If you are planning a vacation to Cancun you have to note these tips that we separate for you. Beautiful city and many things to do!
Cancun is located on the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, on a peninsula that has become one of the most famous tourist centers in the world. Besides its natural beauty, the region has managed to preserve its ancient culture, represented mainly by the Mayan cities such as Tulum, Uxmal or Chichén Itzá, founded in the pre-Columbian period.
And, of course, it’s one of the most popular destinations for tourists! There are about 22 kilometers of fine sandy beaches, divided between the laguna and the sea. A huge variety of hotels, restaurants and all the necessary infrastructure to receive thousands of visitors every year.
If you are planning a trip to Cancun, Mexico, then check out the tips we’ve separated for you on what to do in the city and make the most of the Mexican attractions!
What to do in Cancun?
1. Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá is a large Mayan archaeological site and one of the most famous places in Yucatán. The location is about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car or bus from Cancun and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! The focal point of the ruins is the pyramid-shaped El Castillo which was once used by the Mayans as a temple to the god Kukulkan.
Tips: avoid crowds by visiting early in the morning and bring water, insect repellent, appropriate shoes and a hat. You won’t regret it!
If you want a complete experience, you can hire a tour guide, easily found in the area, and some even offer shuttle transportation to and from your accommodations, among other advantages.
If you don’t get to Chichen Itza by organized tour, there is a bus service provided by ADO that leaves every day at 8:45am. Tickets cost about 250 pesos (about US $12) and do not include entrance to the place. Chichén Itzá is open all year round from 8am to 5pm. Admission costs 486 Mexican pesos (about US $23) per person.
2. Isla Mujeres
Do you want to relax? Then this small 6.4 km island, just 30 minutes by ferry from Cancun, is the perfect choice! You can drive to Punta Sur, located at the southern end of the island, where it was once home to an ancient temple in honor of the Mayan moon goddess. The view is spectacular and the sunrise is worth watching!
Also, if you visit between August and October, you can witness the hatching of sea turtle hatchlings, which are quite common in the area. To get to Isla Mujeres, you can take a ferry from several different terminals in the Hotel Zone, including Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol, or from downtown Cancun.
3. Playa Tortugas
The famous Playa Tortugas is renowned for its relaxed environment and clean sands. Highly recommended for those traveling with children, as the waters are calm and relaxing! The area also has several open-air restaurants that are great for dining, and a pier where you can even go bungee jumping.
Playa Tortugas can be accessed by bus or rental car.
4. El Rey Ruins
The ruins are in an archeological zone full of history! There, people can register photos with the 47 ancient Mayan stone structures. El Rey ruins are open between 8am and 5pm, and admission costs 55 pesos (about US $2.50). You can get to the place by R1 or R2 bus, cab, or rental car.
5. Cancun Golf Courses
What do you think about playing golf? With a tropical climate and luxury resorts attracting tourists from all over the world, it’s no surprise that a sophisticated golf scene is famous in Cancun. If you are looking for a fun and relaxing time playing golf, book early, as holes are usually very busy.
Several Cancun resorts offer golf courses and prices vary between courses, with additional fees for golf carts and club rentals driving up prices.
6. Playa Delfines
Would you like to get away from the crowds? Then run to Playa Delfines, an empty area that yields great photos! But be warned: precisely because of the low flow of people, the area doesn’t offer any shops, so bring your own snacks and drinks.
This is also where you’ll find the colorful “Cancún” sign, one of the postcards of the city.
Tip: the beach is famous for its rough waters, so keep an eye on the tide forecast.
7. Tulum Avenue
Make the most of your rental car and drive down Tulum Avenue! The avenue stretches about 2.4 kilometers from north to south all the way to downtown Cancun, about 11 kilometers west of the Hotel Zone.
Among restaurants, hotels and other stores, you can find well-known landmarks such as the Monumento a la Historia de México and the Fuente del Ceviche. The Palacio Municipal, the seat of municipal government, is also in the area. How about visiting?
8. Playa Marlin
Another beach to visit: Playa Marlin is located in the Hotel Zone, about a 5-minute walk from the Kukulcan Plaza shopping center. With a large expanse of white sand, it’s possible to spend a whole day relaxing there. The only thing to be aware of are the powerful waves and the strong hangover from the sea. It’s an ideal area for water sports.
9. Mayan Museum of Cancun
If you get a rainy day in Cancún, here’s the solution: visit the Mayan Museum of Cancun, an attraction that features more than 400 archaeological artifacts, many found in Chichen Itza.
In addition, the architecture of the Mayan Museum of Cancun is impressive, and you can also tour the museum’s archeological site, which offers walking trails.
The museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 6pm, with final admission at 5:30pm. Admission costs 80 Mexican pesos (about $4) per person.
10. The Palapas Park
A park for those who love to enjoy beautiful views, eat street food – especially typical Mexican food – and listen to good live music! Park de las Palapas is located in downtown Cancun and is easily accessible by car. Put it in your plans and have a nice trip!
See Mexico by car!
When you feel safe to travel, don’t forget: get to know the best of Mexico by car! This is still the safest way to travel. Compare prices from more than 200 car rental companies around the world and book a car with the best price and conditions.
