10 Day Trips from in Cancun That You Shouldn't Miss

December 8, 2021 Hana Mouser

Sunny Cancun has much more to offer than its party-town reputation might suggest. Plenty of gorgeous, drama-free family resorts cater to folks who want to experience the tropical Yucatan climate. There are significant Mayan ruins here, such as El Rey and the Yamil Lu’um, a crumbling tower of pale gray stone. Learn more about this ancient civilization at the Museo Maya de Cancun. For a literal taste of Mexico, take a tour of the Museo Sensorial del Tequila.
Restaurants in Cancun

1. Tulum Day-Trip Mayan Ruins with Cenote Swim and Lunch

Captain's Cove, Blvd. Kukulcan KM16.5, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Cancun Travel Experience
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 7 reviews

The day starts with a convenient and easy pickup at your hotel or meeting point of your choice, aboard an air-conditioned and comfortable vehicle, you will be shuttled to Tulum. This archeological site is a local landmark, since it served as a main port in the ancient Mayan civilization. Enjoy beautiful scenery along the way on this nature-filled ride. You will priority access the archaeological site and enjoy a professionally-guided tour of the temples to see and learn about the main attractions such as the astronomical observatory of the Mayan city of Tulum and cultural buildings throughout the limits of the walls. As you leave Tulum and its turquoise background waters, you will start on your way to the next leg of the journey, a scenic cenote that as expected, has cultural and traditional significance to the Mayan culture. Enjoy a tasty deli-style lunch with beautiful scenery surrounding you before a smooth-ride back.

Inclusions: Admission fees and priority access at Tulum archaeological site, Deli-Style Box lunch and bottled water, Roundtrip transportation to and from your centrally located hotel (If selected)

Exclusions: Natural reserve fee at Cenote for conservation efforts (15USD), Hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the meeting point option, Optional snorkel gear and locker rental at Cenote, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions, Gratuities

Reviewed By Robert S

Had a great time. The catamaran was in great shape. The crew was fantastic on the boat and very attentive to those that went snorkeling. Always ensured you had a drink if wanted. Good party on boat. Only negative, buffet not very good. Would have liked the buffet on a sandy beach with lounges available.

2. Full-day tour to Tulum and Jungle Maya Native Park with Ziplines & Cenotes

Alltournative
Excellent
93%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 137 reviews

Explore the impressive Tulum archaeological site. It is set on a cliff giving you stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. This beach has been declared one of the best in the world! Discover Jungla Maya where is the entrance to the amazing Sac-Actun system, the world’s longest underground river, explored and recommended by National Snorkeler specialized cave divers. Snorkel surrounded by awesome rock formations. Rappel down into a cenote (underground cave) and swim in a unique natural pool. Enjoy nature flying over the jungle’s foliage on exciting zip-lines. Participate in a traditional Maya purification ceremony. The expedition includes: Transportation for small groups, traditional lunch, water, archaeological tour guide, entrance fee to Tulum, entrance fee to the park, equipment required for activities, towel and lockers.

Inclusions: Lunch, All activities & all the equipment, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lockers

Exclusions: Photos (available to purchase), Souvenirs (available to purchase), Gratuities, Water, please bring your own container, Towel

Reviewed By siphoenix

We actually visited January 2020 but I have only just got round to writing a review. Our guide for the day was Joseline Martinez and she was brilliant!!! Very knowledgeable and informative. I feel like I learned a lot from our trip about Mexico and its rich history. We will be going to Mexico again some day and hope to use this company again ????????

3. Tour Cenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret from Cancún and Playa del Carmen

Xenotes Oasis Maya by Xcaret
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 234 reviews

Leap into four different cenotes (flooded sinkholes) amid a jungle oasis in the Yucatan – all in one day! Rappel and zipline over rock walls into the crystalline springs, and explore the caverns by kayak, snorkel and inner tube. Enjoy delicious snacks plus a gourmet picnic lunch amid splendid natural surroundings and hear about ancient Mayan legends of mythical guardians that protect these sacred waters. Receive personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 19 people.

Inclusions: Local English- and Spanish-speaking guide, Use of necessary equipment, Picnic lunch, Non-alcoholic beverages en route, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Light refreshments (coffee, chocolate, sweet bread), Priority Access: You can have your admission bracelets on the bus on your way to the park.

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenirs (Available to purchase), Photos (Available to purchase)

Reviewed By F2816SEaa

Xenotes tour was amazing! We have a great guide and photographer. Highly, highly recommended! We visited 4 cenotes and each one was unique and beautiful. It was the high light of our trip.

4. 3-in-1 Discovery Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves

Ocean Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.8 based on 997 reviews

This is the perfect 3-in-1 combination tour of the Riviera Maya. You'll visit the Tulum ruins, then go snorkeling in the colorful coral reef in the Caribbean Sea and finally you'll get to swim and refresh in a crystal clear water cenote and visit some caves.

