Cancun is a popular resort town located on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, luxurious hotels, and exciting nightlife.
Whether you are visiting with friends or with family, Cancun definitely has something for your enjoyment. If you are on a holiday for a few days or maybe you got a week to stay in Cancun, here are the must see and must things to do whenever you are in Cancun.
Chichen Itza is the most famous ancient Mayan ruins in Mexico. Located about 197 km away from Cancun, Chichen Itza is a must-visit historic site when you are in Cancun. It will take you around 2-1/2 hours to get there by car. We recommend arranging a private guided tour of Chichen Itza to learn about the rich Mayan history and culture and their way of life.
Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The main attraction of Chichen Itza is the Temple of Kukulcan or El Castillo. This 4 sided pyramid is the most iconic Mayan ruin inside the complex. Be sure to come early to explore the temple grounds to avoid the crowds and the heat.
2. Relax at the Beach
There are 11 public beaches in the Cancun Hotel Zone area. Head over to Playa Defines (Dolphin Beach). This is Cancun’s largest, most popular and arguably most beautiful public beach. You might see dolphins swimming in the water.
For water sports enthusiasts, head over to Playa Marlin or Playa Ballenas. Playa Marlin has rentals for jet skis, parasailing, and other water activities. Playa Ballenas is known for its strong waves, which are ideal for experienced bodyboarders or surfers.
For families with young children, we recommend Playa Langosta or Playa Tortugas. Both have calm waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
Tulum is a trendy town on the Yucatan Peninsula known for its idyllic beaches, Mayan ruins, and mysterious cenotes. Located 131 km from Cancun, you can reach Tulum by car in about 2 hours.
Tulum has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The most popular beaches are Playa Paraiso and Playa Zama. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Tulum Mayan ruins is a definite must-visit when you are in Tulum. The most impressive structure in the complex is the El Castillo (The Castle). This awe-inspiring structure is perched on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, making it a truly unique sight.
We recommend renting a bike to explore the picturesque town of Tulum. If you have the luxury of time then we highly recommend doing a full day tour of Tulum from Cancun.
Isla Mujeres which is Spanish for “Island of Women” is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea, located about 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, coral reefs, turquoise waters, and relaxed atmosphere.
The crystal-clear waters around Isla Mujeres are a great spot for snorkeling and diving with its rich marine biodiversity. Popular dive sites include the Manchones Reef, the underwater sculpture museum, and the underwater caves of Punta Sur.
There are several beaches at Isla Mujeres that you can sit back and relax. The atmosphere here is very laid back. The best beach on Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte. It has calm, clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and wading. The soft white sand is ideal for sunbathing, and there are plenty of palm trees for shade.
We recommend renting a golf cart to explore the island. You can easily get around Isla Mujeres in a day due to its small size. Explore the main town on the island. It is a charming place to wander around, with colorful shops, restaurants, and bars. Be sure to try some fresh seafood while you’re there!
If you have the time, head over to Garrafon Natural Reef Park. This park offers a variety of water activities, including ziplining, cliff jumping, kayaking, and snorkeling.
Isla Mujeres has a very relaxed atmosphere. It offers a slower pace of life than Cancun, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
We recommend taking a private sailing trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun with a private catamaran. Sail the clear waters surrounding Isla Mujeres. You will have plenty of time to explore the island.
Located 134.1 km from Cancun, you can reach Coba by car in around 2 hours. For history and archaeology buffs, the Coba ruins is another must-visit among the Mayan ruins that is near Cancun.
The Coba ruins complex is vast with many parts surrounded by the jungle. We recommend renting a bike to explore the complex. There are several ruins inside the complex that you can explore. However, Coba is still being extensively excavated and researchers are uncovering new structures all the time. For visitors, only a fraction of the site is currently cleared and open to the public.
The main attraction of the complex is the Nohoch Mul pyramid which is the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan peninsula reaching 137 feet. Unfortunately climbing this pyramid is no longer allowed.
We recommend taking a half day tour of the Coba ruins in the morning and visit the Tulum ruins in the afternoon or take a half day tour of the Coba ruins in the morning and swim in a cenote in the afternoon to maximize your trip.
