The Yucatan Peninsula was once the cradle of the Mayan civilization and home to some ancient Mexican cities. Today it’s one of the best beach destinations in North America. The main city in the area is fantastic Cancun. Lying on the beach, swimming in the sea, and shopping are favorite local leisure options.
However, what about sightseeing? The surrounding area is rich in attractions, and if you pick up a car rental Cancun, you can explore each of them within just one day. Yes, your travel opportunities will be incredible if you rent a car. So, the following great day trip destinations from Cancun will give you an unforgettable experience:
Xel-Ha Park
This is a great place to enjoy nature and have fun. Go there with the whole family, as the children won’t be bored here either. There was once a Mayan city in this lagoon. According to scientists, the leaders loved to spend their free time here. Indeed, the place is beautiful. The park is located a little over 60 miles from Cancun, so you will need no more than an hour and a half to get there in your rental car.
What to do in the park? First of all, admire this amazing place. Magnificent beaches with white clean sand, warm and clear water, and the absence of large waves create excellent conditions for a beach holiday. You can sunbathe or just take an air bath under a canopy.
Diving enthusiasts will appreciate the rich underwater world. At the same time, nature lovers will like caves. The most daring travelers can jump off the cliffs, but other activities are also available. For example, there’s a dolphinarium, where you can watch the show and then feed the dolphins.
Rio Lagartos
One of the best nature reserves in Mexico is located at a fairly large distance from Cancun – about 150 miles. However, you can easily get there if you rent a car. The name of the reserve means “Crocodile river” in Mexican because these huge reptiles are the glory of Rio Lagartos.
If you hit the road without a guide, hire one of the local fishermen to take you along the river. They know places where you can always see crocodiles. Under the guidance of an experienced mentor, it’s allowed to feed them, but it’s not recommended to do this on your own.
Another feature of the reserve is flamingos. These birds are not as trusting here as in parks, so they don’t let people close. Fortunately, you can admire and photograph them. Other rare bird species also live there. Pelicans and eagles, storks, and cormorants are not shy at all, and you can get close to them. The Pink Lake in Rio Lagartos is another highlight. You can’t swim there, but the photos are just amazing.
Playa del Carmen
Once there was a staging post for Indians heading to Cozumel. Then – a small fishing village, and finally, Playa del Carmen became a resort with a population of over 100 thousand people.
The city is located nearby, so it’s worth going there in a rental car. Great beaches, deep blue water, ferry connections to the island of Cozumel, an abundance of hotels and shops – all this will certainly delight you.
Also, it has its own Fifth Avenue, along which it’s pleasant to walk, sit in local cafes, and buy souvenirs. Nearby you’ll find a biosphere reserve and a system of underground rivers.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an ancient city whose history goes back centuries and tells about the Mayan civilization. This archaeological site of Mexico attracts more than a million travelers every year for its mysterious history.
The city of Chichen Itza is located in the south of Mexico, in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, 120 miles from Cancun. You can even get there by bus or as part of an excursion, but it’s better if you rent a car. This way you can explore the most wonderful places at your own pace.
Currently, Chichen Itza is the ruins of temple buildings. The most famous of these is the Kukulcan pyramid, full of numerical symbols and astrological tricks. So, 4 stairs of 91 steps plus the basement step give a total of 365 steps, exactly as many days in a year.
Coba
This trip is great for those who like active holidays. The journey takes about three hours, so it’s better to hit the road early. Also, don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes and shoes as you will have to walk a lot. Coba was formed probably in the 4th century BC. It was a religious and cultural center in which up to 50 thousand people could live.
There are many mysteries associated with the city. For example, there was a network of roads here, although the Indians didn’t have carriages on wheels. Perhaps these were used by ancient people.
What is the first place to enjoy in Coba? Climb the 42-meter-high Nohoch Mul pyramid. Upstairs you will enjoy a beautiful panorama of the endless jungle and archaeological sites. Then head to the ball court, explore ancient steles, and other pyramids lower than Nooch Mul.
By the way, the Coba complex operates from 8 am till 7 pm, so keep this in mind when planning your day trip.
How to rent a car in Cancun?
The easiest way is to use the rental car app, where you will find a large selection of deals from various brands. You won’t need to search for any car rental website, but simply install the application on your smartphone and select the desired location.
