waters surrounding Holbox. Stick to the biodegradable or reef safe brands.

Earplugs . Mexico is loud . Even in small towns. Even in luxury hotels. Even on a Monday night. Earplugs are essential to get a good night’s sleep in Mexico.

LifeStraw  or SteriPen water purifier and  reusable bottle . This lets you drink water safely in Mexico without creating more waste from bottled water.

Pacsafe Travelsafe . Lock up your valuables to something sturdy in your accommodation. I consider my portable safe  the most important thing I pack .

Mosquito repellant . Mosquitos can be incessant in this part of Mexico, especially at sunset.

Travel towel . Cenotes don’t provide towels — you’ll need to bring your own.

Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf . These scarves have a hidden pocket for your passport or cash, and some come in light fabrics perfect for Mexico. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ).

Sports sandals . Sports sandals are ideal for climbing ruins and exploring the outdoors while leaving your feet room to breathe on hot days.

Flip-flops . I wear mine everywhere in Mexico. I can’t wear most flip-flops due to arch issues but I ADORE my  Abeo flip-flops with arch support .

Water shoes . I don’t usually recommend these, but they are extremely useful in Bacalar, especially at Los Rapidos, where you alternate being in the water and walking on painful ground.

GoPro . You are going to want to take photos in the water in this part of Mexico — especially cenotes and at Bacalar.

Travel Insurance for Mexico

One last note — it’s absolutely vital to have travel insurance before traveling to Mexico.  If you get sick or injured on your trip, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home for more care, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin.  I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Mexico.

Travel insurance will help you in your hour of need if you come down with appendicitis in Mérida or trip and break an ankle while climbing the pyramid at Mayapán, and if your flights get canceled due to hurricanes, you can get accommodation and new flights paid for.

As always, be sure to read your policy carefully and make sure it’s a fit for you.  See what World Nomads covers here.

You are going to LOVE your Mexico road trip.

Mexico is one of my absolute favorite places in the world. I love this country fiercely, and I will always come back to it. The more time I spend in Mexico, the more places I keep adding to visit someday!

So many people go to Mexico and see nothing more than beach resorts, when the country has SO much more to offer, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula. I know your trip will be so much better when you focus on areas outside the resorts.

And please don’t forget that you can put your own spin on whatever you want to do. Maybe you’re not a fan of ruins. That’s fine! You don’t have to go to any! And if you don’t like swimming in deep water, know that you don’t have to swim in any if you don’t want to. (Plus, they all provide lifejackets.)

This is your trip. You go do Mexico the way you want to. I’m just here to help you along the way.

Have the best time in Mexico — then come back and tell me all about it!

Planning a Trip to Mexico:

• Solo Female Travel in Mexico: Is it Safe?
• What NOT to Do in Mexico

Places to Visit in the Yucatán and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast:

• Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico, The Lake of Seven Colors
• Guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico’s Most Magical Island
• 50+ Best Cenotes in Mexico

Places to Visit in Inland Mexico:

• The Absolute Best Things to Do in Oaxaca, Mexico
• Best Mexico City Neighborhoods to Stay In
• 35+ Best Things to Do in Guanajuato, Mexico
• How to Visit Sumidero Canyon from San Cristobal de las Casas

Places to Visit on Mexico’s Pacific Coast:

• 24 Fabulous Things to Do in Sayulita, Mexico
• Guide to Bucerías, Mexico, an alternative to Puerto Vallarta

Have you been on a Yucatan road trip? Where do you recommend going? Share away!

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Merida

Day trips from merida.

• Merida to Chichen Itza
• Merida to Uxmal
• Merida to Homun
• Merida to Celestun
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Chichen Itza Full Day Tour

2. Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch

3. Uxmal and Kabah Ruins Tour with Chocolate History

4. Chichen Itza, Private Cenote , Food Experience & the magic Izamal

5. Celestun Beach and Mangrove Boat Ride from Merida

6. Tour to Uxmal, Cenote & Kabah from Merida

7. Tour to Chichen, Izamal & cenote from Merida

8. UXMAL Private Tour and Chocolate Museum plus Cenote

9. Magical towns and their gastronomy.

10. Ria Lagartos, Coloradas & Cancunito Beach from Merida

11. Tour to the pink lagoons & Río Lagartos from Merida

12. Tour to Cenotes of Santa Barbara and Acanceh area from Merida

13. Chichen Itza Elite Private Tour from Merida

14. Yaxcopoil Hacienda & Uxmal Plus Cenote from Merida

15. Boat tour to Celestun from Merida

16. 3 Hour Tour in The Sotuta de Peón Live Museum

17. Chichen Itza and Cenote Tour from Merida

18. Private Tour Celestun Flamingo Watching and Beach

19. Private Tour Cenotes of Mucuyche & Santa Barbara in one day

20. Chichen Itza Premium Swim in Cenote Ikkil Explore Izamal Village

21. Full Day Tour Chichen Magic Towns Izamal and Valladolid

22. Private tour at magic town of Izamal with Atv´s

23. Tour to Cenote Ring in Homún + 1 Magical Town

24. Full Day Private Tour to Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil and Izamal

25. Celestun Biosphere Reserve Tour from Merida

26. Full-Day Ancient Haciendas and Cenotes Homún from Mérida

27. Discover Magical Towns and Chichen Itza from Merida

28. Tour A full day in Uxmal, Kabah and Chocolate Museum

29. Tour to Uxmal + Choco Story Chocolate Museum

30. Cultural Day in Uxmal, Kahba Ruin from Mérida Tour

What travelers are saying.

• Chichen Itza Full Day Tour
• Chichen Itza, Cenote & Buffet Lunch
• Tour to Uxmal, Cenote & Kabah from Merida
• Celestun Beach and Mangrove Boat Ride from Merida
• Chichen Itza, Private Cenote , Food Experience & the magic Izamal
• Adventures Mexico
• Travelezza Yucatan Peninsula
• ECOEXPEDITIONSMEXICO off the beaten path experiences
• Diving Yucatan
• Traveler Tiger
• Rutas Turisticas Yucatan
• Yucatan awesome tours

A week in Yucatan: Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary + Tips

The perfect itinerary for one week in yucatan (peninsula).

You’re planning to spend a week in Yucatan and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

It’s a short trip, but you can still see a lot of amazing places if you plan well.

To make it easier for you, I’ve put together a one-week itinerary for Yucatan that covers the best of the Riviera Maya and Yucatan. You’ll get to enjoy the stunning beaches, nature reserves, Mayan ruins and cenotes.

This 6, 7 or 8 day itinerary starts in Cancun . From there, you’ll head to Playa del Carmen , where you can choose from various activities, such as exploring the Rio Secreto caves or snorkeling in Cozumel .

Next, you’ll visit Tulum and its beautiful beaches and discover the Sian Ka’an reserve. Then, you’ll leave the Riviera Maya and go to Valladolid to visit the famous Mayan city of Chichen Itza .

You’ll also see the hidden city of Ek Balam in the jungle, the pink lagoons of Las Coloradas de Rio Lagartos , and the most beautiful cenotes of Yucatan.

For the last part of your trip, you’ll go back to Cancun to visit Isla Contoy , a small island paradise, and Isla Mujeres .

At each stop, I’ll give you all my practical tips, accommodation suggestions for all budgets and information on how to get around by rental car or public transportation.

So, what are the best things to do in Yucatan in 1 week? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Where to stay in Playa del Carmen?

Where to stay in tulum, where to stay in valladolid, where to sleep in cancun, 5) departure from cancun, 1. renting a car in yucatan, 2. public transportation in yucatán, book your plane tickets at the best price, map: what to do in yucatan in one week, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you, 1) playa del carmen (1-2 days).

Since the international airport is in Cancun , this will be the starting point for this one-week tour of the Yucatan Peninsula .

When you arrive, pick up your rental car and head straight to Playa del Carmen .

For my part, I always use the comparator of Rentalcars.com for my rentals: it’s the easiest way to get the best price!

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

You want to do this 1 week tour in Yucatan without a car ? No problem, here’s how you can get to your hotel:

• Taxi service : a quick and safe option with air conditioning and wifi – Book it here!
• Bus : cheaper but slower. Take the ADO bus first to downtown Cancun and then the r-1 bus that goes along the hotel zone. When you get on the R-1, tell the driver where your hotel is so he can tell you where to get off.

