Mayan Ruins & Unspoiled Beaches: Top 5 Day Trips From Cancun According To Experts

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If you are touring to Cancun within the close to future, chances are high some leisure and week-round pampering in a five-star resort are prime priorities for you, and pay attention, we completely get it:

Cancun is virtually synonymous with hassle-free tropical vacays, however that does not imply you’ll be able to’t add a bit of tradition and nature exploration to the combination.

Our associates on the Cancun Sun, the highest specialists relating to Cancun and all issues Mexican Caribbean, have ranked the 5 greatest day journeys from the Hotel Zone, from discovering monumental Mayan ruins to visiting wild sanctuaries house to endangered species.

Bottomless brunches and mimosas are nice, however belief us once we say these will make your journey much more memorable! Plus, be sure you take a look at our quiz on the backside of the article to find out which day journey is greatest for you.

5. Akumal

(*5*)

A brief 1h20 drive south of Cancun, Akumal is a small, laid-back beach town situated in a scenic bay shielded by an offshore reef. This helps hold the water that hugs the shoreline calm, shallow, and clear, and makes the realm a gathering hotspot for marine life.

It’s no surprise Akumal is likely one of the greatest locations within the Mexican Caribbean for snorkeling: you’ll be able to ebook guided excursions to identify wild inexperienced sea turtles, rays, and colourful reef fish, and for those who really feel the principle seashore in Cancun is simply too crowded, you need to strive the far more peaceable Half Moon Bay.

The Cancun Sun additionally recommends you take a look at the close by Yal-Ku lagoon, a pure surprise nonetheless unspoiled by mass tourism.

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4. Tulum

A Mayan stronghold on the resort-packed coast, Tulum is sort of a gateway to the paranormal, long-lost empire: straddling the turquoise sea, this archaeological zone is dotted with well-preserved temples and palaces, and it even overlooks a scenic seashore.

The most stunning construction round right here, El Castillo, a fortress-like Mayan ceremonial middle perched proper on the sting of a cliff, and in a method, it is the Mexican Caribbean’s most iconic postcard shot, so ensure you get the digital camera out.

It’s value noting that, though guests arriving by automotive attain in round 90 minutes from Cancun, tour buses sometimes take round 2 hours.

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3. Ruta de los Cenotes

Just half-hour south of Cancun, the otherworldly Ruta de los Cenotes cuts proper by way of the guts of Mexico’s tropical jungle, main you to untouristy Mayan ruins, turquoise sinkholes, and thrilling journey parks.

There are tour operators that provide day journeys right here, however for max flexibility, we would advise you to lease a automotive (from a well-reputed firm, after all).

This will assist you to drive deeper into the route, the place locals go, past the bus stops, like Cenote La Noria, an open-air cenote with vibrant blue water, and Cenote Popol Vuh, with minimal improvement, solely a handful of eco-cabins and a small tenting website.

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2. Isla Contoy

If you’re keen on the Mexican Caribbean for its wild nature, then you’ll be able to’t miss Isla Contoy:

A nationwide park, this tiny island situated roughly 25 miles north of Cancun has powdery white sands, untouched reefs house to colourful marine life, and a chicken sanctuary attracting over 150 species, together with the Magnificent Frigatebird.

However, as a result of island’s standing as a protected reserve, you’ll be able to’t simply hop on a ferry and go there with out advance planning. Unless you are a park ranger or a scientist conducting on-the-ground reserch, entry is restricted by licensed tour, with a every day customer cap set at 200 individuals solely.

But hey, that is nice information for those who like crowd-free seashores!

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1. Isla Mujeres

The quantity someday journey from Cancun in accordance with the specialists, Isla Mujeres is an effortless 20-minute ferry ride away from the Hotel Zone.

It boasts white-sand seashores backed by tall palm timber, boutique resorts and family-owned cantinas overlooking teal-colored waters, and even Mayan archaeological websites with maybe half the Tulum crowds.

The most beautiful beach on the island is, with out query, Playa Norte, and whatever the time of yr, you’ll be able to wager sargassum ranges can be minimal up there.

For these eager on an expedition, lease a golf cart by the port, and set off to Punta Sur, the undeveloped south, for dramatic coastlines, the Ixchel Temple (devoted to the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility), and luxurious jungle.

Isla Mujeres can also be one of many most secure locations within the Mexican Caribbean, with far decrease charges of pickpocketing and crime in comparison with the mainland, so you’ll be able to put your worries to relaxation and really unwild.