21 Best Things To Do in Cancun, Mexico

There’s little doubt that Cancun Mexico is thought for its unimaginable white sand seashores and delightful water, however there are extra issues to do in Cancun than spending a day on the seashore. This stunning vacation spot is without doubt one of the best places to visit in Mexico!

Tens of millions of vacationers flock to this coastal space annually to take in the solar, catch some waves and really feel the sand between their toes and I’d be mendacity if I mentioned that wasn’t my intention on my first journey to Cancun.

Cancun is an space that’s biodiverse and intensely wealthy in tradition and historical past. With mystical ruins that take you again in time and fashionable adventurous actions that get your adrenaline pumping, there actually is one thing for everybody.

Cancun is a serious vacationer vacation spot, and for the reason that best time to visit Mexico for Canadians and Individuals is the chilly winter months, Cancun’s excessive season runs from December to April. It’s a straightforward place for North Individuals to fly to and is comparatively low cost relying on what you’re doing (a number of excursions could be on the expensive facet, nonetheless).

It’s a good suggestion to guide your lodging and among the actions on this record forward of time to make sure you get a spot. Reserving on-line can prevent cash too, as firms supply discounted charges if you pre-book.

Heading to the seashore and simply taking a day to loosen up can be one of many many actions that you just’ll get pleasure from. However, Cancun isn’t only a winter getaway vacation spot, and these 21 issues to do in Cancun show simply that!

Getting To and From The Cancun Airport

You may have completely different choices for getting to and from the Cancun airport — you’ll be able to take a bus, taxi or non-public transportation booked previous to your arrival.

Many individuals choose to take non-public transportation with Cancun Airport Transportation, as that is the quickest, most secure, and most comfy mode of transport.

The automobile supplied is a van, and the experience is non-public — if you happen to guide it, you get the automobile to your self. It’s also possible to share with a gaggle of individuals to scale back the associated fee. The vans embody a bilingual driver, air-con, and insurance coverage. One other well-liked possibility is with Etransfers. Click here to match prices.

Greatest Issues To Do in Cancun

Now that you understand how to get from the Cancun airport to your lodge, right here’s our record of the perfect issues to do in Cancun.

1. Swim in an Underground River

Cancun and the encircling space are actually well-known for his or her hidden underwater world. The truth is, the underground rivers that movement within the Yucatan Peninsula are the longest community of underground rivers and caves on the earth.

There are just a few locations close to Cancun the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from this community of crystal clear water, the most well-liked place being Xcaret (which is residence to a plethora of distinctive actions).

Xcaret has three rivers you’ll be able to float down and the slow-moving water is ideal for laying again and enjoyable. An ideal break from the seashore with out being too removed from the water. On this trip (which is eco-certified), you’ll rappel, kayak, go snorkeling, go ziplining, and float in interior tubes in pure swimming pools.

Plus, you’ll be taught in regards to the cenotes you go to and the way they’re being conserved. Through the day, snacks and drinks are included, in addition to a pleasant picnic for lunch (together with wine or beer).

Click here to be taught extra about this enjoyable exercise in Cancun, which is ideal for {couples}, teams, households or solo vacationers.

Swimming within the underground rivers could be finished any time of the yr as nicely, making it an excellent exercise year-round, and one of many prime issues to do in Cancun.

Swimming in an underground river is one among our bucket-list issues to do in Cancun

2. Take a Catamaran Cruise

In case you’re eager to take part in actions in Cancun that help you simply sit again and loosen up with out getting sand all over the place, take a catamaran cruise.

Whether or not you are taking one throughout the day to benefit from the sights, go snorkelling, or just bask within the solar with a chilly grownup beverage, a catamaran will get you offshore with none stress.

On this catamaran trip, you’ll go to the Nationwide Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, swim on the seashore, and do some snorkelling. All tools and lunch are included…plus, there’s an open bar. Find out more here.

Higher but, hire this small yacht and luxuriate in a non-public boat journey across the beautiful Caribbean sea. Snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. The worth of reserving this non-public boat is just like becoming a member of a gaggle catamaran journey! Book your private yacht and luxuriate in this enjoyable day journey in Cancun.

