Merida is the capital city of the Yucatan State in Mexico and a vibrant and colorful city to explore.
With a population of around 900,000 people, this inland city is about a 4 hour drive 188 miles/300km east of the popular travel destination of Cancun.
One of the best things about Merida is its proximity to many popular tourist destinations making it a great starting point for those looking to explore the area.
Having been to Merida several times, we have explored a lot of the surrounding area and we can say with confidence that there are some incredible gems to see.
We took these trips with our toddler and felt very safe driving around on our own. The roads were easy to navigate and the destinations are family friendly.
With a small child coming along, we love that these trips didn’t require a lot of hours of driving and were close enough to return to Merida quickly!
If you find yourself in Merida and are looking for some great day trips from the city that are less than 2 hours away, we’ve got a full list for you below.
Best Merida Day Trips For Your Yucatan Peninsula Visit
While there are plenty of places to go for a day trip from Merida, we wanted to focus more on the shorter ones since they will give you more time to enjoy the sites.
We also wanted to give the best variety of options to suit different types of travelers.
Our recommendations include historical and culturally rich towns, ancient Mayan ruins, nature, wildlife, and even beaches!
We have our favorites and hope that you will determine yours after reviewing our article!
1. Beach Trips From Merida Mexico
The Yucatan peninsula is most famous for its Riviera Maya Beaches like those in Tulum or Playa Del Carmen.
However, the Caribbean coast is not the only one that offers beaches. The coast of the Yucatan Peninsula that lines the Gulf of Mexico has a couple of beaches that are certainly worth the trip for a day.
Especially since they provide an opportunity for visitors to get out of the Merida intense heat!
While these beaches may not have the same incredible colors, we loved visiting them for their own natural beauty.
Additionally, we appreciated how much more peaceful and less crowded they were.
Progreso Beach
If you are looking to have a beach day full of sunshine and cervezas, head to nearby Puerto Progreso. This is the closest beach to Merida and a great way to spend the day on the water.
Expect the water to have decent waves making it a popular place for windsurfers. While this town is generally quiet, it does have a cruise port which brings in thousands of visitors.
Great if you’re looking for a lively party, but not ideal if you’re looking for a secluded beach experience.
The beach is the star of the show here with long stretches of white sand where you can choose to rent a chair for about $100 MXN ($5 USD).
If you don’t want to spend the money on a beach chair, you can enjoy a mellow lunch at El HaGuay which gives beach chairs for free when you order food and drinks.
There is a promenade to walk down which will give you a feel of the town and showcases the restaurants, bars, and beach clubs.
If you are looking for a party, you will want to head to Silcer Beach Club in the middle of town.
Getting here: The coastal town of Puerto Progreso sits 27 miles/43 km north of Merida and is a 40 minute drive.
Sisal Beach
Sisal Beach, located on the western coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is a stunning destination for any traveler seeking a relaxing and authentic beach experience.
The pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters make for the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun.
Whether you’re looking to spend your days lounging on the beach or exploring the local culture and history, Sisal Beach has something for everyone.
For those interested in history, Sisal Beach is home to the remains of an old Spanish fortress that was used to protect the Yucatan Peninsula from pirates during the colonial era.
Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the fascinating history of the region.
Additionally, the nearby town of Sisal offers a glimpse into traditional Mexican life, with colorful homes, quaint shops, and delicious local cuisine.
Don’t miss the chance to try some fresh seafood and Yucatecan specialties while you’re there.
Overall, Sisal Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Besides going to the beach you can explore the lagoon by kayak or visit the museum and lighthouse. Don’t miss a chance to catch the beautiful sunset at the beach at the end of the day!
If you love beaches, we highly recommend checking out some of the most amazing islands in the Riviera Maya!
Getting to Siasal Beach From Merida: You can either drive or take the bus. The drive will be just a bit over an hour.
2. Celestun Biosphere Reserve
Celestun is a small fishing town that is a must visit for nature lovers.
The village is surrounded by the Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve, a renowned UNESCO Reserve that is home to some of the best bird-watching in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula (right up there with Rio Lagartos and Sian Kaan Nature Reserves).
Bring your camera and take a photo of the many bright colored flamingos in the area.
