30 Fun Things To Do In Cancun: Mexico’s Gateway To The Yucatan

Posted On May 25, 2019 By admin With Comments Off

Fun Things to Do in Cancun Best Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico! Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is the official party capital of Mexico with enormous beachfront access to the Caribbean Sea. But there are so many more things to do in Cancun besides the seas!

Known as the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is often the first excursion knowledge that most Americans have in Mexico. In fact up to 40% of American travelers are picking Mexico for their vacation.

I’ll be the first is to say that Cancun is not my favorite home in Mexico.

It’s like a Mexican Las Vegas — gathered and full of nasty first-time tourists so scared of boozing the water or leaving their all-inclusive resorts…

There’s also the thousands of students who visit Mexico during Spring Break to gathering hard-bitten and get a tan — fully hop-skip any ethnic experiences.

That said, the city does have some astonishing nightlife and beautiful coasts. But there are many other enjoyable things to do in Cancun that most people miss…

If you’re planning to spend some time in Cancun, I wanted to recommend some of my favorite fun and unusual things to do , no matter what time of year you visit.

Cancun Highlights Map

How To Use This Map

Above you’ll find a planned of highlights in Cancun, Mexico. Click on the top left of the delineate to find separate strata marking the direction and items of interest. You can hide and demo different blankets, or sounds icons on the map to see the names of places I mention in this excursion guide. “Star” the map to save it to your own Google Maps, or open the map in a brand-new opening for a larger version. Enjoy!

Best Things To Do In Cancun Guide 1: Explore Cancun’s Hotel Zone The Cancun Hotel Zone The Hotel Zone at Night

Cancun is divided into two areas. Downtown, also known as Ciudad Cancun — and Cancun Island, also known as The Hotel Zone or” Zona Hotelera “.

The Hotel Zone is the primary tourist field, synonymous with resorts, catamarans, mad nightlife and seas. It’s a 15 -mile strip of sand determined like the list seven. This is where most people stay.

As the figure implies, there are tons of hotels as well as most of the nightlife and beaches. Eateries and tables string the only road, Kulkukan Boulevard, which extends from one line-up of the Hotel Zone to the other.

2: Visit Downtown Cancun

If you get sick of the sightseer Disneyland that is the Hotel Zone, Downtown Cancun furnishes a appreciation of neighbourhood culture, with luscious street food, tiny patronizes, green commons, and Mexican Wrestling!

Downtown Cancun( aka Ciudad Cancun) is the primary residential district for regionals more. This is where all the people who work in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula tourist industry actually live.

Wander down to Avenida Tulum to see and ordeal the “real” Cancun. If you’re a foodie, make sure to substance your face full of tacos from the vendors there. There’s a neat common very, called Parque Las Palapas.

3: Snorkeling Near Cancun Snorkeling in Mexico The MUSA Underwater Museum

Snorkeling turquoise blue Carribean oceans is an ocean activity you can’t miss while visiting Cancun. One astonishing underwater attraction is the Underwater Museum — or MUSA.

500 statues were created from cloths which spur coral reef development. Huge mitts, effigies of neighbourhoods and VW Beetles, the exhibits are surrounded by ocean wildlife giving you a really unique experience.

MUSA continues to expand, as more effigies are added, while the old-time ones are being dined apart by naval mortals. You can book a snorkeling safarus instantly starting at $30 USD.

4: Swimming In Cenotes Swimming in Mexican Cenotes Check Out the Cenote Route near Cancun

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes, natural kitties assembled in limestone caves. The entire Riviera Maya is covered with thousands of cenotes, many of them you can swim in.

Cenotes are created when the limestone surface collapses, creating an opening into the Yucatan’s massive subterranean flow organisation. Most parties visit their countries to go swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling.

Some of the best cenotes near Cancun are located along the Ruta De Cenotes( Cenote Route) near the city of Puerto Morelos, about a 30 -minute drive away.

Here you’ll find Cenote La Noria, Verde Lucero, Cenote Mojarras, and Cenote Selvatica among many others. My favorite was Verde Lucero, which has its own zipline!

