16 Best Things To Do In Cancun Mexico
Cancun is one of the most famous cities in Mexico especially known for its white-sand beaches, clear blue water, and exotic nightlife and I used to think that this is only what Cancun offers. But I was completely wrong. There are numerous exciting things to do here. Trust me, I had to be very choosy about the Cancun attractions.
I was not expecting much and thought I would just relax on a beach for a day or two and then head back but then started interacting with the locals.
I must tell you the locals were very cooperative and friendly and gave me a number of suggestions.
In fact, I had to take my diary out to start writing things down. You won’t believe about 50% of American travelers prefer Mexico to spend their vacation.
Located in Yucatan Peninsula the best time to visit Cancun is December. If you are on limited budget travel from April to October. It attracts around 5 million tourists every year.
Now let’s start with Cancun tourist attractions
Here we go
What To Do In Cancun
1.Cancun Underwater Museum
I had heard a lot about Cancun Underwater Museum. I had never seen an underwater museum ever in my life. It was my first experience so I was very excited.
The museum consists of 500 sculptors. Also called MUSA it is located between Cancun and Isle Mujeres. It is mainly built to protect coral reefs.
Each statue is unique in its own way like giant hands, Volkwagen car, naval mines and many more. It is the largest artificial reef in the world. It is the perfect adventure for snorkelers and divers but if you are not comfortable with it you can see it through a glass-bottom boat.
Visit MUSA
2.Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza, one of the best places to visit in Cancun is a large Mayan UNESCO world heritage archaeological site built like a pyramid. It is also one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Chichen Itza is also known for Temple Of Warriors, Grand Ball Court from El Castillo, Venus Platform, Kukulcan pyramid almost 100 feet high, and El Caracol observatory.
If you want to explore the place through a guided tour click here.
3.Xcaret Park
Xcaret Park is a theme park and spending time here is one of the best things to do in Cancun with kids. It is located in Riviera Maya. It is a perfect place for snorkeling or if you want to swim with dolphins this is the place for you.
Xcaret has a lot to offer be it Jaguar island or coral reef aquarium, Mesoamerican ball game. You can also explore underground rivers, equestrian tours. It is located 45 miles from Cancun International airport.
There are also different performances organized in different areas of the park. Scenic Tower, also known as Torre Escencia is also a part of Xcaret and also a famous landmark as it is 110m tall.
Visit –Xcaret Park
The park also has spas and amazing restaurants. You can also visit Xel Ha Park which is also interesting and one of the fun things to do in Cancun spring break for couples. I loved Xplor Adventure Park too.
Read:
Things To Do With Kids In Cancun-Top 10
Things to do in Cancun in Spring Break-Top 5
4.Isla Mujeres
Exploring Isla Mujeres was truly an incredible experience. Located 13 km from Cancun and famous for northern Playa Norte beach, it is a perfect day trip from Cancun. It is also known as the Island of Women.
Garrafon Park is quite famous for diving and snorkeling and one of the best things to do when whether’s bad or when it rains. If you want to see sailfish this is the place for you. It is almost fourteen minutes ferry ride from Cancun.
Punta Sur National Park is very popular here. It is very famous for its amazing seafood. If you want to see turtles you must visit the turtle sanctuary.
If you want to experience both Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres take the paradise combo tour. This is also the first spot to see the sunrise in Mexico, a perfect Cancun sightseeing. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sunset sailing trip here.
5.Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone is one of the most famous tourist areas in Cancun. It is home to luxurious resorts, amazing nightlife and of course beaches. The Hotel Zone will remind you of the luxurious places in Vegas.
Museo Maya is a famous archaeological site in the heart of Hotel Zone. El Rey Ruins is also a renowned archaeological site located in the middle of the Hotel Zone and exploring it is one of the best things to do in the Hotel Zone.
Visit –Museo Maya and El Rey Ruins Tour
6. Visit Downtown Cancun
Downtown Cancun is a must for travelers and one of the best things to do in Cancun for families. Parque Las Palapas is famous for its amazing food courts, handicrafts. You can visit Market 28 also called Mercado 28 for souvenirs stands and jewelry.
Avenida Tulum is downtown Cancun’s main street and has bars and malls and it is a perfect weekend gateway. I had a great time shopping here. Malecon Tajamar has an incredible walkway and when you are there you will enjoy going to Malecon Americas’ shopping center.
Read:Best Big Bear Lake Activities For Travelers
7. Swimming In Cenotes
If you are a good swimmer, scuba diver or snorkeller you will love cenotes which are formed in limestone caves. It is very popular among snorkelers and one of the best things to do in Cancun alone or with family and friends.
Ik Kil is one of the most famous cenotes located in Tinum municipality open from 9 am-5 pm. Riveria Maya is my favorite cenote.
Visit Private Cenote Tour Riveria Maya
8.Best Beaches In Cancun
There are a number of amazing beaches here but these are my favorites.
Playa Delfines-It is one of the most famous beaches and one of the most popular Cancun tourist attractions. It is known for thrashing water and strong current so swimming is not advisable.
Puerto Morelos-If you want to swim away from the crowd visit this beach, so calm and beautiful. It is very popular among snorkelers and divers.
