There’s little doubt that Cancun Mexico is thought for its unbelievable 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 likely one of the finest locations to go to 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 stated that wasn’t my intention on my first journey to Cancun.
Cancun is an space that’s biodiverse and very wealthy in tradition and historical past. With mystical ruins that take you again in time and trendy adventurous actions that get your adrenaline pumping, there actually is one thing for everybody.
Cancun is a serious vacationer vacation spot, and because the finest time to go to Mexico for Canadians and People is the chilly winter months, Cancun’s excessive season runs from December to April. It’s a straightforward place for North People to fly to and is comparatively low cost relying on what you’re doing (plenty of excursions may be on the expensive aspect, nonetheless).
It’s a good suggestion to guide your lodging and a few of the actions on this checklist forward of time to make sure you get a spot. Reserving on-line can prevent cash too, as corporations supply discounted charges once you pre-book.
Heading to the seashore and simply taking a day to chill out will probably be one of many many actions that you just’ll take pleasure in. 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’ve gotten totally different choices for attending to and from the Cancun airport — you possibly can take a bus, taxi or personal transportation booked previous to your arrival.
Many individuals choose to take personal transportation with Cancun Airport Transportation, as that is the quickest, most secure, and most snug mode of transport.
The automobile supplied is a van, and the journey is personal — for those who guide it, you get the automobile to your self. You can too share with a gaggle of individuals to cut back the fee. The vans embody a bilingual driver, air-con, and insurance coverage. One other fashionable choice is with Etransfers. Click on right here to match prices.
Greatest Issues To Do in Cancun
Now that you understand how to get from the Cancun airport to your resort, right here’s our checklist of the very best issues to do in Cancun.
1. Swim in an Underground River
Cancun and the encompassing space are actually well-known for his or her hidden underwater world. In reality, the underground rivers that circulation within the Yucatan Peninsula are the longest community of underground rivers and caves on this planet.
Goats On The Highway Decide: #1 Greatest Journey Exercise
Journey Day in Cancun: Kayak, Rappel, Zipline, Snorkel and Cenotes…this journey is a should! Spend the day within the water whereas having fun with plenty of actions alongside the way in which. A improbable picnic lunch is included (with drinks), as is transportation and extra. E-book your spot right here.
There are a number of locations close to Cancun the place you possibly can take pleasure in this community of crystal clear water, the most well-liked place being Xcaret (which is dwelling to a plethora of distinctive actions).
Xcaret has three rivers you possibly can float down and the slow-moving water is ideal for laying again and enjoyable. An awesome break from the seashore with out being too removed from the water. On this journey (which is eco-certified), you’ll rappel, kayak, go snorkeling, go ziplining, and float in inside tubes in pure swimming pools.
Plus, you’ll study concerning the cenotes you go to and the way they’re being conserved. Throughout the day, snacks and drinks are included, in addition to a pleasant picnic for lunch (together with wine or beer).
Click on right here to study extra about this enjoyable exercise in Cancun, which is ideal for {couples}, teams, households or solo vacationers.
Swimming within the underground rivers may be finished any time of the 12 months as properly, making it an important exercise year-round, and one of many high issues to do in Cancun.
Swimming in an underground river is certainly one of our bucket-list issues to do in Cancun
2. Take a Catamaran Cruise
Should you’re eager to take part in actions in Cancun that assist you to simply sit again and chill out with out getting sand in all places, take a catamaran cruise.
Whether or not you are taking one in the course of 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 journey, 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. Discover out extra right here.
Higher but, rent this small yacht and revel in a non-public boat journey across the attractive Caribbean sea. Snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. The worth of reserving this personal boat is just like becoming a member of a gaggle catamaran journey! E-book your personal yacht and revel in this enjoyable day journey in Cancun.
☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Greatest Issues To Do in Cozumel
3. Go Snorkelling (one of many high issues to do in Cancun)
Snorkelling is likely one of the extra fashionable issues to do in Cancun, as it’s in lots of locations world wide with stunning water and reefs.
Goats On The Highway Decide: #1 Snorkelling Journey!
Speedboat and Snorkel Journey: Drive your personal 2-person speedboat via stunning canals, snorkel at Punta Nizuc, and end off with a go to to the underwater museum. This enjoyable, 2-hour journey could be very fashionable, guide your spot right here.