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Best Things To Do in Cozumel

3. Go Snorkelling (one of many prime issues to do in Cancun)

Snorkelling is without doubt one of the extra well-liked issues to do in Cancun, as it’s in lots of locations world wide with stunning water and reefs.

Cancun is residence to one of many largest reefs on the earth, the Great Mayan Reef. The reef stretches over 1,000 kilometres from the Yucatan Peninsula to Belize and Honduras.

Among the best websites for vacationers to expertise this underwater world is simply on the finish of Cancun’s lodge zone in an space often known as Punta Nizuc.

Punta Nizuc is a peaceful and quiet location that has an array of coral, fish and some underwear sculptures from Cancun’s underwater museum, MUSA.

It’s important to guide a tour to Punta Nizuc (it was open to the general public however sadly isn’t anymore), the excursions embody the boat out to sea and rental tools for round $50. Click here to reserve your spot.

Assembly Level Tackle: inside de estacionamiento del restaurante fred´s home, okay.m. 14.6, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for directions.

Alternatively, if you happen to pay for admission to Xcaret or Xel-Ha there are snorkelling areas within the parks which are additionally spectacular. Deliver an underwater digital camera to ensure you can seize the motion beneath the ocean!

Xel-Ha Tackle: Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Federal km 240, Q.R., Mexico. Get directions here.

4. Go Zip Lining

Ziplining was one among my favorite actions in Cancun!

In case you’re on the lookout for extra thrilling issues to do in Cancun then you definitely completely need to go zip lining. Selvatica is an journey theme park that gives 4 completely different zip traces in a single bundle.

On their Extreme Canopy tour, you’ll soar above the jungle, splash into cenotes, fly like Superman, and expertise the rollercoaster of zip traces on their Tarzania Zipline.

There are a complete of 10 completely different zip line circuits, so you might be assured to have a blast.

The Excessive Cover Tour at Selvatica is round $95 . Click here to be taught extra and to guide this tour which incorporates transportation, lunch, ziplines, cenotes and extra. Ziplining is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Cancun with youngsters — however, it’s enjoyable for adults as nicely!

Ziplining can be probably the most well-liked things to do in Puerto Vallarta, if you happen to’re planning a visit to the west coast of Mexico, ensure you test it out!

Tackle: Selvatica, Ruta de los cenotes Km 18 Carretera, Quintana Roo Puerto Morelos – Leona Vicario, Sin Colonia, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico. Get directions here.

5. Go to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is arguably one of many largest tourism attracts close to Cancun and was even named one among the new 7 Wonders of the World.

This ancient Mayan site was one of many largest Mayan cities and was a serious financial energy within the area. On prime of all of it, Chichen Itza is considered one of many nice legendary cities of Mesoamerica.

Chichen Itza is residence to many historical buildings which are nonetheless in nice situation together with the Nice Ball Court docket, The Temple of Warriors, El Caracol (an historical observatory) and the most well-liked – El Castillo (The Fortress).

El Castillo is also referred to as the Temple of Kukulkan — a snake deity which in Chichen Itza’s case is believed to represent divinity within the Yucatan. On the base of the temple are two snake heads that are carved from stone and are a bodily illustration of Kukulkan.

Twice a yr on the Spring and Autumn equinoxes the afternoon solar casts an uncanny shadow down the facet of the temple, a shadow that replicates the physique of a slithering snake.

A whole lot of 1000’s of individuals go to Chichen Itza annually throughout this time to see this uncommon prevalence. It might be a good time to go to if you happen to aren’t afraid of crowds and need a distinctive expertise at Chichen Itza.

The temple additionally holds another thriller that everybody who visits the location can expertise, a mysterious noise. In case you clap your fingers on the base of El Castillo you’ll hear a really distinct bird-like noise.

After years of analysis, scientists matched this noise with that of the Quetzal. The Quetzal is an elusive and vibrant hen that lives in Central America whose feathers had been extra worthwhile to the Mayans than gold.

Don’t miss Chichen Itza, it’s among the best day excursions from Cancun. To guide a highly-rated journey to Chichen Itza, click here.

Tackle: Get directions to Chichen Itza here.

