Cancun is one of the great tourist spots in Mexico and the Caribbean. It is a relatively new city, built some 50 years ago on top of an old fishing village and has quickly become the epicenter of tourism in Mexico.
Although Cancun does not have as much charm as many other destinations in the country, it is a place designed for fun, without a doubt. You won't be short of things to do in Cancun! Also, being relatively close to the Riviera Maya and many of the archaeological sites, it is a good place to stay if you are thinking of visiting this area of Mexico.
In this article I tell you about 20 great plans to do in Cancun, I give you some travel tips and we talk about where to stay. Let's start!
A friend recently told me that she had traveled to Cancun and enjoyed a couple of weeks at the beach, the hotel, the all-inclusive... And when I asked her what she visited, practically her visits resided in markets and bars, restaurants in the area... And I had only done an excursion based on a boat tour... Okay! All vacations and trips are valid, but as a traveling lover who loves to know every corner, it honestly seems like a waste of time to travel far to know absolutely nothing about the culture of the place you are traveling. It makes me very sad when someone travels to a country as wonderful as Mexico, in this case, and does not know its roots, its history... That is why I propose 20 plans that include fun of course, but also visits to historical places. , so that you get to know other cultures, legends, and above all so that you get to know Mexico a little more.
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN CANCUN
1. Visit Chichen Itza
Regardless of the area in which you are going to stay, be it Cancun, Riviera Maya... You cannot miss visiting the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. It is one of the seven wonders of the modern world!
I have already told you extensively about Chichén Itzá in the article 15 Magical places to see in the Riviera Maya, but I will give you a little summary:
The archaeological site of Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city where you will find ruins, culture and history, surrounded by nature.
The main building of Chichén Itzá is the Kukulkan Pyramid, an emblematic construction with perfect symmetry that becomes a huge three-dimensional Mayan calendar.
Next to the pyramid is the Sacred Cenote. This impressive natural well, 60 meters in diameter and 15 meters deep, was the place chosen to make offerings to the gods.
The ball game courts had a great role due to the ritual importance they had for the society of the time.
The Chichén Itzá court is the largest with 120 meters in length and is one of the best preserved that can be seen in the Riviera Maya.
Another important place to visit is the Temple of the Warriors. A construction surrounded by columns built in the year 1200.
Other highlights are; the Tzompantli, a platform with reliefs of skulls in which the heads of the enemies were nailed. Or the astronomical observatory of Chichén Itza.
To visit Chichen Itzá I recommend that you hire a guided tour. Or an excursion that includes this stop. These excursions include a local guide who will tell you not only the history of this incredible place, but also about Mayan traditions, rituals...
2. Take a ferry to Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island that is only 13 kilometers from the city. Its paradisiacal beaches with crystalline, calm waters and a beautiful turquoise color.
You can sunbathe, snorkel, visit the most emblematic places on the island...
It is possible to stay in Isla Mujeres, however, you are a bit isolated and considering how close Cancun is, it is better to stay in Cancun.
On the island is the Mudaca Hacienda, the Underwater Museum of Art, the Turtle Farm, the El Garrafón Marine Park and its beaches. If you feel like strolling around and buying a souvenir, don't miss Calle Hidalgo. Full of craft shops, restaurants...
3. Snorkel in the Underwater Museum of Art
MUSA is an underwater art museum that is located between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. More than 500 sculptures were placed underwater to replenish habitat for tropical marine life. The main objective of the creators was to try to discourage tourists from visiting natural reefs.
MUSA is the largest artificial reef in the world, and that every year new sculptures are placed.
4. Get to know Downtown Cancun
As I explained to you at the beginning of the article, Cancun is a new, "artificial" city created just 50 years ago. Being practically a tourist and hotel city, there are hardly any "old" places to visit. Of course, an afternoon dedicated to getting to know the center of Cancun. Tulum Avenue is the main artery of the city. Here there are local shops, small markets, more local restaurants, parks, street food stalls...
5. See a Mexican wrestling show
Wrestling is part of Mexican culture. In fact, it is the second most popular sport in the country, only behind soccer. Most of the wrestlers wear masks to hide their identity, something that further enhances the show.
The fights are held at the Arena Cancún every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night. The tickets are quite cheap, and even if you are not a fan of this type of sports, it is more of a show than something "bloody" or "violent".
6. Visit Market 28
In Cancun you can find many souvenir stalls or little shops. Mercado 28 is a large market full of handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles... Remember to haggle! As a general rule, they will start asking you for 3 times more than the cost of the product. So if they ask you for about 3 dollars... you know, haggle until you get it for 1.
7. Climb the Scenic Tower of Cancun
This 100 meter high tower is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. It is an excellent viewpoint to enjoy a 360º view of the city of Cancun. Admission is about $18.
8. Visit the El Meco Archaeological Zone, one of the best things to do in Cancun
The El Meco Archaeological Zone is located north of downtown Cancun. They are in front of Isla Mujeres. That is why it is believed that El Meco was a connection port with the island. The main icon of this archaeological zone is its 17-meter pyramid, also known as "El Castillo". The entrance costs 2 dollars and although it has nothing to do with other Mayan ruins on the Quintana Roo peninsula, it is worth spending a few hours to go to the place and visit it.
9. Partying in Cancun, with caution
Although I personally don't like this type of tourism, nor am I much into clubbing, I must admit that Cancun has become the "fun" destination in the Caribbean. You will find many clubs, discos, casinos... perfect for having a good time.