There’s so much to do in Playa del Carmen , and since you don’t have much time, I suggest you pick one of these options:

Option 1 – Relax in Playa del Carmen (1 Day)

If you feel like walking and soaking up the sun, you can:

• Stroll along Fifth Avenue , full of bars, restaurants and shops
• Relax on the beaches of Playa del Carmen , such as Playa Mamitas,. Playacar or Punta Esmeralda.
• Go to the Parque de los Fundadores to see the Mayan Portal sculpture and the colorful letters of Playa del Carmen , as well as enjoy the free shows . There’s also a public beach.
• Take a dip in a freshwater cenote, such as Cenote Azul . You can also check out Cenote Jardin del Eden and Cenote Cristalino , which are nearby.
• Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum or the Museo de las Maravillas 3D (especially if you’re traveling with kids)

My advice For more ideas of things to do in Playa del Carmen , you can also read:

• Playa del Carmen : The 30 best things to do!
• what to visit in Playa del Carmen on a budget?
• The 12 cenotes you can’t miss in Playa del Carmen

Option 2 – Spend the day at Xcaret Park (1 day)

Xcaret is a huge park that showcases the ecological, archaeological and cultural aspects of Mexico.

It has been voted the best theme and water park in the world for five years in a row!

There are about 50 activities for the whole family to enjoy on the beach, in the jungle, in the cenotes and underground rivers, as well as to learn about the Mayan culture.

Don’t miss the Mexico Espectacular show : it features 300 performers on stage who present the history, culture and folklore of Mexico. It’s amazing!

You can get your tickets for Xcaret , which include the Mexico Espectacular show, here:

• With pick up at your hotel:
• Without hotel pick up:

My advice The best way to enjoy the parks is to stay at the Hotel Xcaret❤️ .

Option 3 – Diving in Cozumel (1 day)

Cozumel is one of the largest islands in Mexico and is known as one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling .

There’s a lot to see and do in Cozumel, such as Punta Sur , Chankanaab Park , its many beaches, El Cielo , Playa Mia and the Mayan site of San Gervasio .

But if you only have one day, I suggest you go straight to the best diving spots .

You can take this tour to Cozumel with pick up at your hotel that takes you snorkeling at Palancar Reef and El Cielo .

It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Cozumel , with clear waters and a lot of starfish :

• Check out: Top 15 things to do in Cozumel!
• Cozumel is easily accessible from Playa del Carmen . If you go on your own (without a tour that already includes transportation) the ferry takes you in 30 min.

Option 4 – Rio Secreto Adventure (1 day)

Rio Secreto is one of the best adventures you can have in the Riviera Maya .

It’s a guided tour that lets you explore an underground river 25 meters below the surface, with amazing clear waters and walls covered with stalactites and stalagmites.

The tours are done in small groups, only with prior reservation , which gives you a unique contact with nature.

You can book your ticket to Rio Secreto here , which includes a lunch made with local ingredients:

As the visit to Rio Secreto lasts between 3h and 3h30 , you will have time to enjoy the rest of the day.

• Return to Playa del Carmen.
• Enjoy the beautiful beach of Xpu-Ha and Cenote Azul .

Spend the night in Playa del Carmen.

• Che Playa Hostel & Bar Adults Only : great hostel to meet other travelers and party , with a rooftop terrace that has a bar and a small pool, with several offered activities . Clean, with good wifi and a great welcome. From only 13 $usd for the dormitory or 37 $usd for a private room!
• Hotel Lunata : a charming hotel with hacienda style decoration, which is hidden on Quinta Avenida, very close to the beach . Quiet, with a garden, rooms with balcony, and has very friendly service. From only 82 $usd per night!
• Porto Playa Condo Beach Club : here you will find a spacious apartment ideal for a family , with fully equipped kitchen, living room and terrace. The hotel has a large swimming pool , a gym and a restaurant, starting at 172 $usd per night!
• The Reef Playacar Resort & Spa : located on the beautiful beach of Playacar , just a few minutes from Fifth Avenue . Ideal for a romantic stay , with a beautiful tropical garden, two pools, a gym and a spa. 200 $usd with the “all inclusive” formula.
• Hotel Xcaret Mexico All Parks All Fun Inclusive: it is definitely the best hotel in Playa del Carmen! Ideal for couples and families with children as this luxury hotel offers an exceptional package including meals and access to its parks (Xcaret, Xplor , Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xel-Ha and Xenote). Starting at 860 $usd per night, all inclusive.

2) Tulum (2 days)

For the next part of this 7-day Yucatan road trip , head south of the Riviera Maya to Tulum .

Tulum is not only Mexico’s boho chic destination , but also has long white sandy beaches that are famous throughout the country and a lot of Mayan cenotes .

Day 1 – Today, discover the best of Tulum

Start the day with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum , located by the Caribbean Sea.

Thanks to its strategic location, the ancient city of Tulum (6th-15th centuries) was an important place for land and sea trade in the Mayan world.

In a 1h30-2h visit , you’ll see the wall and watchtowers, the Castle that served as a reference point for sailors, the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, and then go down to the small beach of the ruins.

My Advice Families especially enjoy Cenote Zacil-Ha , the Gran Cenote and Dos Ojos Cenote .

If you prefer a less touristy experience, you can go to Nicte-Ha , Taak Bi-Ha or Cenote Calavera .

At lunchtime, you can stroll along Tulum’s Beach Strip , with its cute stores, cafes and several restaurants.

Being a small road that runs along the beaches of Tulum , you’ll be very close to enjoy Playa Paraiso and Playa Las Palmas .

At night, it will be easy to find a bar with a good vibe and for all budgets: Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar , Casa Jaguar , Papaya Playa Project , Gitano , etc.

Spend the night in Tulum.

I invite you to read:

• Tulum : The 21 Best Things to Do!
• Tulum Ruins : Everything You Need to Know for Your Visit

How to get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen:

• By car: 55 min on Highway 307 that runs along the Riviera Maya.
• By public transportation : there are several departures a day with ADO buses (40-90 pesos). If you prefer to go by colectivo, the bus stop is on the corner of Calle 2 and Avenida 20, near Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen.

Day 2 – Sian Ka’an Reserve

The Sian Ka’an Reserve is a Biosphere Reserve , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar site . It’s a definitely must-see on a one week trip to Yucatan!

It covers a huge area, between jungle and beach, which is partly open to the public.

But you can’t see it all in one day and you’ll have to choose one of the two access points :

• Punta Allen is a fishing village that lets you explore the coast of Sian Ka’an with its beautiful beach, take a boat ride to see dolphins, manatees and other animals.

The road is a bit rough (you need a 4×4 car), the visit takes all day and that’s why I highly recommend you to book a tour from Tulum :

• Muyil allows you to see the jungle with its swamps, freshwater lagoons and Mayan ruins. You are not really in the middle of the reserve like Punta Allen, but it is a great experience.

The advantage is that it is easy to get to and the visit takes about half a day . You can even get there on your own , taking the ADO bus to Chunyaxché from Tulum (20 minutes).

If you prefer not to worry about transportation, you can book the Muyil excursion from Tulum here:

If you have time, after visiting Sian Ka’an, you can relax at Boca Paila beach , go to the Kaan Luum Lagoon or return to Tulum to continue enjoying the beach.

Overnight in Tulum .

• Mayan Monkey Tulum : an excellent value for money . Nice modern hostel with a good atmosphere, a pool, bar and garden. Including fast wifi, kitchen access, yoga classes, coworking spaces, and bike and motorcycle rentals. Dorms and private rooms starting at only 24 $usd per night.
• Casa Almendro : if you are looking for a little more comfort, you will like this small cheap hotel in the center of Tulum . It’s a green oasis with a rooftop terrace with chairs and hammocks. There are king size beds and breakfast is included, from only 50 $usd per night!
• Diamante K : is a high-end hotel but at a very fair price , which is exceptional in Tulum, especially for a hotel with direct access to the beach in the hotel zone! Bohemian chic atmosphere, including a restaurant, hammocks and beds on the private beach, and a massage service. Bungalows are 207 $usd per night.
• Habitas Tulum : this small eco-friendly hotel with a chic design is ideal for a romantic stay in Tulum . It is a true oasis of peace, hidden among the palm trees, with a magnificent swimming pool and a private beach. There are also yoga classes on the terrace at sunset. From 371 $usd per night!
• Kanan Tulum- Adults Only : this is the ultimate option for a luxury stay in Tulum . It is an ecological hotel for adults only, located on a beautiful private beach with hammocks and beds. With a fantastic rooftop terrace with a bar; the hotel also has an excellent restaurant, great rooms and a very friendly welcome. From 566 $usd per night!