Traveling to Cancun won’t be complete without swimming in a cenote. A cenote is an underground chamber or cave which contains permanent water. It is a sinkhole where the ceiling of the cave has collapsed. The water in cenotes is typically crystal clear and refreshing, and the underwater caves and caverns can be stunningly beautiful. Cenotes are a favorite place for tourists in the Yucatan Peninsula to swim, dive, and snorkel.
There are thousands of cenotes scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. There are quite a few beautiful cenotes that are close to Cancun for a great day trip.
Some of the best cenotes are located near Puerto Morelos, a small fishing town about 15 kilometers south of Cancun. This area is known as the Ruta de los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) and has over 50 cenotes and cenote parks.
The most beautiful cenotes that are a must-visit are Cenote Sac Actun, Cenote Azul, Cenote Ik Kil, Gran Cenote, Cenote Ponderosa, Cenote Zapote, Cenote Kin Ha, Cenote Tortugas, Cenote Verde Lucero, and Cenote Multum Ha to name a few.
It is best to join a tour when you plan to visit a cenote. Most tours usually feature a cenote trip as a side trip. Examples are tours to Chichen Itza with a side trip to Cenote Ik Kil, tour of Tulum with a side trip to a Cenote Sac Actun, tour of Coba ruins with a side trip to a Cenote Multum Ha.
7. Experience the Nightlife in Cancun
Nightclubs in Cancun are amongst the biggest attraction in the city. Cancun’s nightlife is legendary, with a scene that caters to almost every taste. Whether you’re looking for world-class DJs, acrobatic shows, rooftop cocktails, or casual bars, you’ll find it here.
It all started when college students discovered this tropical paradise and turned it into one of the world’s top Spring Break spots some 30 years ago.
Some of the best nightclubs in Cancun are the Coco Bongo, The City, Dady’O, Mandala Beach Club, Señor Frog’s, and La Vaquita.
Most of these major clubs are located in Boulevard Kukulkan in the Zona Hotelera or Hotel Zone of Cancun. You can party with your friends until the wee hours. The parties usually don’t stop until the sun comes up.
8. Explore Cancun’s Zona Hotelera
Cancun’s Zona Hotelera or Hotel Zone is a long narrow strip of land located in Cancun on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. This is where all the major hotels and resorts in Cancun are located. There are currently over 100 hotels and resorts in this hotel zone.
The Hotel Zone is the primary tourist area of Cancun. This is where the 11 public beaches are located. This strip of land boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming in the turquoise waters, or simply lounging on the white sand.
From snorkeling and scuba diving to jet skiing and parasailing, Zona Hotelera offers a variety of water activities to get your adrenaline pumping. Enjoy sailing the turquoise waters in your private yacht or private catamaran.
As the sun sets, Zona Hotelera transforms into a vibrant party scene. Dance the night away at world-famous nightclubs like Coco Bongo, or enjoy live music and cocktails at a variety of bars and restaurants.
Visit the Museo Maya de Cancun along Kukulkan Boulevard to learn about the region’s rich history. Boulevard Kukulkan, the main avenue, runs through the center of the Zona Hotelera. You can walk, rent a bike, hop on a bus, or take a taxi to get around.
If shopping is your thing, head over to La Isla Entertainment Village or Luxury Avenue to shop for designer brands like Gucci, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, etc.
At La Isla Entertainment Village, you can ride the Sky Wheel Cancun which is a 70-meter-high panoramic Ferris wheel and enjoy the magnificent vista of Cancun. There is also a Ripley’s Believe It or Not, an interactive aquarium park, and you can also enjoy a scenic gondola ride through the canals that wind throughout the complex.
Downtown Cancun also known as El Centro, is located on the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula, across the bay from the Hotel Zone. Downtown Cancun is where the locals of Cancun live. Here, you’ll find locals going about their daily lives, traditional markets, delicious street food, and a variety of shops and restaurants.
Your first stop in Downtown Cancun should be Mercado 28 or Market 28. You will find vendors selling everything from handcrafted souvenirs and colorful textiles to hammocks and tequila. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Take time to visit Parque de Las Palapas. This lively park is a great place to relax and soak up the Cancun Centro atmosphere. There are vendors selling snacks and drinks, as well as a playground for children. In the evenings, there’s often live music or other entertainment.
While in Downtown Cancun, be sure to take a stroll at Avenida Tulum. This pedestrian-friendly avenue is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to do some people-watching, grab a bite to eat, or do some souvenir shopping.
