Best weekend getaways from Cancún to see more of the Yucatán

From spectacular cenotes and picturesque tropical islands to well-preserved Mayan temples, the Yucatán Peninsula is packed with incredible destinations that you can easily explore on a weekend trip from Cancún.

Witness the mesmerizing bioluminescence in Isla Holbox or explore the world-renowned Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. Soak in the serene waters of Isla Mujeres or discover a shipwreck on a diving adventure in Playa del Carmen.

With so many exciting towns and must-visit attractions to discover nearby, this guide rounds up the eight best weekend getaways from Cancún you don’t want to miss.

Best weekend getaway from Cancún, according to your interests

Best weekend destinations for culture: Valladolid and Mérida

Best weekend trips for outdoor activities: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Tulum

Best weekend getaway for a relaxation: Isla Holbox

Best places for a romantic weekend: Akumal and Playa del Carmen

1. Valladolid

Recommended for

Culture enthusiasts and food lovers

Top things to do in Valladolid over a weekend

Valladolid is a popular base for exploring nearby Chichén Itzá, a well-preserved complex of Mayan ruins recognized as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. However, there’s much more to this city than its proximity to ancient history. Renowned for its collection of Moorish and colonial-style buildings, Valladolid is as rich in architectural gems as it is in culture. Stroll through its colorful streets, visit the stunning 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, and cool off with a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Cenote Zaci.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Valladolid?

Travel the 97 miles (156 km) from Cancún to Valladolid in two hours by car.

2. Mérida

Recommended for

Culture enthusiasts and food lovers

Top things to do in Mérida over a weekend

Mérida has long been known as the cultural capital of the Yucatán Peninsula, with its UNESCO-listed historic center, vibrant art galleries and museums, and tantalizing local markets like Lucas de Gálvez offering fresh produce and coctelerías (seafood cocktails). Explore the city's blend of Spanish and Maya cultures on a sightseeing bike tour through the Plaza Granda and Paseo Montejo, a historic boulevard famous for its colonial architecture and monuments. In the evenings, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Mérida’s plazas, where traditional music and dancing bring the city’s rich heritage to life.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Mérida?

Travel the 188 miles (303 km) from Cancún to Mérida in about 3.5 hours by car or private tour.

3. Cozumel

Recommended for

Adventure lovers and divers

Top things to do on Cozumel over a weekend

Widely considered one of the top diving destinations in Mexico, the small island of Cozumel offers an unbeatable underwater experience, brimming with vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. When you’re done exploring its underwater wonders, uncover Mayan ruins on an ATV tour through Cozumel’s jungles, explore the breathtaking underground cenote known as the Jade Cavern, or simply relax with a sunset dinner cruise off the island’s coast.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Cozumel?

To travel the 70 miles (114 km) from Cancún to Cozumel, you’ll need to drive or catch the bus for around one hour to Playa del Carmen, then jump on a 45-minute ferry over to the island.

4. Tulum

Recommended for

Beachgoers and adventure lovers

Top things to do in Tulum over a weekend

From exhilarating ATV adventures and hidden cenote tours to stunning white sand beaches and upmarket beach clubs, Tulum is one of the best weekend trips from Cancún for combining relaxation and adventure. Visit the popular archeological site of Tulum to see the ruins of an ancient Mayan port city or take a short trip to Cobá to experience some of the most amazing Mayan ruins in Mexico, including the Nohoch Mul pyramid, one of the region’s last climbable structures. End your day sipping cocktails and dancing to live DJs at a high-end beach bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Tulum?

Travel 81 miles (131 km) from Cancún to Tulum in about two hours by car, private tour, or bus.

5. Isla Mujeres

Recommended for

Beach lovers

Top things to do in Isla Mujeres over a weekend

With its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and laid-back vibe, the tiny island of Isla Mujeres is one of the best weekend getaways from Cancún for a relaxing beach break. Playa Norte, one of Mexico's most popular beaches, is the perfect spot for a day of sunbathing and swimming. More adventurous visitors can go snorkeling at Museo Subacuático de Arte, a unique underwater art museum, or explore the island’s vibrant coral reefs on a guided scuba diving excursion.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Isla Mujeres?

Travel 13 miles (21 km) by taking a ferry or water taxi to Isla Mujeres in just 30 minutes from Cancún.

6. Isla Holbox

Recommended for

Couples and nature lovers

Top things to do in the Isla Holbox over a weekend

The pristine shores and emerald waters of Isla Holbox make it the ideal location for a weekend of relaxation on the Yucatán. Wander through charming city streets and sample plenty of ceviche on a walking food tour, relax on the island’s gorgeous white sand beaches, and watch the sunset on the water with a kayak trip through the mangroves. Head on an after-dark adventure and experience the magic of bioluminescence on Punta Cocos, an unusual phenomenon where microorganisms emit blue light from the sea.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Isla Holbox?

The distance between Cancún and Isla Holbox is only 38 miles (61 km), but the journey takes longer than you might expect. First, you’ll need to drive or take a bus across the peninsula to the town of Chiquilá – which takes 2.5 hours – then jump on a ferry for a further 30 minutes.

7. Playa del Carmen

Recommended for

Couples and nature enthusiasts

Top things to do in Playa del Carmen over a weekend

Known for its energetic atmosphere, Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town packed with luxury amenities and surrounded by natural beauty. Explore an underground cave system at the Rio Secreto Nature Reserve, dive into the remains of a shipwreck, and dance the night away while enjoying the town’s buzzing nightlife scene. Don’t miss nearby Xcaret Park, a massive eco-archaeological theme park offering everything from underground rivers and water slides to exciting cultural performances.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Playa del Carmen?

Travel 42 miles (68 km) from Cancún to Playa del Carmen in just one hour by car, bus, or private tour.

8. Akumal

Recommended for

Nature lovers

Top things to do in Akumal over a weekend

For a tranquil escape with a cool tropical vibe, look no further than the small coastal town of Akumal. Take a snorkeling tour through Akumal's coral reefs and capture some memorable underwater photos, then stroll hand in hand on the soft white sands of Akumal Beach at sunset. Known for its diverse marine life and protected cenotes, Akumal is brimming with natural beauty that’s just waiting to be explored.

Best way to travel from Cancún to Akumal?

The easiest way to travel 65 miles (105 km) to Akumal from Cancún is by car, bus, or private tour, which takes just under two hours.

FAQs

1. What are some nearby destinations for a weekend trip from Cancún?

You can travel to Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen in less than one hour, making them a great choice for a day trip from Cancún or a quick weekend break. The likes of Tulum, Mérida, and Valladolid (for Chichén Itzá) are further away and are best done on a weekend trip.

2. What are the main transport options from Cancún?

Getting around Cancún and the wider Yucatán Peninsula is best done by hire car, taxi, or private guided tour. ADO buses are another affordable transport option, although you can expect longer travel times due to added stops.

3. Where can you drive to easily from Cancún?

Tulum and Valladolid are two of the best weekend trips from Cancún by car. You can drive to both of these popular destinations in around two hours.

4. When is the best time to take a weekend trip from Cancún?

Plan your weekend getaway during the dry season of December to April for sunny weather and warm temperatures. During the shoulder season of May to June or September to November, crowds are smaller, but the area experiences more frequent rain.

5. What are the best weekend getaways from Cancún for families?

Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Chichen Itza are three of the most popular family-friendly weekend trips from Cancún. If you’d rather stay in one place for the weekend, you can also find a variety of fun activities in Cancún for all ages.