5: Temazcal Ceremony Traditional Temazcal Sauna Get Your Sweat On!

A Tezmacal ritual is a traditional Mayan ceremony of purification which takes place in a minuscule shack. You strip down to your lingerie( or swimsuit ), then enter the perspire lodge which is heated with hot rock-and-rolls& spray, turning it into a steamy sauna.

The ceremony is led by a neighbourhood shaman, who handlings the ritual and takes care of participants. The tezmacal rite takes target in ended darkness, as the shaman moves sea over the sizzling rocks, singing and using different herbs to summon spirits.

Temazcal was played since ancient times, is seen as a purification ceremony that cleans their own bodies, mind, and soul. As your organization is sweating in the minuscule shack, you enter a deep position of meditation, enhanced by the shamanic chanting.

6: Cancun’s Best Beaches Playa Delfines Cancun My Favorite Beach in Cancun: Playa Delfines

The 13 miles of Cancun’s coast is ordered with Instagram-worthy seas featuring soft, lily-white beach, teal-blue irrigates and a cool breeze.

The Hotel Zone has many beaches where you can relax and sip your margarita, but some of them genuinely stand out, thanks to their beauty and atmosphere.

Playa Delfines is one of the largest beaches in Cancun. It is also known for the iconic Cancun sign and for being void of inns or recourses, which utters it a local’s favorite. The currents are quite strong, so swimming is not admonished. Playa Tortugas is best for categories with minors, because it has small-minded beckons that allow swimming. The only drawback is the fact it can get crowded. You can experience a glas or seafood at the oceanfront restaurant. Chac Mool Beach is the excellent arrange to dive into the Caribbean liquids. There are plenty of hustlers who fee ocean sports equipment, which impels this beautiful beach heaven for all ocean sports sweethearts. Playa Forum is the perfect mixture between a colourful sky and a humid hideaway. It is situated behind the most popular nightclub of Cancun, the Coco Bongo, this beach is filled with restaurants and tables.

7: Zip Lining In The Jungle

Zip lining is one of the hallmark undertakings to do in Cancun, so you can’t miss it, even if you think you’re afraid of summits. In detail, it’s even better if you are!

There are a couple of different theme parks near Cancun with zip lines. The closest theme park where you can enjoy zip liner is Selvatica. They render multiple packs with 10 different zip lines.

Xplor Adventure Park also has two zip text routes, each with 7 different routes, with the highest point at 45 m( 147 ft ). All these adventure parks often have other activities too, like ATVs and cenotes.

8: Chichen Itza Maya Ruins Chichen Itza Ruins Mexico Visit the Beautiful Chichen Itza Ruins

The Maya city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO world heritage site, acclaimed for its amazing archaic pyramids. The oldest building in Chichen Itza dates from the 5th century.

The most impressive structure of the city is the 98 -foot tall pyramid Temple Of Kukulkan( aka “El Castillo” ). The nine terraces around it exemplify the idea in a paradise with nine levels.

Chichen Itza is well prolonged so you can walk through history and get a glimpse of how the ancient Maya beings lived. It’s located about 2.5 hours away from Cancun by vehicle, or 3 hours by bus.

9: Cancun Scenic Tower

The Cancun Scenic Tower( aka Torre Escenica) offers astonishing views of the Caribbean coast, and Cancun itself. It’s open every day from 9am- 9pm.

Hear about the history of Cancun as the tower gradually revolves 360 deg for a dazzling birds-eye view of the entire Hotel Zone from the 100 m( 300 ft) tall tower.

The ride up takes about 5 minutes, and you can spend another 15 minutes taking photos as the deck spins around giving you considers in all directions.

10: Shopping At Mercado 28 Market in Downtown Cancun Downtown Cancun’s Mercado 28

Mercado 28( Market 28) is a huge shopping center in downtown Cancun. This isn’t your typical mall, instead, this giant flea-market boasts 600 dealers who sell pretty much everything.

From textiles to maracas and skin pieces, you can find some cool Mexican souvenirs at Mercado 28. Many items are handcrafted and peculiar, so they construct great travel offerings.

