Cancun is a high-rise vacation paradise that was first planned in the 1970s. The name “Cancun” connotes pink-white beaches, turquoise seas, attentive service and relaxed luxury. You might also think of rowdy students on spring break, but in reality, people come to Cancun for up to six months each year, from November to April, to relax and unwind.
If you decide to disconnect and forget your worries, you can stay on the beach with an agua fresca, beer or margarita in hand. But Cancun rewards those who want to accumulate miles.
Soon you’ll be setting foot on a picturesque tropical island, sailing an underwater river, or visiting Mayan cities like the world-famous Chichen Itza.
10 Top Things To Do In Cancun Mexico
- Museo Maya
- Chichén Itzá
- Playa Delfines
- Isla Mujeres
- Xcaret
- Torre Escénica
- Diving
- Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)
- Parque de las Palapas
- Playa Chac Mool
Museo Maya
The Maya Museum showcases some of the Mesoamerican artifacts excavated in Quintan Roo and is a great introduction to a trip to Chichen Itza. You will learn about Mayan trade, agriculture, customs, belief systems, and the relationships between the elites of each city and the battles they fought. The museum is built on the ruins of the pyramid and residence of San Miguelito, cleverly integrated into the site.
As for artefacts, there are stele fragments, bones, household implements, monumental sculptures, jewellery, ceramics and statues, all well organized and informative. At the time of this writing, there is also a temporary exhibit on Aztec human sacrifice that is gruesome but fascinating.
Chichén Itzá
A World Heritage Site and one of the most famous pre-Hispanic ruins in the Americas, Chichen Itza is a day trip you won’t want to miss. For archaeologists, the site is unparalleled because it spans three phases of Mesoamerican history (Late Classic, Terminal Classic, and Postclassic) and combines the northern Mayapuco style with architecture common in the central highlands of Mexico. Become one. The central part of the site is home to many striking landmarks, such as the 25-meter-tall Calendar Stone and the dominating Kukulkan Pyramid.
If you don’t mind joining the crowds, the best time to visit Chichen Itza is during the spring or autumn equinox from March to September, when the evening sun snakes down the side of the Kukulkan pyramid.
Playa Delfines
Located in a quiet corner of the hotel zone south of the Maya Museum, Playa Delfines is a Blue Flag beach where you can escape the crowds of Cancun.
It is a long, wide public beach with coarse white sand and strong waves, which is attractive to surfers, but swimming can be a little difficult. Playa Delfines has a designated swimming area that is guarded by lifeguards and you can paddle the rapids anytime without worry. The beach bar offers snacks and drinks, and you can use the palapas (palama tents) for free. It has the “Cancun” logo in big letters on the back, which you may have seen on postcards or in pictures online.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancun and feels like the other side of the world.
Fortunately, Isla Mujeres’ mainland neighbor is busy and commercial, but untapped. The island is just over four miles long and is mostly accessible by golf cart, bike or foot, and if you stay overnight, things will be quieter when the last ferries leave for Cancun.
One of the most attractive aspects of Isla Mujeres is the coast of its western inlet, sheltered from the Caribbean winds and currents and surrounded by clear, rippling water. The best of these is the famous North Beach, with its powdery white sand, sparkling turquoise water and curious pelicans perched on its wooden bridge.
Xcaret
Located just outside of Playa del Carmen and an hour along the Mayan Riviera, Xcaret is another place worth every minute of the trip.
It is an extensive activity and cultural park that includes authentic pre-Hispanic ruins and the chance to see Mayan artisans at work, Papantla flyers and Mesoamerican ball games in the 6,000-seat Gran Tlacho Theater. There are also newer Mexican traditions such as the Day of the Dead and folkloric dance performances.
When Xcaret Park was built, many cenotes (caves and sinkholes) formed by underground rivers were discovered for you to snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Xcaret Group operates many must-see attractions nearby, such as the new multi-sensory theme park Xenses, Xel-Ha Water Park and outdoor adventure center Xplor Park.
Torre Escénica
Keep your Xcaret wristband and you get free access to this observation tower/tour in the hotel area when you return to Cancun.
The tower is the highest point in Cancun and has a rotating cabin that you can climb from below to 80 meters above sea level. Above the speakers is a short recorded summary of the city’s history, geography and statistics, as well as information about all the landmarks that can be seen from above.
Diving
When you consider the water clarity, warm temperatures, coral reefs, attractions such as the Museum of Marine Life and Underwater (MUSA), you will understand why Cancun has many dive centers.
If you have the time, the resort is a world-class place to study and you can speed up the process by completing your theory online before you arrive. Experienced divers can choose from dozens of sites and unforgettable wildlife encounters with dolphins, whale sharks (May to September), bull sharks (November to March) or sea turtles.
There are also shipwrecks and caves that are deep enough not to be affected by water conditions. The cenotes of the southern Maya Riviera are fantastic places for cave diving, many of which have only recently been explored for the first time.
Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)
Located off the west coast of Isla Mujeres, this underwater museum opened in 2009 as an imaginative way to reduce traffic on Cancun’s coral reefs. Slowly, corals and other spectacular marine life began to take on new powers in the museum’s sculpture by British artist Jason Deckers Taylor. There are more than 500 underwater works in 400 square meters of shallow sea and open sea.
If you want to stay dry, you can view the works from a glass-bottom boat, but most people choose to snorkel and dive for a better view. This is a safe place for beginners who try scuba diving for the first time.
The museum is very popular, so try to arrive early to give yourself more freedom to explore.
Parque de las Palapas
Cancun isn’t exactly a family destination, but this central square bucks the trend and offers entertainment options especially suited to younger families.
The most interesting are the electric cars that can be rented for 20 pesos for 10 minutes and come with a carousel and a large playground. Adults can browse the palapas, booths styled like beach shacks, that sell art, crafts, and jewelry, as well as the many temptations of Mexican street food vendors.
If you want something sweet or a fruity tart, smoothie or marquesita (a sweet waffle tube filled with peanut butter, caramel, condensed milk or Edam cheese), go for churros. Delicious appetizers include quesadillas, salty grilled corn, tacos and more.
Playa Chac Mool
Playa Chac Mool is a beautiful public beach located within the hotel area and is a popular, less touristy alternative to resorts and private beaches.
There is no beach bar, only a stand where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. Get there early as they go fast.
For food and drinks, bring your own or walk a short distance to OXXO (7-11 in Mexico). Playa Chac Mool is Cancun’s famous white-sand beach with crisp waves. The waves extend quite far, leaving a large area of shallow, turquoise water where children can splash.
