What to do in Cancun

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One of the most attractive tourist destinations in Mexico. Travelers coming here might be wondering What to do in Cancun, so in this article, we’ll help a little by listing some of the best available options.

Top 12 things to do in Cancun

Beaches, nightclubs, restaurants, and tours. That’s the big picture of what can you do. You are very likely to need a second (even third) trip to do everything.

Now, before we go into details, if you are staying in Playa del Carmen you might want to read the top things to do in Playa del Carmen.

Beaches

Cancun beaches are its main attraction. Their waters have a beautiful turquoise tone and soft white sand. You can practice several aquatic sports or simply enjoy the peacefulness, the sun, and the sea. They’re totally paradisiac. There are beaches for all budgets and tastes, in order to experience thousands of adventures, among which we can find:

  • Playa Langostas (Lobsters Beach)

  • Playa Delfines (Dolphins Beach)

  • Playa Caracol (Snail Beach)

  • Playa Las Perlas (Pearls Beach)

  • Playa Punta Cancún (Cancun Tip Beach)

Hotel Zone

Cancun Hotel Zone during COVID

Another touristic attraction of the city. Here, some of the most famous and important hotels are located, with incredible beaches and restaurants with delicious local and international food, such as Hard Rock Cafe. Hotel Zone is one of the most visited areas of the Riviera Maya, where you will get to know Plaza Bonita’s market, a famous flea market where artisans sell nice souvenirs, among many other attractions, such as:

  • Dolphins’ Beach Lookout

  • Mayan Museum

  • Art Exposition Garden

  • Bike path

  • Interactive aquarium

  • Scenic Tower

Spots for Excursions

The Castle, Chichen Itza

The Riviera Maya is a place full of culture and history. Throughout Cancun, Mayan Civilization monuments are conserved. There are many tours for all budgets. You will be able to visit one of the Seven Modern World Wonders, The Castle at Chichen Itza, a humanity cultural patrimony. Other great options for excursion days are:

  • The King Archaeological Site

  • Yamil Lu’um Archaeologic Site

  • El Meco Archaeological Site

Cenotes, parks, and natural reserves

Cancun is full of incredible natural reserves. Routes in-between caves and underground crystal water rivers are full of history and mysticism from the Riviera Maya. Scuba can be practiced around the reefs, which will allow you to contemplate a vast variety of underwater life. Some destinations to consider in this section could be:

  • Xcaret

  • Xel-Ha

  • Tulum

  • Nichupte Lagoon

  • Río Secreto

  • Crococun

Museums and Culture

Underwater Museum

Another great attraction in Cancun is museums. Mayan culture is all around the city, which tends to be interesting for visitors. Mayan Museum holds the largest archaeological collection of this culture. Cancun also counts with an underwater museum, where visitors will be able to find several sculptures sunk in the sea depths. Now, if your thing is astronomy, the city planetarium is a must-visit. Again, here’s a list of the museums you could visit:

  • Museo Subacuático de Arte (Subacuatic Art Museum)

  • Museo Sensorial del Tequila (Sensorial Museum of Tequila)

  • Planetario Ka’Yok’ (Ka’Yok’ Planetarium)

  • Museo de Arte Popular de Cancún (Cancun Popular Art Museum)

Islands

Near the Cancun coasts, there are 4 islands hard to not-notice. With waters as crystal as Cancun’s, these islands can be visited in one day. These 4 little paradises are worth visiting. Islands are:

  • Isla Mujeres (Women Island)

  • Isla Contoy (Contoy Islan)

  • Holbox

  • Cozumel

Restaurants

Mexican gastronomy is, undoubtedly, exquisite and one of those “must-try” when in Mexican territory. Local restaurants offer delicious food, either typical Mexican or international dishes, some specialized in seafood. If you are more vegan, there are also options. You can visit:

  • La Parrilla Cancun

  • Pericos Cancun

  • Lorenzillos Cancun

  • Mocambo Cancun

  • Puerto Madero Cancun

  • Vegan Planet

Nightlife

In Cancun, nightlife is (or was before COVID) full of magic and offers a variety of options. Beachfront parties, light shows, and stunts are common to see near hotels and casinos, in Hotel Zone.
At downtown, you can enjoy concerts, open-bar discotheques, and clubs with exclusive DJs. Cancun nightclubs are popular because of their wildness. Some of them are:

  • Coco Bongo Cancun

  • Mandala Cancun

  • The City Cancun

  • Palazzo Cancun

  • Señor Frog’s

Explore Mayan Ruins

This paradisiac city is full of history and Mayan heritage. Mayans used to inhabit the zone and left a cultural and architectonic legacy. Along Cancun, there are several Mayan ruins worth of visit. Some of them are:

  • Chichen Itza

  • Coba

  • Tulum

In one of them, you will be able to locate the tallest Mayan pyramid of the whole Yucatan peninsula surrounded by vegetation.

Aquatic Parks

There is also an interactive aquarium with a wide variety of species. Swimming with dolphins is another great attraction. These experiences are great for attending with family and/or friends.

Visit Downtown

Now, if you really want to get to know authentic Mexican culture and see how is their life, the best thing to do is to take a route to Cancun Downtown. Tulum av. is the first avenue you will notice since it connects the first big square of the city and is full of stores, authentic Mexican restaurants, and much more. Undoubtedly, a must-do while in Cancun.

In order to reach some of these places, a transportation service is required, and we have the best rates for your enjoyment.

Bon voyage!

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