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19 Best Things To Do In Cancun Mexico


Last Updated on January 19, 2024 by Soumya

Looking for the best things to see and do in Cancun, Mexico? You’re at the right place.

Cancun is one of the best places to visit in Mexico. It has many amazing places to visit.

Because of its location on the beautiful Caribbean coast, Cancun has amazing white sand beaches and stunning beach resorts.

But Cancun tourist attractions are not just beaches.

There are many other fun things to do in Cancun, such as visiting ancient Mayan ruins, swimming in cenotes, visiting colorful colonial towns, and more.

In fact, one of the main reasons I always head to Cancun is to visit my favorite Mexican pyramids.

The list of activities in Cancun is endless!

Read this ultimate Cancun travel blog to learn about the top things to do in Cancun hotel zone and nearby, excursions and tours to take, the best places to stay, and lots of Cancun travel tips.


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Don’t have time to read the whole blog? Check out the best things to do in Cancun and nearby with our recommendations for the best tours and hotels.

Top things to do in Cancun Mexico
Visit Chichen Itza
Swim in a cenote
Explore the magical town of Izamal

Best tours/day trips in Cancun
Chichen Itza, Valladolid & Cenote
Coba & Tulum archaeological tour
Isla Mujeres catamaran sailing

Best places to stay in Cancun
Nizuc Resort & Spa (luxury)
Estudio Playa Mujeres (family-friendly)
The Quetzal (budget)

Best Cultural Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico

Chichen Itza, Wonder of the World

Editor’s choice

Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza
Wondering what to do in Cancun Mexico? Head to Chichen Itza. You cannot go wrong with that.

One of the best things to do in Cancun (and the most popular attraction in Mexico) is to visit Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

I highly recommend this if you have time to do just one thing in Cancun.

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan ruin in the Yucatan Peninsula and features a majestic Mesoamerican step pyramid called the Temple of Kukulkan.

The pyramid is steeped in mystery (read my post on 11 incredible facts about Chichen Itza) and makes for a wonderful tourist destination in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

The distance between Cancun and Chichen Itza is under 125 miles (200 km), which means you can get here in under 3 hours.

Some travelers jump in for a longer day by coupling Chichen Itza with Ek Balam.

I did the same on my first trip. Honestly, it was quite a fulfilling trip for the history buff in me. If you are planning for something similar, read my complete guide to visiting Chichen Itza and Ek Balam in one day here.

Do not miss the Kukulkan Pyramid, the Temple of Warriors, a huge ball court, the observatory, and the Sacred Cenote when you are here.

And do not forget to add a cenote to your itinerary as this popular Chichen Itza tour does.

If you want to see the ruins without crowds, go ahead and book this Chichen Itza early-access tour with a professional tour guide.

Pro Tip: Read our Cancun travel blog post on the Best Chichen Itza tours to find the best fit for you.

Mayan Museum of Cancun

Displays at the Museo Maya
Visiting the Mayan Museum is one of the best things to do in Cancun hotel zone.

Contrary to what most of us believe, Downtown Cancun is not just hotels and beaches.

Cancun has some pretty interesting Mayan ruins and a well-curated Mayan Museum, too.

If you love Mayan history, you’ll love the Mayan Museum in Cancun that’s a treasure trove of ancient Mayan artifacts.

In the premises of the museum, you can also visit the ruins of San Miguelito, a 12th-century Mayan trading port.

Located on the Kukulkan Boulevard near the Hotel Zone, the Mayan Museum is one of the best places to visit in Cancun, Mexico.

Pro Tip: Check out our Ultimate Mayan Museum Visitor’s Guide for lots of travel tips.

El Rey Mayan Ruins in Cancun Hotel Zone

Editor’s choice

Mayan ruins of El Rey in Cancun
The ruins of El Rey are conveniently located in the Cancun hotel zone, making it one of the closest historical places to visit in Cancun.
Image courtesy: Robitaille from Getty Images via Canva Pro.

Among the best Mayan ruins in the Cancun Hotel Zone, perhaps the most popular one is El Rey.

El Rey locally translates to “The King” and is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the region.

It was once a trading hub. Therefore, El Rey was one of the most prosperous coastal towns in ancient Quintana Roo.

At El Rey, you’ll see ruins of a pyramid temple, walls, platforms, columns, and large audience halls dating back to the 3rd century.