If you find yourself in the area in the dry season, between November and February, you can expect to see tens of thousands of these birds who are drawn to the area to mate.
Flamingos aren’t all you will see, this biosphere is home to hundreds of different types of birds including pelicans. There are also crocodiles in the area.
This area is also a popular sea turtle breeding ground. An area where saltwater and freshwater meet, this biosphere is more than 140,000 acres in size leaving lots to be explored.
One of my favorite things to do here is to book a kayak trip or a boat tour.
Getting here: A 66 mile/107 km drive west of Merida, driving to Celestun will take about an hour and a half. You can also use public buses from Merida to get here departing from the northeast bus terminal every hour.
Tour Options: Get picked up from wherever you are staying Merida and tour the Celestun Nature Reserve on boat with a guide that will explain all the amazing facts about this place and point out the most interesting flora and fauna!
3. Izamal – The City Where Everything Is Painted Yellow
If you’re wanting some bright and lively photos for your Instagram, the small town of Izamal (“Yellow Town”) is the place to do it.
Known as the yellow city, this city certainly lives up to its reputation with almost every downtown building being painted the same shade of yellow.
This is a stunning sight, especially if visiting on a blue-sky day as the contrast is quite dramatic.
Choose to walk through town, rent a bicycle or take a calesa (horse drawn carriage) to get the best views of the city.
Izamal is an old colonial town with a lot of beauty. This city has a lot of historical importance being built on a Mayan city with Mayan pyramids all around.
A great area to explore history meeting modern life, the remnants of the pyramids can still be seen, and even climbed, in many different areas of the city.
One of the most popular places to visit in the city is the bright yellow colonial fort.
If you are wanting to bring even more culture to your visit, you can visit one of the two archeological sites located close by.
The Zona Arqueologica de Izaml and Kinich Kakmo Pyramid are both free to visit and open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. You can even climb the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid for some epic photos.
Getting here: Located 41 miles/67 km east of Merida you will find the small town of Izamal. Driving here takes about 1 hour or you can choose to take Colectivos buses leaving from Calle 65.
Tour Options That We Recommend: Take a fully guided tour from Merida to Izamal including private transportation, entrance fee to the Cultural Museum, entrance fee to a Jewelry handcraft workshop, private carriage ride (2 passengers) and snacks.
4. Campeche City Trip From Merida
Campeche is a charming and historic city located about 160 kilometers west of Merida, and it is possible to visit it on a day trip. Here are the steps to follow.
Once you arrive in Campeche, start your day by visiting the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Here you can walk through the colorful streets, admire the colonial architecture, and visit the impressive walls and forts that protected the city from pirates.
Other points of interest in the “Walled City”:
- Visit the Campeche Cathedral, one of the most important landmarks of the city. It was built in the 16th century and is a mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles.
- Take a stroll along the malecon (promenade), which offers great views of the Gulf of Mexico. There are also several cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a meal.
- Don’t miss the chance to visit the Mayan archaeological site of Edzna, which is located about 60 kilometers southeast of Campeche. The site is home to impressive ruins, including the Great Acropolis and the Temple of the Masks.
Before heading back to Merida, make sure to sample some of Campeche’s delicious cuisine, which includes seafood dishes like shrimp cocktails and ceviche, as well as traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and panuchos.
Getting Here: Start early in the morning to make the most of your day trip. You can catch a bus or hire a car to travel from Merida to Campeche.
If you’re taking the bus, head to the bus station in Merida and look for a direct bus to Campeche. The journey usually takes about 2-3 hours, and you can purchase your tickets at the station or online in advance.
If you’re driving, take the Mexico 180D toll road towards Campeche. It is a well-maintained road, and the drive should take around 2 hours.
5. Best Mayan Ruins For A Day Trip From Merida
For those who love to chase fallen temples and pyramids, there are a great amount in the area around Merida. Our top picks are below.
Mayapan Archeological Site
| Getting here | The Mayapan Archeological Site is 30 miles/48 km south of Merida and takes about 40 minutes to drive to. |
| Cost | $70 MXN ($3.75 USD) |
| Hours | Open daily from 8 am to 4 pm |
This stunning archeological site sits quite close to Merida and is a great day trip for those looking to get a taste of Mayan culture.
