Top 10 Unique Day Tours And Excursions From Cancun
When in Quintana Roo, there are a few things that you must have on your agenda, and some of the nicest are the day tours from Cancun.
Day tours range in length and are always perfect for both those who wish to explore at their own pace or being guided by an expert.
We all know the popular Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza. However, which ones are the most unique and authentic?
In this full guide, we will go through the experiences that you can’t miss while in Cancun. From the beautiful cenotes to day trips to the beach, we’re confident you’ll go back home satisfied.
How Long To Stay In Cancun
Cancun is the perfect destination for a vacation because there’s so much to do and see. If you are a traveler on the go and are wondering how long to stay in Cancun, less than a week will generally do
For instance, if you can only spend 5 days in and around Cancun, make sure to get outside of the area with all its authentic sites to see.
Pay Chichén-Itzá or some local cenotes a visit for an afternoon; discover the incredible waters at Isla Mujeres during morning hours, or enjoy the tasty local cuisine in the back alleys of Cancun.
The world is your oyster when it comes time to decide where you’ll be able to squeeze out every possible minute before heading back home again.
How Much Would A Week In Cancun Cost?
Mexico isn’t an expensive place to travel to. Food, average accommodation, and transportation aren’t expensive as a whole. However, as a tourist, you’ll certainly spend more money to join tours, treat your travel buddy to a nice dinner, or else.
The average budget for a couple of travelers to Cancun is 27,412 Mexican Pesos, or $1,380, all expenses included.
While it may sound more than average, it essentially summarizes to less than $100 including flights, tours, food, hotels, and transportation.
Last but not least, it is important to note that a $38 tourism tax is required when entering the Quintana Roo state in Mexico. You will need to prepare the paperwork ahead of time but it is hassle-free and you’ll manage to complete the process in a few clicks with Visitax.
Best Day Tours And Excursions From Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in Central America and we can clearly understand why. Mexico. It has everything from white sand beaches to an incredibly rich heritage. If you’re interested in exploring more than just the city and its beaches, these 10-day tours from Cancun are a great way to do so.
They’ll take you on an adventure through the jungle or waterfalls, explore Mayan ruins, visit small villages with fascinating traditions–whatever your heart desires.
Join A Day Tour To Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá is the largest of Mexico’s Mayan archeological sites. The site was built early 400s A.D but was one of the most important cities in Mayan history.
The park consists of several temples with El Castillo (also called Templo de Kukulkán) being the most popular and recognizable structure on-site. This pyramid has 91 stairs on each side and, in addition, the final step at the end of them. With all the steps, 364, are added to the final one, which makes 365 which represents the number of days in a year.
Apart from that, you will be able to discover the Cenote Ik Kil near Chichen Itza, the Temple of the Warriors, and El Caracol, one of the world’s most famous observatories,
To make this site more accessible for visitors, many tour companies offer trips from Cancun International Airport in Mexico’s Quintana Roo state.
Lastly, different day tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza are available and they all vary offering skip-the-line tickets, a visit to Cenote Ik Kil, and more surroundings.
How Far Is Chichen Itza From Cancun?
You can reach the stunning ruins of Chichen Itza in just over two hours from Cancun by car. Actually, Chichen Itza is only 125 miles away from Cancun.
On the other hand, if you join a day tour, expect to get there in at least 3 hours by bus and considering the bus stop on the road.
How Much Time Is Needed To Visit Chichen Itza?
The site of the Chichen Itza ruins is one vast city, and without a guide, you can easily cover it all in 2-3 hours.
Note that it can be challenging to have a worthwhile visit to Chichen Itza if you plan to go and come back to Cancun on the same day.
Tour The Historical Mayan Heritage Around Cancun
Cancun is an exciting place to explore new cultures and the most interesting thing about it is that you can join a day tour while on vacation. There are many historical sites around Cancun, including El Rey and Tulum which we’ll mention later in this article.
These structures were built by Mayan people and they offer a glimpse into their way of life from centuries ago.
Different day tours are available that include the road trip to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and all-around Quintana Roo as a whole.
Enjoy The Local Cenotes
The cenotes are an ancient system of natural sinkholes that dot the Yucatan Peninsula and that contain permanent water. They were formed as limestone dissolved and caverns collapsed, leaving behind a labyrinth of subterranean passages and chambers.
Apart from having a rich historical meaning, cenotes are beautiful to see and the ones around Cancun are a great way to cool off on a hot day.
They’re also worth checking out because they provide some stunning views of the jungle and the surroundings.
On top of that, it’s important to note that cenotes are everywhere around Cancun and in Quintana Roo. Needless to say, taking a day tour from Cancun to Tulum or Playa del Carmen stopping by the nicest cenotes in Mexico is a must-do.
What Are The Best Cenotes Around Cancun?
Travelers and locals alike are always looking for the next big thing to do, and cenotes are simply one of the best day tours from Cancun you can’t miss.
Travelers willing to experience cenotes in Quintana Roo should join a group to one of these:
- Cenote Siete Bocas, Puerto Morelos – 35 miles/1 hour from Cancun
- Cenote Dos Ojos, Tulum – 70 miles/1.5 hour from Cancun
- Cenote La Noria, Puerto Morelos – 38 miles/1 hour from Cancun
Of course, there are plenty of other cenotes that you should include in your itinerary. However, these are the most interesting, fun, and unique that you can reach from Cancun.
Explore Isla Mujeres
Many people flock to Mexico for its beaches, but if you’re looking for something different from the typical Cancun experience, then Isla Mujeres is where you need to be.