The site is not very large, so you can easily couple it with a visit to the Mayan Museum in Cancun, a museum filled with ancient Mayan artifacts and tons of history.

📖 Related Read: Love ruins and heritage sites? Read about the 13 Best Mayan Ruins to visit in Cancun.

Magical town of Izamal

Recommended by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

Magical town of Izamal in Mexico
The magical town of Izamal is a must-have on your Cancun bucket list.
Image courtesy: Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo.

Izamal, Mexico, is one of the country’s 135 pueblos magicos, which means “magic towns.”

In Mexico, the Secretary of Tourism has designated certain cities as magical for their unique and noteworthy characteristics.

In the case of Izamal, the Yellow City, it’s because all buildings in the downtown area are painted a bright yellow color.

While no one knows for certain exactly why this town is completely yellow, it’s quite the site to see.

Izamal is one of only a handful of monochromatic cities on Earth, along with the Blue City of Chefchaouen, Morocco.

It is a bit of a drive from Cancun to Izamal, at about three hours each way.

However, Izamal is a smaller town, and you can see it all in four hours, then head back to Cancun.

While there are buses, they take too long for this to be a day trip, so you’ll want to rent a car.

Once you arrive in Izamal, walk the streets and enjoy the colors.

Enjoy a nice meal at Kinich El Sabor de Izamal, considered the best Izamal restaurant, or the local Mercado Municipal market, where all the locals go to eat.

The highlight in Izamal is the 16th Century Convento de San Antonio de Padua.

This yellow church is one of the oldest Franciscan convents on the entire Americas Continent.

There’s also the Kinich Kakmo Pyramid, a Mayan Ruins site with a large pyramid you can climb, located a few blocks from downtown.

Spectacular Tulum Ruins

Editor’s choice

Ruins of Tulum against the Caribbean Sea
Wondering what to see in Cancun? Head to the ruins of Tulum that are set against a beautiful backdrop of sun, sand, and the sea.

One of the best places to visit in Cancun is the ensemble of Mayan ruins in Tulum.

Perched on a small cliff by a white sand beach on the Caribbean Coast, the location of Tulum is nothing short of dramatic.

Tulum was once an important port city of the Mayan civilization. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, Tulum was a prosperous coastal town trading cotton, metals, and food.

Wealth flowed, and important buildings came up, the ruins of which you can see today.

One of the best Cancun activities is to visit Tulum’s El Castillo, the main pyramid.

Even though it is not as big as the ones in Chichen Itza or Coba, the pyramid is interesting because it seems to have served the dual purpose of a shrine and a lighthouse once upon a time.

Other important attractions to see at the Tulum ruins are the Temple of the Descending God and the Temple of Frescoes.

You can also climb down to the beach if you wish to spend some time in the water and, of course, the pretty beach. Remember to carry your swimsuit.

Tulum ruins are best visited as a day tour from Cancun, which usually includes a cenote swim.

Or, you could sign up for this highly recommended archaeological tour that shows you the best of both Tulum and Coba, which is the next item on our list of activities in Cancun..

Pro Tip: Do not forget to check our Ultimate Visitor’s Guide for Tulum Ruins before heading to Tulum.

Coba ruins

Recommended by Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Coba Pyramid
Climbing the Coba pyramid is one of the most adventurous things to do in Cancun.
Image courtesy: Claudia from My Adventures Across The World.

Coba ruins are among the most interesting Mayan sites in Mexico.

Contrary to all other places in the Yucatan Peninsula, visitors in Coba are still allowed to walk up the pyramids.

It’s a great experience, as you’ll get to admire the surrounding landscape – a lush, thick forest that is typical of this part of Mexico.

In its heyday, between 600 and 900 AD, Coba was an important city. In fact, it was the main one in the area and the one for which Tulum was used as a port.

The ruins of Coba are spread across a wide area, and walking through the forest to reach the various landmarks is a pleasant experience (you will need good walking shoes for that).

You may want to consider renting a bike for your visit or hiring a bici-taxi to take you around – both are available right by the entrance.

A guided tour may also be a good idea to make the most of the site.

The best way to get to Coba Ruins from Cancun is by car – a two-hour drive.

If you don’t want to drive, you’ll have to get an ADO bus to Tulum and, from there, hop on a colectivo (shared minivan) that will take you to the ruins’ entrance.

