When vacationing in Mexico, tourists often choose Cancun. The country’s largest resort is always hospitable. While many guests’ favorite activities are lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea, eating exotic fruits, and shopping, cultural leisure should not be forgotten. The surroundings of Cancun are rich in attractions. Everyone can choose according to their taste.
Remnants of the Mayan civilization, picturesque towns associated with the conquistadors, nature reserves, amazing amusement parks… You can go there and back in one day. Whether you prefer to travel by rented car, buy a local bus ticket, or purchase a guided tour – it doesn’t matter. The main thing is not to miss such a fantastic opportunity. So, where to go from Cancun for a day on your own?
Chichen Itza
One of the main cultural attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula, the remains of a sacred city. Chichen Itza is on the list of the “Seven New Wonders of the World.” The oldest buildings that can be seen here were erected by the Mayan Indians around the 7th century BC. In the 10th century, the city was captured by the Toltecs, and a century later, it became the capital of their state. Gold and obsidian mining, trade, and the development of crafts determined the important economic role of this center.
Then, the armies of neighboring city-states ravaged Chichen Itza, killing or capturing its defenders. When the Spanish conquerors arrived here in the 16th century, the city was empty, but the Mayan Indians settled nearby because they considered this place sacred. The Spaniards treated the Mayans barbarically – destroying cultural monuments and killing priests. But some things survived.
Today, tourists can see several temples, an observatory, ball courts, the ruins of colonnades, a sacred well for sacrifices, statues of deities, and ornaments made by the skilled hands of ancient artists. All this is very picturesque and makes a great impression.
Valladolid
Here, too, everything breathes history. The city was founded in the mid-16th century and got its name in honor of the Spanish city, which was the capital at that time. Francisco de Montejo, who founded Valladolid, aimed to consolidate Spanish rule over these lands.
Initially, the city was located closer to the coast, but mosquitoes that carried dangerous diseases troubled the Spaniards there. Therefore, Valladolid was moved further away. The Spaniards dismantled the ancient buildings once erected by the Mayan Indians (the city of Zaci, meaning “white hawk,” was here) and built houses in their national style. The Mayans revolted more than once, but the Spanish troops suppressed their resistance.
The Mayans had no civil rights – their lands were seized by new owners – Europeans. In the mid-19th century, a rebellion broke out here, which turned into an uprising. The colonizers had to temporarily leave the city, but later the Mayan rebels were driven out by government troops. In the early 20th century, the revolutionary movement originated in Valladolid. Visitors will find it interesting to see the old cathedral, museums, and local cafes.
Coba
This trip can be recommended for those who love active recreation. A bus goes here from Cancun, and the journey takes about three hours. Here are some tips. It’s best to start early – remember the local heat, and there will be fewer tourists in the early hours.
Your clothing and shoes should be comfortable – you will have to walk a lot. Don’t forget mosquito repellent – there are plenty of bloodsucking insects in the area. Food and especially water will also come in handy – you might not be able to buy them on-site as there are very few shops here.
Upon arrival, it’s better to rent a bicycle or use a cycle rickshaw. This way, you can ride from one cultural site to another without getting too tired. However, you will have to walk on foot in the area where the historical monuments are located. The entire walk will take about four hours. It’s most convenient to order a tour in Russian.
An experienced guide won’t let you get lost in the jungle and will warn you against swimming in the lakes – they are home to crocodiles. The ancient city of Coba probably formed in the 4th century BC. It was a religious and cultural center where up to 50,000 people could live. The city is surrounded by many mysteries.
For example, there is a network of roads here, although the Indians did not have wheeled vehicles. These roads, which are very long, might have been used by an even more ancient people. The Coba complex is open from 8 am to 7 pm, but entrance is more expensive in the evening hours (the ruins look more impressive in sunset lighting).
For those who arrived by their own transport, there is parking available. Climb the Nohoch Mul pyramid. It is 42 meters high. The steps – there are 120 of them – have been restored, but the climb is still challenging. However, once at the top, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama – endless jungle and archaeological monuments.
The ball court, ancient stelae, and other pyramids, which are lower than Nohoch Mul, are also of interest. You can only look at them from a distance as the steps have not been restored, making the climb very dangerous.
Tulum
A very interesting place – a city founded by the Mayan Indians. By all accounts, it played a significant role. It was once called Zama – “City of Dawn.” Tulum means “wall.” European documents start mentioning the city in the 16th century. Historians concluded that Tulum was abandoned when the Spanish arrived in the area.
The architecture here is typical of the Maya. Steps lead to residential buildings. Narrow doors, columns, stucco, altars at the back walls – houses were built like this in Chichen Itza as well. The Indians placed great importance on fortifying the city. On one side, there was natural protection – the sea and steep cliffs, and on the other, the Maya built an impressive wall – 400 meters long, up to 5 meters high, and 8 meters thick.
There were also watchtowers here. A natural well – a cenote – provided residents with drinking water. In Tulum, you should visit the Temple of the Frescoes, see the statues and murals, visit the Castillo fortress, which served as both a sanctuary and a lighthouse, and admire the numerous artifacts that testify to the city’s exceptional importance.
