ISLA MUJERES. It only takes a 25-minute boat ride to transport visitors to one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Cancún-Isla Mujeres. The island's popularity owes credit to its relaxing, uncluttered beaches and the relative seclusion backpackers enjoy when compared to almost any other place near Cancún. Visitors can book a tour with several guides who provide lunch and drinks, and those willing to pack a picnic and go it on their own can catch a water taxi or ferry to this veritable paradise.

The nature lover in your group will definitely find a trip to the Tres R��os (Three Rivers) nature reserve to their liking. Regional flora and a variety of birds call the reserve home, and if you're not content just to sit and enjoy the beauty, then there are several water sports that may suit you better. Kayaking and canoeing are two the stand out as visitor favorites, although numerous areas are perfect for snorkeling as well. Horseback riding and hiking provide a good middle ground for the active eco-adventurer.

TULUM. Magnificent limestone temples cast their shadows over pristine blue waters at the dramatic, awe-inspiring Mayan city of Tulum. Although throngs of tourists flock here on any given day, the site is a must-see for any Cancún visitor. The Castillo stands out as the largest structure in the ruins, although the two-story Temple of the Frescoes attracts just as many sightseers. Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing dip in Tulum Cove, an ancient port that launched Mayan trading ships. Religious in origins yet attractive to the fashionable upper crust as well, Tulum is the only known Mayan coastal city and well deserves its reputation as one of the most hauntingly beautiful destinations in Mexico. About two hours drive south of Cancún.

TULUM. Xel Ha was once a sacred place where Mayans worshiped many of their nature gods. Today, visitors will still experience transcendence as the landscape, lagoons, and coves mix to form a natural masterpiece for your senses. The lagoon forms Mexico's largest natural aquarium, and snorkeling is a main activity due to the lagoon's warm waters and multihued fish. The ruins of the temples are also noteworthy, especially since they seem to blend into the forest as if they arose from the forest floor at the beginning of time. Xel Ha is great for the entire family, and there are several shops and restaurants nearby that enable you to make a day of your adventure.