Cancun is dwelling to one of many largest reefs on this planet, the Nice Mayan Reef. The reef stretches over 1,000 kilometres from the Yucatan Peninsula to Belize and Honduras.
Top-of-the-line websites for vacationers to expertise this underwater world is simply on the finish of Cancun’s resort zone in an space generally known as Punta Nizuc.
Punta Nizuc is a relaxed and quiet location that has an array of coral, fish and some underwear sculptures from Cancun’s underwater museum, MUSA.
You need 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 on right here to order your spot.
Assembly Level Deal with: inside de estacionamiento del restaurante fred´s home, okay.m. 14.6, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
Alternatively, for those who pay for admission to Xcaret or Xel-Ha there are snorkelling areas within the parks which can be additionally spectacular. Carry an underwater digital camera to be sure you can seize the motion below the ocean!
Xel-Ha Deal with: Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Federal km 240, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
4. Go Zip Lining
Ziplining was certainly one of my favorite actions in Cancun!
Should you’re on the lookout for extra thrilling issues to do in Cancun you then completely need to go zip lining. Selvatica is an journey theme park that provides 4 totally different zip traces in a single bundle.
On their Excessive Cover 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 totally different zip line circuits, so you’re assured to have a blast.
The Excessive Cover Tour at Selvatica is round $95 . Click on right here to study extra and to guide this tour which incorporates transportation, lunch, ziplines, cenotes and extra. Ziplining is likely one of the high issues to do in Cancun with youngsters — however, it’s enjoyable for adults as properly!
Ziplining can also be one of the vital fashionable issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, for those who’re planning a visit to the west coast of Mexico, be sure you test it out!
Deal with: Selvatica, Ruta de los cenotes Km 18 Carretera, Quintana Roo Puerto Morelos – Leona Vicario, Sin Colonia, 77580 Puerto Morelos, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
5. Go to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is arguably one of many largest tourism attracts close to Cancun and was even named certainly one of the brand new 7 Wonders of the World.
This historical Mayan website was one of many largest Mayan cities and was a serious financial energy within the area. On high of all of it, Chichen Itza is regarded as one of many nice legendary cities of Mesoamerica.
Chichen Itza is dwelling to many historical buildings which can be nonetheless in nice situation together with the Nice Ball Courtroom, The Temple of Warriors, El Caracol (an historical observatory) and the most well-liked – El Castillo (The Fort).
El Castillo is also referred to as the Temple of Kukulkan — a snake deity which in Chichen Itza’s case is assumed 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 12 months on the Spring and Autumn equinoxes the afternoon solar casts an uncanny shadow down the aspect of the temple, a shadow that replicates the physique of a slithering snake.
Tons of of 1000’s of individuals go to Chichen Itza annually throughout this time to see this uncommon incidence. It might be a good time to go to for those who aren’t afraid of crowds and need a distinctive expertise at Chichen Itza.
The temple additionally holds yet another thriller that everybody who visits the positioning can expertise, a mysterious noise. Should you clap your palms 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 chook that lives in Central America whose feathers have been extra useful 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 on right here.
Deal with: Get instructions to Chichen Itza right here.
6. Go to Tulum
Should you haven’t fairly reached your quota of historical issues to see in Cancun, then you could wish to go to Tulum. Tulum was as soon as a walled port metropolis that was protected against invasion and continued working usually for practically 70 years after the Spanish Conquest.
Sitting on the cliffside overlooking unbelievable seashores and ideal blue water, Tulum was one of many largest cities constructed by the Mayans. A journey to Tulum and its ruins is one thing you don’t wish to miss, it’s additionally one of many high issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
Be sure that to deliver your swimsuit and take a dip within the attractive sea. Click on right here to see excursions from Cancun to Tulum.
7. Go to Downtown Cancun
Downtown is likely one of the many locations in Cancun most vacationers appear to skip in alternate for seashore visits or different actions.
However if you need a extra genuine really feel of town away from the Cancun Lodge Zone (which typically feels just like the Vegas strip) you then’ll wish to head downtown.
Downtown is dwelling to a plethora of actions and eating places providing a glance into native life, a visit right here is likely one of the higher issues to do in Cancun for certain.
If you’re trying 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.