If you still have time be sure to experience Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling). Visit Luchatitlan, the “Official House of Lucha Libre” in Cancun. They offer a permanent Lucha Libre show with a family-friendly atmosphere. Expect incredible stunts, three electrifying matches, and a championship bout.
10. Relax at Cozumel
Cozumel is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It’s directly across the water from Playa del Carmen. You can reach Cozumel from Cancun by car to Playa del Carmen in about an hour. From Playa del Carmen, you can reach Cozumel by ferry. The ferry ride will take around 45 minutes.
Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class diving and snorkeling.
Cozumel is world-renowned for its stunning coral reefs and marine life. The island is part of the Chankanaab National Park, which protects the world’s second-largest barrier reef system. Popular activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours.
Cozumel has many beautiful beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The most popular beach on the island is Playa Palancar or Palancar Beach which is known for its beautiful stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking up the Caribbean sun.
Palancar Beach is also near the world-class Palancar Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. This makes it a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
Other popular beaches are Paradise Beach, a great spot for relaxation and families; and Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, a water park with a beach club.
If you love Mayan ruins, you can visit the San Gervasio Mayan archaeological site. These well-preserved ruins were once a major Mayan city and offer a glimpse into the island’s ancient past. This archaeological site is not that big compared to other Mayan ruins but still worth a visit.
We recommend renting a scooter to travel around the island. After touring the island, take a stroll at San Miguel de Cozumel, the main town on the island. You will find many souvenir shops, coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
We recommend taking this all inclusive tour of Cozumel from Cancun where you get the opportunity to snorkel and swim around the magnificent coral reefs of Cozumel.
11. Visit Ek Balam
Ek Balam is located about 172 kilometers west of Cancun. It will take you about 2 hours by car to get there. The Ek Balam Mayan ruins is another great stop if you are on a Mayan ruins tour. After Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Coba, Ek Balam offers a great alternative to those who want to learn more about the rich Mayan culture and history.
Inside the complex, you will see the crown jewel of Ek Balam, the Acropolis pyramid. This massive palace dominates the central area. You can climb the steep stairways to the top for panoramic views of the entire site. The Acropolis pyramid is adorned with intricate stucco friezes depicting figures sometimes referred to as “angels,” a unique feature of Ek Balam.
You will also see The Oval Palace inside Ek Balam. This structure served as both a temple and a residence for the Mayan elite. The Twin Pyramids is a set of two impressive pyramids located on the south side of the main plaza. While not the tallest Mayan pyramids, they offer additional opportunities to climb and appreciate the surrounding landscape. There is also large Mayan ball court where the ritualistic Mayan ball game was played.
Compared to other Mayan ruins near Cancun, Ek Balam is less crowded allowing for a more personal exploration experience. If you are in Cancun and loved Mayan history, Ek Balam is well worth a visit. We recommend taking a private tour of Ek Balam with a side trip to the charming town of Valladolid.
12. Go on a Whale Shark Adventure
From May to September, you get the opportunity to swim with these magnificent giant harmless creatures. Whale sharks tend to congregate around the plankton blooms between Isla Mujeres and Holbox Island during the summer months. So while there is no guarantee you’ll see a whale shark on a tour, the summer months between Isla Mujeres and Holbox Island offer the best chance to see these magnificent creatures.
Swimming with whale sharks near Cancun is a once in a lifetime experience that allows you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, growing up to 40 feet in length, but they are filter feeders and pose no threat to humans. In fact, they are quite graceful creatures with unique spot patterns.
The best time to swim with whale sharks near Cancun is from May to September, when they migrate to the waters off the coast to feed on plankton. There are many reputable tour operators that offer whale shark swimming tours, which typically include transportation to the marina, a boat ride to the snorkeling location, all snorkel gear, and refreshments.
When swimming with whale sharks, it is best to keep a distance of about 13 feet and do not touch the whale sharks. We recommend taking this tour where you can swim and snorkel alongside these gentle whale shark. This is truly an experience of a lifetime that should be part of your bucket list.
Xcaret Park is a world class theme park located around 75 kilometers south of Cancun which is about 1 hour by car. The park is located very near Playa del Carmen. It is about 6 kilometers from Playa del Carmen.
