There’s little doubt that Cancun Mexico is understood for its unbelievable white sand seashores and delightful water, however there are extra issues to do in Cancun than spending a day on the seaside. This lovely vacation spot is among 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 trendy adventurous actions that get your adrenaline pumping, there actually is one thing for everybody.
Cancun is a significant 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 (numerous excursions might be on the dear aspect, nevertheless).
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 provide discounted charges once you pre-book.
Heading to the seaside and simply taking a day to loosen up might 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 have got completely 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 comfy mode of transport.
The car supplied is a van, and the journey is personal — if you happen to e-book it, you get the car to your self. You can even share with a gaggle of individuals to scale back the associated fee. The vans embrace a bilingual driver, air-con, and insurance coverage. One other in style possibility is with Etransfers. Click on right here to match prices.
Finest Issues To Do in Cancun
Now that you understand how to get from the Cancun airport to your lodge, right here’s our checklist of the most effective 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 truth, the underground rivers that stream within the Yucatan Peninsula are the longest community of underground rivers and caves on the earth.
Goats On The Highway Choose: #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 number of actions alongside the best way. A improbable picnic lunch is included (with drinks), as is transportation and extra. Ebook your spot right here.
There are just a few locations close to Cancun the place you possibly can 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 possibly can float down and the slow-moving water is ideal for laying again and stress-free. An incredible 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 inside 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. 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 be taught extra about this enjoyable exercise in Cancun, which is ideal for {couples}, teams, households or solo vacationers.
Swimming within the underground rivers might be performed any time of the 12 months as effectively, making it an ideal exercise year-round, and one of many prime issues to do in Cancun.
Swimming in an underground river is one in every of our bucket-list issues to do in Cancun
2. Take a Catamaran Cruise
For those who’re eager to take part in actions in Cancun that will let you simply sit again and loosen up with out getting sand all over the place, take a catamaran cruise.
Whether or not you’re 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 journey, you’ll go to the Nationwide Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, swim on the seaside, and do some snorkelling. All gear 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 value of reserving this personal boat is just like becoming a member of a gaggle catamaran journey! Ebook your personal yacht and revel in this enjoyable day journey in Cancun.
☞ SEE ALSO: 21 Finest Issues To Do in Cozumel
3. Go Snorkelling (one of many prime issues to do in Cancun)
Snorkelling is among the extra in style issues to do in Cancun, as it’s in lots of locations around the globe with lovely water and reefs.
Goats On The Highway Choose: #1 Snorkelling Journey!
Speedboat and Snorkel Journey: Drive your individual 2-person speedboat by lovely canals, snorkel at Punta Nizuc, and end off with a go to to the underwater museum. This enjoyable, 2-hour journey may be very in style, e-book your spot right here.
Cancun is residence to one of many largest reefs on the earth, the Nice 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 relaxed 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 gear for round $50. Click on right here to order your spot.
Assembly Level Handle: 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 might be additionally spectacular. Convey an underwater digital camera to be sure you can seize the motion beneath the ocean!
Xel-Ha Handle: Chetumal – Puerto Juarez Federal km 240, Q.R., Mexico. Get instructions right here.
4. Go Zip Lining
Ziplining was one in every of my favorite actions in Cancun!
For those who’re searching for extra thrilling issues to do in Cancun then you definitely completely need to go zip lining. Selvatica is an journey theme park that provides 4 completely 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 completely 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 among the prime issues to do in Cancun with children — however, it’s enjoyable for adults as effectively!
Ziplining can also be one of the vital in style 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!
Handle: 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 one in every of the brand new 7 Wonders of the World.
This historic Mayan website was one of many largest Mayan cities and was a significant 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 historic buildings which might 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 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 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.
A whole lot of hundreds of individuals go to Chichen Itza annually throughout this time to see this uncommon prevalence. It could 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 yet another thriller that everybody who visits the location can expertise, a mysterious noise. For those who clap your arms 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 precious to the Mayans than gold.
Don’t miss Chichen Itza, it’s among the best day excursions from Cancun. To e-book a highly-rated journey to Chichen Itza, click on right here.
Handle: Get instructions to Chichen Itza right here.
6. Go to Tulum
For those who haven’t fairly reached your quota of historic issues to see in Cancun, then it’s possible you’ll wish to go to Tulum. Tulum was as soon as a walled port metropolis that was shielded from invasion and continued working usually for practically 70 years after the Spanish Conquest.
Sitting on the cliffside overlooking unbelievable seashores and excellent 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 prime issues to do in Playa del Carmen.
Be certain that to carry 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 among 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 residence to a plethora of actions and eating places providing a glance into native life, a visit right here is among the higher issues to do in Cancun for certain.