However, CAUTION! Both the hotel and several guides warned us, there are many fights over drugs, a rather cloudy environment depending on what time and place... You're going on vacation to have a good time, avoid ending up having a bad time!
The most popular nightclub is Coco Bongo, it's quite expensive, I directly dispensed with going anywhere and at night I slept peacefully in the hotel. If you dare to party, tell me about your experience in the comments and do it carefully, please.
10. Visit Holbox from Cancun
Holbox is one of the most beautiful islands in Mexico and I talk to you in more detail at this link.
If you are going to spend a few days in Cancun, it is a good idea to spend at least two or three nights in Holbox.
Although if you have the right time you can always go on a day trip.
11. Visit Xoximilco
If you feel like going out at night, one of the activities I recommend is visiting Xoximilco. Although it has now become very touristy, there is a lot of local tourism and a great atmosphere.
Xoximilxo is a theme park where you can navigate trajineras through its canals, dine on traditional Mexican food, dance and listen to the mariachis sing.
12. Enjoy the Cenotes of Cancun
As in the Riviera Maya, in Cancun you can also enjoy its cenotes. Cenotes are natural pools formed in limestone caves that are supplied by underground rivers and that also connect with the sea. In Mexico there are more than 3000 cenotes. And they are awesome.
However, if you have little time, you can visit the Cenote Azul and the Cenote Siete Bocas, which are two beautiful cenotes close to Cancun.
13. Enjoy the beaches of Cancun
In Cancun you will find different beautiful beaches of fine white sand. I am very touristy, yes, and not as quiet as some beaches in the Riviera Maya. However, you cannot come to Cancun and not enjoy them.
If you are lucky enough to stay in a beach hotel, you may not want to know more beaches. However, if you want to know some of the most beautiful beach landscapes in Cancun, you cannot miss visiting Playa Caracol, Playa Linda, Playa Delfines and Playa Chacmool.
14. Take an excursion to Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is another of the islands near Cancun that you can visit. Much quieter than Isla Mujeres, Contoy gives you the opportunity to enjoy a more natural environment.
Contoy is known as the island of birds and as soon as you arrive you realize why. There is a large number and variety of birds. There are more than 100 species of birds and 4 different species of sea turtles.
If you are lucky you can enjoy a bath, snorkeling accompanied by a turtle.
On the island is the second largest coral reef in the world, known as Ixlaché. So if you are a lover of diving you cannot miss it.
It is a Protected Natural Park, so only 200 tourists a day are allowed to enter, who must follow strict rules to help conservation. Therefore, I recommend that you book your excursion in advance so as not to run out of places.
15. Get to know Las Coloradas from Cancun
Las Coloradas are several lakes with pink water. They are a bit far from Cancun, about 3 hours. So it's a bit of a heavy hike. However, the landscape is beautiful that makes a contrast between the pink lakes and the blue of the sea. It is a different and alternative place to visit in Cancun.
16. Visit Tulum, an essential thing to do in Cancun
Tulum was one of the most important Mayan cities between the 13th and 14th centuries due to its strategic location that made it one of the key stops on trade routes.
The ruins of Tulum sit on the coastal strip of the Riviera Maya.
The archaeological zone is made up of more than 70 structures in an excellent state of conservation, most of them built between the 12th and 15th centuries.
El Castillo is one of the main places to see in Tulum, in addition to its oldest construction. Its function is believed to have been to guide sailors who approached the city at night to protect them from the sharp coral reefs that encircle the coast.
In the walled city of Tulum, the remains of some of the temples that paid homage to the Mayan deities are still preserved. Among the most outstanding options are the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of the Frescoes.
Tulum has a beautiful environment that surrounds it. Cenotes, mangroves and a Caribbean coast at your feet.
To visit Tulum I recommend you book the tour with a guide:
17. Visit Cobá, an archaeological site to see near Cancun
Cobá is an ancient Mayan city built between the years 500 and 900. Cobá became one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Yucatán peninsula, but over time Chichén Itzá was gaining ground in terms of political, social and economic. Thus leaving Cobá in second place.
Submerged in abandonment, Cobá became a place full of ruins protected by the jungle. Its archaeological remains did not begin to be studied until the beginning of the 20th century.
The most important place to see in Cobá is Nohoch Mul, a stone pyramid with a height of 42 meters, formed by seven levels.
The climb to the pyramid is allowed and although it costs a little due to its uneven and worn steps, it is well worth it.
In the archaeological complex, 40 structures have been found, among which the church, the ball game court and the Oval Temple stand out.
If you are interested in visiting Cobá with an excursion that includes a guide, you can see options here:
18. Xcaret, the most fun "amusement" park in the Riviera Maya
Xcaret is a huge “natural amusement park”. Here you will find underground rivers, traditional shows, exotic animals, natural spaces, Mayan ruins, restaurants, bars...
It is a very nice park to spend a full day with your partner, family... or even alone.
19. Enjoy Mexican cuisine
We already talked about Mexican gastronomy in the previous article about curiosities about Mexico. Mexican Gastronomy is Intangible Heritage of Humanity by Unesco.
You must know all the traditional dishes and try them!
20. Visit some of the colonial cities near Cancun
The most interesting colonial cities to visit nearby are Valladolid, Mérida and Izamal. To get to know these cities I recommend you rent a car for a day or a couple of days and take an excursion for free, you will save a lot of money and you will have the option to stop whenever you want.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Cancun very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
If you liked this article, subscribe to the blog so you don't miss out on upcoming destinations, curiosities, travel tips and inspiration for your trips.
A hug and see you soon!
留言