3) Valladolid (2 days)

Day 1 – Chichen Itza and Valladolid

In the morning, we head to the famous city of Chichén Itzá , which is a must-see on a 7-8 day tour of the Yucatan Peninsula .

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New 7 Wonders of the Modern World New 7 Wonders of the Modern World . It’s a true symbol of the Mayan culture and an emblem of Mexico .

You can spend about 2h30-3h to visit El Castillo , which is the main pyramid of Chichen Itza , the astronomical observatory, the field of mesoamerican ball game , the Temple of the Warriors and much more!

You can get your tickets to Chichen Itza with skip-the-line access here :

To learn everything about Chichen Itza : check out my Definitive Guide to Chichén Itzá !

After the visit, cool off in the beautiful and refreshing Cenote Zací , in the center of Valladolid .

If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant right above the cenote and if you spend 100 pesos, the cenote is free !

You can spend the afternoon exploring the lovely colonial city of Valladolid , starting with its main square with the Francisco Cantón Park and the San Servacio Church.

You can walk along the Calzada de los Frailes and end at the Convent of San Bernardino .

There are also many museums, cafes, restaurants, plazas and charming neighborhoods. It’s a very pleasant city to stroll around.

• Learn more: The 25 best things to do in Valladolid!

Spend the night in Valladolid .

How to get to Valladolid from Tulum:

• By car : 1h30 on Highway 109 to Coba, then Highway 180 to Valladolid
• By public transport : 1h30 by ADO bus, departing at 7:30, 8:57 and 10:47 a.m

Day 2 – Ek Balam and Rio Lagartos

This week-long road trip in Yucatan goes on to Ek Balam , which means “the black jaguar” in Mayan.

It’s an amazing Maya city hidden in the jungle , much less crowded than Chichén Itzá , which is also a must-see in Yucatán !

You’ll be able to climb to the top of the Acropolis , considered one of the most important structures in Mesoamerica , see the Maya Arch, the Oval Palace, the Twin Pyramids, the Platform of the Stelae and the Maya ball court.

After 1h30-2h visit in Ek Balam , head to Rio Lagartos to see the famous pink Lake Las Coloradas .

These are actually ponds of a salt mine where 500,000 tons of salt are harvested every year !

If you’re traveling between January and September , I also recommend you take the boat tour in the Ria Lagartos biosphere reserve to see the large colonies of flamingos.

My advice There are several cenotes you can incorporate into your itinerary today. For example:

• Cenote X-Canché which you can reach on foot or by bicycle from Ek Balam
• Cenote Kikil administered by a local community.
• Cenotes Agua Dulce and Palomitas (which are next to each other).
• Cenote Hubiku

To learn about all your options, I invite you to read my article: The 21 most beautiful cenotes in Valladolid !

Spend the night in Valladolid.

• To get to Ek Balam from Valladolid : 30 minutes by car on Carretera 295 and then on Carretera Ek Balam. Buses leave from Calle 44.
• To get to Río Lagartos from Ek Balam : 1 h 20 by car on Highway 295. By public transport, first take a cab to Tizimín, then a colectivo or a Noreste bus to Río Lagartos (the last bus back leaves at 17:30).

• Candelaria Hostel : The best budget option in Valladolid! A colorful hostel that is very well located in the centre, with a garden, access to the kitchen, and a bike rental. Good breakfast options are also included, from 17 $usd for a bed in a shared dorm or 38 $usd for a private room.
• Real Haciendas : A small, charming, yet very quiet hotel with a swimming pool , clean rooms with comfortable king size bed, and a very good welcome. Starting f rom 57 $usd per night.
• IMIX Hotel : A typical colonial house in the centre of Valladolid on the beautiful Calzada de los Frailes , nicely decorated with spacious rooms. Breakfast included, starting from 127 $usd per night.
• Le Muuch Hotel : A hotel located 5 minutes away from the main park Francisco Canton Rosado . Excellent service, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools with hammocks, rooms with garden view, air conditioning, and a bar and restaurant. A la carte breakfast included, starting from 140 $usd per night.
• Hotel Zentik Project : This is definitely one of my favorite hotels in Mexico and the best hotel in Valladolid ! Beautiful Mayan-style cabanas with murals done by local and international artists. There’s a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool with hammocks, and a saltwater pool in an underground cave . Very good breakfast included, starting from 380 $usd per night.

4) Cancun (1-2 days)

Day 1 – Cancun

In the morning, leave Valladolid and make your way to Cancun in the Riviera Maya .

• Don’t miss my article: Top 30 things to do in Cancun!

To make the most of your day in Cancun , you can:

• Relax on the beautiful beaches of Tortugas, Los Delfines, Playa Langosta, Playa Linda, Playa Caracol, Playa Marlin
• Visit the Mayan Museum or the archaeological site El Rey next to Playa Delfines
• Kitesurfing in Isla Blanca
• Snorkel or scuba dive at MUSA , the largest underwater museum in the world – Book the MUSA snorkeling tour here!
• Shopping for souvenirs at Mercado 28.

At night, I recommend Xoximilco Cancun if you want to enjoy a Mexican party.

It’s a 3-hour ride on a typical Mexican trajinera, with traditional food, open bar (tequila, beer and soft drinks) and mariachis.

Buy your tickets for Xoximilco here:

You can also go to the mythical Coco Bongo Club , the City Night Club which is the biggest discotheque in Mexico , or find another bar on Kukulcan Avenue .

You can buy your tickets to Coco Bongo here:

My advice From today, I suggest you to return your rental car.

It will be much more comfortable because you won’t need your car the next day, for the visit to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres .

Overnight in Cancun.

How to get to Cancun from Valladolid:

• By car : 1h50 on the 180D.
• By public transport : 2h15 by ADO bus, several departures starting at 7:30 am.

Day 2 – Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres

For the last day of this 7-day Yucatan itinerary , I suggest you discover Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy , an island paradise that few people know about.

Contoy is a small protected island of 9 km that is an important wildlife sanctuary and a nesting place for turtles .

To get there, you have to book a tour and I recommend you do it in advance , as access is limited to 200 people per day .

This exclusivity helps to preserve the island but also offers a very pleasant atmosphere for travelers.

The tour departs from the port of Cancun and after about 10 minutes, the boat stops for a short snorkeling session at the Ixlache reef with corals, fish and underwater statues.

One hour later, we arrive at Isla Contoy .

Upon arrival, you can take a short guided tour (30 min) through the island’s trails or enjoy the beach right away. The truth is that I loved both, you decide!

At lunch time, they serve Tikin Xic fish , the traditional dish of Yucatan , before getting back on the boat to go to Isla Mujeres .

As you’ll have 1h15-1h30 of free time in Isla Mujeres before returning to Cancun, I suggest you go straight to Playa Norte , which is considered one of the best beaches in the world . 😎

You can book this excursion to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with pick up at your hotel here:

Book the tour to Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres now! I want to visit Isla Contoy My advice To learn more about these beautiful islands, you can also check out my Guide to visit Isla Contoy and my Complete Guide to Isla Mujeres .

• Mayan Monkey Cancun : hostel with a festive atmosphere in Cancun’s hotel zone , very close to the beach and bars. Terrace, outdoor pool, bar with happy hour , air conditioning, ping-pong, good wifi. Private rooms and dorms, from only 24$usd!
• Bed and Breakfast Pecari : if you are looking for more comfort, I recommend without hesitation this establishment. It is a beautiful Bed and Breakfast located in a quiet street near the city center and the ADO bus station, with a relaxation area by the pool, spacious rooms, and a good breakfast, starting at 50$usd per night!
• Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: rooms, suites, and villas for 2 to 12 people with direct access to the beach . Outdoor pool, children’s pool, gym, restaurant, beach bar. Breakfast included, starting at 218$usd per night.
• The Royal Sands Resort & Spa : spacious rooms and suites with ocean views, in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone. Large outdoor pool, gym, spa, fine restaurants, sports bar and many activities. All inclusive, starting at 485 $usd per night

My tip For more options, you can visit my article about the best hotels and resorts in Cancun and find your perfect hotel. Here is the link: Where to stay in Cancun?    