Feel free to measure your bargaining knowledge here. Resist the seller’s firstly expenditure and you can walk away with a great deal. Stop by one of the regional eateries for menu at a fraction of Hotel Zone tolls extremely!

Mercado 28 is easy to reach by bus from the Hotel Zone, but make sure you look for the Super Aki store, because there was various other sells with a same refer which can gull tourists.

11: Best Cancun Nightlife& Nightclubs Coco Bongo Nightclub Cancun Acrobats at Coco Bongo Nightclub

Ok, I can’t talk about Cancun without mentioning the nightlife. The metropolitan is well known for its crazy nightlife, especially during Spring Break, when students travel to Mexico for a little fun.

After a day at the beach, when sunlight goes down you can unleash your energy and dance the nighttime apart. The best nightclubs in Cancun usually have long waiting lines, but it’s worth the wait.

Coco Bongo is the most popular society in Cancun. They have acrobats, cover party and DJs who spice up the darknes. It’s kind of a mixture between nightclub and Vegas show! The City Nightclub aspects fame DJs like Tiesto, Fergie and Paul Van Dyk who perform on a regular basis. With three storeys and nine bars, the organization can hold up to 5000 people each night. Mandala Beach Club is the place to go for a bikini gathering. This outdoor house music club opens daily at 9:30 PM, furnish enormous music and delicious humid cocktails. Dady O is the place to go if you are looking for techno and room music, professional dancers, light shows and form cover. The guild has five tables and two floorings where you can party until sunrise.

12: Stand Up Paddleboarding( SUP)

Stand up paddle boarding is the latest trend in Cancun, but it is also a pretty easy and friendly athletic that everyone can enjoy. You can lease your own paddleboard from the coast, or connect the working group errand to explore a particular area.

If you are up for key challenges, connect a long paddleboard safarus that crosses from Cancun all the way to Isla Mujeres! Other options are to paddle Nichupte Lagoon mangrove jungle or go on a sunup wildlife tour.

13: Xoximilco

Looking to enjoy a traditional Mexico fiesta? Give Xoximilco a try! This is a Mexican party held on ships which hasten on the canals near Cancun.

It’s a theme park designed after the original Xochimilco in Mexico City, where families and friends rent out crafts announced trajinera and float down the liquid listening to live musicians.

There is music, tequila, and luscious menu, which performs Xoximilco a great way to taste regional culture. During Xoximilco there is live music and parties dance a great deal. There are also many social competitions which keep the party going.

The music and food come from different Mexico countries, which constitutes the party a colorful parade of regional culture.

14: Sunset Sailing Trip Cancun Highlights: Sunset Sailing Sunset Sailing Cruise in Cancun, Mexico

Mexico’s Riviera Maya and Isla Mujeres present some of the most beautiful sunsets in the Caribbean and the best way to enjoy them is on a romantic sunset sailing trip off the coast.

Board a voyage catamaran and watch the colorful sundown as the sail toy with your “hairs-breadth”. Most sunset sailing junkets out of Cancun too furnish an open forbid and snacks, so you can sit back and tighten.

These jaunts generally last about 2 hours, and companies offer a bad-weather refund if it gets too stormy or rough.

15: Scuba Diving Adventures Scuba Diving in Cenotes Scuba Diving Dos Ojos Cenote

Cancun is a haven for ocean boasts devotees and it’s the perfect situate to learn scuba diving. There are many underwater attractiveness in the area.

Cancun is located close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. Home to dolphins, many kinds of humid fish, eels, lobsters, harbour sharks, and sublime eagle rays.

Isla Mujeres, the underwater MUSA museum, and nearby cenotes are favorite spots. There are several locations where newbies can learn scuba diving and get their PADI license.

16: Isla Mujeres Day Trip Isla Mujeres Activities Take the Ferry to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, which is in accordance with” The Island of Women”, gets its name from the temple of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility. This small island is only 20 minutes from Cancun by ferry from Hotel Zone.

Isla Mujeres offers stupefying contemplates thanks to its bumpy seashore and ravishing bays. It is likewise the first discern where you can see the sunrise in Mexico. This sleepy-eyed fishing village offers a well-deserved pause from the crazy nightlife of Cancun.