Merida
This is the first city built by the Spaniards on the Yucatan Peninsula. The ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement that once stood here reminded the colonizers of the remains of a Roman fortress in Merida. Therefore, they named the new settlement in honor of the Spanish city.
When heading here, keep in mind that Merida lies in a valley, and it is almost always very hot. So take care of a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It’s pleasant to walk here. Narrow colorful streets, green parks, white-painted houses – Merida is even called the “white city.”
There are plenty of old buildings built in the 16th-18th centuries. The cathedral, churches, monastery, and museum, which houses many exhibits about the life of the Indians, are worth visiting. Merida is surrounded by plantations of henequen, a type of agave, and naturally, the city has a developed textile industry. There is also a university here. It is hard to get lost as the rectangular grid of the streets makes it easy to navigate.
Tourists should visit Merida on Sundays. Roads are closed to traffic, and the festivities begin. You can find local folklore groups singing and dancing wonderfully. In front of the Government building, there is a ceremony reminiscent of the Mayan Indians. Merida is also interesting because the UN Convention against Corruption was signed here in 2003.
Akumal
A true paradise for nature lovers. The name translates to “Place of Turtles.” Crystal-clear water and sand, a rich underwater world, and the chance to swim with turtles – that’s what awaits you here. Once, there was a coconut plantation here.
Then these lands were bought by Pablo Bush Romero, who effectively created a resort here. Tourists from different countries began to visit Akumal, although at that time, it was only accessible by sea. There are almost never storms here, and the sand is silky and white. Therefore, many tourists prefer to come here rather than to Cuban resorts.
You will also see a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero here. In the 16th century, this Spaniard became a captive of the Indians but found a common language with them, adopted the Mayan faith, married the chief’s daughter, and became a ruler of the tribe’s warriors. There are indeed many turtles in the area. From April to October, they come ashore to lay their eggs. But of course, the most exciting thing is to watch them in the water.
Diving here is very interesting. The second-largest coral reef in the world, countless colorful fish, rays, and turtles – all this makes a huge impression.
You can book a diving tour or a fishing trip. Those who love seclusion can relax in one of the lagoons where the water is crystal clear, and there are practically no people around. If you want to stay here for a few days, there are many hotels around, from modest to luxurious.
Xel-Ha Park
Another place where you can enjoy nature and have fun. It is common to come here with the whole family, as children will not be bored here either. Once, there was a Mayan city in this lagoon. According to scientists, the chiefs loved to spend their free time here. And indeed, the place is beautiful.
The park is located just over 100 km away. You can get here by bus or taxi, or you can book a tour during which a guide will tell you many interesting things. What to do in the park? First of all, admire this amazing place. There are beautiful beaches with clean white sand, and the water is warm and clear.
There are no big waves. You can sunbathe or just take air baths under a canopy. Diving enthusiasts will appreciate the rich underwater world. There are also picturesque caves with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You can swim and dive in karst lakes – rare animals live here.
The bravest tourists can jump off cliffs. By the way, lifeguards ensure the safety of visitors. But there are other entertainments. For example, there is a dolphinarium here. You can not only watch shows but also feed the dolphins and swim with them. Many attractions are available, and jungle tours are organized.
For young visitors, there is a special zone where they can have fun with new friends. Cafes and restaurants are available on the premises. If you plan to spend the whole day in the park, it’s most convenient to buy an all-inclusive ticket.
Xcaret Park
This park is a large cultural and entertainment center. It includes a nature reserve, a tropical zone, a coral reef, underground tunnels, and much more. There are tons of activities here, and it’s worth noting the excellent work of the organizers. Every tourist quickly finds something of interest, and no one gets in each other’s way.
It’s most convenient to get here by booking a tour. You will be picked up from the hotel and brought back in the evening, and the ticket includes a buffet. You can also get to the park by bus or taxi and buy an entrance ticket yourself. Although the park is man-made, everything is arranged so that you feel like you are in a natural environment.
Numerous bays with turquoise water invite you to dive in; in the tropical vegetation, you can find remnants of ancient buildings. And what an exciting adventure it is to travel on a raft along the underground river.
You can see many animals in the park – from jaguars and crocodiles to elegant tropical butterflies. It’s best to come here in the morning and stay until evening to see the bright concert programs. Children will be captivated by the many attractions. You can watch dolphin shows, swim with them, and take photos. Flamingos are very trusting – they take food from your hands.
Colorful macaws sit on your shoulders. For water activities, special oxygen helmets are provided. Corals and beautiful fish will be right next to you. Usually, tourists spend the day swimming, sunbathing, visiting cafes, riding attractions, admiring animals, visiting the Mayan village, and learning about the life of the Indians. In the evening, various performances await guests, including fire dancing.
Rio Lagartos
One of Mexico’s best reserves is located quite far from Cancun – about 250 km away. You can get there by bus or taxi, but it’s most convenient to buy a Russian-language tour, as you might encounter language problems on-site – most locals speak only Spanish.