This is the last day of this 7-8 day Yucatan itinerary .

Since you’re already in Cancun and you returned your rental car 1 or 2 days ago, you don’t have to worry about much.

But make sure you check which terminal your flight leaves from.

Have a safe flight ✈️

How to get around Yucatan

To follow this 1 week route in Yucatan , you can rent a car or use public transportation.

Many travelers decide to rent a car in Yucatan to travel with freedom and flexibility.

My go-to choice for renting a car is Rentalcars.com , for the following reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

My tips for this roadtrip in Yucatan:

• The roads are in good condition (except for Sian Ka’an, going to Punta Allen ), but be careful not to go over the speed limit (80-100km/h), as the police are very active in the Riviera Maya .
• In Mexico , there are toll roads and “free” roads. For your 7 day trip in Yucatan , you’ll find tolls between Tulum, Valladolid and Chichen Itza. For exact rates, you can check the Traza tu Ruta page.
• Avoid driving at night . And if you have to, take the toll road.
• Don’t leave your car unattended at night. If your hotel doesn’t have parking, you’ll surely find a public parking lot with security.
• The public transportation system is well developed in Yucatan , with ADO buses and colectivos (8 to 10 person vans)
• Since you only have one week to visit Yucatan , I suggest you look at the ADO website to know the schedules in advance
• I recommend you buy your bus tickets online to get discounts. In my experience, they’re usually cheaper than at the terminal. 🧐
• The difference between the colectivo and the bus is that the bus goes from point A to point B without stopping, while the colectivo stops more or less where you ask it to, which is very handy.

Cancun airport receives many daily flights from major cities of North America and Europe  with Air Canada, Westjet, Delta, American Airlines, Air France, Air Europa, TUI, Iberia, etc.

To save money on your flights for this 7-day trip to Yucatan , you can use our flight comparison tool, powered by Skyscanner: it’s the best way to get the lowest price!

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City , Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche , Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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• All our Guides about Mexico

Ultimate One Week Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

Written By: Shelley Marmor

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Ready to start planning your Yucatan itinerary? If you’re looking for slightly off-the-beaten-path towns and sites to visit in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you’re in the right place. This seven-day Yucatan road trip itinerary will help you plan a unique Yucatan Peninsula trip.

The best thing about the Yucatan, located in southeastern Mexico, is that there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit, both on land and under the water. From Mayan ruins you can climb, to swimmable cenotes (natural jungle pools), there’s so much to do here that you can’t do anywhere else on Earth.

Yucatan Road Trip – All You Need to Know

This itinerary starts with all the things you need to know for a Yucatan road trip, like renting a car vs taking the bus, and how to get to the Yucatan Peninsula. After that, you’ll discover all the fun places and unique sites, which will make for an unforgettable Yucatan trip.

Where is the Yucatan Peninsula located?

The Yucatan Peninsula is located in the southeast tip of Mexico. As a peninsula, it does have water on three sides; to the south and east, there’s the bright blue Caribbean Sea, and to the north, you have the Gulf of Mexico.

There are three Mexican states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula: 1) Quintana Roo state, home to all the top destinations, like Cancun , Riviera Maya, and T ulum ) Yucatan state, where you’ll find colorful, colonial cities like Mérida and Valladolid, and 3) Campeche state, an off the beaten path destination. Read more: The Best Tulum All Inclusive Resorts

What’s the best time to go to Yucatan?

The best months to visit Yucatan are from November to March. During these months, you get nice cool weather and low humidity. The Yucatan Peninsula has a tropical climate, so expect year-round high temperatures during the day and night, though the winter and spring seasons are much more pleasant than summer and fall.

Surrounded by water on three sides, Yucatan is susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms and very heavy rains during the June to October rainy season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 to November 30, though Yucatan weather is usually nice by the end of October.

Do I need a visa to go to Mexico?

United States, Canadian, and more European passport holders do not need a travel visa for Mexico — which is great news because if you wanted to, you can even do this Yucatan itinerary on a whim! For a list of all the countries that do require a Mexico travel visa, visit this site .

When you arrive in Mexico and go through the Customs and Immigration line, an agent will give you your 180 day (6 month) FMM tourist card. You must keep this small piece of paper on you at all times, as proof you’re in the county legally. When you leave Mexico, you must return your FMM to an Immigration officer — so don’t lose it.

Traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula

For most travelers, the easiest way to get to the Yucatan Peninsula is to fly to Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). There are smaller, regional Yucatan airports scattered throughout the area (the second largest is Merida International Airport), but it’s generally most convenient to fly to Cancun.

Yucatan Car Rentals

Cancun Airport is also the best place to get a rental car in the peninsula because it has such a large selection. For the majority of travelers, it’s safe to drive in Yucatan, with the obvious caveat that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with its driving laws and local customs. Check car rental comparisons in the Yucatan at RentalCars.com

Driving in Mexico isn’t too dissimilar from the U.S. or Canada, but you might want to ask the agent at your cart rental for some pointers. But rest assured — Yucatan road trips are generally considered quite safe, and a very popular way to cover a lot of ground in a little time.

Prices for Mexico car rentals can vary, but you can usually rent a car for about $35 USD per day, with full coverage insurance. You do legally need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico, and neither U.S. nor Canadian policies are valid outside of the country’s border.

Yucatan Buses

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can still do a Yucatan road trip, but know buses will eat into your travel time. Mexico has a great bus system, and you can actually travel the entire country via the ADO bus , Mexico’s largest bus company.

ADO operated a fleet of luxury-class buses, complete with comfy recliner seats, air conditioning, electrical outlets at all the seats, and restrooms on board. Ticket prices will depend on your trip route, but are usually quite reasonable at about $15 USD for a two-hour trip.

Though this itinerary talks about how to drive between places via rental car, you can also do this trip with a combination of the ADO bus and taxis. (Note: There’s no Uber in Yucatan). Now that you know all the basic travel info, let’s get to this seven-day Yucatan Peninsula!

Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary: Day 1 and 2

After arriving in Cancun, get your rental car and then hit the road. While Cancun is a great place to visit, it’s more of a place to go and enjoy the beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and sites, and somewhere you’d want to dedicate a whole trip to.

From Cancun, head about two hours northwest to Chiquila, Mexico, a small pueblo where you’ll catch the 30-minute ferry to Isla Holbox Island. You’ll have to leave the car in a paid parking lot for the next two days, as there’s no cars allowed on the island. These are secure lots, and cost about $100 MXN pesos ($5 USD) per day.

Holbox Island, Mexico

Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is a small, laid-back island with no street lights and beaches as gorgeous as Cancun — minus the crowds. Once a sleepy fishing village, Holbox Island has gained notoriety in the last decade, but managed to retain its small-town charm. 

There’s so much to do and see in Holbox, but if you’re visiting from May 15 to September 17, take the tour to swim with the whale sharks . Whale sharks are the largest fish in the sea, averaging 30 feet in length (9 m). Each year, they hang out in the warm waters of the coast for a few months, and you can take a tour to swim with them.

Whale shark tours cost about $125 USD, and each boat has a capacity of just 10 people per tour, which is a regulation the Mexican government has in place. If you want to do this, make sure to book your tour with a local operator as soon as you arrive at Holbox.

Yum Balam is a giant nature preserve on the northern end of Holbox Island and is only accessible by boat via a tour. On the Yum Balam tours, you’ll pass by several islands in the Holbox Island chain, and Yalahau Cenote, which has amazing swimming, snorkeling, and birdwatching.

You can also rent a kayak or SUP paddleboard and check out Holbox from the water. Enjoy a tranquil voyage through the protected mangroves in Holbox and be sure to stop by Isla Pasion (Passion Island) and Isla Pajaros (Bird Island).