Watch sea turtles hatching at the neighbourhood turtle raise and keep hub. You can drive around the island in a rented golf-cart, inspect Ixchel temple, check out Garrafon Reef Park, start kayaking, snorkeling, or trip the 19 th-century spoils of Hacienda Mundaca.

17: See Las Coloradas Las Coloradas Pink Lakes Alien Pink Lakes at Las Coloradas

Las Coloradas, or “the red ones” are pink lagoons in a small fishing village with the same name. The ponds are part of a natural reserve which covers 150,000 acres and is home to a wide diversity of animals.

The amazing pink water is part of a salt processing facility, which is one of the main manufactures in such areas, apart from fishing. The luminous pink complexion of the lakes comes from red plankton and shrimp.

Las Coloradas is a three-hour drive from Cancun by rental gondola. Travelers who made the decision to devote the light in such areas can look for accommodation in Rio Lagartos, located 30 times apart. Flamingo tours is also available booked from Rio Lagartos too.

18: Selfie With The Cancun Sign Colorful Cancun Sign The Famous Cancun Sign!

One of the most touristy situations you can do in Cancun is to get a picture with the colorful Cancun sign. Located on Playa Delfines, which is easily accessible by bus, the ratify is one of the local landmarks.

Once on Delfines, you can enjoy the local grey sand sea, which remains one of the least developed coasts in the area.

Just pay attention to the tides and advises, as Delfines is known for strong currents, so you might want to skip float and stick with sunbathing. The view is breathtaking and it’s my favorite sea in Cancun.

19: Drinking At Senor Frogs

Senor Frogs is the stereotypical neighbourhood to go drinking in Cancun. Here you will find a lively atmosphere, where everyone is singing and dancing, plus you can eat there too.

There’s sawdust on the flooring and the walls are covered with funny ratifies. They help boozes in massive “yard” glasses, and a Conga line could break out at any moment.

You can also bring boys if they are above 8 years old- but it’s not appropriate for smaller youths, as there is a lot of noise and people who defendant hard.

20: ATVing At Xplore Park

One of the favourite things to do in Cancun is razzing All Terrain Vehicles( ATVs) through a dirt road jungle itinerary. There are many companies which offer ATV safaruss of the jungle, one of them being Xplor Park.

The ATV ride is included in the all-inclusive park entry fee of $120. You can devote a entire epoch there running cave swimming, rafting and zip stringing, plus there is a lunch buffet and unlimited drinks.

Xplore is just one of Mexico’s numerous favourite” undertaking theme park” unearthed South of Cancun. Some of the others include Xcaret, Xel Ha, and Rio Secreto.

21: Swimming With Whale Sharks Whale Shark Snorkeling Swimming with Whale Sharks near Cancun

The Whale Shark is on the endangered species list, so having the opportunity to swim with these remarkable mortals is going to leave a strong impression.

The Yucatan peninsula is one of the places where you can swim with these large harmless souls– an adult can reach 12 m long and can weight up to 20 tons, manufacturing them the largest known fish.

Baby whale sharks are very lively and known to play with swimmers. The best time to swim with the sharks is between June and September. Tours leave from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Holbox.

22: Catch A Lucha Libre Show Lucha Libre in Cancun Watch some Crazy Mexican Wrestling!

Lucha Libre is a unique Mexican racial suffer in Cancun. There are two soldiers, the very best and the bad, who utilization a mix of wrestling, acrobatics and theatrical movements in an attempt to win.

Fighters wear cover-ups and are sometimes accompanied by little-people and drag-queens. Each push last-places about three rounds and usually ends with someone thrown outside the ring.

Lucha Libre events are held downtown at Arena Cancun every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday night. A figurehead sequence tush expenditures about $12 USD with beer and snacks available for sale. It’s quite a show!

23: Visit The Sea Turtles Sea Turtles near Cancun Meet Baby Sea Turtles in Mexico

Beaches near Cancun are some of the best places in the world to find sea turtles. Between May and October you can see the turtles lay their eggs on the beach. The little ones hatch and flop into the ocean from July- December.

