There’s little question 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 seaside. This stunning vacation spot is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Mexico!
Thousands and thousands of vacationers flock to this coastal space annually to absorb 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 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 finest time to go to 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 (numerous excursions may be on the expensive facet, nonetheless).
It’s a good suggestion to e-book your lodging and a number 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 if you pre-book.
Heading to the seaside and simply taking a day to chill out will probably be one of many many actions that you simply’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’ve gotten totally different choices for attending 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 decide to take non-public transportation with Cancun Airport Transportation, as that is the quickest, most secure, and most snug mode of transport.
The car supplied is a van, and the trip is non-public — if you happen to e-book it, you get the car to your self. It’s also possible to share with a gaggle of individuals to cut back the associated fee. The vans embrace a bilingual driver, air-con, and insurance coverage. One other standard choice is with Etransfers. Click on right here to check prices.
Finest Issues To Do in Cancun
Now that you know the way to get from the Cancun airport to your resort, right here’s our checklist 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. In actual fact, the underground rivers that move within the Yucatan Peninsula are the longest community of underground rivers and caves on this planet.
Goats On The Street Decide: #1 Finest 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 a lot of actions alongside the best way. A implausible picnic lunch is included (with drinks), as is transportation and extra. E-book your spot right here.
There are a couple of 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 dwelling 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 awesome break from the seaside 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 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 on right 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 may be finished any time of the 12 months as properly, making it an ideal 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
In the event you’re eager to take part in actions in Cancun that assist you to simply sit again and chill out with out getting sand all over the place, 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 seaside, 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 luxuriate in a personal boat journey across the attractive Caribbean sea. Snacks, drinks, and snorkel gear are included. The value of reserving this non-public boat is just like becoming a member of a gaggle catamaran journey! E-book your non-public yacht and luxuriate in this enjoyable day journey in Cancun.
☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Finest Issues To Do in Cozumel
3. Go Snorkelling (one of many high issues to do in Cancun)
Snorkelling is likely one of the extra standard issues to do in Cancun, as it’s in lots of locations around the globe with stunning water and reefs.
Goats On The Street Decide: #1 Snorkelling Journey!
Speedboat and Snorkel Journey: Drive your personal 2-person speedboat by 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 standard, e-book 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 referred to 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 a must to e-book a tour to Punta Nizuc (it was open to the general public however sadly isn’t anymore), the excursions embrace 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, ok.m. 14.6, Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
Alternatively, if you happen to pay for admission to Xcaret or Xel-Ha there are snorkelling areas within the parks which can be additionally spectacular. Carry an underwater digicam to be sure you can seize the motion underneath 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!
In the event you’re searching for extra thrilling issues to do in Cancun then you definitely completely should 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 might be assured to have a blast.
The Excessive Cover Tour at Selvatica is round $95 . Click on right here to be taught extra and to e-book this tour which incorporates transportation, lunch, ziplines, cenotes and extra. Ziplining is likely one of the high issues to do in Cancun with children — however, it’s enjoyable for adults as properly!
Ziplining can also be one of the standard issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, if you happen to’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 historic Mayan web site 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 historic buildings which can be nonetheless in nice situation together with the Nice Ball Courtroom, The Temple of Warriors, El Caracol (an historic observatory) and the most well-liked – El Castillo (The Fortress).
El Castillo is also called 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 facet of the temple, a shadow that replicates the physique of a slithering snake.
Lots of of hundreds 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 desire a distinctive expertise at Chichen Itza.
The temple additionally holds another thriller that everybody who visits the location can expertise, a mysterious noise. In the event 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 fowl that lives in Central America whose feathers had been extra invaluable to the Mayans than gold.
Don’t miss Chichen Itza, it’s among the finest day excursions from Cancun. To e-book a highly-rated journey to Chichen Itza, click on right here.
Deal with: Get instructions to Chichen Itza right here.
6. Go to Tulum
In the event you haven’t fairly reached your quota of historic 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 unimaginable 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 to convey 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 seaside visits or different actions.
However if you’d like a extra genuine really feel of town away from the Cancun Resort Zone (which generally feels just like the Vegas strip) then you definitely’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.
In case you are 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 gadgets, pottery, t-shirts, and souvenirs.
Anticipate to cut price with the store homeowners, most of them may be aggressive with their pricing however if you’re prepared to haggle you would possibly simply handle to seek out your self an ideal deal.
Deal with: Mercado 28, Xel-ha Mz 13, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Go Paddleboarding
In the event you’ve by no means been stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), you must undoubtedly think about it when planning your checklist 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 might have good steadiness!
