Top Things to Do In Cancun: Tourist Attractions

When thinking about the best things to do in in Cancun it’s tempting to book an indulgent all-inclusive package to Mexico. Who doesn’t dream of lazily laying by bright turquoise waters, while enjoying unlimited libations and gourmet cuisine? Yet, there are too many exciting things to do from Cancun to bypass a booking a couple of Yucatan tours.

Beyond some of the best-preserved Mayan cities in Latin America, the Mexican states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan offer several once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, sacred underwater swimming spots, elegant colonial towns, and vibrant theme parks.

Below, my favorite things to see from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and other resorts in the Riviera Maya.

Unique Things to do From Cancun

Top Things to Do from Cancun: Swimming with Whale Sharks, KarmaTrails.com

Book a trip to one of the outlying islands

Did you know some of the best spots in the world to swim with whale sharks are an hour or two away from Cancun?

Although day trips to these outlying islands are popular, I highly advise you to spend the night there.

You’ll be hooked by the change of pace and chill vibe, I guarantee you that.

My favorite islands to spend a night out of (but still close to) Cancun are:

• Holbox: best spot to swim with whale sharks and no paved roads. Enough said.
• Isla Mujeres: popular day trip and turtle sanctuary. Thus, transformation comes at sunset!
• Cozumel: plan your visit when there are no cruise ships scheduled. Best for diving enthusiasts.

Best Things to Do from Cancun: Mayan City of Uxmal

Explore some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico

Topping the list of the most popular things to do from Cancun are some archaeological sites of the great Mayan civilization.

In fact, most of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico are sprinkled throughout the Yucatan Peninsula.

From multilevel rock pyramids to intricate stucco carvings and art, the Mayan cities in this region showcase formidable contrasts.

If you’re a history buff, you’re probably wondering which of the many ancient cities to see during your short visit.

Below, my must-see Mayan sites after five trips to the Yucatan (in order of WOW factor):

• Uxmal: Mayan equivalent of Italy‘s Florence. Incredible stucco carvings and decorations.
• Chichen Itza: book a private tour, go by opening time, and enjoy its underrated Central Area
• Ek Balam: sick views of the jungle, in addition to a stucco temple carved akin a jaguar’s mouth
• Tulum: ancient Mayan residences, caressed by the bright aqua waters of the Caribbean

Top Cancun Tourist Attractions: Ik Kil Cenote by Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez

Swim inside sacred cenotes and underwater rivers

Another top thing to do from Cancun is to dip into one of the hundreds of underground cenotes and rivers. Like spiderwebs, they penetrate the Yucatec jungles and even some of the aforementioned Mayan sites.

I highly recommend visitors to go rappelling, tubing and/or swimming to:

• Dos Ojos: two cenotes in one, part of one of the 10 longest underwater cave systems in the world! Easily accessible from Highway 307, just south of Playa del Carmen.
• Rio Secreto: speaking of impressive cave systems — you can’t miss this natural underwater theme park. Thousands of long, dramatic stalagmites and stalactites are highlighted by a bright-aqua underground river.
• Gran Cenote: “grand” is the proper name for this Tulum cenote, whose biggest draw is a cave filled with bats.
• Ik Kil: heading to Chichen Itza? Bring your swimsuit and take the short walk to one of the most picturesque cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Tourist Attractions from Cancun: Colonial City of Merida

Travel in time with a visit to a colonial city

While the Spanish arrived to the Yucatán in 1502, it wasn’t until 1541-1542 that the established permanent town councils in the region.

The Peninsula’s sheer size, however, limits the day trip options for Cancun visitors eager to explore them.

There are only a few colonial cities that are both important and close enough for Riviera Maya travelers to venture out:

• Merida: one of the most important Spanish settlements in the region is 3 hours away from Cancun. I recommend an overnight trip on a Sunday to enjoy the lively weekend market. Local cuisine, live music, and other events will add the needed cultural spice to your Cancun trip.
• Valladolid: part of the “Magical Villages Program” of the Mexican Tourism Board due to its historical relevance, natural beauty, and cultural treasures.
• Izamal: another “Magical Village” and important town of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Easy ride from Merida.

Things to See from Cancun: Xcaret Park

Have an action-packed day at a Mexican adventure park

Southern Mexico is one of the few regions in the world where I actually enjoy theme parks.

From spectacular Vegas-style shows and thrilling zip lines to lazy tubing and underground spa treatments–there’s a unique Mexican Park in the Yucatan for everyone.

• Xcaret: interactive zoo and aquarium meets Mexican culture. WHA? Hands-down, the best park for a group of travelers with mixed interests. Even if you visit a different park, still come for Xcaret’s spectacular night shows–all three of them are must-sees.
• Xel-há Park: more of an aquatic theme park. SNUBA (a mix of snorkeling and scuba diving), underwater walks, lazy rivers, and dolphin swims are some of its top attractions.
• Xplor: the ecoadventure park for active travelers. Amphibious vehicle drives, zip lines, rafting, and more underground rivers to swim down of.

When picking which Mexican theme park to visit though, consider how close each is to your resort.