Often called “The White City” for its clean streets and the white limestone used in its colonial buildings, Mérida is a perfect base for exploring the Mexican state of Yucatán. Its central location provides easy access to ancient ruins, tranquil beaches, colonial towns, and natural wonders.
Before diving into the best day trips from Mérida, though, I would like to share some important information that will help you plan your trip.
Best Time to Visit Mérida
The best time to visit Mérida is between November and March. During these months, the weather is cooler, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Avoid the hottest months, like May through September, as temperatures can become uncomfortable for long days outside and the heat can become unbearable at times.
Also, if you love to learn about local traditions and folklore, you should plan your visit to coincide with local cultural events, such as Hanal Pixán (Day of the Dead). Otherwise, you can plan your trip through the weekend to enjoy the Noche Mexicana, a lively cultural event held every Saturday night at Remate del Paseo de Montejo, where you can enjoy traditional Mexican music, dance, and delicious street food.
How to Move Around
The best way to explore Yucatán from Mérida is by renting a car as it saves time and allows you to visit multiple destinations in a single day at your own pace. If driving in Mexico isn’t your preference, local buses are a convenient option for reaching the main destinations, which I’ll outline below. Alternatively, joining an organized tour is a great choice, offering two key benefits: the ease of having everything planned for you and the added value of a local guide sharing insights into the region’s history and culture.
Top Day Trips from Mérida
Uxmal and Ruta Puuc
Uxmal is a historic Mayan city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yucatán. It features iconic structures like the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace, both showcasing the Puuc architectural style. The detailed stone carvings and symmetrical designs reflect the advanced skills of the Mayan civilization.
The Ruta Puuc is a route connecting Uxmal with smaller Mayan sites such as Kabah, Sayil, Xlapak, and Labná, which is also very interesting. Each site highlights unique examples of Puuc architecture, characterized by intricate mosaics and decorative elements. The route is surrounded by lush jungle, which is very soothing. However, if you visit in the summer or after a rainy day, make sure you wear mosquito repellent. Bugs are ferocious.
Distance: ~1 hour from Mérida.
How to get there: The best way is by car rental, because local busses may take you to Uxmal only but not to the other sites of the Ruta Puuc. If you go on your own, I would recommend hiring a local guide at the entrance of Uxmal, as there is a lot to learn about this impressive Mayan site. A great alternative is joining a guided tour from Mérida.
Celestún Biosphere Reserve
Celestún is a small fishing village on the Yucatán coast, mainly popular for the Celestún Biosphere Reserve, a protected area with a variety of ecosystems, mangroves, and birds, including graceful pink flamingos.
A boat tour through the reserve is the best part of the trip. You can see large flocks of pink flamingos in their natural habitat, especially between November and March. The mangroves and freshwater springs along the way are also amazing and perfect for nature lovers.
The town is less interesting, but you can relax on the beaches and swim in its calm waters. Local restaurants serve delicious fresh seafood, ceviche, and fried fish, which are the most popular.
Celestún also makes a great day trip from Mérida for nature lovers
Distance: ~1.5 hours from Mérida.
How to visit – Ideally you would rent a car, and once you get to Celestún you book a boat tour in the reserve. The booking area is located at the entrance of the town after the bridge on your left. It’s not necessary to book in advance as local fishermen are available and happy to show you around. After the tour, you can drive to the town center and enjoy the rest of your time on the beach.
As an easier alternative, you can join organized tours in Mérida.
Izamal (The Yellow City)
Called the “Yellow City” for its yellow colonial buildings in the historical center, Izamal is a charming town in Yucatán that makes a great day trip from Mérida. It’s one of Yucatan Pueblos Mágicos, for its fascinating history and architecture. Visit the impressive Convento de San Antonio de Padua, a huge colonial convent built on top of a Mayan pyramid and the Mayan ruins, Kinich Kakmó, also in town.
Walk the cobblestone streets and eat at local restaurants. The town is also very photogenic, and if you are into photography you will love it even more.
Distance: ~1 hour from Mérida.
How to get there – By bus you can take the ADO bus from Noreste station in Mérida on Calle 67. Make sure you check when the last bus to go back. Organized tours and car rentals are also an option.
Cenotes of Homún and Cuzamá
Exploring the cenotes of Cuzamá and Homún is a unique experience in Yucatán. These are my favorite cenotes, as most of them are cave cenotes situated in a dramatic underground setting. Keep in mind that Homún and Cuzamá are two different towns that are not far from each other. However, if you visit by bus, you may have only time to visit one of them in one day. If you drive there, you may be able to visit both. However, keep in mind that there are many cenotes scattered around the area, so you won’t be able to see all of them in one day.
Let me explain more.
Getting There: You can reach Cuzamá and Homún by colectivo (shared van) from Mérida. Colectivos to Homún depart from the terminal near Mérida’s San Cristóbal neighborhood. The journey takes about 1–1.5 hours and is an affordable and convenient option. From Homún or Cuzamá, you can hire a bicycle taxi (tricyclo) or arrange transportation to reach the cenotes.