6. Go to Tulum

In case you haven’t fairly reached your quota of historical issues to see in Cancun, then you might wish to go to Tulum. Tulum was as soon as a walled port metropolis that was protected against invasion and continued working usually for almost 70 years after the Spanish Conquest.

Sitting on the cliffside overlooking unimaginable seashores and excellent blue water, Tulum was one of many largest cities constructed by the Mayans. A trip to Tulum and its ruins is one thing you don’t wish to miss, it’s additionally one of many prime things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Be certain that to deliver your swimsuit and take a dip within the beautiful sea. Click here to see excursions from Cancun to Tulum.

7. Go to Downtown Cancun

Downtown is without doubt one of the many locations in Cancun most vacationers appear to skip in trade for seashore visits or different actions.

However if you’d like a extra genuine really feel of town away from the Cancun Lodge Zone (which typically feels just like the Vegas strip) then you definitely’ll wish to head downtown.

Downtown is residence to a plethora of actions and eating places providing a glance into native life, a visit right here is without doubt one of the higher issues to do in Cancun for positive.

If you’re seeking to do a little bit of memento purchasing in Cancun, Mercado 28 (Market 28) is the right place. Mercado 28 is a flea-market-style purchasing space that has an abundance of handmade objects, pottery, t-shirts, and souvenirs.

Anticipate to cut price with the store homeowners, most of them could be aggressive with their pricing however if you’re keen to haggle you would possibly simply handle to seek out your self an excellent deal.

Tackle: Mercado 28, Xel-ha Mz 13, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for directions.

8. Go Paddleboarding

In case you’ve by no means been stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), you need to positively think about it when planning your record of issues to do in Cancun. Paddleboarding is a straightforward exercise that anybody can do, even if you happen to don’t really feel like you’ve good steadiness!

Wheether you’re a newbie or extra superior, it’s a good suggestion to guide a SUP journey with a information. On this trip, you’ll be able to select to paddle at dawn or sundown, whichever you favor.

Paddleboarding is a calming exercise in Cancun that’s additionally an excellent type of train after consuming a bunch of tacos! A real win-win. Discover out extra about paddleboarding journeys in Cancun here.

☞ Planning a visit to La Paz Mexico? Try our publish – 21 Things To Do in La Paz

Assembly Level Tackle: Blvd. Kukulcan km 3.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for instructions.

9. Spend a Evening Out (Issues To Do In Cancun For Partiers)

Forum By The Sea is a big space with tons of retailers, eating places (just like the Arduous Rock Cafe) and a few of Cancun’s most well-known nightclubs.

Coco Bongo is arguably the most well-liked vacation spot for individuals seeking to expertise a present and disco (dancing, not a 70’s disco).

The present at Coco Bongo is nothing wanting superb with flying acrobats, musical tributes and a celebration ambiance that you just gained’t quickly neglect.

Tickets for entry can vary in worth relying on the place you wish to sit and whether or not you simply wish to attend the occasion.

Click here to be taught extra about tickets, which incorporates the superb reveals, entrance price, snacks, and premium drinks. Partying at Coco Bongo is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Cancun at night time. Book your spot here.

Tackle: Coco Bongo, Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for directions.

10. Go to The Lodge Zone Outlets & Eating places

Haven’t gotten your purchasing repair or wish to see extra locations in Cancun to buy and eat? Discussion board by the Sea (the place Coco Bongo can be positioned) is the place you’ll wish to go.

The Discussion board is extra of an American-style purchasing and eating space which options eating places like Hooters, The Arduous Rock Cafe, Häagen-Dazs and a number of outlets that promote swimwear, sun shades, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.

More often than not, nonetheless, you’ll discover higher offers in your souvenirs at Mercado 28. Having mentioned that, purchasing continues to be one of many prime issues to do in Cancun lodge zone.

Tackle: Discussion board by The Sea, Blvd. Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Get directions here.

11. Discover the Cenotes

Not solely is Cancun well-known for its underground rivers however it’s additionally well-known for its unimaginable Cenotes.

Cenotes are underground caverns which are shaped after limestone caved in leaving a large gap within the earth. This gap sometimes results in a pool that most often has stunning aqua-coloured water.