Inclusions: Bilingual guide, Round Transportation with AC, Equipment required for water activities, Box Lunch will be provided, Drinks: Bottle of water

Exclusions: The Natural Marine Reserve Fee 13 USD per person is payable upon pick-up in cash, Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By erinrI2229AV

My boyfriend and I went on the half day sea turtle and cenote cave tour on a private tour with Xenia, Stefani (photos) and Daniel the driver extraordinaire! I highly recommend a private tour as we had the entire cave to ourselves. I also recommend private as the sea turtle snorkel portion felt much more intimate and you got much longer time observing them in their natural environment. What really made the excursion though was our hosts. Xenia was fantastic! She was so well informed and told us everything we needed to know prior to the excursion as well as throughout. Her excitement is infectious and you can tell she truly loves what she does and I cannot say enough good things about her! Please request her if you plan a day with them! Stefani was also wonderful! So sweet and kind to take pictures and allow us to focus on having a wonderful experience! Daniel was our driver and helped us with everything including equipment, water, and providing help with anything we needed to stay comfortable during the drive. Loved this group and we had such a great time spending the day with them!

5. Tulum Ruins & Cenote

Translamex - Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 39 reviews

Take an fascinating Tulum ruins tour and swim at de best Cenotes . You'll explore the incredible Mayan ruins of Tulum. This ancient Mayan city sits atop a cliff overlooking the Mexican Caribbean Sea and was once an important port for trade. Now visitors can explore the impressive architecture of Tulum Mexico with an experienced guide sharing tales of this magnificent culture. After exploring history, it's time for nature and swim in an cenotes! The impressive caves are listed on National Geographic's "Top 10 Underground Walks in the World"! Lunch in Chococacao sanctuary are included in the tour as well.

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional tour guide in Tulum and 2 cenotes, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By chrishH7777EV

10/10 I would do this trip again. My advice would be to go for the 4 hour tour over the 2 hour version because it goes by very quickly. Everyone is unbelievably kind and you taken care of the entire time. If you are looking for a snorkeling trip where you don't have to plan anything, this is the one for you.

6. Chichen Itza Deluxe from Cancun

Cancun Passion
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 158 reviews

See one of Mexico's most-visited archaeological sites during this full-day trip from Cancun. Travel by bus through the rustic countryside of the Yucatán Peninsula, enjoying an on-board breakfast en route to the Mayan ruins. Take a 2.5-hour guided tour of the monument, exploring prominent features like El Castillo and the Temple of Warriors. Sit down for a buffet lunch of traditional Mexican fare before swimming in a 'cenote' (an underground cave) and visiting the quaint Yucatán town of Valladolid.

Inclusions: Beers and water bottle, Breakfast (bread, coffee, orange juice, fruit), Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Chichen itza entrance, Ikkil cenote entrance

Exclusions: Gratuities, State Tax of 28 usd per pax or its equivalent in pesos.

Reviewed By Paradise67153938191

I took the all day tour to Chichen Itza and a swim in a Cenote with Jaime and Manuel. Jaime is an amazing tour guide. Manuel’s customer service is the best! Manuel helped us with two challenges. He helped us get breakfast once we arrived at our first stop. He then helped us pay for the camera fee once we arrived at Chichen Itza. It’s so busy there and none of the employees were helping. Out of no where Manuel comes and takes us to the front of the line and in a matter of seconds we pay the fee and we’re back on track. Definitely recommend these two gentlemen.

7. Chichen Itza Combo Tour with Cenote Swim and Lunch from Cancun

USA Transfers
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.7 based on 184 reviews

Visit Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological zone in Yucatan, the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire and voted one of the new "Seven Wonders of the World" due to its extraordinary architecture beauty and its geographical location. This tour includes a panoramic view of Valladolid, buffet lunch, and cenote swim. As a gift, download My Mayan Guide App and turn your smartphone into a private guide that will give you details and information turn-by-turn as you walk through the ruins.

Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, There is no charge to bring a camera into the ruins, but you must pay $50 pesos for video camera.

Reviewed By T2283UUma

Refugio was great!!! 2nd time using USA Transfers and still amazed with their level of service. Thank you!!!

8. Priority Access: Xplor Adventure Park with Hotel Pick up and Drop Off

Xplor Park by Xcaret
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.6 based on 125 reviews

Indulge your love for adventure at Xplor Adventure Park, located less than an hour from Cancun. Soar through the treetops on the highest ziplines in the Riviera Maya and drive an amphibious vehicle over all kinds of terrain. Swim in underground rivers, or paddle a raft through caverns adorned with stalagmites and stalactites. Then dig into an all-you-can eat buffet lunch offering delicious and healthy food. With round-trip hotel transport, entrance fees and lunch included, this all-inclusive tour is perfect for families.

Inclusions: All-you-can-eat buffet lunch, Beverages, Use of lockers, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Hamlet, harness, kayak and paddles. Depending of the activity and risk, Dressing rooms, restrooms, Priority Access: You can have your admission bracelets on the bus on your way to the park.