Count on to cut price with the store homeowners, most of them may be aggressive with their pricing however in case you are prepared to haggle you may simply handle to seek out your self an important deal.
Deal with: Mercado 28, Xel-ha Mz 13, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Go Paddleboarding
Should you’ve by no means been stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), you must undoubtedly contemplate it when planning your checklist of issues to do in Cancun. Paddleboarding is a straightforward exercise that anybody can do, even for those who don’t really feel like you might have good stability!
Wheether you’re a newbie or extra superior, it’s a good suggestion to guide a SUP journey with a information. On this journey, you possibly can select to paddle at dawn or sundown, whichever you favor.
Paddleboarding is a calming exercise in Cancun that’s additionally an important type of train after consuming a bunch of tacos! A real win-win. Discover out extra about paddleboarding journeys in Cancun right here.
☞ Planning a visit to La Paz Mexico? Take a look at our put up – 21 Issues To Do in La Paz
Assembly Level Deal with: Blvd. Kukulcan km 3.5, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Spend a Night time Out (Issues To Do In Cancun For Partiers)
Discussion board By The Sea is a big space with tons of retailers, eating places (just like the Onerous Rock Cafe) and a few of Cancun’s most well-known nightclubs.
Coco Bongo is arguably the most well-liked vacation spot for folks trying 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 environment that you just gained’t quickly overlook.
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 celebration.
Click on right here to study extra about tickets, which incorporates the superb reveals, entrance payment, snacks, and premium drinks. Partying at Coco Bongo is likely one of the finest issues to do in Cancun at night time. E-book your spot right here.
Deal with: Coco Bongo, Blvd. Kukulcan 30, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Go to The Lodge Zone Retailers & 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 also 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 Onerous 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 stated that, purchasing remains to be one of many high issues to do in Cancun resort zone.
Deal with: Discussion board by The Sea, Blvd. Kukulcan, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
11. Discover the Cenotes
Not solely is Cancun well-known for its underground rivers nevertheless it’s additionally well-known for its unbelievable Cenotes.
Cenotes are underground caverns which can be shaped after limestone caved in leaving a large gap within the earth. This gap sometimes results in a pool that generally has stunning aqua-coloured water.
Swimming, snorkelling, strolling and scuba diving in cenotes are a few of the issues to do in Cancun which can be loved each by vacationers and locals.
Ik Kil is likely 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 fashionable one is close to Valladolid named Cenote Zaci.
12. Expertise Xoximilco
On the lookout for a Mexican fiesta? Look no additional than Xoximilco, one of the vital conventional issues to do in Cancun. This Mexican celebration takes place on board an ornamental and vibrant Mexican gondola.
The gondola takes you thru unbelievable canals that showcase the surroundings. The night continues with scrumptious Mexican delicacies paired with reside music, tradition, and traditions.
E-book your tickets to this enjoyable occasion and revel in an evening out! Take a look at this highly-rated, fashionable tour to study extra and reserve your spot.
☞ Should you’re planning a visit to different locations in Mexico, make sure that to take a look at our journey information to Manzanillo Colima, 10 superior issues to do in Guanajuato and 15 cool issues to do in San Pancho. Mexico is such a various vacation spot, backpacking Mexico will probably be a visit you always remember!
13. Ferry to Isla Mujeres
A brief ferry journey will take you to Isla Mujeres, a small island within the Caribbean Sea that’s solely 7km lengthy and round 650 metres broad.
Isla Mujeres is fashionable for its unbelievable seashores, recent seafood, massive sea turtle inhabitants, and spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving. Should you’re on the lookout for an excellent 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. You can too take a glass-bottomed boat journey to see the underwater world with out getting moist!
Click on right here to guide your return ferry tickets from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with the Ultramar ferry. An alternative choice for going to Isla Mujeres is to affix a day journey. On this catamaran tour, you’ll take pleasure in snorkelling, an open bar, and lunch.
Lastly, for those who’d like to observe the sundown, don’t miss this sundown sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. This is likely one of the extra romantic issues to do in Cancun. E-book your spot right 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 likely one of the extra touristy actions in Cancun however makes for an important picture to deliver again dwelling.
Behind this shiny and vibrant signal is an unbelievable white sand seashore with shiny blue waters, making it not solely an important picture alternative but additionally an ideal cease in your checklist of issues to do in Cancun that don’t take a complete afternoon.
