Cancun and the Riviera Maya are famous for their stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Beyond the tourist hotspots, the region is also home to some of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders.
There are so many places to visit in Cancun and there is something for everyone here! So, what are you waiting for?
Check out this list of the best places to visit in Cancun and find out what awaits you here.
Best Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico
1. Visit Chichen Itza
There is no doubt that the most popular Mayan ruin in Mexico is Chichen Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and World Wonder is a bucket list place that anyone visiting Cancun must visit!
The archaeological site is most famous as the home of El Castillo – the main temple at the site. It is a true demonstration of the Mayan people’s knowledge of the earth and planets. However, Chichen Itza is also home to The Great Ball Court. It is the largest in Mesoamerica and measures 168 by 70 meters (551 by 230 feet). The game played here was called pitz.
Places to Visit Near Chichen Itza
- El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan)
- The Great Ball Court
- The Temple of the Warriors
- The Sacred Cenote
- The Temple of the Jaguars
2. Isla Mujeres Day Trip
Isla Mujeres is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mexican Caribbean. The white sandy beaches and proximity to Cancun – just a 20-minute boat ride – make it one of the most popular day trips from Cancun. On the island, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to things to see or do, but the truth is that the beaches are the most popular here.
On this tour, you’ll spend the best part of a day (about 5 and a half hours) sailing across the beautiful coastline to Isla Mujeres and back! We had a lot of fun on the luxury catamaran and had plenty of time to swim and snorkel, and the water was so clear that we saw lots of marine life. There was also an open bar on board, which we happily took advantage of, and they even served lunch on the boat.
Things to Do
- Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches, especially Playa Norte, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
- Golf Cart Tours: Rent a golf cart to explore the island. It’s a fun and convenient way to see the sights4.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Isla Mujeres is a great place for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Isla Mujeres Museum: Learn about the history and culture of the island at this museum.
- Lighthouse: Visit the El Faro Lighthouse for spectacular views of the island and the surrounding ocean.
- Local Cuisine: Try some local cuisine at the restaurants along Avenida Hidalgo
3. All Ritmo Water Park
All Ritmo Water Park is a fun place to visit in Cancun, with water rides, water slides and water umbrellas that refresh you from all the fatigue of modern life. The park also has a mini golf arena, a soccer field, a tennis court and a full-fledged play area where you can relax and enjoy some game therapy with your friends or family.
The water park also has about nine dining options, ranging from casual burger places to the finest buffet dining restaurants and bars serving super exotic cocktails.
Facilities and Activities
- Water Park: Enjoy a variety of water slides, a tree house with waterfalls and refreshing water umbrellas.
- Pool: Relax in one of the oceanfront swimming pools or three hot tubs.
- Sports: Participate in non-motorized water sports, play soccer or try your hand at mini-golf.
- Kids Club: Supervised activities to keep kids entertained.
- Restaurants: Enjoy international cuisine at the buffet-style El Palmar, Ostras & Oysters and other themed restaurants.
- Entertainment: Daily activities and nightly entertainment for both adults and children.
4. Dolphin Beach
The most photographed spot in Cancun is Dolphin Beach and it is a must visit when you are in Cancun. Head to the selfie point, El Mirador, where you will see a huge installation that says ‘Cancun’ on it. Start by taking lots of pictures at this Instagrammy spot.
Dolphin Beach is one of the most relaxing places in Cancun where you can take long leisurely walks on the beach, play on the beach, feel the sand between your toes and eat delicious Mexican food at one of the restaurants located close to the beach. Take as many pictures as you want at El Mirador so that you have plenty of sandy memories to cherish when you go back.
Highlights
- Beautiful views: Enjoy stunning ocean views and the vibrant Cancun sign at El Mirador.
- Beach activities: Perfect for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for dolphins frolicking in the water.
- Quiet atmosphere: This is one of the few beaches in the Hotel Zone that isn’t dotted with high-end resorts, offering a more laid-back experience.
5. Tulum
If you have enough time, take another day trip to Tulum. Located about an hour and a half from Cancun, Tulum is a mix of magical cenotes, stunning beaches, and Mayan ruins. Visit Santa Fe Beach as soon as you reach Tulum or if you’re hungry, visit Taqueria Honoria and have a hearty Mexican breakfast.
After that, swim in the Gran Cenote, the largest cenote made up of several smaller cenotes that have a large population of sea creatures. Other cenotes in Tulum are Dos Ojos, which has two connecting cenotes made up of different shades of blue, and Yal Ku Cenote which is a mix of freshwater and saltwater bodies.
Things to do
- Tulum Ruins: Explore the famous archaeological site and learn about the ancient Mayan civilization.
- Cenotes: Spend a day swimming and snorkeling in beautiful cenotes.
- Local Food Crawl: Find the best food in Tulum with the help of certified food-loving local guides.
- Cooking Classes: Learn to make your favorite Mexican dishes at a top-rated local cooking class.