Swimming, snorkelling, strolling and scuba diving in cenotes are among the issues to do in Cancun which are loved each by vacationers and locals.

Ik Kil is without doubt one of the hottest cenotes for swimming and is positioned close to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. This tour will take you there on a full day journey. One other well-liked one is close to Valladolid named Cenote Zaci.

12. Expertise Xoximilco

Searching for a Mexican fiesta? Look no additional than Xoximilco, probably the most conventional issues to do in Cancun. This Mexican occasion takes place on board an ornamental and vibrant Mexican gondola.

The gondola takes you thru unimaginable canals that showcase the surroundings. The night continues with scrumptious Mexican cuisine paired with stay music, tradition, and traditions.

Book your tickets to this enjoyable occasion and luxuriate in an evening out! Take a look at this highly-rated, popular tour to be taught extra and reserve your spot.

☞ In case you’re planning a visit to different locations in Mexico, be sure that to take a look at our journey information to Manzanillo Colima, 10 superior things to do in Guanajuato and 15 cool things to do in San Pancho. Mexico is such a various vacation spot, backpacking Mexico can be a visit you always remember!

13. Ferry to Isla Mujeres

A short ferry ride will take you to Isla Mujeres, a small island within the Caribbean Sea that’s solely 7km lengthy and round 650 metres large.

Isla Mujeres is well-liked for its unimaginable seashores, recent seafood, massive sea turtle inhabitants, and spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving. In case you’re on the lookout for snorkelling journey on Isla Mujeres head to the Garrafon Nationwide Reef Park.

Maybe you don’t wish to snorkel however wish to get nearer to the native turtles go to the island’s turtle sanctuary and rehabilitation centre, Tortugranja. It’s also possible to take a glass-bottomed boat ride to see the underwater world with out getting moist!

Click here to guide your return ferry tickets from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with the Ultramar ferry. Another choice for going to Isla Mujeres is to affix a day journey. On this catamaran tour, you’ll get pleasure from snorkelling, an open bar, and lunch.

Lastly, if you happen to’d like to observe the sundown, don’t miss this sunset sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. This is without doubt one of the extra romantic issues to do in Cancun. Book your spot here.

14. Get a Image With The Cancun Signal

Simply accessible by bus (that are protected, pleasant and sometimes fairly fast) the Cancun signal is positioned on the Playa Delfines seashore. This is without doubt one of the extra touristy actions in Cancun however makes for an excellent photograph to deliver again residence.

Behind this vivid and vibrant signal is an unimaginable white sand seashore with vivid blue waters, making it not solely an excellent photograph alternative but in addition an ideal cease in your record of issues to do in Cancun that don’t take a whole afternoon.

Additionally it is an excellent place to have a picnic and watch the attractive Cancun sundown! This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Cancun.

Tackle: Punta Nizuc – Cancún 335, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Find it here.

15. Go to Valladolid

Of all of the locations in Cancun and its surrounding area, Valladolid is arguably probably the most magical and quaint, making it the right vacation spot for a day trip. We cherished our trip to Valladolid and would gladly return.

Positioned about an hour and a half to 2 hours from Cancun, Valladolid channels its Spanish roots in appears but in addition showcases its Yucatan historical past and tradition.

A lot of the city’s format consists of huge blocks of buildings and homes with lavish, inexperienced courtyards within the center.

These stunning courtyards make superb locations to seize some lunch and look at the Spanish-inspired structure. The preferred web site within the small city is the towering Cathedral of ‘San Servacio o Gervasio’. Study extra about journeys to Valladolid here.

16. Be a part of a Temazcal Ceremony

A Temazcal is an historical Mayan ceremony that’s meant to be a supply of vitality and well being. The ceremony takes place in a hut the place volcanic rocks are heated and glow at nighttime because the hut turns into a sauna.

The aroma of herbs surrounds you as you relax and soak all of it in. You’ll then be taken by varied phases of accelerating and reducing warmth whilst you hearken to stay music.

It’s no doubt among the best locations in Cancun to really sit again and loosen up. Sometimes the ceremony concludes with a refreshing dip in a chilly tub and lightweight fruit snacks and pure drinks.

