Made famous by its white sand beaches and tropical climate, Cancun is one of the favorite destinations for American students who come to spend the famous “spring break”.. This city in Mexico is conducive to festivities and nightlife. Many bars and nightclubs compete in creativity to organize the evening that will attract the most thrill-seeking travelers. As a result, the city has forged a solid reputation among revelers around the world. However, there are many things to do in Cancun! Discover our main favorites ...
Enjoy the luxury
Capable of welcoming visitors in impressive numbers thanks to a hotel zone that stretches over 30 kilometers, Cancun's infrastructure is generally luxurious. Spa, golf or jet-skiing are activities offered by most accommodations in the city. When it comes to sleeping, you won't have much choice, between 4-star hotels and 5-star hotels… unless you move away from the resort by opting for one of the magnificent surrounding villages.
A hotel in Cancun
Discover the archaeological site of El Rey
If Cancun is synonymous with frenzied party and frivolity, it is also a place steeped in history. Its pre-Columbian Mayan past has produced vestiges that tell us about the local populations in the post-classical age. On the island of El Rey, there are 47 structures with various functions, but mainly made up of stone platforms. The name of the site "El Rey" (the king) was attributed to it following the discovery of a burial to which archaeologists have attributed a status of high nobility. An essential visit to do in Cancun!
The King
Visit the Museum of Popular Arts
Another witness to the cultural richness of Cancun, the Museum of Popular Arts is a building with an insignificant appearance and modest size, but which houses within it a wide variety of pieces related to the art of the local Mexican populations. The collections include various objects such as traditional Indian costumes, wooden toys, carnival masks, ancient musical instruments and objects of religious worship. There are also the famous trees of life, these ceramics typical of the local culture which often represent biblical scenes.
Arbre de vie
Touch a Manta Line at the Cancun Aquarium
Right in the heart of La Isla's shopping center is the Cancun Interactive Aquarium. Here, you can observe the local marine fauna which consists of sharks, turtles (which you can feed by hand), sea lions or dolphins. There are also less attractive species, such as piranhas or scorpion fish. But the highlight of the visit is to share a moment of swimming with the dolphins, or touch a manta ray with your finger. Opinions are divided on the place, because it is expensive and the animals have little room to frolic. Up to you…
Dive at the Underwater Museum (MUSA)
Atypical concept, the MUSA is a unique museum in the world. Here, as a preamble, the visitor is offered to put on fins and snorkels or to go aboard a glass-floor boat. Indeed, multiple statues of artists, representing all kinds of everyday situations, were here immersed between 4 and 8 meters deep. Why then, you will tell us? The objective is twofold. First, the aesthetic fascination is masterfully designed and the concept amazes as much as it surprises. But it is also a way to repopulate the seabed because these statues provide shelter and food for many species of algae and fish. This is a must do in Cancun!
Muse in Cancun
Go back in time at the Mayan Museum
Aside from the beach, partying and lazing around… there is a lot to see and do in Cancun. Particularly with regard to cultural visits. The Mayan Museum recalls all the historical richness of the territory, which notably hosts Calakmul and Chichen Itza, by offering more than 350 Mayan objects for tourists to see. Opened in 2012, this ultramodern building offers all the necessary amenities and allows you to understand the evolution of the Mayan civilization over the centuries.
The Mayan Museum of Cancun
Bathe in the cenotes
The geology of Yucatan is very particular. The impact of a meteorite some 65 million years ago formed cavities in the crumbly limestone rock, which became flooded with fresh water. Sometimes the cenotes are even connected to the sea via underground canals. These unique natural spaces in the world guarantee an unforgettable experience. The azure of the water, the power of the beams of light or the specific biodiversity, specific to each cenote, make them exceptional places, conducive to meditation and rest of the soul (if they are not invaded by tourists).
The Yucatan Cenotes
Fun and entertainment at Xcaret Eco Park
The Xcaret Eco Park is an amusement and recreation park. Here you can swim in underground rivers, explore mysterious caves or walk small trails in the heart of the jungle. This is one of the many things to do in Cancun. In addition to having fun, you can also marvel by observing the pink flamingos and jaguars of the zoo, and enter into communion with nature by setting out to conquer the butterfly house or the aquarium, which exhibits all the beauty of the local coral reef.
Xcaret in Cancun
Relive the history of Cancun with the El Meco Archaeological Site
Witness to the region's turbulent past, the El Meco site is said to have been founded in AD 300. It was then only a banal fishing village before prospering until the arrival of the Spaniards. The site is of interest because it has 14 structures wedged between the coast and the lagoon, of which the pyramid is the most famous. Nicknamed "the castle", it dominates the region by its twelve meters high and offers a breathtaking point of view for photography enthusiasts. History buffs looking for what to do in Cancun must climb its steps!
El Meco site
Go to Chichen Itza from Cancun
The Cancun region is one of the richest, culturally speaking, in Mexico. There are a multitude of sites of varying historical significance and generally small in size. If you've been to the sights to do in Cancun before, you may want to consider leave for Chichen Itza, some 200 km away. Travel is easy as there are many bus or taxi companies that offer their services to travelers. A word of advice, go early, because many tourists want to visit the famous Kukulcan pyramid!
Chichen Itza
Take the time to live in Isla Mujeres
If you are a little weary of the hyperactivity of the mainland or have done all there is to do in Cancun, why not opt for the open sea? The island of Isla Mujeres is made for that! From the port of Cancun, it will only take you a few minutes to reach its shores and its slow pace of life, the exact opposite of the craziness of the city of Cancun. To enjoy the island's charm even more, we recommend hiring a golf car. Funky and bucolic trip guaranteed!
Isla Mujeres
Stroll through the remains of Tulum
Along with Chichen Itza, Tulum is the other major center of Mayan remains in the region. Located on the coast, this site was home to a population of fishermen and traders, apparently from the classical period. The site is provided with monuments with a ceremonial vocation but it is above all the charm of the places with the rocky promontory directly overlooking the sea which fascinates visitors. From Cancun, it will take you about two hours by bus to reach the site. Notice to amateurs!
Tulum
Swimming with whale sharks
Cancun is a city apart where making your dreams come true is within everyone's reach. Swimming with whale sharks here is as easy as it gets thanks to the many companies that offer the activity. Most take care of the whole process, from on-site transport to the rental of snorkeling equipment. Once the dream is fulfilled, some even offer a tasty meal made with raw fish ceviche and an assortment of drinks. So, ready to dive?
A harmless whale shark
Watch dolphins at Playa Delfines
For lovers of nature outings and great shows, we could not recommend enough a small detour to Playa Delfines. By bus or taxi, the journey takes 25 to 45 minutes and the trip is worth the detour! With your feet in the sand, you can enjoy at your leisure a magnificent view of the Caribbean Sea and see our friends the dolphins frolic with each other or even play with the local surfers! One of the unique experiences to do in Cancun absolutely!
Delfines beach
Useful information
Prepare your trip to Cancun and discover our practical information: tourist office, time difference, exchange rates and other things to know before going to Mexico.
- Formalities: A valid passport is required for your stay. No visa is needed if you are staying for less than 6 months, but an immigration form will have to be completed on your arrival. Remember to keep it for the duration of your stay in Mexico.
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Are you going to be leaving for Cancun or Mexico soon? Do not hesitate to read our other articles on the destination, or to share your tips in the comments!