It’s a small island off of the coast of Cancun which offers beautiful white sand beaches and an array of activities. Whether you want to relax on a gorgeous beach or explore their ancient Mayan ruins, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for visitors.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to take a day tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, you’ll find incredible trips to make your time worth it. From snorkeling tours to jumping on a catamaran and even speedboat, you won’t get bored a second.
Jump On A Jungle Speedboat Tour
Jungle speedboat tours around Cancun are a great way to see the natural beauty inside Quintana Roo and get up close with some of its most fascinating wildlife.
Although these tours can be expensive, they’re worth it if you want to experience something new.
These tours offer the chance to snorkel and they will take you to see all the diverse wildlife in the beautiful mangrove canals of Nichupte Lagoon.
Some other tours will get you to visit The Great Mayan Reef in Punta Nizuc where there are many colors and sizes of fish waiting for explorers like yourself.
All in all, a jungle speedboat day trip from Cancun is one of the nicest and most unique experiences there is.
Explore The Cancun Surroundings Riding A Horse
One of the most requested popular activities in and around Cancun is horseback riding. There are plenty of opportunities for beginner and advanced riders alike.
You can explore the surroundings from atop your trusty steed, taking in views of the magnificent jungle that surrounds Cancun.
Sure, these tours aren’t the cheapest, costing $95 on average per person. However, taking into consideration the trip to the Yucatan jungle, the meals and snacks included, and the horse riding training, it is certainly worth it.
You won’t need to have any horseback experience to enjoy it to the fullest. Also, your guide will tell you everything about the local fauna and cenote, and that surely should be another motivation to join the experience from Cancun.
Make Your Way To Isla Contoy
There are many reasons why you should visit Isla Contoy in Mexico, but if you’re looking for a more secluded place with stunning waters, then this is the destination for you.
Also, if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, Contoy is the place to go. Snorkel with brightly colored fish and explore colorful coral reefs. Your guide will tell stories of their past adventures on this magical destination island.
The beaches are pristine and untouched by and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some fishing or water sports before relaxing on your way back to Cancun.
Last but not least, day tours from Cancun to Isla Contoy are oftentimes combined with Isla Mujeres. Needless to say, that is a great way to enjoy both destinations in one day.
Discover Tulum – The Turquoise Beaches And Archaeological Sites
Tulum is one of the most historical, unique, interesting, and beautiful places to visit in Mexico. The turquoise beaches and the archaeological sites are sights to see.
The beaches at Tulum look like something from a postcard or movie set, with white sand, incredible water, and palm trees.
Apart from that, the Mayan ruins here offer an insight into how people lived centuries ago – there is so much history still preserved here that has been waiting to be discovered by visitors.
Tulum is located near Cozumel which offers some great snorkel, delicious food, and a laid-back ambiance all year round.
Follow A Guide To Cozumel
Cozumel is an island off the coast of Mexico that is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and gobsmacking scenery.
If you are planning on visiting this destination, it can be a little bit daunting to plan your trip without any guidance. That’s why taking a day tour from Cancun will make it hassle-free and convenient.
If you’re a scuba diver looking for some of the best experiences in Cozumel, head toward the northern beaches and dive with experienced divers. Or, if you want to try something new, take your family and friends on an adventure through Punta Sur Ecological Park.
You can explore what the Mayans left behind at San Gervasio Ruins and that make a historically rich trip outside Cancun.
All in all, we couldn’t recommend a day trip to Cozumel enough.
Visit Sian Ka’an And Its Mangroves
Sian Ka’an is a biosphere reserve that was established in the year 1986 and quickly became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 in the state of Quintana Roo.
The name Sian Ka’an means “Origin of the sky” and it was given this title because of its rich biodiversity.
Near the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, this biosphere reserve gives refuge to a bizarre variety of animals and plants. Tropical forests have been overtaken by mangroves and marshes which house an incredible number of birds in their delicate ecosystem.
The diverse environment formed from its complex hydrological system is home to more than 300 bird species.
Sian Ka’an is home to rare mammals like Puma, Jaguar, Ocelot, and Central American Tapir.
Needless to say, Sian Ka’an is a unique yet exotic place to include in your itinerary to Cancun, Mexico.
Take A Tour To The Ancient City Of Ek Balam
The ancient city of Ek Balam is a must-see sight for any traveler in Cancun and, more specifically, Mexico.
Ek Balam is a beautiful, lost city that was once an important cultural center during the Late Classic Period in 700 to 1000 A.D.
With more than 1000 years’ worth of history, visitors will be transported back to what life may have been like for those living here over a decade ago with its mesmerizing ruins.
Stroll across the ancient Maya town high atop a 96-foot tall (29 meters) Acropolis, one can enjoy gorgeous views of lush jungle scenery. Throughout this site, you will find jaguar motifs and other beautiful symbols decorating its structures.
Day tours to Ek Balam are usually combined with cenotes, Chichen Itza, and even Tequila factories if you feel in the mood.
To sum up, joining a day tour from Cancun to Ek Balam is an incredible experience and you’ll get to visit other sites at the same time.
Our Take On These Day Tours From Cancun
All of these day tours offer a great family experience that is perfect for travelers with children or who want to explore without getting too adventurous.
From the mysterious cenotes to Isla Mujeres and Contoy to Sian Ka’an biosphere and ancient cities, your journey to Cancun will be memorable.
There is no wrong choice when it comes to exploring this beautiful region so make sure to book one of the day tours above to make the most of your vacation.