These two islands are home to countless species of birds, including a large flock of flamingos that live in Holbox for much of the year. Some visitors will want to go out at sunrise on a SUP paddleboard tour to the islands, though you’ll want to do this with a tour guide who knows the area.

The breeze on Holbox Island makes it one of the best places for windsurfing and kiteboarding in all of Mexico. During the winter months, when the north winds blow in, the Caribbean Sea is full of windsurfers and kiteboarders, and if you want to learn how, there are kiteboarding schools in Holbox.

When night falls, make your way to Punta Coco Beach to see the bioluminescent plankton as it sparkles on the water’s surface. You can also get in the water, and as billions of microscopic phytoplankton land on your body, you’ll start to twinkle as well. (Note: You can only see the bioluminescence during the New Moon.)

Yucatan Itinerary: Days 3 and 4

Today you’ll say adios to Holbox, and take the ferry ride back to Chiquila. Retrieve your rental car from the parking lot and make the 2.5-hour drive southwest to the Valladolid pueblo magico (magic town), located in Yucatan state.

Never heard of a Mexico pueblo magico? This prestigious designation has been awarded to about 140 pueblos, or small towns in Mexico. All the towns have unique sites and noteworthy characteristics, as well as a strong tourism infrastructure with great hotels and nice restaurants. 

Valladolid, Mexico

Valladolid is one of just four pueblos magicos in Yucatan state. It is among the most beautiful colonial towns in Mexico, and one of the safest. Enjoy some time strolling the streets of this colorful town, then have a nice meal at La Casona Valladolid.

For the next two nights, you’ll want to select a hotel in Centro (Downtown Valladolid), as this area has nice, reasonably-priced accommodations. Valladolid is very walkable, and not very big, so you can even park your car for the day and get around to see the sites on foot.

While in Valladolid, don’t miss the Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, a 16th Century Franciscan convent, and San Gervasio Cathedral (AKA Valladolid Cathedral) in the Zocalo (Main Square). For art lovers, head to Casa de los Venados to see the largest Mexican folk art collection in the country.

Chichen Itza & Cenote Ik-Kil

As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins is on the bucket list of nearly every Mexico traveler. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located about 45 minutes by car from Downtown Valladolid, so head there in the morning after a nice breakfast. Check out 7 Wonders of the World – the New, The Natural, and the Ancient

This Chichen Itza/Valladolid Tour takes you to both historic sites and to the Saamal cenote where you can swim in the azure waters. It includes a buffet lunch and a guided walking tour through Valladolid and Chichen Itza.

The Chichen Itza site is quite large, so dress in your most comfy clothes and sneakers, and don’t forget to bring your water bottle, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat. This part is optional, but with such an important site, you’ll want to also bring enough cash to pay for a knowledgeable guide to take you around.

Guides cost about $1,000 MXN pesos ($50 USD), and will usually take 6-8 people per group. However, with such a historic place, it’s worth the money to learn every little detail you can about Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins — and there is a lot to know!

After a long and likely sweaty day touring the ruins, head to the Cenote Ik-Kil for a refreshing swim. This is one of the most beautiful and most popular cenotes in the area and is located only about 10 minutes by car from Chichen Itza.

If you prefer a more uncrowded cenote, head back to Downtown Valladolid and visit Cenote Zaci. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from downtown, and you can swim in Cenote Zaci for free as long as you order a meal from their onsite restaurant. If not, it’s just $30 MXN pesos ($2 USD).

What is a cenote? In case you weren’t sure, cenotes (pronounced sen-no-tays) are sinkholes that contain freshwater from underground rivers. There are about 6,000 in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, which is the largest concentration of cenotes found anywhere on Earth.  Read more Cenotes in Photos – Discover Mexico’s Extraordinary Underground Caves

Day 4: Ek-Balam Ruins and Cenote Xcanche

Some years back, the Mexican government outlawed climbing the Chichen Itza pyramids, though you can still climb them at other Mayan Ruins in the area. If you want to climb some Mayan Ruins on your trip, head to Ek-Balam, which is also much less touristy than Chichen Itza.

Located minutes by car from the Ek-Balam Ruins, Cenote Xcanche is the ideal place to swim and cool down climbing the pyramids and exploring the ancient ruins. You can do rappelling at this cenote, ride the zipline or use a Tarzan-style rope swing to enter the cenote (or just walk in).

Since no Yucatan itinerary is complete without visiting a lot of cenotes, there are some more in this general Valladolid area. These include Cenote San Lorenz Oxman, Cenote Suytun, Cenote Dzitnup, Cenote Samula, Cenote Xkeken, and Cenote Zaci in Downtown Valladolid. Check out another amazing cenote in the Yucatan: Rio Secreto Cenote – Mexico’s Magical Underground Caves

Yucatan Itinerary: Day 5 and 6

On your fifth day, bid farewell to Valladolid and drive four hours south to Bacalar, another pueblo magico (magic town). The small town of Bacalar is best known for Laguna Bacalar, the second-largest freshwater lake in Mexico. You may also like: 15 Fun Facts About Mexico

Bacalar, Mexico

Bacalar Lake is known as the “Lagoon of Seven Colors” because you can see up to seven distinct shades of blue in the water. Thanks to its bright blue-colored water, Bacalar is also sometimes called “The Maldives of Mexico,” another destination famous for its blue waters.

Whatever you call it, Laguna Bacalar is absolutely stunning, with some of the most beautiful water in Mexico. The town of Bacalar itself provides a nice mix of relaxation, unspoiled nature, water activities, and great restaurants.

You can stay in Downtown Bacalar, or right on the lake. If you can, opt for a place on the lake so you can just walk outside your room and jump right in. Downtown just isn’t as nice, though you can save some money by staying there.

Day 5: Bacalar Boat Tour & Cenote Azul

The best thing to do in Bacalar is to take a boat tour around the lake. It is a pretty massive lake, at about 25-miles (42 m) from end to end, so the best way to see as much of it as possible is by boat. You can also rent a kayak or SUP paddleboard to go around the lake, but you obviously won’t see as much of it.

There’s a standard Bacalar boat tour that will take you to all the coolest parts of the lake, like the Canal de Piratas (Pirate’s Channel). This is a shipwreck that you can jump off of into the lake. There’s also the Isla de los Pajaros (Bird Island) and some cenotes within the lake, including Cenote Esmerelda.

The most popular cenote in Bacalar is located just outside of the lake, Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote). You will have to drive, take a taxi or walk to it, but don’t miss the chance to swim in one of the deepest cenotes in the Yucatan; Cenote Azul is at about 275-feet-deep (84 m).

Day 6: Sunrise SUP & Los Rápidos

If you’re a morning person, Bacalar is well-known for its amazing sunrises, which you can see from the lake. Head out early for a SUP paddleboard yoga class, or simply enjoy a quiet paddleboard session, as the early risers usually have the whole lake to themselves.

Los Rapidos, which means The Rapids, is one of the best balnearios in Bacalar. Balnearios are beach clubs in Mexico, and though Bacalar is a lagoon, not a beach, they still use the word balneario. There are a few beach clubs around the lake, but Los Rapidos is one that shouldn’t be missed.

As the name Los Rapidos states, there are rapids here for you to swim and play in. You can also rent a kayak at Los Rapidos and explore even more of Laguna Bacalar. There are a restaurant, bathrooms, water hammocks, and swings here as well, so it’s a great place to spend a few hours.

Yucatan Itinerary: Day 7

On the seventh and final day, it’s (sadly) time to head back to Cancun so you can return the rental car and catch a flight home. The Bacalar to Cancun drive is about 4.5 hours in normal traffic, so plan accordingly. Some people will even want to book a hotel in Cancun for one night, especially if you’re on an early morning flight.

Want to squeeze a few more sites on the drive to Cancun? There are a few off-the-beaten-path Mayan Ruins you can stop at on the way. These include Muyil Ruins and Chacchoben Ruins, both located just off Chetumal-Cancun Highway 307, the road you take to Cancun.

Which things on this Yucatan itinerary caught your eye? We’d love to hear from you, so please let us know in the comments down below.