Chac Mool Beach-If you love water sports hit this beach, amazing.
9.Day Trip to Tulum, Cancun
Tulum located 90 minutes from Cancun offers cenotes, well-preserved ruins, and amazing beaches. I had breakfast in the famous Taqueria Honorio. It was delicious. Then I went to the Ruins Of Tulum, home to beach clubs and the largest building Castillo. It was a lovely experience.
Read:Things To Do In Tulum-Top 19
Visit- Tulum Discovery Tour
You must visit Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve near Tulum which is a UNESCO heritage.
Experience Sain Kaan Boat Trip and Snorkel Adventure.
Gran Cenote is another famous spot in Tulum.
Read: Hidden Cenotes In Tulum
10.El Meco
El Meco archaeological site is mostly famous for the El Castillo pyramid. This ancient Maya ruin is located on the northern outskirts of Cancun.
11. Nightlife
As I mentioned earlier Cancun is famous for wild nightlife, there are some amazing nightclubs.
Coco Bongo-It is the most famous club in Cancun. You will see some acrobatic performances and some amazing music.
Mandala Cancun-Filled with a cosmopolitan crowd with an amazing bar and laser effects.
The City NightClub Cancan-It is a very big night club with nine bars, a DJ and some amazing drinks.
Related:Best Cancun Bars
12.Xoximilco
One of the best and most traditional things to do is to enjoy a Mexican fiesta called Xoximilco. It happens on a gondola that travels on the canals.
The fiesta is full of delicious food, drinks, and live music. People love to dance on this occasion.
To enjoy Xoximilco visit Xoximilco Cancum
13.Temazcal
Temazcal is an ancient traditional ceremony held to improve the well-being and health of the people.
You are supposed to enter a sweat lodge made with hot rocks and water and it gives you the feeling of the sauna while live music is played.
It is a purification ceremony that cleans your soul and body.
Visit –Temazcal ceremony
There are some other fun activities as well such as Selvatica ziplining tour , Catamaran cruise tour and Go ATVing
14.Parque Urbano Kabah
If you are looking to see wild animals then you must see Parque Urbano Kabah. It is a beautiful park. People come here for picnics and jogging also.
I was very excited to see iguanas.
15. Nichupte Lagoon
It is just 10 minutes from Cancun. You will love to do kayaking and jungle tours here. My favorite sport was parasailing here.
16. Swimming With Whale Sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most unique things to do in Cancun. It was a thrilling experience. I went To Cancun in July and was lucky to spot them as I was told June to August is the whale shark season.
Mexico Attractions Near Cancun
- When you visit Cancun, you must visit Cozumel Island as well. You can reach Cozumel by ferry. It is really spectacular.
2. Another beautiful island is Coba. Located in Quintana Roo state, Coba is a Mayan city. It is about 3 hour’s drive from Cancun. It is famous for Coba ruins and beautiful cenotes. I loved Sac Actun, Multum Ha, and Choo Ha cenotes. They are spectacular. Zoologika is a beautiful village in Coba and you can see wild animals there.
3. Another beautiful location is Puerto Moreles. It is just half an hour’s drive from Cancun. There are beautiful diving sites and cenotes. My favorite cenote here is Kin Ha. A lot of snorkelers love to visit here.
4.Las Coloradas is around three hours drive from Cancun and it is known for its beautiful pink lakes.
Top Places To Eat In Cancun
I wanted to enjoy food from the best restaurants in Cancun and these are the most special.
Marakame Cafe
This treehouse-styled cafe serves some amazing Mexican food like barbacoa and all other international foods.
Puerto Madero
Located in the Hotel Zone, this is quite popular among tourists for amazing food and service, known for seafood and steaks.
Address-Blvd. Kukulcan Km 14.1, Zona Hotelera,7750 Cancun
Contact Number- +52 998 885 2829
El Fish Fritanga
El Fish Fritanga is located in Hotel Zone known for its fresh catches and excellent service.
La Troje
La Troje is known for its amazing Italian food like pasta and pizza. I had dinner here and it was mindblowing.
Check the review and address in Yelp
Navios
Located in Hotel Zone it is one of the most popular restaurants known for seafood like robalo al pastor.
Check the address and review in Yelp
Read:US Dollars or Pesos in Mexico-Find out
Taste Of India
If you are looking for seafood and amazing Indian food also visit this place. The customer service is outstanding. Their specialty is Chicken Tikka.
Mexico is known for amazing tacos so go on a taco tour and you will enjoy the best tacos in Cancun.
Travel Essentials
Before we travel we do some shopping for our travel essentials. The best option for me is amazon.com, everything in one platform.
Accommodation
Book your stay through Agoda.com or Booking.com
Flights
Book through Trip.com or Skyscanner.com
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance gives protection from all mishaps like illness, accidents or thefts or anything so I prefer Worlds Nomad and if you are working abroad this is a must.
Tour
You can book your tour through Get Your Guide or Viator both give a number of options.
I had a great time visiting Cancun and it should be on top of your Mexico bucket list.
Let me know your experience about your visit to Cancun and if you find any other exciting things, share it with us. I would love to share it with my readers.
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