Alternatively, you can join a Coba guided tour from Cancun – most of them also stop at nearby cenotes.

Pro Tip: This is THE BEST full-day tour of Coba from Cancun that also includes the archeological site of Tulum.

Magical town of Valladolid

Editor’s choice

San Gervasio Church in Valladolid Mexico
The impressive architecture of Valladolid make it one of the best Cancun attractions.

Valladolid is a magical town in Mexico and one of the best places to visit near Cancun.

The city has preserved its beautiful colonial architecture till date. Ambling through Valldolid’s colorful streets is a charming experience.

Be sure to stop by the majestic Iglesia de San Servacio, Convento de San Bernardino, with its beautiful Franciscan style and feel of a fortress, and the postcard-pretty La Calzada de los Frailes.

Also, remember to try some Yucatan delicacies at Bazar Municipal. This is where locals eat, and the food is delicious and cheap.

I am sure you will stop at Valladolid on your full-day tour from Cancun.

But I highly recommend staying in Valladolid for a night and experiencing all the wonderful attractions of Valladolid.

📖 Related Read: Remember to check out the 33 Best Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico.

Nature Things to do in Cancun Mexico

Whale Shark Tour

Recommended by Paulina from Ukeveryday

Swimming with whale sharks in Mexico
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the best things to do in Cancun Mexico.
Image courtesy: Paulina from Ukeveryday.

One of the very few locations on the planet where you can swim with whale sharks is Mexico.

You can book a Whale Shark Tour in many places during your stay in Cancun. Most travel companies will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the marina.

During a boat trip, look for whale sharks in the water.

Put on your snorkeling fins and jump into the Caribbean Sea to swim alongside these giant fishes.

Watch them feeding plankton while swimming and taking incredible underwater pictures.

Whale Shark tour in Cancun can be booked between June and September.

Every year, whale sharks migrate to Mexico for food. During summer, the Caribbean Sea provides ideal feeding conditions.

On a typical day, you can expect more than 100 whale sharks in this region.

These giant fishes are not dangerous to humans. If you decide to swim with this gentle creature, avoid using sunscreen before jumping to the sea.

Instead, you can wear a long-sleeve top during the boat trip. This way, you will not affect wonderful marine life.

Cenote Suytun

Recommended by Shelley from Travel Mexico Solo

Cenote Suytun can be visited on a popular Valladolid tour
Cenote Suytun is one of the prettiest places to visit near Cancun.
Image credits: Leonid Andronov via Canva Pro

There’s no shortage of amazing cenotes near Cancun, Mexico.

In fact, estimates say there are more than 6,000 cenotes in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, which is the largest amount of cenotes found anywhere on the planet!

With so many options to choose from, you might be wondering how to pick the perfect cenotes to visit on your Cancun trip.

While all of Mexico’s cenotes are beautiful in their own way, Cenote Suytun has a unique look that’s made it one of the most Instagrammable cenotes in Mexico.

Located about two hours from Cancun by car, Cenote Suytun is located underground in a cave.

There is a small hole at the top of the cenote so that a single light beam gets inside. That makes Cenote Suytun an ideal place for taking photos.

As with most great photo spots in Mexico, if you want to get those coveted photos without crowds of people in them, you’ll need to arrive by about 10 am — which means leaving Cancun by 8 am.

Cenote Suytun is on the small side, so it starts feeling a bit crowded with even 20 other people in it.

Cenote Suytun is also located just 45 minutes from Chichen Itza, and many combine the cenote and Mayan Ruins on a Cancun day trip.

If ruins aren’t your thing, head to the other nearby cenotes, including Cenote Zaci and Cenote San Lorenzo Oxman.

Cancun Beaches

Recommended by Isabella from Boundless Roads

Beaches of Cancun
Beaches are love and quintessential Cancun tourist attractions.
Image courtesy: Michelle_Maria from pixabay via Canva Pro.

Basking in the sun on Cancun’s spectacular white sand beaches is for sure among travelers’ top things to do in Cancun.

Imagine miles and miles of soft powdery sand washed by turquoise crystal clear water and lined with popular world-class hotels. And that’s why it is called the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Mind that although Cancun beaches are public, in order to get in, you must either go through a hotel or know where the best beach entrances are located.

The most popular one is Playa Chac Mool, close to the Cancun nightlife zone. At this point, though, the sea is pretty much often rough, and surfers and bodyboarders have a blast.