Read more about travel to the Yucatan and Mexico

• 23 Amazing Things to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula
• Best Things to do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• 21 Amazing Things to do in Cancun
• Where to Stay in Cancun: Best Hotels and Areas For Every Budget
• 25 Best Places To Visit in Mexico
• 10 Best Things to do in Mexico City for an Epic Trip
• 19 Best Things to do in La Paz, Mexico

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Shelley Marmor

Shelley is a former Miami travel magazine editor who ditched the office for the world! After traveling solo to half the states in Mexico, she settled down in Merida, Mexico. Shelley helps travelers plan their ultimate Mexico trip through her TravelMexicoSolo and Travel To Merida blogs.

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2 thoughts on “Ultimate One Week Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary”

Yucatan Peninsula always attracts mankind from different parts of the Country with amazing landscapes and scenery. very helpful article

Hi Dave and Deb,

I traveled around the Yucatan Peninsula last year for about 3 weeks and really enjoyed it. Especially the Cenotes are just so breathtaking. Reading this post, makes me want to go back to Mexico, have some tacos al pastor and explore even more.

Have a good day,

Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

M exico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.

Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.

What is a Cenote?

First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.

Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.

Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.

Types of Cenotes

There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.

Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.

Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.

Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.

Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.

Day Trips to Visit Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.

There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.

Visit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.

You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.

Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.

Visit Cenotes Near Tulum

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.

There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Tour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.

Visit Cenotes Near Merida

If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.

Tour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours , owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.

Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!

Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.

So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.

Other Stories About Cenotes

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is Best All-Inclusive Resort for Families

Mayan Experiences at the Ruins of Coba

The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: March 14, 2024

Categories Mexico , North America

White sand beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins and charming towns: road trip Yucatan, Mexico with this ultimate 2 weeks in Yucatan itinerary and see all the best that Yucatan offers!

The Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the only place where you can take a trip to the beach one day and see ancient Mayan ruins the next. You can spend the whole night partying, or you can find an island to relax and get away from it all.

Lots of people spend a whole 10 days in Cancun in an all-inclusive resort, but the Yucatan Peninsula offers so much that it would be a shame not to explore more… so go and road trip Yucatan!

In fact, there’s so much to do that it can be a bit overwhelming.  I’m here to help you out! This 2 weeks in Yucatan itinerary will give you a solid guide of everything you need to see on this Mexico road trip through Yucatan.

Table of Contents

THE IDEAL YUCATAN ITINERARY

You can either decide to rent a car or follow this Yucatan itinerary by public transportation. I have done it twice and both ways are doable, but renting a car in Cancun will save you tons of time. Driving in Yucatan is easy, the roads are fine, and it’s very cheap to rent a car.

Day 1: Cancun

Of course, it only makes sense to start your vacation with a trip to the beach. Cancun is one of the most famous tourist spots in the world, and you’ll probably arrive by plane to Cancun International Airport.

➤ To get from Cancun Airport to your hotel you have several options. The most convenient one is booking a private transfer in advance, so your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive and drive you directly to your hotel, hassle-free.

One-way transfer up to 3 passengers costs $35, so it’s actually cheaper than taking a shared shuttle if you’re 2 people or more. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ If you’re a single passenger your best bet is taking the shared shuttle , which also gets you to your hotel’s front door. The only downside is that it takes longer than a private transfer, as fellow travelers will be getting off at their accommodations along the way, but it’s a cheap and very convenient transportation option for solo or budget travelers.

One-way transfer to your hotel costs $12 per person. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ You can otherwise rent a car at the airport and drive to your hotel. While there are many car rentals at Cancun Airport, I highly recommend booking your vehicle online in advance to avoid scams and get a better deal. I personally use Discover Cars to compare prices and get the best deal. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

Cancun features gorgeous beaches, wild nightlife, and old Mayan ruins, and since you’ll probably be tired from your flight as soon as you arrive, I recommend spending your first day relaxing at the beach (plenty of time to party and explore the rest!)

The best beaches in Cancun include Playa Tortugas , which is in the Hotel Zone area, Playa Forum , the most popular and crowded beach in the city, and Playa Caracol , ideal for families with young children.

After you’ve soaked in the sun and sea, you can go out for dinner or a drink. Some of the hottest spots in Cancun Hotel Zone are Fred’s House for fresh seafood, The White Box for Mexican high-end cuisine and Abolengo for nachos and other pub food, as well as drinks.

READ ALSO : 41 Incredible Things To Do in Cancun

Where to stay in Cancun

Luxury : Nizuc Resort & Spa   Mid-range : Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla   Budget :   Nomads Enigmatic Hotel & Restaurant Bar

Day 2: Cancun or Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

On your second day you can either stay in Cancun enjoying its beaches, your hotel’s pool or exploring downtown, or you can take a day trip to famous Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres is a spectacular island off the coast of Cancun and boasts white-sand paradisiac beaches, a lively downtown for shopping and plenty of golf carts you can rent to get around. You can also dive or snorkel at MUSA, the underwater museum and sculpture park, and visit the ruins of the temple of Ixchel, the Goddess of fertility during the Mayan period.

➤ The Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran is a fantastic way to get there from Cancun. You’ll enjoy an open bar, stops for snorkeling in reef spots and free time at Isla Mujeres, as well as lunch and hotel pick up and drop-off. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

When you get back to Cancun, get ready to enjoy its nightlife! You’re in Yucatan Peninsula’s party spot after all, right?

Coco Bongo is Cancun’s most popular club, and it’s incredibly fun. But don’t expect the regular nightclub: Coco Bongo offers a full show with flying acrobats and artists every night, as well as live music and spectacular presentations. If you’re an animal party – and hey, even if you’re not at all – you can’t miss it! You need to get tickets in advance, though, as they’re likely to sell out (even if it houses 1,800 people!)

➤ The Regular Entrance Ticket grants you skip-the-line access to the club and beverages, while the Gold Member Entrance Ticket gets you into the Gold Member area, as well as unlimited drinks at the bar from 10 PM to 3 AM.

Day 3 to 5: Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox  is a small island off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula that has yet to be spoiled by massive tourism, and definitely my favorite secret spot in the Riviera Maya.

White sand beaches, cenotes, and colorful buildings make this the perfect Caribbean escape for a few days of pure, unadulterated relaxa tion .

This small fishing village is separated from the mainland by a shallow lake that’s home to numerous flamingos. The island is teeming with wildlife in general, especially birds, iguanas, and dolphins. You can even go swimming with the whale sharks while you’re there (but make sure to do it with a responsible tour operator!).

Isla Holbox is also considered to be one of the best places in the world to learn how to kitesurf. This is because of its shallow waters and long beaches with relatively few obstacles. Another unique feature is the fact that it’s almost completely car-free with most residents getting around on golf carts. This adds to the island’s quiet, fishing village atmosphere that I loved, and no doubt you will too.

At Isla Holbox, besides relaxing at the beach and meeting the flamingos, there are tons of fun things to do to keep you entertained. Below are some of my favorites.

• Kayaking through the mangroves

• Hunting for the island’s street art (and taking pics!)

• Visiting the Cenote

• Chillin at the water hammocks

• Joining a tour to marvel at Isla Holbox’s gorgeous landscapes (and bioluminescence!)

➤ The Private Boat 3-Island Tour takes you on a boat trip to Passion Island, Isla Pajaros, and Yalahau Spring, where you’ll witness over 30 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans, swim in a cenote, and explore the island’s surroundings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ With the Bioluminescence Experience in Holbox you’ll get to see this magical event that is so frequent on the island. You’ll be taken to the best location with an expert guide, and marvel at one of nature’s most beautiful phenomenons. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

READ ALSO: Ultimate Guide to Isla Holbox: What to Do + Where to Stay + Where to Eat

Now that you know what to do on the island, how do you get there from Cancun? Isla Holbox can only be accessed by ferry, which you’ll take at Chiquila, and it’s a car-free island, so no vehicles are allowed.

▶ If you have a rental car, you can drive to Chiquila and park your car there before taking the ferry to the island.

▶ If you don’t have a car, you can book a shared shuttle from Cancun to Chiquila, or else book a private transfer to get there hassle-free and on your own schedule.

Two nights is the minimum time you need to enjoy the island, but feel free to spend more time here if you want. I spent 3 nights on the island and I would have loved to stay even more.