Exploring the Cenotes
Once you arrive, there are several cenotes to choose from, each offering a unique experience. Some of my favorites are in Homún:
- Santa Bárbara Cenotes (Homún): This site features three stunning cenotes—Xoch, Cascabel, and Chaksikin. You can access them by a small cart (called truk) pulled along a rail by a horse or rent a bike for a more active experience. The cenotes here are well-maintained, with facilities like restrooms and a small restaurant.
- Cenote Mani Chan and Cenote Cleotilde are two breathtaking cave cenotes managed by Don Felipe and located just a few miles apart. These hidden gems in Yucatán offer unique formations, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable experiences.
Cenote Mani Chan: A smaller yet stunning sinkhole featuring a natural staircase leading to turquoise waters, surrounded by coral fossils embedded in limestone.
Cenote Cleotilde: A larger cenote with a spacious swimming area, accessible via wooden stairs, a safety rope across the pool, and striking giant roots from an Alamo tree enhancing its beauty.
If you arrive to Homun by bus, consider hiring one of the local bicycle taxis to take you to the cenotes. They offer affordable packages to visit multiple cenotes and can take you to the best spots. If you already have specific cenotes in mind, let them know,, and they’ll do their best to accommodate you. It’s also an excellent way to support local businesses.
If you’re driving, you can explore on your own, as all the top cenotes are clearly marked on the map.
In Cuzamá, accessing cenotes is part of the adventure, often done via horse-drawn carts, or truks, which follow old railway tracks through the jungle to hidden cenotes. While it’s a unique and rustic experience, there are concerns about the welfare of the horses used for these tours.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring cash for entrance fees and tips for local guides or drivers.
- Pack essentials like swimsuits, towels, and water shoes; don’t use sunscreen because it pollutes the cenote water.
- Consider visiting during the early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
- Ask permission from the gods once you enter a cenote.
Distance: ~1 hour from Mérida.
Sisal (Gulf Coast)
Sisal, a charming Magical Town on Mexico’s Yucatán coast, is known for its serene beaches, rich history, and natural beauty. It makes a great day trip from Mérida as one of the lesser known places to visit and yet so interesting. Once a bustling port for the henequen trade, it now offers a tranquil escape with its turquoise waters, mangroves, and diverse wildlife. Be sure to visit Sisal’s historic lighthouse and pier, where you can enjoy delicious homemade coconut ice cream from a local shop by the harbor. Stroll through the town to admire the vibrant murals and relax on the beautiful beaches. For a unique experience, consider booking a local kayaking tour through the mangrove forest behind the town, where you might spot elegant pink flamingos. If you go, wear long sleeves and apply plenty of mosquito repellent—mosquitos in this area are relentless, and they gave me some of the worst bites I’ve ever had!
- Distance: ~1 hour from Mérida.
How to get there – renting a car is the easiest way to get to Sisal, as buses from Mérida don’t have a very convenient schedule.
Visit the beautiful hacienda of Yaxcopoil
Hacienda Yaxcopoil is a historic estate in Yucatán that feels like stepping back in time. It’s one of the few haciendas that are open to visit like a museum instead of restored like a luxury hotel (which I recommend to visit as well – more about it later in this post) Once a bustling henequen plantation, it’s now a quiet spot where you can explore colonial architecture, vintage furniture, and old machinery that tell the story of its past. The main house and gardens are beautiful, and a local guide will take you around the property and explain its captivating history. It’s a great place to visit if you’re curious about Yucatán’s heritage.
Distance: ~40 minutes to 1 hour from Mérida.
How to get there – If you rent a car you can definitely go on your own. Otherwise some tours from Mérida combine a stop to this hacienda with a visit to Uxmal.
Where to Stay in Mérida
Your choice of accommodation will make or break your experience in Mérida. Although there are many options for different budgets, I would recommend staying in one of the hacienda-like hotels. Here are my favorite
- In Mérida:
- Boutique by The Museo: A luxurious boutique hotel near Paseo de Montejo, perfect for art and history enthusiasts.
- Rosas & Xocolate: A chic hotel offering unique design, rooftop views, and an excellent restaurant.
- Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel: An adults-only hotel with a serene courtyard and pool, ideal for a romantic escape.
- Outside Mérida:
- Hacienda Temozon: Located ~40 minutes south of Mérida, this restored hacienda offers a tranquil escape with historic charm, lush gardens, and a beautiful pool. It’s perfect for those seeking relaxation and a luxurious atmosphere. I have stayed there a couple of times and it’s really an outwardly experience.
Additional Tips for Day Trips
- Pack essentials: sunscreen, water, bug spray, and comfortable shoes.
- Start early to avoid heat and crowds, especially at outdoor attractions.
- Check entrance fees, opening hours, and weather conditions before heading out.
Day trips from Mérida: Final Thoughts
I hope these day trips from Mérida gave you an idea of what you can include in your Yucatan Itinerary and inspire to book your trip right away. I would recommend planning one or two full days in Mérida and the rest venture out to explore its surroundings.
For more similar articles about Yucatan, check out my recommendations below:
- The most unique places to visit in Mexico
- Best restaurants in Merida according to a local
- The ultimate 5 days in Yucatan itinerary
- The best Mexican dishes to try in Mexico
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