If you have two free days in Yucatán and want to spend them discovering one of the state's lesser-known sides, this itinerary is for you. In less than 48 hours, you'll encounter colonial art, Maya ingenuity, crocodiles, and even a medieval-inspired castle hidden in the Yucatecan countryside.
Choose your travel companions and pack the car—history, great food, art, and nature await on this two-day road trip through Yucatán.
Day 1:
Centuries of history and nature in 90 km (60 mi)
The drive is part of the adventure, so we’ll make it one to remember by exploring eastern Yucatán. If you're leaving from Mérida, set out early—and don't eat before you go, because you'll want to save your appetite.
Sucilá and Calotmul
Your first official stop is the quiet town of Calotmul, but along the way you may want to pause in Sucilá to get a glimpse of the wide variety of dairy products for which the town is famous. If temptation gets the better of you (understandably!), grab a snack for the road—you'll reach Calotmul in about 20 minutes.
If a traditional market breakfast isn't what you're looking for, Café Estación 1888 is an outstanding alternative. Besides being a beautiful place to enjoy a leisurely meal, it offers excellent quality, delicious food, and surprisingly reasonable prices. If you ask me, the Avocado Toast and their cornbread by the slice are both excellent choices.
Calotmul's best-kept secret may well be its extraordinary carved wooden altarpiece, one of the very few of its kind still preserved on the Yucatán Peninsula. If you enjoy colonial or religious art, this is a stop you shouldn't miss. And even if you don't, I'd still recommend stepping inside—you may find yourself captivated by the intricate woodcarving and gilded details, or by the six statues displayed in its niches. In the place of honor, beneath the Crucified Christ, stands a beautiful image of the Immaculate Conception, brought from Spain in the late 16th century.
Before continuing your journey, stop by Tienda y Panadería La Hormiguita (that’s the Little Ant store and bakery). Don't let its modest storefront fool you. Hidden behind the grocery section, a small army of bakers carries on generations of family tradition, producing the local version of a French loaf, polvorones, pound cakes, conchas, and, above all, bizcotelas, all baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. La Hormiguita's bizcotelas (a local version of biscotti) are famous for their handmade quality, distinctive flavor, and satisfying texture. It's not unusual to see travelers leaving with several bags to take home.
Ruinas de Ek Balam: A masterpiece of Maya art
I’m convinced the archaeological site of Ek Balam isn't a household name just because it is easy to believe it is fake. The delicate stucco sculptures you see today (including the very famous façade depicting the jaws of the Earth Monster) remained hidden behind a protective wall for centuries. They were only uncovered in 2000, long after Chichén Itzá was the most famous Maya site in the world.
Temozón: The Capital of Smoked Meats
After exploring Ek Balam (and especially if you climbed to the top of its Acropolis), you'll probably be hungry again. Fortunately, the town of Temozón and its celebrated smoked meats are just a short detour away.
There are plenty of excellent choices, but Restaurante Ahumados never disappoints. You can order whichever specialty catches your eye—smoked pork, marinated pork, longaniza sausage, or black chorizo—or go all in with the Platón Ahumados, an abundant sampler featuring a generous assortment of smoked meats, quesadillas made with Sucilá string cheese, chayitas, beans, and all the accompaniments you'll need to leave completely satisfied.
The restaurant also features air-conditioned dining rooms and a swimming pool, perfect for letting your travel companions—or just the kids—cool off before continuing toward Río Lagartos.
Río Lagartos: The peaceful joy of being in a Biosphere Reserve
Finding yourself in Río Lagartos feels like traveling in space and time to a spot where it’s only you and nature. Stroll along Río Lagartos' waterfront promenade (malecón) and let your breathing fall into rhythm with the gentle sway of the fishing boats as the setting sun bathes the harbor in golden light.
After dark, head into the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve on a crocodile-watching tour to meet the remarkable reptiles that gave the town its name. The only thing more breathtaking than the star-filled sky overhead is the reflection of countless crocodile eyes emerging from the water around you. Don't worry—they're probably far more afraid of you than you are of them.
Day 2:
Nature and “medieval” charm
Rise early—the best time to experience a different side of the reserve is at sunrise.
A birdwatching tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into the extraordinary wildlife that thrives here. You'll spot herons, ospreys, pink flamingos, and countless other birds living their best lives in this remarkable ecosystem before experiencing the famous Maya Bath, a mineral-rich mud treatment followed by a refreshing rinse in a pristine, secluded beach that feels right out of a dream.
Bid farewell to Río Lagartos over a leisurely lunch of fresh seafood, and take a moment to appreciate just how many unforgettable experiences can fit into a single day in Yucatán.
Sucilá and Chenché de las Torres
On your way back, make a second stop in Sucilá—this time to stock up on cheeses, dairy products, and homemade desserts. And don't forget to buy some fresh milk—it pairs perfectly with the bizcotelas you picked up in Calotmul.
Your final stop before returning to Mérida is Chenché de las Torres, near the town of Temax. Originally a henequén hacienda, it was remodeled in the early 20th century and quickly became one of Yucatán's most unusual architectural landmarks: a fortified, medieval-inspired castle complete with cylindrical towers, battlements, and ox-eye windows. Since it remains a private property, be sure to arrive before 5 pm if you'd like to admire it up close.
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 464, in August 2026.
Ready for Río Lagartos? In this 1- and 2-day tour guide, we offer more options for your trip so you can create the best version of your getaway.
Check out more quick getaways in Yucatán:
- A Getaway to Chichén Itzá and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Izamal and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Uxmal and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Tekax and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Telchac Puerto and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Tecoh and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to three Haciendas and its surroundings in two days
- A Getaway to Ek Balam and its surroundings in two days
- Discover Yucatán: A Getaway to Río Lagartos and its surroundings in two days
- Discover Yucatán: A Getaway to Ek Balam and its surroundings in two days
- Discover Yucatán: A Getaway from Espita to El Cuyo in Two Days
- Discovering Yucatán: A Getaway to the South of Yucatán
- Discover Yucatán: A Getaway to Xcan and Valladolid in two days
- A Getaway to Sisal and its surroundings in two days
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