Where to stay in Holbox

Luxury : Ser Casasandra Mid-Range : Spirit Holbox Boutique : Hotel Puerto Holbox

Budget : Mapache Hostel & Camping

Day 6: Visit the Town of Valladolid

Valladolid is a charming little town in the state of Yucatan. Along with being a good central hub for visiting other nearby attractions, it’s also a great place to chill out and wander around. It’s considered one of Mexico’s “magic towns” because of its cultural and historical relevance. In this town, you’ll find cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and authentic Mayan clothing and cuisine.

▶ If you have a car, the drive from Chiquila to Valladolid takes a little over 2 hours. Otherwise, you can take the ADO Bus to Valladolid which is direct and runs in the afternoon.

One of the best reasons to stay in Valladolid is that it’s not overly crowded with tourists. This helps it retain its quiet, small-town charm. It’s simply a great place to relax and get lost for a while before going on your next adventures.

Valladolid was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, and it boasts magnificent architecture and buildings filled with art; walking around town is already worth the visit! Valladolid is also close to many world-known attractions (that you’ll be visiting in the next few days!) so it makes for the perfect base in the area.

Besides exploring the colonial town, there are also plenty of cenotes in Valladolid that you need to jump in, such as Cenote Zaci , which is located in the middle of the town and it’s very easy to visit. Cenote Zaci is partly covered, and the rest of it is open to the sky, so you can enjoy natural light as you swim in this massive sinkhole or jump into it with a rope.

Cenote Oxman is another beautiful cenote located within a hacienda property, a short drive from Valladolid and perfect for avoiding the crowds, as not many people know about it! A great alternative is Cenote Suytun , which boasts a man-made peninsula that takes you to the middle of the cenote, where you can dip your toes in the icy-cold water before jumping in.

➤ Go Maya By Bike in Valladolid is the perfect way to explore the area, visiting a local market, stopping at cenotes for a swim, and meeting a Mayan family to learn about their customs and traditions. Lunch is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

READ ALSO : Top 7 Things To Do in and Around Valladolid

Where to stay in Valladolid

Luxury : Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave Mid-Range : Casa Tia Micha Boutique : Casa Xu’unan

Day 7: Las Coloradas

From Valladolid, you can visit two natural wonders that are unlike anything else in the world and that you should definitely include in your Yucatan road trip.

The first is Las Coloradas , a small community whose lakes have a unique cotton-candy pink color. It’s one of few places in the world where you can find this unusual phenomenon, and it’s something you absolutely must see for yourself – and then take a million Instagram photos like I did!

The reason for the lakes’ pink color is the high salinity level of the water, which allows certain microorganisms, responsible for coloring the water, to survive. In fact, the lakes and their surrounding area are owned by the second-largest salt company in Mexico, and are used for sea salt extraction.

While you could wander on your own and dip your feet in the water when I visited, it is now prohibited and you must visit with a guide.

Next is Rio Lagartos , a small fishing village next to a lagoon filled with flamingos, crocodiles, raccoons, pelicans, and over 400 species of birds. The Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve is totally worth the visit, and besides the large number of animals, you’ll get to see the biggest estuary in Yucatan, beaches, mangrove forests, and wetlands.

Both Rio Lagartos and Las Coloradas are part of the same nature reserve and can be visited on the same day.

This area is so much easier to reach if you have a car, otherwise, I highly recommend taking a tour. Getting there by public transportation is almost impossible!

➤ Check out the Go Flamingo tour from Valladolid, which includes a visit to the Ek Balam Mayan ruins besides a boat ride down the river at Rio Lagartos, where you’ll get a chance to see crocodiles and beautiful pink flamingos, and a picture stop at Las Coloradas. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Day 8: Chichen Itza

Of course, you can’t leave Yucatan without seeing Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza was one of the Mayans’ largest cities . Today, it is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions… so make sure you get here early to avoid the tourist buses!

Despite its age, which goes back to before the 6th century AD, the ruins are still in magnificent condition and are impressive. They were, after all, the center of political and economic power of the Mayan civilization. The archaeological site occupies 3.2 square kilometers, so plan to spend a few hours exploring it!

Visiting Chichen Itza is truly like taking a step back in time and seeing how the ancient Mayans lived on a day-to-day basis. In particular, you’ll want to check out El Castillo, the massive step pyramid that overlooks the city , and the Great Ball Court, which is the best-preserved Mesoamerican ball court in the world today.

READ ALSO: A Complete Guide to Chichen Itza, Mexico

TIP TIME : Skip the line by booking your tickets in advance. You’ll avoid the crowds (and the queues that sometimes are very long) making the most of your time ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ You can otherwise join a half-day Guided Tour of Chichen Itza or a full-day trip to Chichen Itza, Cenote and Izamal to explore the site with a professional guide who will provide insights into the Mayan civilization and the history of Chichen Itza.

Close to the ruins, you’ll also find cenote Ik Kil, which is absolutely beautiful and one of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula. Ik Kil is an open cenote, surrounded by high walls and vegetation that is worth the visit (and the million pictures you’ll want to take!)

Precisely for its beauty and closeness to Chichen Itza, it can be a little overcrowded at times… if you want it all for yourself, head here as soon as they open and you’ll avoid the masses.

Your next stop is Tulum, and you can easily get there by bus , which departs various times a day from 9 AM to 9 PM. One-way ticket starts at $7 at the time of writing. You can also book a private transfer to get from Valladolid to Tulum.

Day 9: Tulum

What is a Yucatan road trip without a stop in Tulum ? Your first day in Tulum can be spent visiting the town, then the ruins by the coast. This former trading post was one of the last cities built by the Mayans.

It remains one of their best-preserved ruins. The ruins at Tulum distinguish themselves by being one of the few Mayan cities protected with a wall and by being the only one built by the sea. It has its own Castillo overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the views are spectacular!

The site was known as Zamá during the time of the Mayans, which means Place of the Dawning Sun, because its location faces the sunrise. This favored the flourishing of the city as a trade center, making it very prosperous for around 3 centuries until it was abandoned in the late 16 th Century.

Since the ruins are right next to the beach (there’s even a hidden beach right below the ruins!) you can also have some fun in the sun on the same day. The beaches in Tulum are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and jet skiing, or just laying down on the white sand without a care in the world.

Playa Paraiso is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Tulum, and it’s right south of the ruins, so it’s the perfect first stop after your tour around the site. Las Palmas Public Beach is more secluded and less crowded, while Playa Pescadores is one of the liveliest and most visited beaches in the area.

➤ You can visit the ruins with the 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour to benefit from a knowledgeable guide as you wander through the pyramids and to also visit a cenote and snorkel in a coral reef in the Caribbean Sea. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

You’ll also want to check out some of the many design restaurants, cafés , and boutique shops that made Tulum the popular boho-chic paradise it has become. And if you still haven’t had enough of Mayan ruins, check out the Coba Ruins that are not far from Tulum (and a lot less crowded!).

READ ALSO : 30 Best Things to do in Tulum – The Ultimate Guide

At night, you can head to Tulum Town for dinner or choose a restaurant in the hotel zone, close to the beach. The best places to eat in town are Burrito Amor for (duh!) burritos and Sabor de Mar for incredible seafood. If you decide to stay by the beach, check out Gitano which boasts a great jungle-feel, or Posada Margherita for Italian cuisine.

Where to stay in Tulum

Luxury : Azulik Mid-range : Zamas Hotel Budget : Harmony Glamping & Boutique Hotel

Day 10: Take a Day Trip to Sian Ka’an

This is something that all the nature lovers out there can look forward to. Just south of Tulum is Sian Ka’an, one of the largest nature reserves in Mexico (it’s twice the size of Rhode Island!) and one of the best day trips from Tulum .

The reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, and it covers over 5,200 square kilometers of land and sea, being the home of an exceedingly diverse variety of flora and fauna. At the Biosphere Reserve you’ll get to see dolphins, crocodiles, spider monkeys, and sea turtles, in addition to over 300 species of birds and countless other wildlife.

At Sian Ka’an you can snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, take a boat trip down the Mayan canals, chill at the Secret Beach and even see some Mayan ruins! The reserve is still fairly undiscovered by tourists (ssshhh! don’t tell anyone!) 

The best way to visit Sian Ka’an in my opinion is with an organized tour. You can check out these tours to Sian Kaan , or see the options below.