Exclusions: Gratuities, Photos are available for purchase., Souvenirs (Available to purchase)

Reviewed By Andreia W

We spent my husband’s birthday at Xplor and we had the best time! It was our first time zip lining, so we tried the 3 lines first. We got hooked! The views of the jungle are beautiful! The line for the 7 lines was long, so we decided to do the 3 lines again. There was no wait for that one. We did pretty much all the activities, swimming in the caves, rafting, car ride, hammock splash and zip lining. Lunch was included and it was pretty good. There were lots of options, and the service was quick. The park is well organized, clean, and they offer free lockers and life vests for the cave swimming. We didn’t need sunscreen because most of the park is shaded by trees, and you can walk from one ride to another inside the caves, which was very pleasant. They don’t have towels but we didn’t really need one. You do need closed-toes water shoes for some of the activities. I bought mine the day before in downtown and it was $15. If you buy them at the park you will pay a little more. We definitely recommend the Xplor park to anyone looking for a jungle adventure in Cancun!

9. Chichen Itza Sunrise with lunch,Tequila & optional Valladolid, Cenote & Pick up

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico Amigo Tours
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.6 based on 2,062 reviews

TOP 3 MEXICO TRIPADVISOR AWARDS 2020 WINNER Gain essential insights into Mexico’s past on a visit to Chichen Itza with a private archaeologist. Miss the crowds, heat (98°F) and humidity (65%), by visiting in the early morning, and see parts of the site that traditional tours don’t visit. With meeting point from Cancun, experience the majesty of the entire Chichen Itza site and receive personalized attention from your professionally certified guide. After the tour you will enjoy a lunch buffet. If you prefer, you can choose the Chichen Itzá DELUXE option with upgrade and visit the beautiful city of Valladolid and get the chance to swim in a Cenote. Make the most of your day with this full experience. We care about your safety and we guarantee a safe route by toll road to Chichen Itza

Inclusions: Professional guide, Round transportation from the meeting points (for VIP or DELUXE option, hotel pick is included), Air-conditioned vehicle, Toll Road, Buffet Lunch, 1 drink per person is included DELUXE option, CULTUR tax (453 MXN) is included in DELUXE option, Ticket to Chichen Itza, Tequila Tasting, 1 umbrella per reservation is included DELUXE option

Exclusions: Drinks (available to purchase. Only included in DELUXE option), All visitors to Chichen Itza need to pay a local tax of $453 mxn. Only credit card payment.

Reviewed By chrisfC1829YL

My wife and I enjoyed this trip immensely but to be honest, the snorkeling was good but not overly exciting. Plenty of fish to see but because there were about 10 boatloads of people all in the same spot, it got really chaotic and took a lot of the enjoyment out of it. Also, Isla Mujeres was not what I expected... so much to do!!! I highly recommend looking into activities ahead of time as you spend about 2 hours exploring the island.... which I didn't realize when I booked the trip. We stumbled upon renting a go cart (which is about $20 an hour) and drove around .... the best experience and highly recommend doing the same. We stumbled upon Punta Sur and LOVED it!! Pay the $3 a person to go out to the point. There are pathways down to the water and wind in and around the cliffs. Overall, this trip was amazing, the boat crew were fun and easy to interact with.

10. Priority Access: Xel-Há All-Inclusive Day Trip with Transportation

Xel-Ha Park by Xcaret
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.4 based on 167 reviews

Attention water lovers: Paradise awaits at Xel-Há, a natural aquarium located along the Riviera Maya. Angelfish, iguanas and other wildlife complete your jungle tableau, as you explore a lagoon, cenotes, caves and a hidden beach. Bike around the lush grounds, or simply laze down a river in an inner tube. Satisfy hunger pangs with the flash of your wristband for all-you-can-eat burgers, seafood, Mayan cuisine and more. This all-inclusive tour, perfect for families, includes round-trip hotel transport from Cancun.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, All-you-can-eat buffet, Beverages, Access to showers, lockers and towels, Use of snorkel equipment and inner tubes, Life vests, Use of lounge chairs, hammocks and rest areas, Priority Access: You can have your admission bracelets on the bus on your way to the park.

Exclusions: Gratuities, Optional activities: These are educational activities of interaction with wild life, Sea Trek, Snuba, Souvenirs (Available to purchase), Photos (Available to purchase)

Reviewed By becgall

I booked this along with the Tulum ruins I really had no idea what it was I thought I was just booking the Ruins but what a fabulous surprise. My husband an adult daughter and I went to this and we had a blast. Natures beauty and abundance what is just so great to experience. There’s something for everyone here we met people from all over. The lazy river float is probably one of the most fantastic things I have ever done. The views the beauty the all inclusive drinks and meals the equipment provided all me for a wonderful experience. I highly recommend going here I wanna come back I loved it my whole family loved it we were tired but so happy we came here. I even did that scary waterslide and lived to tell about it!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.