The best neighbourhood to tour sea turtles is Tortugranja, the turtle farm and keep center on Isla Mujeres. Green turtles, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles are the most common categories you can see around Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

At Tortugranja you can see turtles all year round, in every stages of development, for a$ 3 reward. You can feed them and interact with them under the care of a guide as well as crabs, urchins, and conches.

24: Maya Museum& San Miguelito Ruins

Museo Maya Cancun and San Miguelito Ruins cover 80 hectares in Hotel Zone. The brand-new museum opened in 2012 with all kinds of cool Mayan archeological relics.

You will be able to walk among devastates, insure ancient skeletons, jade remnants, and artifacts from Chichen Itza and other Mayan places in various regions of the Yucatan peninsula.

There are three halls where you can discover multiple elements from Mayan history and culture. The ticket costs about$ 5 and grants you entry to San Miguelito breaks, which is a spread of synagogues, pyramids and family homes of Mayans, set in the jungle.

25: Bird Watching At Isla Contoy Isla Contoy Island Isla Contoy National Park

Isla Contoy is a bird watcher’s paradise. The small-minded protected National Park sanctuary North of Isla Mujeres is home to more than 100 species of birds and 4 genus of sea turtles.

The tropical sail and bird distinguish ended this amazing tropical sky. Once now you can relax and been taking some pictures of the wildlife, before picking up your snorkeling paraphernalium and dive into the clear waters.

Isla Contoy can be reached via an all-inclusive cruise at the cost of about $100 per person. To keep the inhabited island in pristine provision, tourists have to follow very strict rules and pick up after themselves.

26: Kayaking Nichupte Lagoon

Nichupte Lagoon is an enormous body of water made up of 5 different ponds called Nichupte’, Rio Ingles, Rio del Amor, Caleta Nizuc y Bojorquez. You can go now kayaking and paddleboarding here.

It’s the only natural ecosystem that remains after the process of developing Cancun’s huge Hotel Zone. The water are surrounded by jungle paradise, heaven for bird watchers and biologists.

The fresh water coming from the rock-and-rolls underneath assortments with the salt water from the sea offering a pleasant, prosperous and protective environment for countless speices of fish to reproduce.

27: Day Trip To Tulum Beaches and Ruins at Tulum Visit the Ruins of Tulum

If you’re visiting Cancun, you probably shouldn’t leave without stopping by the town and Ruins of Tulum, one the most important point metropolitans built by the Mayans.

This former port city is home to some of very good beaches in Mexico, as well as beach golf-clubs and yoga withdraws. But the highlighting is the ancient walled municipal roosted on the leading edge of a face neglecting the Caribbean ocean.

Tulum was a major trading and religious center between the 11 th and 16 th centuries, and is one of the coolest Mayan archaeological places in Mexico. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and call the hidden sea!

28: Race An Exotic Car! Exotic Cars Cancun Activities Race Fancy Cars in Cancun!

Need a jolt of adrenaline? What would you do if someone entrust you the keys to a $200,000 tropical comfort car and said you were drive it as fast as you can?

Drive it like you stole it, of course! That’s just what you can do at Exotic Rides Cancun, where they rent out luxury and tropical gondolas and teach you how to drive them around a race track.

You have your choice between a few cases different poses, including the Ferrari F4 30, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi R8, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Woooooo!

29: Tour Cancun’s Best Taco Joints Best Tacos in Cancun Stuff Your Face with Tacos!

No trip to Mexico is complete without a careful vetting of Cancun’s tastiest taco stands. You’ll catch the very best tacos away from the Hotel Zone in Downtown Cancun, on Avenidas Tulum and the Parque Las Palapas area.

Make sure to degree some Tacos al Pastor, the classic Mexican-shawarma style pork meat taco featuring a pineapple slice on top. The pork is marinated in a combination of dried chilies, spices, and pineapple. My favorite!

This type of meat was actually created by Lebanese immigrants, but it’s since become the Mexican standard. You can also try tacos with beef, chicken, prawn, and if you’re brave, even cow intelligences or udder.