➤ Sian Ka’an Adventure : this tour includes a boat ride through the lagoon, snorkeling in the barrier reef system and some free time to explore Punta Allen, as well as swimming in the turquoise waters of a sandbank. Lunch and transportation are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Sian Ka’an and Muyil Archaeological Site Tour : this tour takes you to explore the Mayan ruins of Muyil in the middle of the Sian Kaan Jungle (which look like they came out of an old Indiana Jones movie!). You’ll also take a boat ride in the Mayan canal and enjoy a picnic lunch. ➥   BOOK IT HERE

You could possibly visit Sian Ka’an on your own, but I highly discourage you to do so. The conditions of the road are terrible, and you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to make it (they won’t even let you in the reserve with a normal car). This is one of those locations where going on a tour will make the difference between a beautiful day in the sun and potentially a nightmare of an adventure if you get stuck.

CHECK OUT ALSO : 11 Unmissable Day Trips from Tulum

Day 11: Cenotes in Tulum

Along with its ruins, Tulum is well-known for its massive number of cenotes. But what are cenotes, exactly? They are natural sinkholes formed hundreds of years ago, when limestone caves collapsed and exposed a natural pool, which was filled with both rainwater and the water from the underground rivers, resulting in the gorgeous cenotes we know today.

There are actually over 4,000 of these giant sinkholes in the region, and there are quite a few stunning cenotes in Tulum! This is an exciting alternative to going to the beach, as the cenotes are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, and to me the best thing to do in Riviera Maya: in other words, you can’t plan a road trip to Mexico and not visit the cenotes!

These are some of the most popular ones:

• Dos Ojos : It means two eyes in Spanish. It’s named for its two sections, one that’s good for snorkeling and one for diving.

• Gran Cenote : It’s made of multiple cenote caves and its crystal-clear water makes it ideal for snorkeling. You can even swim with small turtles!

• Cenote Calavera : It looks like a skull from above (hence its name!) and has three entrances; you can jump into the cenote through the eyes , or climb down the ladder in the main hole. It’s also a great cenote for diving!

• Cenote Nicte Ha : This open cenote resembles a lake or a natural swimming pool, and it has hundreds of water lilies floating around. The perfect setting for cenote pictures!

➤ If you want to go with a tour, check out the Cenote Trail: Caves Visit and Bike Tour , which will bring you to Gran Cenote, Cenote Escondido & Cenote Cristal all in one day to quench your cenotes thirst. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ The  Cenote Triple Adventure Tour includes free-diving, snorkeling and cliff-jumping at three different cenotes: Casa Cenote, Gran Cenote and Cenote Calavera. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

READ ALSO : Check Out the Most Beautiful Cenotes in Tulum

Day 12-13: Relax at a Resort & Visit Xcaret or Xplor

I always enjoy spending the last few days of a vacation in full-relax mode. For the last leg of your Yucatan road trip, it might be nice to check in at an all-inclusive resort; Mexico boasts many, and you ought to experience being pampered by them at least once! 

Here are some great options you can choose from:

Grand Bahia Principe Tulum Palmaia – The House of AiA UNICO 20° 87°

Once you’ve settled down, you can take a day trip to either Xcaret or Xplor .

Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park that offers more than 50 incredibly fun attractions for adults and children of all ages. You can enjoy from paraxuting to riding a speed boat, and snorkeling, and I particularly loved swimming in the Underground Rivers, among caves, blue water, and mangroves.

Xcaret Park also features a variety of performances that honor the history of Mexico going back to Pre-Hispanic times. Not to be missed the night show: wow, what a show!

⚠️ Just please avoid any activities with the dolphins. We are all about responsible travel here at Every Steph and strongly suggest doing your own research about any activities that exploit dolphins and animals.

➤ The Xcaret Park Admission Ticket grants you access to all the park’s activities for a full day. You can otherwise get the Xcaret Plus with Buffet & Transport to have access to exclusive areas, roundtrip transportation and a buffet lunch.

Xplor is an adventure park , ideal for adrenaline-seekers. At the park you can drive amphibious vehicles down mud-roads and floods, go rafting in salactite-filled caverns and fly through the forest in the highest zipline. For those who don’t enjoy adrenaline as much, there are also hikes all over the park, and you can leisurely swim in underground rivers.

➤ The Xplor Park: All-Inclusive Entry Ticket includes 2 circuits to most the activities, a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks. The Xplor Park All-inclusive & Transport also provides roundtrip transportation.

Day 14: Enjoy Your All-Inclusive Resort

While you’re road tripping the Yucatan Peninsula, it is absolutely necessary take some time to recharge, so I suggest you take the last day to relax and enjoy your resort’s amenities: you’ve earned it!

I stayed at Grand Bahia Principe Tulum . This all-inclusive resort is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever stayed before, and I truly loved my first time at an all-inclusive.

Guests can choose between 11 restaurants of all kinds, and tons of bars (all food, snacks, and non- and alcoholic drinks are included). Some of the restaurants require a reservation, so make sure you make your choices and reserve on your first day at the resort, or before you arrive through the resort’s app.

My favorite restaurants were the Cozumel restaurant (a traditional Mexican restaurant) and the Nikkei Mashua restaurant, a Japanese and Peruvian fusion restaurant. So, so good!

I stayed in one of the resort’s Superior Rooms and was very happy with it. These provide lots of extra space along with gorgeous views of the sea and the pool. You also get a balcony, a minibar, and either two double beds or a king-sized bed.

Wi-Fi in your room is available for an extra charge. With all these amenities in mind, the Superior Room is going to feel like your home away from home.

At Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, you can do a lot or do nothing at all, as you please. If you’re the active type, participate in one of the dance and aerobics classes, or rent (for free) a paddleboard, a kayak, or snorkeling equipment. Every day there is a full program of organized activities, just check the board at your arrival.

The Grand Bahia Principe Tulum is in a very convenient location in the center of Riviera Maya, in Akumal, and halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It’s only half an hour away from Playa del Carmen and an hour from the Cancun International Airport.

Overall, the Grand Bahia Principe Tulum is an attraction in itself, and something you should certainly experience for yourself.  This is a resort that truly goes above and beyond to make its guests feel welcome.

CHECK OUT RATES & AVAILABILITY : Grand Bahia Principe Tulum

Here you go! Now you have a complete Yucatan Peninsula itinerary. By following this itinerary, you can experience all the highlights of what the Yucatan has to offer in just two weeks.

If you only have one week in Mexico, I suggest combining the area of Valladolid with a stay in Tulum or Cancun / Playa del Carmen for a good mix of beach time and cultural activities. This Mexican road trip of a lifetime awaits you!

YUCATAN ROAD TRIP ITINERARY FAQ

The Yucatan Peninsula is enormous, and there are tons of places worth the visit. You should plan at the very least a week to explore the area, but I would suggest 2 weeks for the ultimate Yucatan Peninsula itinerary.

Yucatan is famous for its paradise-like beaches, jungles and rainforests, and Mayan ruins, as well as for the party atmosphere of some of its cities, like Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and the abundance of Mayan history.

Driving around Yucatan is safe, although Mexico in general is known for tourist scams related to car rentals or charging for nonexistent driving infractions, so you should drive carefully.

When arriving at Yucatan you’ll likely fly into Cancun International Airport, the biggest and most popular international airport in the peninsula.

Want More? Check Out These Other Mexico Destinations

Swim with a Baby Croc at Cenote Carwash, Tulum

12 Unmissable Things To Do in Chiapas, Mexico

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you .

I received a complimentary stay at Grand Bahia Principe Tulum and a pass to Xcaret Park. All opinions are my own as always.

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Wednesday 22nd of December 2021

I love your posts - they have been so helpful as my husband and I explore moving to the region.

Do these areas have lots of misquitos or require bug spray? Obviously that is something one can purchase there but I’m curious that it never seems to be mentioned. Also, did you experience high humidity while inland? Thanks!

Sunday 26th of December 2021

Hi Beemt, so glad I can be of help!

You will find mosquitos, but especially so if you travel after April when the rainy season starts. I always travel with mosquito repellant, I suggest getting a "tropical" one as they protect a bit more. Humidity is a real thing if you travel to Chichen Itza, Valladolid or Mrida especially, but nothing you can do about that! Wear breathing fabrics and you'll be fine.