Discover Yucatán: Coast and Tradition, a Two-Day Getaway to Motul and Dzilam de Bravo

25 january 2026

10 min. de lectura

Are you looking for a route that perfectly balances Yucatán's famous culinary heritage with its wild, untamed coastal beauty? This 48-hour itinerary takes you from the bustling markets of one of México’s newest Magical Towns, Motul, to the legendary shores of Dzilam de Bravo, a place where history, pirates, and unique natural wonders collide.

Coast and Tradition: A Two-Day Getaway to Motul and Dzilam de Bravo

Day 1

Motul
Dzilam de Bravo boat tour
Accommodation in Dzilam de Bravo

Motul: The cradle of flavor

Your journey begins with a short drive northeast of Mérida to Motul. This city is legendary for many reasons, including its history and architecture, but above all, for its huevos motuleños.

A Breakfast for champions: Head directly to the second floor of the 20 de Noviembre market. Here, you can enjoy the original recipe of this famous dish: eggs served on a tortilla with beans, tomato sauce, peas, ham, and cheese, with a side of fried plantains and a roasted habanero pepper.
Historic center of Motul: After breakfast, walk off the meal by visiting the San Juan Bautista church and the house where Felipe Carrillo Puerto, a beloved Yucatán governor, was born. Motul offers a glimpse into the proud history of the Maya people and the prosperous henequén era.

A hidden underground treasure: Feeling the heat? Swing by the Sambulá cenote, located right in town. Don’t be fooled by its tiny entrance: it is much larger and more refreshing than it seems!

Dzilam de Bravo: Where History Meets the Horizon

Carnaval-de-Dzilam-de-Bravo-1-by-Alberto-Massa

After your cultural immersion in Motul, continue north until the road meets the Gulf of México. Dzilam de Bravo is a great port to visit, but it’s not your typical tourist port; it is a historic fishing village, rumored to be the final resting place of the pirate Jean Laffite. If you’re visiting in the late winter, check for the Carnaval dates—you might just catch what locals claim is “the best Carnival in Yucatán.”

Still, any time of the year is perfect to visit Dzilam de Bravo, and that’s because of its unique ecosystem. Hire a local boat guide for a tour of the Emerald Coast you won’t forget:

Chakaltun Rocks: Try your hand at trolling for fish on the way to the first stop: the Chakaltún Rocks, where you’ll snorkel and marvel at the marine wildlife that hides just below the surface.
Punta Arena: A heavenly spot to enjoy a waveless sea and relax on a rustic swing set out of a travel brochure.
Cenote Elepetén: Unlike most cenotes in Yucatán, set in deep caves underground, this is an open cenote tucked deep within the mangroves. Swimming in its crystal-clear water while surrounded by lush vegetation is a magical experience.
Ojo de Agua Xbuya Ha spring: Witness a freshwater spring bubbling up directly in the middle of the salty ocean—a natural phenomenon that feels like magic.
The freshest ceviche you’ll ever have: You’ll have worked up an appetite by now. Remember the fish you caught earlier? A ceviche just cannot get fresher than that.

Read more about this tour in our article “Dive Into the Beauty of Dzilam de Bravo.” If you’re feeling up for it, ask your tour guide about the bioluminescence night tours—they’re a once in a lifetime experience. Departures depend on the moon and tide conditions, but are available throughout the year.

If you’d rather stay ashore, don’t miss out on a shrimp, octopus, or lobster pizza at Mareb for a unique dinner option.

Day 2

Dzilam de Bravo: A peaceful morning

Start your second day with a quiet walk along the pier. Dzilam de Bravo is famous for its stunning sunrises. Watch the fishermen return with their morning catch and enjoy a coffee with the locals. This is the perfect time for birdwatching along the shoreline, where you can often spot pelicans and herons hunting in the shallows.

The scenic Emerald Coast drive

Instead of heading straight back to Mérida, take the scenic coastal road heading west.

San Crisanto: About 20 minutes away, you’ll find this eco-conscious community known for its coconut plantations. Contact Ejido San Crisanto to take a brief, peaceful "gondola" tour through their hand-cleared mangrove canals.
Telchac Puerto: The beach here is wide and peaceful, perfect for a last dip in the warm Gulf waters. Stop here for an optional swim and a final seaside stroll, followed by lunch or one of Telchac’s world-famous coconut concoctions.
The Henequén route: As you turn south toward Mérida from Telchac Puerto, you will pass through several haciendas—sprawling estates that were once devoted to growing henequén agave or “green gold.” The landscape changes from the blue of the sea to the deep greens of the agave fields, providing a beautiful visual closure to your trip through the heart of Yucatán.

Essential tips for your adventure

Cash is king: While Motul has ATMs, almost all boat captains and small seafood stands in Dzilam de Bravo only accept cash.
Get an early start: To see the most wildlife and enjoy the best water clarity at the cenote, try to start your boat tour in Dzilam de Bravo before 11 am.
Sun and insect protection: The mangroves and the open boat ride provide a lot of sun exposure and mosquitoes at dusk. Bring a long-sleeved "fishing shirt" and biodegradable repellent to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Respect the wildlife: When visiting the mangroves or seeing flamingos, keep a respectful distance. Dzilam de Bravo is a protected state reserve; let’s keep it pristine for the local communities.

First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 458, in February 2026.

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Author: Yucatán Today

Yucatán Today, the traveler's companion, has been covering Yucatán’s destinations, culture, gastronomy, and things to do for 38 years. Available in English and Spanish, it’s been featured in countless travel guides due to the quality of its content.

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