Cancun is labeled as the “Glistening city of the Caribbean.” With its beachfront access to the Caribbean Sea, it has become synonymous with luxury, magnificent resorts, palatial hotels, and world-famous beaches. Also, Cancun is a place of a biodiverse and has a glut of historical wonders that would give you an excellent overview of the ancient Mayan civilization. But there are so many things to do in Cancun besides the white beaches! Cancun is also billed as the ultimate party destination with wild parties and modern, adventurous activities such as Cancun fishing, yacht Cancun tours and other activities that will get your adrenaline pumping.
There are so many places to visit in Cancun, and there is something for everyone in it! Are you excited? Here is the list of best places to visit in Cancun for you to have fun and adventure.
- Trip to Tulum
If you are looking for a mix of pristine beaches, magical cenotes and Mayan ruins you should put Tulum on top of your list of things to do in Cancun. It is located 130 kilometers south of Cancun, admired as one of the popular destinations in Mexico. It is lauded with its breathtaking coastline and balmy breeze.
2.Explore the underwater museum- MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte)
Experience and be mesmerized with the underwater beauty that makes it a popular place to stop for one-of-a-kind snorkeling expedition. Snorkel your way down to this breathtaking colorful marine life and stunning series of eerie yet beautiful 500 sculptures wonderfully crafted by Jason deCaires Taylor.
3. Visit the historic Chichén Itzá
Don’t leave Cancun, Mexico without paying a trip to the most significant and iconic Mayan archaeological site in Yucatan – Chichén Itzá. In 1998, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient wonder will utterly amaze tourists because of its well-preserved ruins of the Mayan way of life. The star of this Mayan site is the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, a place of worship of the Mayans.
If you have decided to visit this iconic place, visit early in the morning to avoid the sea of tourists by visiting before the flocks of tourists arrive.
4. Party at Night
One of the best things to do in Cancun is to go loco at night and experience its colorful nightlife. Known as a party capital in Mexico, Cancun is full of lively bars, lounges, and clubs. If you want to go some salsa dancing and live music to spice up your nights, visit Coco Bongo, Senor Frogs, and Grand Mambo Café
5. Head to downtown
If you had enough of Cancun’s energetic beachfront parties and unwinding on the beach, then head to the city’s downtown area. Experience Cancun’s Salsa bars, buzzing markets, and Mexican cantinas to experience a genuine taste of Cancun’s culture.
6. Enjoy a trip at Interactive Museum
Are you traveling to Cancun with your family? Then don’t forget to pay a visit to the Interactive Aquarium. It is lauded as one of the most family-friendly spots, where they take a hand-in approach to introduce the beautiful local marine life. Kids will surely enjoy meeting with myriad dwellers and enjoy shark feedings at the Interactive Aquarium.
7. Haggle with the Local Vendors
Are you looking for cheap but good buys? Then head to Market 28, a colorful and a giant flea-market boasts 600 vendors who sell pretty much everything. Here you can buy cheap deals for clothing, traditional crafts, and souvenirs and enjoy authentic cheap street food.
8. Explore Cancun’s Hotel Zone
Cancun is, also known as The Hotel Zone or “Zona Hotelera.” The Hotel Zone is a great tourist area where most people stay. It’s a 15-mile strip of talcum powder sand with incredibly gorgeous beaches, catamarans, and wild nightlife. If you are into water sports, then head to east side beaches of Hotel Zone to get the best waves. But if you want calmer waters, choose beaches on the northern stretch.
9. Swimming at Cenotes
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is popular for its astounding cenotes, natural pools shaped in limestones caves. The Riviera Maya is capped with thousands of cenotes, where tourists can swim.
Cenotes are formed when the limestone surface collapses, that creates an opening into the Yucatan’s sizeable underground river. Many people visit the cenotes to go swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
The best cenotes that are near Cancun are a 30-minute drive away. They are located along the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) near the city of Puerto Morelos.
You can find the fantastic Cenote La Noria, Verde Lucero, Cenote Mojarras, and Cenote Selvatica.
10. Visit Isla Mujeres
Feel the breeze with a short ferry ride that will take you to Isla Mujeres, one of the best dream yacht Caribbean destination. It is a small island in the Caribbean Sea that is only 7km long and around 650 meters wide. It is popular among the tourists because of its incredible beaches, fresh seafood, large sea turtle population, and picturesque snorkeling and scuba diving spot.
11. Experience Temazcal Ritual
If you want to experience something different, then you should try Temazcal Ritual. A Temazcal ritual is a traditional Mayan ceremony to purify and cleanse the body, mind, and soul which takes place in a tiny hut. The ceremony is in a sweat lodge and traditionally performed by a shaman who gives you a heated massage, chanting and using scented herbs to summon spirits. It can be used to heal specific ailments and improve health.
12. Zip Lining In The Jungle
Aren’t you afraid of heights? Then ziplining is for you. Ziplining is one of the best adventures to do in Cancun. Cancun has two theme parks near both with zip lines. One of the closest parks where you can enjoy zip lining is called Selvatica. Selvatica is an adventure theme park where they offer packages with ten different zip lines.
Another is Xplor Adventure Park which has two zip line circuits, each with seven different lines, and the highest point at 45 m (147 ft). Also, these two great parks have some other activities as well, like ATVs, cenotes, turtles, and a canoe attraction.
13. Visit Las Coloradas
Are you looking for something pink? Then you should head to “Las Coloradas,” or “the red ones” they are pink lakes in a small fishing village which has the same name. This natural reserve extends to 150,000 acres and is home to a wide variety of animals and species. This fantastic bright pink color comes from shrimp and red plankton.
Going to Las Coloradas is a three-hour drive from Cancun by rental car. But if you have decided to spend overnight, you can book accommodation in Rio Lagartos. If you want to see the flamingos, you can also book a Flamingo tour in Rio Lagartos too.
14. Swim with the Whale Shark
Did you know that Whale Shark is considered an endangered species? So swimming with these magnificent creatures will give you an incredible experience.
To swim with these large harmless creatures, you can go to the Yucatan peninsula. An adult whale shark can reach 12 m long and can weigh up to 20 tons while baby whale sharks are very playful with swimmers. The best time to visit and swim with the sharks is between June and September.
15. Isla Contoy Bird Watching
If you like birds, then you should visit Isla Contoy. Isla Contoy is a bird watcher’s paradise. This paradise is located in the north of Isla Mujeres and home to more than 100 species of birds and four species of sea turtles. Feel the tropical breeze as you enjoy bird watching. Relax and enjoy taking up some pictures of the wildlife.
Are You Ready for Cancun?
If you are planning to visit Cancun whether, with your family, friends or alone. This post will help you experience the uniqueness of the place, and you’ll have a holiday; you won’t forget!