6. Xcaret
If you visit Cancun and don’t visit Xcaret, then have you been to Cancun? Xcaret is one of the best places to visit in Cancun as it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park that is full of fun, vibrant colors, and Mexican enthusiasm, while also showing glimpses of Mayan life.
When you visit Xcaret, you will notice that it is a huge area that has everything from an aquarium, a lazy river to three fascinating underground rivers where you can jump in to refresh yourself. If you have kids with you, visit the special Mundo de Ninos known as the children’s world at Xcaret.
Also, don’t forget to watch the night show at Xcaret where you can learn about Mexican history, play some games, and dance the night away with music playing in the background.
Things to do
- Natural Beauty: Explore underground rivers, caves, and lagoons.
- Cultural events: Enjoy traditional Mexican music, dance, and theater performances.
- Adventure activities: Try activities like zip-lining, rappelling, and snorkeling.
- Culinary experiences: Taste authentic Mexican cuisine at the various restaurants on site.
Tips
- Tickets: Buy tickets in advance to ensure entry, especially during special events.
- Comfort: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and swimming.
7. Mayan World Museum
Opened to the public in 2012, the Mayan World Museum is an archaeological site in Cancun’s Hotel Zone and is one of the most historically significant places to visit in Cancun, Mexico. Visit the three main galleries in the museum that cover Mayan history, their culture, and archaeological facts about the Mayans.
The museum ticket also gives you additional access to San Miguelito which is a collection of Mayan ruins that are spread across a jungle garden. You will see a pyramid, a temple, and the remains of Mayan houses in San Miguelito.
Activities
- Guided Tours: You can take guided tours to learn more about the exhibits and Mayan history.
- Children’s Activities: There are special activities and workshops for children to connect with Mayan culture.
- Film Screenings: The museum also hosts film screenings related to Mayan culture and history.
Location and Timings
- Address: Calle 60 Norte No. 299 E Unidad Revolución, Merida, Yucatan, 97110.
- Hours: Open Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
8. Swimming in Cenotes
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes, water-filled natural sinkholes formed in limestone caves. The entire Riviera Maya is covered with thousands of cenotes, and many of them you can swim in.
Cenotes are formed when limestone surfaces collapse, creating a path into the Yucatan’s large underground river system. Most people come here for swimming, scuba diving, or snorkeling.
Some of the best cenotes near Cancun are located near the city of Puerto Morelos along the Ruta de Cenotes (Cenote Route), which is about a 30-minute drive away.
Popular Cenotes
- Cenote Dos Ojos: Known for its stunning underwater tunnels and clear waters, it’s a favorite among divers.
- Gran Cenote: Located near Tulum, it’s easily accessible and offers a mix of open water and cave diving.
- Cenote Ik Kil: Located near Chichen Itza, this is a beautiful cenote with vines growing down from the ceiling and a small waterfall.
Tips for the trip
- Respect the environment: Avoid touching the rocks and wildlife to preserve the natural beauty.
- Safety first: Always dive or snorkel with a guide or the proper equipment, especially in deeper cenotes.
- Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water, as exploring cenotes can be physically demanding.
9. Snorkeling near Cancun
Snorkeling in the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean is a marine activity you can’t miss during a trip to Cancun. An amazing underwater attraction is the Underwater Museum – or MUSA.
With 500 sculptures made from materials that encourage coral reef growth. Featuring sculptures of giant hands, locals, and VW Beetles, the exhibits are surrounded by marine wildlife giving you a truly unique experience.
Here are some of the top spots for snorkeling:
1. Isla Mujeres
Just a short ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres offers beautiful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. The Garrafon Natural Reef Park is a popular spot for snorkeling.
2. Cozumel
Located about a 45-minute ferry ride from Cancun, Cozumel is known for its spectacular coral reefs and is considered one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world.
3. Akumal
Located about an hour’s drive from Cancun, Akumal is famous for its sea turtles. Yal-Ku Lagoon and Half Moon Bay are great places for snorkeling.
Chichen Itza Maya Ruins
The Maya city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its amazing ancient pyramids. The oldest building at Chichen Itza dates back to the 5th century.
10. Notable Structures
El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan): This iconic pyramid is Chichen Itza’s most famous structure. It displays the Maya’s advanced astronomical knowledge, with 365 steps representing the days of the year4.
The Great Ball Court: The largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica, where the Maya played ritual ball games.
Temple of the Warriors: This temple is surrounded by columns with figures of warriors.
Sacred Cenote: A large sinkhole used for ritual sacrifices to Chaac, the rain god.
El Caracol (the Observatory): Used by the Maya to track astronomical events
Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer an incredible blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and vibrant modern culture. From exploring awe-inspiring Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza to relaxing on pristine beaches, enjoying adventure-filled eco-parks and swimming in magical cenotes, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, history or pure relaxation, Cancun is a destination that truly wins the heart.