In case you are trying to do a little bit of memento buying in Cancun, Mercado 28 (Market 28) is the proper place. Mercado 28 is a flea-market-style buying space that has an abundance of handmade objects, pottery, t-shirts, and souvenirs.
Count on to discount with the store homeowners, most of them might be aggressive with their pricing however if you’re keen to haggle you would possibly simply handle to seek out your self an ideal deal.
Handle: Mercado 28, Xel-ha Mz 13, 77509 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico. Click on right here for instructions.
8. Go Paddleboarding
For those who’ve by no means been stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), it is best to undoubtedly contemplate 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’ve got 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 possibly can 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? Try our put up – 21 Issues To Do in La Paz
Assembly Level Handle: 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 Exhausting 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 ambiance 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 get together.
Click on right here to be taught extra about tickets, which incorporates the superb reveals, entrance payment, snacks, and premium drinks. Partying at Coco Bongo is among the finest issues to do in Cancun at night time. Ebook your spot right here.
Handle: 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 Retailers & Eating places
Haven’t gotten your buying 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 buying and eating space which options eating places like Hooters, The Exhausting Rock Cafe, Häagen-Dazs and a number of retailers that promote swimwear, sun shades, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.
More often than not, nevertheless, you’ll discover higher offers in your souvenirs at Mercado 28. Having stated that, buying continues to be one of many prime issues to do in Cancun lodge zone.
Handle: 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 unbelievable Cenotes.
Cenotes are underground caverns which might be shaped after limestone caved in leaving an enormous gap within the earth. This gap usually results in a pool that most often has lovely aqua-coloured water.
Swimming, snorkelling, strolling and scuba diving in cenotes are a number of the issues to do in Cancun which might be loved each by vacationers and locals.
Ik Kil is among 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 in style one is close to Valladolid named Cenote Zaci.
12. Expertise Xoximilco
In search of a Mexican fiesta? Look no additional than Xoximilco, one of the vital conventional issues to do in Cancun. This Mexican get together 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 stay music, tradition, and traditions.
Ebook your tickets to this enjoyable occasion and revel in an evening out! Take a look at this highly-rated, in style tour to be taught extra and reserve your spot.
☞ For those who’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 might 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 large.
Isla Mujeres is in style for its unbelievable seashores, contemporary seafood, massive sea turtle inhabitants, and spectacular snorkelling and scuba diving. For those who’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. You can even take a glass-bottomed boat journey 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 hitch 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 sundown sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. This is among the extra romantic issues to do in Cancun. Ebook 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 positioned on the Playa Delfines seaside. This is among the extra touristy actions in Cancun however makes for an ideal picture to carry again residence.
Behind this vivid and vibrant signal is an unbelievable white sand seaside with vivid blue waters, making it not solely an ideal picture alternative but in addition an ideal cease in your checklist of issues to do in Cancun that don’t take a whole afternoon.
Additionally it is an ideal place to have a picnic and watch the attractive Cancun sundown! This is among the finest free issues to do in Cancun.
Handle: 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 proper vacation spot for a day journey. We cherished our journey to Valladolid and would gladly return.
Positioned about an hour and a half to 2 hours from Cancun, Valladolid channels its Spanish roots in seems but in addition showcases its Yucatan historical past and tradition.
A lot of the city’s structure consists of enormous blocks of buildings and homes with lavish, inexperienced courtyards within the center.
These lovely courtyards make superb locations to seize some lunch and examine the Spanish-inspired structure. The most well-liked 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 historic 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 at midnight 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 numerous phases of accelerating and reducing warmth when you take heed to stay music.
It’s surely 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 differ 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 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 significantly, 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 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
This may arguably be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Cancun, but it surely 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 ideal place to seize a meal and simply get pleasure from your self. It’s a little bit of an establishment.
For those who’re actually into the get together 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.
Handle: 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 lodge zone may be very harking back to the Vegas strip besides that it’s much more tropical and far more humid.
Convey some sunscreen as a result of this is among the issues to do in Cancun that may get you a ton of solar publicity and the Mexican warmth shouldn’t be forgiving.
The lodge zone has superb views of the ocean, a number of retailers (even somewhat buying 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. All the reserve is about 1.3 million acres and is the most important protected space within the Mexican Caribbean.
Sian Ka’an is residence to practically 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 one of the vital unbelievable issues to do in Cancun that your folks have in all probability by no means even heard of!
The easiest way 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 effectively, 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 completely different corporations provide 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 using, 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
For those who’re an animal lover and have some additional time to spend, volunteering with deserted, abused and exploited animals is among 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 possibly can volunteer with canines, 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 info.
Now You Know What To Do in Cancun!
Whether or not you propose on visiting Cancun alone, along with your partner, your folks, or your loved ones, you will see that 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 gained’t quickly overlook!
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