This large site is 1.5 miles²/4 km² with many structures to explore meaning you will want to carve out a good amount of time for exploring.
Once housing an estimated 12,000 Mayans, this site had a strong influence from nearby Chichen Itza.
Known as the flag of Maya this site was burned and abandoned in the mid 15th century.
If you find yourself struggling with the heat and want to make this a full day trip, there are a few nearby cenotes that I highly recommend visiting.
- Cenote Nah Yah is one of my favorites open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. This cenote does have stairs to walk down and lots of areas to jump from.
- Cenote Telchaquillo is another cool spot open daily from 9 am to 6 pm that is often very quiet and a great place to cool off without the crowds.
- Cenote Su-hem is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Cenote Noh-Mozon is another great cenote to visit with crystal clear turquoise water that is very scenic and open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Tour Options We Recommend: Take a tour that includes transportation to the Mayapan site with a guide. You will also get to go to the Santa Barbara cenote and it includes lunch.
Dzibilchaltun Ruins
| Getting here | A short 30 minute drive 17 miles/28 km north of Merida. |
| Cost | $85 MXN ($4.50 USD) |
| Hours | Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm |
If you’re wanting to dive into the Mayan culture without a long drive, the Dzibilchaltun Ruins are a great place to go.
These are the closest ruins to Merida and a great way to spend your morning, I especially recommend coming for sunrise.
These ruins, while smaller, date back farther than Chichen Itza and many other Mayan cities in the area.
They remained inhabited by thousands of people even during the Spanish conquer in the 16th century.
On site, you will find a museum that is worth a visit to explain the significance of the area.
The ruins are small so I recommend combining your time with a trip to Cenote Xlacah, a beautiful open aired cenote which you can swim in.
This also happens to be the closest cenote to Merida, making it a popular spot for locals to come to cool off in the warmer weather. Definitely come early to beat the crowds.
The Dzibilchaltun Ruins are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The cost of entry is $85 MXN ($4.50 USD).
Chichen Itza – See One Of The Seven Wonders
| Getting here | Chichen Itza is 75 miles/121km west of Merida and takes about an hour and 45 minutes each way to drive to. There are ADO buses that run between Merida and Chichen Itza departing Merida in the early morning and returning late afternoon. The buses depart from Merida bus station daily. |
| Cost | $571 MXN ($30.15 USD) |
| Hours | Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm |
Chichen Itza is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the most famous places in Mexico.
This ancient Mayan site was originally started between 550 AD and 800 AD but was built as we see it today in 1200 AD.
One of the most visited archeological sites in the country, Chichen Itza welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors annually to explore the 26 Mayan ruins on site.
While there is lots to see and do in the impressive 740 acre site.
One of the most prominent structures is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, which towers over the other structures in the area.
With many important structures in the area, the city was thought to be built here due to the sacred cenote on site which brought fresh water to this inland location.
No food or water is allowed inside the archeological site, there are a few places serving food at the entrance where you buy your tickets.
Once inside, there are a lot of local vendors set up and selling souvenirs throughout the grounds.
Chichen Itza is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. I highly recommend getting here early, as close to 8 am as possible, to beat the heat and avoid the crowds.
I would allow yourself about 3-4 hours to explore Chichen Itza.
Entrance to Chichen Itza is $571 MXN ($30.15 USD) per person and you will want to bring extra cash for the paid parking that is on site.
You may book a guided tour once on site for an added fee. I highly recommend bringing cash to pay for your experience as their credit machines have been known to go down at times.
You can read more: if you are interested on the details for how to visit Chichen Itza.
If you’re looking to fill up your day, there are lots of sacred cenotes that you can swim in near Chichen Itza, including Cenote Ik Kil.
Tour Options We Recommend: Visit Chichen Itza with a guide, a private cenote, and the town of Izamal all in a day with a pick up from Merida.
Uxmal Archeological Zone
| Getting here | 51 miles/83 km south of Merida, driving to Uxmal will take about 75 minutes. You can take a bus from TAME, Merida’s second class bus terminal to take you from Merida to Uxmal. |
| Cost | $494 MXN ($26 USD) |
| Hours | Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm |
Uxmal ruins are certainly less known than nearby Chichen Itza, but not necessarily less impressive.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ruins are incredibly impressive while being a lot less crowded than other archeological sites in the area.