Xcaret Park is a unique destination that combines a theme park, water park, and eco-archaeological park all into one. It offers more than 50 different attractions for visitors of all ages.
Explore a great variety of wildlife inside the park. Here you will find jaguars, manatees, monkeys, tapirs, flamingos, parrots, and countless fish in the coral reef aquarium.
Explore the archaeological sites within Xcaret Park. Xcaret Park incorporates the ruins of an ancient Mayan settlement called Polé within its grounds. These ruins date back over 1,000 years.
Swim in underground rivers inside the park or swim on their vast open pools surrounded by foliage. There are also ponds with giant sea turtles. You can also walk below the artificial jungle canopy. There is also a beach where you can enjoy the Caribbean sun.
Be sure the experience the nighttime cultural show called Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, featuring over 300 artists in a celebration of Mexican folklore.
Xcaret Park is definitely well worth a day trip whenever you are in Cancun. You and your whole family will definitely enjoy this park. We definitely recommend booking a Xcaret Park tour with your family and enjoy your day at the Riviera Maya.
Nichupte Lagoon is located in Cancun in the heart of the hotel zone, which is a long, narrow strip of land that separates the lagoon from the Caribbean Sea. It’s a popular spot in Cancun for a reason! The lagoon is a beautiful ecosystem with mangrove forests, waterways, and a variety of wildlife.
You can take a thrilling speedboat tour of the lagoon. Experience an adrenaline rush while cruising through the lagoon’s narrow mangrove channels. These tours often include a guided portion where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the lagoon.
You can also explore the lagoon by kayak. For a more peaceful exploration, rent a kayak and paddle through the lagoon at your own pace. This is a great way to observe the rich birdlife and get a closer look at the mangrove forests.
You can also ride a waverunner in the lagoon and enjoy an adrenaline rush. Have fun, drive and be amazed by the beautiful natural scenery.
You can also do stand up paddleboarding to explore the lagoon. Enjoy a unique perspective of the lagoon while getting a workout on a stand up paddleboard.
The lagoon is also great for snorkeling. Discover the underwater world of the lagoon teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs.
The Nichupte Lagoon is perfect for wildlife watching. The lagoon is a haven for a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, manatees, turtles, and over 200 species of birds. Join a guided wildlife watching tour to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
If your passion is fishing, the lagoon offers a great place to go fishing that is near the hotel zone. The lagoon has a variety of fish species like tarpon, snook, and barracuda waiting to be caught.
At dusk, enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with your loved one. You can enjoy a romantic evening cruise on the lagoon. Witness the breathtaking colors of the sunset paint the sky while gently cruising on the crystal-clear waters.
15. Visit Museo Maya de Cancun
16. Explore the Underwater Museum of Art
17. Do Standup Paddleboarding
18. Visit Isla Contoy
19. Visit the Cancun Scenic Tower
20. Shop at Mercado 28
21. Experience Lucha Libre
22. Experience Coco Bongo Beach Club Party
23. Learn to Dance the Salsa
24. Go Birdwatching
25. Temazcal Ceremony
26. Xoximilco
27. Visit Las Coloradas
28. Visit the Sea Turtles
29. Go snorkeling
30. Go scuba diving
31. Go on a jungle adventure
32. Take a cooking class
33. Go horseback riding
34. Play golf
35. Rent a private yacht
36. Explore Rio Secreto
37. Explore Rio Lagartos
38. Enjoy Hip Hop Sessions Boat Party
39. Enjoy shopping at Cancun
40. Ride a Zipline
41. Visit Xel Ha Park
42. Senor Frogs
43. Isla Holbox
44. Xplor Park
45. Dinner Cruise on a Spanish Galleon
46. Experience Cirque du Soleil Joya
47. Visit Ka’ Yok Planetario
48. Captain Hook Pirate Show
49. Visit the El Rey Ruins
50. Visit the El Meco Ruins
51. Visit Valladolid Village
52. Visit Sian Kaan
53. Enjoy Ventura Park
54. Take a Tequila tasting tour
55. Go stargazing
56. Go on a Food Tour
58. Visit Bacalar Blue Lagoon
59. Visit Playa del Carmen
60. Visit Akumal
61. Visit Isla Blanca
62. Visit Puerto Morelos
63. Go Kiteboarding
64. Go Spelunking