Moreover, the guide will take care of renting a motorboat in advance, and without it, you won’t see half of the reserve’s beauty. After all, its name translates to “River of Crocodiles.” These large reptiles are primarily what Rio Lagartos is famous for.
If you still venture without a guide, hire one of the local fishermen to take you along the river. They know the places where you can always see crocodiles. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you are allowed to feed them – it’s not recommended to do this on your own. The reserve is also famous for its flamingos.
These birds are not as trusting as in the parks, so they won’t let people get too close. But you can admire and photograph them. Other rare bird species also inhabit this area. Pelicans and eagles, storks and cormorants – many birds are not shy, and you can get very close to them. The Pink Lakes, with their color due to numerous microorganisms living there, are also beautiful.
You can’t swim here, but the photos are stunning. The salt extraction plant is also impressive, and the salt is used not only for cooking but also for healing. By the way, the Mayan Indians started extracting salt here.
Ek Balam
The city that once belonged to the Mayan Indians is located near Valladolid. It was founded in the 3rd century BC and abandoned after the conquistadors arrived. Its original name was Talol. Today, 45 buildings have been preserved. The Great Acropolis, which is 146 meters long. You can admire the gypsum frieze – the entrance is decorated as a beast’s mouth.
Tourists marvel at the Oval Palace, explore the stadium for ball games, pyramids, stelae, an arch, and murals – true works of art. The Mayans depicted people and animals with remarkable realism. The images of gods and mythical creatures are particularly interesting.
Isla Mujeres
This small trip will bring you much pleasure. The island is located 10 km from Cancun. You can get there in various ways. The most popular is by ferry. Alternatively, you can order a motorboat or a yacht trip. The island is small, about 8 km long and 3 km wide. The most suitable part for relaxation is the northwest.
There are excellent beaches here. On the opposite side, there are picturesque cliffs, but the seabed is rocky. The island has hotels and modest hostels, shops, and cafes that mainly serve seafood dishes. The Mayan Indians once lived on the island. Many statues and cult structures remain from that era.
The Spanish conquerors met a highly cultured people here. They named it the Island of Women after seeing many statues of women, such as the goddess of Fertility. The underwater world around the island is rich. There is a coral reef nearby, so you can see its many inhabitants during diving.
Cozumel
One of Mexico’s largest islands – 16 km wide and three times as long – is separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. The distance from Cancun to Cozumel is about 60 km. The island has many rare plants and animals found only here. To learn more about them, it’s best to take a tour on-site.
The guide will point out endemic species. The Mayan Indians were the only residents here. When Spanish conquerors arrived in the 16th century, they began to overthrow the Mayan idols and attempted to convert the locals to Christianity. Today, Cozumel is a popular resort. It is especially valued by diving enthusiasts. The underwater world here is rich, with clean and warm water.
You can rent diving equipment on-site. Arranging a fishing trip is also easy. Naturally, the large island has a well-developed service industry. You have access to everything – hotels, shops, cafes, and entertainment centers.
Uxmal
If you are interested in Mayan culture, you must visit Uxmal. This city is located near Merida. Scholars believe that “Uxmal” in the Mayan language means “thrice.” It might be related to the fact that the city fell into decline three times and was then restored from ruins. According to the most common version, Uxmal was founded in the 11th century.
The city quickly became a major political and cultural center. Around 25,000 people lived here. The Mayans constantly waged internal wars; different tribes captured Uxmal. When the Spaniards arrived, the city was almost destroyed. However, much has survived to this day. The beautiful Ruler’s Palace building can be seen, with sculptures and mosaics.
The oval pyramid rises to 38 meters, with a temple at the top. Other pyramids, the complex known as the “Nunnery,” and much more can be explored. Unfortunately, bacterial colonies inhabiting the ancient buildings have started the erosion process.
Celestun
Celestun is a small town founded in the early 18th century on the site of an Indian fishing village. Later, ponds for sea salt extraction appeared here. But the locals did not abandon traditional trades – they fish and also raise poultry. But the main attraction of this place is the reserve, located about a quarter of an hour’s drive from Celestun. Ecotourism began to develop here.
Tourists come here to see the reserve’s inhabitants. Beautiful virgin forests and water bodies are home to thousands of wildlife representatives. Pelicans, rare stork species, and crocodiles can be seen here. But the pride of the reserve is the flamingos. Visitors watch them fly, fish, and walk “in formation” and capture other moments of these beautiful birds’ lives in photographs.
Playa del Carmen
Once, this was a transit point for Indians heading to Cozumel Island. Then, it was a small fishing village. And finally, it became a resort with a population of over 100,000 people. The city is located nearby, so it’s worth a visit; you might like it just as much. Excellent beaches, vibrant blue water, ferry service to Cozumel Island, plenty of hotels and shops – all this will delight tourists.
There is a Fifth Avenue here, where it’s pleasant to walk, sit in local cafes, and buy souvenirs. Nearby are the biosphere reserve and the underground river system. In short, while vacationing in Cancun, you can enjoy fascinating day trips.