Wheether you’re a newbie or extra superior, it’s a good suggestion to e-book a SUP journey with a information. On this journey, you’ll be able to select to paddle at dawn or sundown, whichever you like.
Paddleboarding is a calming exercise in Cancun that’s additionally an ideal 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 seeking to expertise a present and disco (dancing, not a 70’s disco).
The present at Coco Bongo is nothing in need of superb with flying acrobats, musical tributes and a celebration ambiance that you simply received’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 on right here to be taught extra about tickets, which incorporates the superb exhibits, entrance payment, snacks, and premium drinks. Partying at Coco Bongo is likely one of the finest issues to do in Cancun at evening. 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 Resort 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 also be situated) 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 continues 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 but it surely’s additionally well-known for its unimaginable Cenotes.
Cenotes are underground caverns which can be fashioned after limestone caved in leaving a large gap within the earth. This gap usually results in a pool that normally has stunning aqua-coloured water.
Swimming, snorkelling, strolling and scuba diving in cenotes are a number 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 situated close to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. This tour will take you there on a full day journey. One other standard 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 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 delicacies paired with stay music, tradition, and traditions.
E-book your tickets to this enjoyable occasion and luxuriate in an evening out! Take a look at this highly-rated, standard tour to be taught extra and reserve your spot.
☞ In the event you’re planning a visit to different locations in Mexico, be certain 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 trip 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 standard for its unimaginable seashores, recent seafood, giant sea turtle inhabitants, and spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving. In the event you’re searching for a great 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 trip to see the underwater world with out getting moist!
Click on right here to e-book 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 look at 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 usually fairly fast) the Cancun signal is situated on the Playa Delfines seaside. This is likely one of the extra touristy actions in Cancun however makes for an ideal photograph to convey again dwelling.
Behind this vibrant and vibrant signal is an unimaginable white sand seaside with vibrant blue waters, making it not solely an ideal photograph alternative but additionally an ideal cease in your checklist of issues to do in Cancun that don’t take a complete afternoon.
It’s also an ideal 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 appears but additionally showcases its Yucatan historical past and tradition.
A lot of the city’s format 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 look at the Spanish-inspired structure. The most well-liked web site within the small city is the towering Cathedral of ‘San Servacio o Gervasio’. Study extra about journeys to Valladolid right here.
16. Be part of a Temazcal Ceremony
A Temazcal is an historic 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 the hours of darkness because the hut turns into a sauna.
The aroma of herbs surrounds you as you sit back and soak all of it in. You’ll then be taken by varied levels of accelerating and reducing warmth when you take heed to stay music.
It’s certainly among the finest locations in Cancun to actually sit again and chill out. Sometimes the ceremony concludes with a refreshing dip in a chilly bathtub and light-weight fruit snacks and pure drinks.
Costs can fluctuate for these ceremonies however most are round $125 and take round 90 minutes. Click on right here to be taught extra about this purification ceremony and to e-book an expertise.
17. Strive Some Tequila
That is in all probability one of many issues to do in Cancun that you simply’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 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 provides 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 gadgets 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, but it surely doesn’t take a complete afternoon and fills you up with scrumptious meals. Even my dad and mom 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 ideal place to seize a meal and simply get pleasure from your self. It’s a little bit of an establishment.
In the event you’re actually into the occasion scene or searching for a spot to spend an evening out, Señor Frogs additionally hosts occasions like foam events, seaside 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 Resort 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 is just not forgiving.
The resort zone has superb views of the ocean, a lot 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 situated 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 dwelling to practically 115 species of mammals and over a thousand totally different species of bugs.
On high 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 one of the unimaginable issues to do in Cancun that your pals have in all probability 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, but it surely prices a bit extra for a pick-up from Cancun. Click on right here to be taught 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 be taught extra in regards to 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 be taught extra.
22. Bonus! Volunteer with Animals
In the event you’re an animal lover and have some additional 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’ll be able to volunteer with canine, and assist out across the sanctuary the place wanted.
Take a look at their web site right here for volunteer occasions, and on their Fb web page for extra info.
Now You Know What To Do in Cancun!
Whether or not you intend on visiting Cancun alone, along with your partner, your pals, or your loved ones, you’ll discover one thing distinctive and enjoyable to do.
I hope this put up showcases how numerous Cancun actually is and breaks the standard stereotype that it’s only a seaside vacation spot.
Simply because travellers usually 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 number of the issues on my checklist, and also you’ll have a vacation you received’t quickly neglect!
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