Cancun to Chichén Itzá & Tulum: 5 Day Trips Route
This 103.5 km route from Cancun showcases the top five day trip destinations across Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, including the pink lagoons of Río Lagartos, the beachside town of Tulum with its cenotes, the colorful waters of Bacalar, the nearby island of Isla Mujeres, and the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
- End
- Valladolid
- Stops
- 13
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
- Day Trip to Chichén Itzá — UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing one of the New Seven Wonders, featuring the iconic pyramid El Castillo and extensive pre-Columbian Mayan structures.
- Cancun
- Río Lagartos
- Tulum
- Kaan Luum Lagoon
- Bacalar — Destination in southern Yucatan Peninsula near the Belize border, famous for its expansive lagoon with distinctive and beautiful multicolored water formations.
- Laguna de Bacalar — Large lagoon in Bacalar renowned for striking turquoise, blue, and green color gradations caused by varying water depths and mineral composition.
- Isla Mujeres
- MUSA Underwater Museum of Art — Impressive submerged art museum near Isla Mujeres featuring sculptures and installations underwater, accessible via snorkeling and scuba diving expeditions.
- Manchones Reef — Beautiful coral reef near Isla Mujeres offering abundant marine life and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in clear tropical waters.
- Chichén Itzá — One of the Seven Wonders of the World, this major Mayan archaeological site features impressive pyramid temples and monuments representing thriving pre-Columbian civilization.
- Valladolid — Colonial city in Yucatan typically visited as part of Chichén Itzá day tours, blending Spanish colonial architecture with Mayan heritage and local culture.
Useful for your trip
- Tip
- Most tourists stay in the Hotel Zone; venture out of town at least once to explore nearby towns, Mayan ruins, and natural attractions for unique activities.
- Transport
- Río Lagartos is about 3.5 hours from Cancun. Take a boat tour to observe flamingos, crocodiles, and pelicans in the protected biosphere.
- Tip
- Visit Las Coloradas pink water lagoons near Río Lagartos, formed by salt mines, for stunning pictures.
- Transport
- Tulum is a 2-hour drive from Cancun. Reach it by local colectivo, tourist ADO bus, or book a day tour.
- Tip
- In Tulum, visit the ruins, Kaan Luum Lagoon, Calavera Cenote, and Gran Cenote for various activities.
- Transport
- Bacalar is about 4 hours by tour bus from Cancun. Ideally spend more than one day here, but it's doable as a day trip with an early start.
- Tip
- Bacalar is known for Laguna de Bacalar with beautiful colors; located in south Yucatan Peninsula near Belize border.
- Transport
- Isla Mujeres is only a 20-minute boat ride from Cancun, making it the closest day trip option.
- Tip
- Isla Mujeres offers white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and is popular for scuba diving and snorkeling at MUSA Underwater Museum of Art and Manchones Reef.
- Transport
- Chichén Itzá is about 3 hours away by tour bus. Day trips typically include visits to a cenote and the colonial city of Valladolid.
- Where to stay
- In Cancun Hotel Zone, consider staying at Mayan Monkey hostel. Downtown option: Viento Suites.
Video on this route
CANCUN, MEXICO | 5 Must-Do Day Trips from Cancun