The site also seems a lot more authentic as it doesn’t have crowds of souvenir vendors throughout the site.
My favorite part of visiting the Uxmal Mayan Ruins is that you can still climb to the top of the Great Pyramid.
El Adivino, known as the Pyramid of the Magician, is the largest pyramid in Uxmal and while you cannot climb this one, the Great Pyramid is close to the same height and right beside El Adivino.
If you find yourself here in the evening, be sure to stay for the light and sound show displayed through the ruins – a truly impressive sight!
The Uxmal Mayan Ruins are open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The cost of entry is steeper than other ruins in the area at $494 MXN ($26 USD) but well worth it for the size and impressive views.
Tour Options: Transportation, food, and guide are provided on this tour to Uxmal, Kabah, and cenote
Ek Balam
Ek Balam is a well-preserved Mayan archaeological site located about 110 km northeast of Merida, Mexico.
It is a popular day trip destination for tourists who want to explore Mayan culture and history.
Here’s how you can visit Ek Balam from Merida:
- Plan your visit: Ek Balam is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm. It’s recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. You’ll need at least 2-3 hours to explore the site, so plan accordingly.
- Get your tickets: You can buy tickets at the entrance of the site. The entrance fee is around $5 USD per person.
- Explore the ruins: Once inside the site, you can explore the various structures and buildings, including the Acropolis, the Oval Palace, and the Ballcourt. Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the Acropolis for a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle.
- Hire a guide: If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Ek Balam, you can hire a local guide at the entrance of the site. A guide can provide you with a wealth of information about the Mayan civilization and the significance of the various structures at Ek Balam.
- Bring essentials: Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Visit the cenote: After exploring the ruins, you can cool off at the nearby cenote, Xcanche. The cenote is a natural swimming hole with crystal clear waters and is a refreshing way to end your day trip.
- Return to Merida: When you’re ready to return to Merida, you can take a bus or taxi back to the city. It’s recommended to book your return transportation in advance to avoid any delays or complications.
- Choose your mode of transportation: You can reach Ek Balam from Merida by car, taxi, or bus. The most convenient option is to rent a car or hire a taxi for the day. However, if you’re on a budget, you can take a bus from Merida to Valladolid and then take a local taxi or colectivo (shared minivan) to Ek Balam. This is the longest day trip with about 2.5 hours of driving from Merida.
Read More: How To Choose Between Visiting Valladolid Or Merida
6. Visit Cenotes For A Day Away From Merida
Visiting the many cenotes in Mexico is one of my favorite things to do, especially when you’re spending your days in the hot inland towns of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cenotes are freshwater underground sinkholes that run all throughout this area. These sinkholes formed millions of years ago thanks to the meteorite strike that hit the Earth and killed the dinosaurs.
In Mayan times, these sinkholes were thought to be incredibly sacred providing valuable freshwater to their people.
It is for that reason that the Mayan villages were all built around cenotes and why the Mayan ruins you visit will have a nearby cenote.
Two of my favorite areas for finding some of the best cenotes are in nearby towns Homun and Cuzama.
These towns are about 10 minutes drive from one another and in total have about a dozen cenotes you can visit and swim in.
The water in these cenotes is cool and refreshing, perfect for cooling off in the dry season.
Getting here: Homun is located 34 miles/55 km southeast of Merida and takes an hour to drive to. Homun and Cuzama are 2 miles/3.3 km away from each other.
Tour Options: rountrip transportation and food included in this all day tour from Merida to see Cenote Homum and Mayapan!
Santa Barbara Cenotes
Cenote Santa Barbara is a popular natural swimming hole located in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
Here are the steps to visit Cenote Santa Barbara from Merida:
- Head towards Homun: Cenote Santa Barbara is located in the small town of Homun, about 50 km east of Merida. You need to head towards Homun on Highway 180, which is also known as the Merida-Valladolid Highway.
- Look for signboards: As you approach Homun, look for signboards indicating the direction to Cenote Santa Barbara. The cenote is located about 1.5 km south of the town, so you need to take a detour from the main highway to reach there.
- Pay the entrance fee: Once you reach the cenote, you need to pay the entrance fee. The fee is usually around 80-100 pesos per person, and it includes access to the cenote and life jackets.
