Bacalar Lagoon — The lagoon in Bacalar: the perfect freshwater swimming location.

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula in the southeast of Mexico, our town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto is only a short distance away from many of the region’s must-see destinations. From beautiful swimming spots and impressive ruins, to charming colonial cities rich in history, here are our top picks of the best day trips that you can do from Carrillo.

Tulum beach and ruins

Tulum vista with beach, palm trees, waves, cliffs and ruins — Tulum has a mix of beautiful beaches, azure waters and stunning ruins.

Just one hour north of Carrillo Puerto lies the bustling Tulum pueblo. While the town boasts an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife, most tourists head here for the picturesque white-sand beaches and Caribbean waters that are a short drive, or bike ride, from the main strip. Stop at the ruins on the way to the beach to learn about the history of the region (get there early to avoid the crowds!) and soak in the breathtaking views of the Riviera Maya.

Go cenote hopping

Picture from inside a cenote — The Yucatan Peninsula has over 6,000 cenotes.

Dotted along the highway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen are some of the peninsula’s most stunning open-air cenotes. These freshwater sinkholes, surrounded by mangroves and luscious jungle, are a great alternative to the beach for a refreshing dip, particularly during the rainy season (July to November) when the sargazo (seagrass) can make swimming in the sea unpleasant. Our favorites along this stretch are Cenote Azul, Cristalino and Jardín del Eden, which you can easily hop between.

Cobá ruins and cenotes

The Coba Pyramid — The Cobá archeological site draws visitors from across the world.

An hour northwest of Tulum lies the ancient Maya archeological site of Cobá. Unlike Chichén Itzá, this archaeological complex remains nestled in the jungle, with winding paths carved into the thicket that connect the main sites. Here you can scale the steps of the largest pyramid for breathtaking views of the jungle canopy - one of the few ruins visitors can still climb in the region! - then take a dip in the on-site cenote to cool off. We would recommend hiring a local guide upon arrival (take a look at the guided tour we offer on our excursions page) to truly immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this pre-Hispanic settlement. The cenotes along the road to Cobá are also well-worth a visit and make for a perfect pit stop on the drive back down to Carrillo.

MUYIL

Lesser known to tourists than the Cobá and Tulum ruins is the archaeological site of Muyil, situated just off the highway 73 km north of Carrillo. Perched on the edge of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wildlife haven, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna thriving off of the protected land. The local cooperative offers guided tours of the ruins, followed by a boat trip through the mangroves and an opportunity to float along the freshwater canals that once formed part of the trade routes in the Maya region.

Valladolid and Tihosuco

The Valladolid Candelalria by dusk — The *Candelaria* is one of many beautiful buildings in Valladolid.

Located just a couple of hours from Carrillo is the colonial city of Valladolid. This small but bustling city, which was once an important Maya settlement, remains rich in culture and history. Here you can spend hours exploring the colorful streets, tasting local Yucatecan dishes from the street food vendors (try the cochinita pibil, slow-cooked pork, and fresh coco ice cream) and browsing the artisan market stalls in the parque central. To escape the midday heat, visit one of the many underground cenotes dotted around the outskirts of the city, before returning to the parque in the late afternoon for one of the free walking tours that leave throughout the day. If you want to dive deeper into the peninsula’s fascinating history and learn about the Maya’s heroic attempts to defend their land, make a stop in the town of Tihosuco, home to the Museo de la Guerra de Castas, the Caste War Museum, on the way.

Mahahual

With its clear, shallow waters and some of the best snorkeling along the Costa Maya (it has the second largest barrier reef in the world!) the beachside village of Mahahual is a great alternative to Tulum if you’re seeking a more laid-back Caribbean experience. Rent kayaks or bikes to explore further afield on your own - the beaches south of Mahahual are beautiful - or simply wander down the malecón, boardwalk, to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the fresh seafood along the palm-lined shore. Cruise ships do dock nearby, turning this sleepy town into a crowded tourist hotspot on some days, so go early or stay late to avoid the throng of daytrippers.

Bacalar and Chacchoben

The ruins at Chachoben — If you want to see Maya ruins without the crowds, Chacchoben is the perfect choice.

For a truly off the beaten path experience, the ancient Maya archeological site of Chacchoben, tucked away in the jungle 70 km south of Carrillo, is a must-see. Arrive early to experience the jungle waking from its slumber; you’ll be rewarded with bird and iguana sightings aplenty, see few tourists and, if you’re lucky, witness the resident spider monkeys swinging from the treetops. Once you’re done exploring, head another 50 km south to Bacalar, where you can cool off in the breathtaking Lagoon of Seven Colors, try some delicious seafood and visit the local fort to learn about the town’s history of pirates. Boat tours of the lagoon are also a great way to see the most remarkable spots while learning about the region from a local guide, especially if you’re short on time. While you could do this day trip by public transport, we would recommend renting a car or having a look at the tour we offer on our excursions page.

To experience the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula yourself, find out more about our Spanish and Maya Immersion Programs here, or get in contact with us at say@naatikmexico.org.

Seven Amazing Day Trips from Carrillo