Additionally it is an important place to have a picnic and watch the gorgeous Cancun sundown! This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Cancun.
Deal with: Punta Nizuc – Cancún 335, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Discover it right here.
15. Go to Valladolid
Of all of the locations in Cancun and its surrounding area, Valladolid is arguably essentially the most magical and quaint, making it the right vacation spot for a day journey. We beloved our journey to Valladolid and would gladly return.
Situated about an hour and a half to 2 hours from Cancun, Valladolid channels its Spanish roots in seems but additionally showcases its Yucatan historical past and tradition.
Many of the city’s structure consists of enormous blocks of buildings and homes with lavish, inexperienced courtyards within the center.
These stunning courtyards make superb locations to seize some lunch and consider the Spanish-inspired structure. The preferred website within the small city is the towering Cathedral of ‘San Servacio o Gervasio’. Be taught extra about journeys to Valladolid right here.
16. Be part of a Temazcal Ceremony
A Temazcal is an historical Mayan ceremony that’s meant to be a supply of power and well being. The ceremony takes place in a hut the place volcanic rocks are heated and glow in the dead of night 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 via varied levels of accelerating and reducing warmth when you take heed to reside music.
It’s no doubt among the best locations in Cancun to actually sit again and chill out. Sometimes the ceremony concludes with a refreshing dip in a chilly tub and lightweight fruit snacks and pure drinks.
Costs can range for these ceremonies however most are round $125 and take round 90 minutes. Click on right here to study extra about this purification ceremony and to guide an expertise.
17. Attempt Some Tequila
That is most likely one of many issues to do in Cancun that you just’ve already added to your checklist. Tequila and tequila tasting is taken into account an artwork in Mexico and is one thing Mexicans take very critically, so why not take pleasure in this age-old custom?
The Restaurante La Destileria has a tequila museum that lets guests study concerning 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 provides 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 high issues to do in Cancun when it rains.
18. Eat at Señor Frogs
This may arguably be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Cancun, nevertheless it doesn’t take a complete 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 important place to seize a meal and simply take pleasure in your self. It’s a little bit of an establishment.
Should you’re actually into the celebration 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.
Deal with: Señor Frogs, Blvd. Kukulcan km. 9.5, Punta Cancun, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
19. Stroll the Cancun Lodge Zone
As talked about earlier than, the Cancun resort zone could be very paying homage to the Vegas strip besides that it’s much more tropical and rather more humid.
Carry some sunscreen as a result of this is likely one of the issues to do in Cancun that may get you a ton of solar publicity and the Mexican warmth will not be forgiving.
The resort zone has superb views of the ocean, plenty of outlets (even somewhat 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 website in 1987 due to its distinctive biodiversity and Mayan heritage. Your entire reserve is about 1.3 million acres and is the most important protected space within the Mexican Caribbean.
Sian Ka’an is dwelling to practically 115 species of mammals and over a thousand totally different species of bugs.
On high of its extraordinarily uncommon and various 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 one of the vital unbelievable issues to do in Cancun that your folks 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 properly, nevertheless it prices a bit extra for a pick-up from Cancun. Click on right here to study extra.
21. Go ATVing
Loads of totally different corporations 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 superb place to go ATVing and their ATV monitor is included with their park entry pricing. Click on right here to study extra concerning the Xplor day move.
Higher but, with this journey, you’ll go horseback driving, ziplining and ATV’ing within the jungle. Three adventures in a single! Click on right here to study extra.
22. Bonus! Volunteer with Animals
Should you’re an animal lover and have some further time to spend, volunteering with deserted, abused and exploited animals is likely one of the most rewarding and memorable issues to do in Cancun.
Situated about 40 minutes from town, you’ll discover Tierra de Animales. Right here, you possibly can volunteer with canine, and assist out across the sanctuary the place wanted.
Take a look at their web site right here for volunteer instances, and on their Fb web page for extra data.
Now You Know What To Do in Cancun!
Whether or not you propose on visiting Cancun alone, together with your partner, your folks, or your loved ones, you can see one thing distinctive and enjoyable to do.
I hope this put up showcases how various Cancun actually is and breaks the standard 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 a few of the issues on my checklist, and also you’ll have a vacation you gained’t quickly overlook!
Like This Article? Pin it!