- Enjoy the Cenote: Cenote Santa Barbara is a beautiful natural swimming hole with crystal clear waters. You can swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the water. The cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a great spot for nature photography.
- Getting Here: Hire a taxi or rental car: The easiest way to get to Cenote Santa Barbara from Merida is by hiring a taxi or rental car. You can easily find taxi services in Merida or rent a car from one of the many car rental agencies in the city. The drive is just a bit over 1 hour.
Transportation Options For Merida Day Trips
There are several transportation options for taking day trips from Merida in Yucatan, Mexico:
- Car rental: You can rent a car and drive to nearby attractions. Many car rental agencies are available in Merida, including Avis, Hertz, and Budget. Haaving a rental car for the day will give you flexibility and comfort to go at your own pace.
- Public transportation: There are several bus and minivan services that run between Merida and nearby attractions such as Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Celestun. The buses depart from the main bus terminal, which is located near the city center. If you want the most budget friendly way to explore a day away from Merida, public transportation will be your best choice.
- Guided tours: Many tour companies in Merida offer guided tours to nearby attractions. These tours typically include transportation and a guide who will provide information about the attractions. This is by far the most convenient way to do a day trip from Merida.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Merida and can be used for day trips to nearby attractions. However, be sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the taxi. Also, make sure you have an arranged ride back in advance.
- Bicycle: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle and explore the countryside around Merida. This is a great way to get some exercise and see the sights at your own pace.
Overall, there are many transportation options for taking day trips from Merida in Yucatan, Mexico, and the best one will depend on your preferences, budget, and itinerary.
We love when we visit places that have a lot of day trips available with easy options to get to them.
Exploring day trips from Merida was a lot like our time in Colombia. There were a lot of options for visiting places outside Medellin compared to Cartagena.
What To Pack For Day Trips From Merida
Merida, the capital city of the Yucatan state in Mexico, is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding areas.
The region is rich in history, culture, and natural wonders, offering a range of options for day trips.
Here are some essential items that we highly recommend packing for your day trips from Merida:
- Sun protection: The Yucatan region can get incredibly hot, so it’s essential to pack sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Don’t forget all the beach essentials for toddlers if you are headed to the coast with small children.
- Comfortable clothing: Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing that can keep you cool in the heat. Loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials such as cotton or linen is ideal.
- Insect repellent: The Yucatan region is known for its mosquitoes, so make sure you pack some insect repellent to avoid getting bitten. This is especially needed when visiting cenotes or Celestun Biosphere.
- Snacks and water: Bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep you energized throughout the day. Many of the attractions around Merida are in remote areas, and it can be challenging to find food and water.
- Comfortable footwear: Make sure you wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for hiking or exploring archaeological sites.
- Camera or smartphone: You don’t want to miss out on capturing the stunning scenery, so don’t forget to bring a camera or smartphone to take pictures.
- Cash: Many of the attractions around Merida are located in remote areas, so it’s a good idea to bring cash in case you need to buy food or pay for entrance fees.
- A backpack: Bring a small backpack to carry all your essentials, such as your water, snacks, and sunscreen.
Read More: What To Do On A Family Vacation In The Yucatan Peninsula
A Day Trip From Merida: Choosing From Beaches, Mayan Ruins, Cenotes & More
Merida is one of my favorite cities to visit. You get a great balance of authentic Mexican culture and history.
Using Merida as a home base as you take day trips to explore the surrounding area is a great way to see this area of the country.
In conclusion, a day trip from Merida can take you on an unforgettable journey through the Yucatan Peninsula.
From the stunning beaches of Progreso to the mysterious cenotes and awe-inspiring archeological ruins, there is no shortage of amazing sights to see and experiences to have.
And don’t forget about the charming towns and villages that offer a glimpse into the local culture and way of life.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a change of scenery, a day trip from Merida has something for everyone.
So why not pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and embark on a day trip adventure that you’ll never forget!
Here are some resources to make planning your trips easier:
- Travel Insurance Recommendation
- What we used to book hotels when visiting Merida
- Travel Gear and Products you need to make sure to pack
- The Best Tours and Experiences for more day trips from Merida
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