Top Attractions in Cancún
When you first visit Cancún, it seems impossible that in the late 1960s, this was just a tiny fishing village surrounded by dense jungle. However, that’s when the Mexican government embarked on a tourism development project that would change this part of Quintana Roo forever; they saw the potential in its raw, natural beauty.
Today, Cancún is Mexico’s top tourist destination and one of its fastest-growing cities. Many travelers experience Cancún as a place of wild fiestas, glitzy all-inclusives, and gringo-friendly shopping centers – a tropicalized version of Las Vegas. However, it also sits in one of the most biodiverse areas in Mexico, making it a wonderland for wildlife adventures.
The world’s second-largest barrier reef lies just offshore, while inland precious freshwater cenotes (limestone sinkholes) abound. Moreover, with the rich Maya culture, savory regional cuisine, and sophisticated ancient ruins, you have one sweet Caribbean getaway.
1. Gaze at Mind-Blowing Ancient Maya Ruins
Several small Maya archaeological sites dot Cancún’s coast, including El Rey, El Meco, and San Miguelito. While these ancient settlements are well worth visiting, you should definitely set aside time to explore the more spectacular ruins in Tulum, Cobá, or Chichén Itzá.
After a stroll around Tulum’s sun-soaked cliffside ruins, head down to the private beach for a refreshing swim in the azure sea. In nearby Cobá, home to the Yucatán’s largest temple pyramid, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore the spread-out jungle ruins on a rented bike.
And while it’s true that Chichén Itzá gets too packed for its own good, the mathematical and astronomical precision behind the main pyramid will leave you astounded, especially the serpent shadow formation that invariably slithers down the structure’s north stairwell during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
2. Plunge into Sublime Cenotes
The ancient Maya believed cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, and once you see their deep blue waters and otherworldly stalactites, you’ll understand why.
Many of these swimming holes make for an easy day trip from Cancún. Among the highlights, the fascinating Maya-run park Cenote Dos Ojos (120km/74 miles south of downtown) allows visitors to go swimming, snorkeling, or cave diving. For a chill atmosphere, cool off at Hacienda Oxmán Cenote (165km/102 miles west of Cancún), a former henequén property featuring a partially collapsed freshwater cave with hanging vines.
Local tip: Cave diving can be very dangerous; therefore, it’s for certified divers only. Always choose a reputable dive shop for your adventures.
3. Swim with Massive Whale Sharks
Imagine the thrill of gliding through Caribbean waters alongside the largest fish on the planet. From late May to mid-September, whale sharks congregate around Isla Mujeres to mate and feed on abundant plankton. This provides the exhilarating opportunity to snorkel amid these majestic sea creatures that can grow up to 15m (49ft) long. Experienced guides recommend July and August as the best months for spotting these gentle giants.
Local tip: When swimming with whale sharks, keep a distance of about 4m (13ft) and do not touch them. Furthermore, setting out early in the day ensures a crowd-free experience.
4. Get Up Close and Personal with Captivating Wildlife
Birders rejoice! For pleasantly uncrowded wildlife watching, consider a boat tour to Isla Contoy, an 8.5km-long (28ft) island that’s home to nesting sea turtles and over 150 bird species. From April to October, you can spot loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles waddling ashore to lay their eggs.
Tour operators run boat trips that include snorkeling stops and educational walks led by the island’s biologists. The protected sanctuary, now a national park, limits visitors to 200 per day, so it’s prudent to reserve your place in advance.
5. Marvel at Life-Sized Sculptures in Underwater Museum MUSA
Created to divert visitors away from fragile coral reef formations, the Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) showcases around 500 submerged sculptures off the coasts of Cancún and Isla Mujeres. These pH-neutral cement sculptures can be viewed while scuba diving, snorkeling, or aboard a glass-bottom boat.
Cancún’s Punta Nizuc, the shallower of the two underwater galleries, is recommended for snorkeling and boat tours, while the 8-10m-deep (26-32ft) Isla Mujeres site, Manchones, is more suitable for diving. Most dive shops offer tours to MUSA.
6. Soak Up Culture at the Museo Maya de Cancún
If you’re tired of spending all day on the beach, visit the intriguing Museo Maya de Cancún, a top-notch anthropology museum showcasing Maya artifacts from the Yucatán Peninsula. Its permanent collection includes around 3,500 pieces, such as a jade mosaic death mask and intricately painted pre-Hispanic ceramics depicting mythological creatures.
7. Cheer on Mexico’s High-Flying Masked Wrestlers
Take a break from the bustling nightlife and immerse yourself in the world of lucha libre (professional wrestling). A shiny new arena complex in the hotel zone stages matches featuring colorful masked marvels performing acrobatic maneuvers in front of an electric crowd. Lucha libre has been a staple of Mexican culture since the early 1900s.
8. Escape to Isla Mujeres
Cancún’s towering hotels can make you forget that the hotel zone actually rises from a barrier island. In contrast, Isla Mujeres offers a low-key vibe, especially on Playa Norte, where calm aquamarine waters and a relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most inviting spots on the Mexican Caribbean.
The ferry ride to Isla Mujeres takes about 20 to 30 minutes, allowing day-trippers to return to Cancún easily. Rent a golf cart or scooter to explore the island’s quieter south side and stop at beachfront clubs for snorkeling or sunset views.
9. Bask on Sustainable and Off-the-Beaten-Track Beaches
We would be remiss not to mention Cancún’s glorious beaches. The soft white sands on the northern side hug some of the city’s most swimmable waters, while the east-facing beaches showcase a vibrant color palette of blues, greens, and shimmering whites. Playa Delfines, one of the most scenic beaches, maintains sustainability standards and is far removed from the noisy tourist areas.
10. Savor the Local Flavor of Cancún Centro
Most locals live in El Centro, so skipping downtown means missing a quintessential Cancún experience. At Parque de las Palapas, the public square comes alive with free concerts, vibrant dance performances, and street artists entertaining the crowds.
For classic regional fare, enjoy homestyle panuchos at a local eatery. For the traditional market experience, browse the aisles at Mercado 23 for colorful crafts and unique Yucatecan embroidered garments.
