6 Day Trips from Merida, Mexico: History, Culture, and Cenotes

Merida, Mexico, is a great place to base yourself while exploring Yucatan (trust us, we spent two months living in the city). If you're craving a change of scenery, you're in luck! Some of the best day trips from Merida are less than two hours away. Whether you're chasing turquoise beaches, ancient ruins, or cenotes tucked into the jungle, there's a quick escape for every kind of traveler.

Below, we're breaking down the top day trips from Merida, including travel time, what to do, and what to know before you go.

Chichen Itza - The Iconic Wonder of the World

Travel time from Merida: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Why go? Because how can you skip a world wonder?!

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for a reason. This complex was a major hub of Mayan Civilization between the 7th and 10th century an later saw influence from the Toltecs, which is reflected in its unique architectural style.

Pro-Tip: Get there right when it opens, crowds FLOCK to Chichen Itza as it is a popular excursion from the cruise ports. Cool off after your visit with a trip to Cenote Ik Kil, just 10 minutes away.

Uxmal - The Underrated Mayan Ruins

Travel time from Merida: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Why go? Fewer crowds than Chichen Itza, stunning architecture and history, and magical energy

Chichen Itza may get all the fame, but locals and archeology buffs will tell you, Uxmal is where the real magic is. It's part of the Puuc Route (a collection of 5 Mayan sites in the Yucatan) and known for its ornate carvings and curved pyramids, particularly the Pyramid of the Magician. You can easily explore the whole site in a couple of hours and still have time for a stop at the nearby Choco-Story museum or a traditional Yucatecan lunch.

Pro-Tip: Go early in the morning to beat both the heat and the tour buses. Uxmal is especially beautiful at golden hour, so if you can stay for the evening light show, do it.

Progreso - The Nearest Beach Escape

Travel time from Merida: ~45 minutes
Why go? Ocean breeze, seafood, and a laid-back vibe

Progreso is the closest beach town. to Merida and makes for an easy half-day getaway. While the beach isn't the most pristine in the Yucatan, it is super easy to get to. Hop on the AutoProgreso bus straight from Merida and enjoy the sun and sand. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes, and the terminal is located just a few blocks away from the main plaza.

Valladolid - Color Streets and Cenotes Galore

Travel time from Merida: ~2 hours
Why go? Culture, cenotes, and a small-town vibe.

Valladolid is one of the most photogenic towns in the Yucatan and one of the best day trips from Merida for history lovers and cultural explorers alike. The main plaza was one of our favorite spots in Yucatan, with incredible light shows every night and quite literally the best churros we've ever had.

There are dozens of cenotes near Valladolid, and this city can easily be paired with a Chichen Itza visit to maximize your day.

Celestún - Flamingos and Mangroves

Travel time from Merida: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Why go? Bird watching and boat rides through mangroves

Nature lovers, this one's for you. Celestún is a sleepy fishing town on the Gulf Coast known for its biosphere reserve, where you can take a boat tour through lush mangroves and see thousands of flamingos in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is between November and March, when the birds are most active.

Izamal - The Yellow City

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Travel time from Merida: ~1 hour
Why go? Monastery views and photo ops

Izamal is unlike anywhere else in Mexico. Known as "La Ciudad Amarilla", almost every building is painted in a vibrant mustard yellow. It's a quiet, deeply spiritual town with both colonial and Mayan significance.

Climb the Kinish Kakmó pyramid, explore the Franciscan Monastery, and wander the peaceful street with a marquesita (Yucatecan dessert) in hand.

Final Tips for Day-Tripping from Mérida

Rent a car if you want the most flexibility. We rented from Beel Car Rental and Xootrip and had great experiences with both companies.

Collectivo vans and ADO buses are solid alternatives for budget travelers, especially to Progreso, Valladolid, and Izamal.
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds, especially at ruins and cenotes.
Always carry cash, especially in smaller towns or for entrance fees and tips.