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The best day trip/excursions around Cancun in my opinion are:

1. Chichen-Itza
2. Tulum
3. Playa del Carmen
4. Xcaret Park
5. Xel-Ha Water park
6. Isla Mujeres
7. Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

I have also visited Acapulaco, personally I feel its a less expensive version of Cancun .

Enjoy !!

We recently traveled around the Cancun area with our two young boys. I agree with your list of day trips.

Chichen-Itza is an incredible pyramid complex. With lots to do and see. We booked a traditional Mayan bungalow right outside the complex and got there before the tour buses arrived in the morning which made it even better.

Tulum is a small pyramid complex - a bit of a let down after Chichen Itza - but the location on cliffs above the Caribbean Sea is spectacular. If you are down in that area I might add Coba (an hour away) as it is a huge pyramid complex in a spectacular jungle setting (it hasn't been cleared like Chichen-Itza).

Xel-Ha is a nice place to spend the day snorkeling - although it's pretty touristy. Another choice for the more advenutrous is Hidden Worlds which takes tourists on snorkel trips in the rivers in the underground cave system.

Isla Mujeres is a fun getaway, but is also an option for staying. We stayed there part of the time and after the last boat of day trippers leaves, the atmosphere on the island totally changes. Its got a very laid-back, festive and friendly feel - about what I imagine of Cancun a couple decades back. There's a clip of it on You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=07iXjorjX5Udible

Also, a nive couple day trip is Merida - about 2 1/2 hours past Chichen-Itxa. It's a traditional Spanish colonial city.

We found video of all the different things to do in and around Cancun on a DVD called Travel With Kids Mexico. Its available at Amazon: www.amazon.com/Travel-Kids-Mexico-Yucatan-Riviera/dp/B0...id=1199899641&sr=8-2 Great video of the places - good even if you're not bringing the kids.

Ooops...sorry the You Tube link is wrong above. Try: www.youtube.com/watch?v=07iXjorjX5U