Costs can fluctuate for these ceremonies however most are round $125 and take round 90 minutes. Click here to be taught extra about this purification ceremony and to guide an expertise.

17. Strive Some Tequila

That is most likely one of many issues to do in Cancun that you just’ve already added to your record. Tequila and tequila tasting is taken into account an artwork in Mexico and is one thing Mexicans take very severely, so why not get pleasure from this age-old custom?

The Restaurante La Destileria has a tequila museum that lets guests be taught in regards to the origins of tequila and offers some perception into the distilling course of. And sure, on the finish of the tour, there’s a tequila tasting.

Hacienda Sisal is one other restaurant that gives an array of tequila and even pairs them with objects on their menu for a extra distinctive expertise.

Doing a tequila tasting is one thing that may be loved anytime, making it one of many prime issues to do in Cancun when it rains.

18. Eat at Señor Frogs

It will arguably be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Cancun, however it doesn’t take a whole afternoon and fills you up with scrumptious meals. Even my mother and father who took a trip to this notorious ‘enjoyable and party-filled’ restaurant had a good time.

The funky decor and an untraditional restaurant vibe, make Señor Frogs an excellent place to seize a meal and simply get pleasure from your self. It’s a little bit of an establishment.

In case you’re actually into the occasion scene or on the lookout for a spot to spend an evening out, Señor Frogs additionally hosts occasions like foam events, seashore events, and an open bar.

Tackle: Señor Frogs, Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click here for directions.

19. Stroll the Cancun Lodge Zone

As talked about earlier than, the Cancun lodge zone could be very harking back to the Vegas strip besides that it’s much more tropical and rather more humid.

Deliver some sunscreen as a result of this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Cancun that can get you a ton of solar publicity and the Mexican warmth isn’t forgiving.

The lodge zone has superb views of the ocean, a number of outlets (even a bit of purchasing village with bridges and pathways), eating places, a Mayan museum, a water park, an aquarium, and even iguanas absorbing the solar!

20. Go to Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is positioned simply close to Tulum and was declared a UNESCO web site in 1987 due to its distinctive biodiversity and Mayan heritage. All the reserve is about 1.3 million acres and is the biggest protected space within the Mexican Caribbean.

Sian Ka’an is residence to nearly 115 species of mammals and over a thousand completely different species of bugs.

On prime of its extraordinarily uncommon and numerous animal inhabitants, the reserve has over 1048 species of flora. You are able to do boat excursions that take you thru the reserve making it probably the most unimaginable issues to do in Cancun that your mates have most likely by no means even heard of!

One of the best ways to go to on a day journey from Cancun is by tour. On this small group tour, the boat, information, lunch, and drinks are included. Transporation is included as nicely, however it prices a bit extra for a pick-up from Cancun. Click here to learn more.

21. Go ATVing

Loads of completely different firms supply ATV actions in Cancun, most of which take you thru the jungle – getting you nearer to nature whereas nurturing your thrill-seeking methods.

Xplor is a good place to go ATVing and their ATV observe is included with their park entry pricing. Click here to be taught extra in regards to the Xplor day move.

Higher but, with this trip, you’ll go horseback driving, ziplining and ATV’ing within the jungle. Three adventures in a single! Click here to be taught extra.

22. Bonus! Volunteer with Animals

In case you’re an animal lover and have some further time to spend, volunteering with deserted, abused and exploited animals is without doubt one of the most rewarding and memorable issues to do in Cancun.

Positioned about 40 minutes from town, you’ll discover Tierra de Animales. Right here, you’ll be able to volunteer with canines, and assist out across the sanctuary the place wanted.

Take a look at their web site here for volunteer instances, and on their Facebook page for extra data.

Now You Know What To Do in Cancun!

Whether or not you propose on visiting Cancun alone, along with your partner, your mates, or your loved ones, you will see that one thing distinctive and enjoyable to do.

I hope this publish showcases how numerous Cancun actually is and breaks the everyday stereotype that it’s only a seashore vacation spot.

Simply because travellers sometimes go someplace for the seashores doesn’t imply that’s all there’s to see and do there. Plan a trip to Cancun to incorporate among the issues on my record, and also you’ll have a vacation you gained’t quickly neglect!

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