30: El Meco Ruins El Meco Ruins Cancun The Secret El Meco Ruins in Cancun

El Meco is a set of archaic Maya breaks that aren’t well known about, located North of Downtown Cancun. There’s even a 41 hoof high-pitched pyramid!

These devastates were probably relating to such Isla Mujeres and an important port for the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula.

To find them, head up Avenida Lopez Portillo( aka the Cancun-Puerto Juarez road) in a rental auto, taxi, or collectivo bus. The area is located at KM 27. The ruinings are just off the road on the left.

Best Time To Visit Cancun

High season for Cancun is during the winter from January to March, when all the snowbirds from Canada and the United State come down to escape the cold.

This is when you’ll find the best weather and the least amount of sprinkle. But it’s also the most expensive and most mobbed season. March is typically when Spring Break madness happens.

The best time to visit Cancun for kinfolks with boys is from April to November. If you are looking to travel on a plan, tour Cancun during the rainy season, from July to October.

Where To Stay In Cancun

Cancun has tens of thousands of chambers available for sightseers, everything from budget backpacker hostels to 5-star luxury hotels. Here are some suggestions for good plazas to stay during your excursion to Cancun…

Best Accommodation In Cancun

BUDGET Coco Hostel

MID-RANGE MayaFair Design Hotel

LUXURY Ritz-Carlton Cancun

FREE AIRBNB COUPON CODE! Have you ever considered short-term apartment rentals? It’s a great way to save money! Click here to learn how to get $35 off your first booking. Transportation Around Cancun

Most people get to Cancun after flying into Cancun International Airport. From there, you can book a private shuttle or take the public ADO bus( much less expensive ). Buses leave every 30 hours and cost about 72 pesoes ($ 4 USD ).

Rental Car

Discover Car Hire searches all the big car rental companies and detects the highest price. This is probably the easiest way to rent a auto in Mexico.

Public Bus

There are regular ADO buses that will do you all around the Yucatan Peninsula from the ADO Cancun Bus Station. Buses are comfortable and safe.

Collectivo

The cheapest method to get around Cancun is to take a collectivo( group taxi ). These are what the locals use to get around the city, but roadway can be confusing if you don’t speak Spanish.

Cancun Taxis

Taking a taxi is what most sightseers do, but beware that the Yucatan has a” taxi mafia” that indicts high prices whenever they think they can get away with it. Ever settle on the toll before coming in.

Cancun Travel Tips& Advice

How safe is Cancun? Well, I’m sure you know Mexico has some drug cartel problems. The organizations are active in Cancun, but tourists typically aren’t targeted. Avoid buying narcotics and you won’t have any issues. Bide up to date on all the most common travel victimizes and follow practical travel safety tips-off to avoid petty crime. Mexico is cheap, but Cancun is relatively expensive. Save money by eating out at neighbourhood taco stands, going out of your recourse, and renting a auto to explore on your own. Don’t worry about the spray in Cancun, that’s an old story. Drinking water is treated locally and then often considered again at inns or restaurants. For some culture, May 5th is the Cinco de Mayo festival, revelling Mexico’s 1862 Battle of Puebla victory. Visit in October for the Cancun Jazz Festival.

Travel Planning Resources For Cancun Packing Guide

Check out my travel gear guide to help you start packing for your expedition. Pick up a travel backpack, camera paraphernalium, and other handy excursion accessories.

Journal Your Flight

Find cheap flights on Skyscanner. This is my favorite search engine to find bargains on airlines. Too make sure to read how I find the cheapest flights.

Tariff A Car

Discover Car Hire is a great area for comparing car tolls to find the best deal. They probe both local& international rental companies.

Volume Accommodation

Booking.com is my favorite inn search engine. Or fee apartments from locals on Airbnb. Read more about how I record cheap inns online.

Protect Your Trip

Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of World Nomads for short-term excursions. Protect yourself from possible trauma& steal abroad. Read more about why you should always carry passage assurance.

Recommended Guidebook: Lonely Planet Cancun& The Yucatan Suggested Reading: The Jungle Of Stone

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