By michael vivar
From raucous, college-aged spring breakers to sedate families, Cancun, Mexico has been a classic vacation spot for Americans. There's no sign of change with an expected 11 million visitors from the United States in 2024.
Cancun boasts hundreds of accommodation options from inexpensive spots to sleep in between beach trips to all-inclusive resorts where every desire is satisfied on-site.
There are travelers who like to indulge in the spice of adventure. For those with a wanderlust, here are seven day trips from Cancun.
Just an hour south, this quaint town offers white sand beaches like Cancun with less party atmosphere. There are many shopping and fine dining opportunities on the 5th Avenue main drag.
Anyone interested in the cultural heritage of Mexico will want to check out this working archaeological dig. The sprawling location is the burial site of Ukit Kan Lek Tok' who ruled from 770 to 797 CE.
Spend a care-free day playing at this natural water park with its azure rock pools. The $160 admission includes unlimited snorkel rental, an all-day buffet and bottomless margaritas.
This is one of Mexico's lesser-known Mayan ruins so it's not as crowded. The site isn't fully excavated which makes the vibe more intrepid. Self-guided walking tours are available for download online.
Translating to "Women Island," this destination is only 20-minutes by ferry. The town center is perfect for strolling and meeting the friendly locals. Fishing off the coast is an angler's dream.
Those who don't want to range too far can spend a day on a chartered catamaran. Some of these offer tours of the many beautiful cenotes which are natural sinkholes formed by the erosion of limestone deposits.
This is probably the most famous Mayan ruins. Once one of the most important cities of Yucatan, it's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Check out the many small villages along the way.
There are many numerous hired bus services that take tourists around. For the freedom to veer off course, car rental agencies abound in Cancun. As always, relax but keep track of your belongings and surroundings.