If you love calm, swimmable water, walk further north until you reach a curve right in front of the Crystal Palace Hotel. There is a protected bay, which makes it perfect for swimming.

Playa Delfines is another popular beach, where you can also find a lookout point where the colorful Cancun sign is located. Perfect for stunning selfies.

Playa Delfines is wide and well equipped with showers and toilet facilities. However, the sea is rough most of the time, so much so that it is the perfect place for pro surfers.

Remember that you can find the most accessible beaches between KM 3 and 9 on the Kukulkan Boulevard, approximately.

Read this detailed guide to the beaches in Cancun for further information.

Snorkeling Boat Trip

Recommended by Yulia from Miss Tourist

Snorkeling in Cancun is one of the best things to do.
A snorkeling tour is one of the fun things to do in Cancun.
Image credits: Yulia from Miss Tourist.

One of the top things to do in Cancun, if not in the entire Riviera Maya, is taking a snorkeling boat trip to visit the Cancun underwater Museum of Art.

With options for all abilities, beginner snorkelers and experienced free divers can enjoy a fun day of exploring these unique underwater sculptures, coral reefs and colorful fish!

There are all kinds of boat trips. So you can easily pick the level you feel most comfortable at.

You will be transported out to the reef on a motor boat and dropped off on a floating platform, which provides a shaded rest area and refreshments and easy entry and exit to the water.

From here, you can explore 16 statues and the surrounding area for as long as you like.

Pro Tip: Here’s an excellent Cancun reef and snorkeling tour that allows you to see coral reefs, shipwrecks, and turtles – all in one day. Definitely a great addition to your Cancun trip.

Cenote Ik Kil

Recommended by Dan from Backpacking Latin America

Cenote Ik Kil. - one of the best things to do in Cancun
Cenote Ik Kil is a must have on Cancun places to visit list.
Image courtesy: eliyah.lovkoff via Canva Pro

One of the best things to do in Cancun for anyone who wants to escape the hotel strip or the hectic downtown area of the city is to head to one of the many cenotes.

Located on the highway to Valladolid, Cenote Ik Kil is popular with tourists who love taking day trips from Cancun.

Whether backpacking Mexico solo in Cancun or visiting with family, there are many ways visitors can enjoy a trip to Cenote Ik Kil.

Expect to go swimming in crystal clear waters, which are around 25 meters below ground level.

Life jackets are obligatory, and there is a lifeguard present for safety. There are lockers to secure any belongings whilst swimming.

One way to get here is by visiting as part of a guided tour, the other is by taking local transport (colectivo) or driving in a rental car. You can also do a DIY tour.

📖 Related Read: Love day trips? Read our post on the 15 Best Day Trips from Cancun.

Cavern Dive in a Yucatan cenote

Recommended by Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads

Cavern diving in cenote near Cancun Mexico
Cavern diving in Yucatan cenotes is one of the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico.
Image courtesy: Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads.

Doing a cavern dive in the cenotes of the Yucatan peninsula is an amazing Cancun bucket list experience.

As discussed above, cenotes are sinkholes filled with crystal clear water. They are formed when the roof of a limestone cavern collapses.

The Yucatan peninsula is home to a massive network of underground rivers, caves, and caverns. These spectacular caves make fantastic scuba diving spots.

Rainwater that filters through the ground into the cave system results in water with unreal visibility, up to 50 meters. There are some interesting geological formations like pillars and stalactites formed over millions of years to be seen while diving in the cenotes.

It is an amazing experience to drive through the jungle with a jeep packed with dive gear to enter this spectacular underwater world through a hole in the jungle floor.

Diving in many of the cenotes is classified as cavern dives, and special cave diving training is not required to dive here.

The cenote, Dos Ojos, located near Tulum, is extremely popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. You can dive here with an open-water qualification.

In the same area, Cenote El Pit and Cenote Angelica are deeper dives requiring advanced open-water dive qualifications.

Diving in the cenotes is available as day trips from Cancun with most local dive operators.

Visit Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Recommended by Daria from The Discovery Nut

Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a pristine escape from the touristy chaos – a fun thing to include in your Cancun sightseeing.
Image courtesy: jkraft5 via Canva Pro.

Located just outside Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a perfect place to escape touristy places and immerse yourself in nature in the middle of Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Encompassing 528,000 hectares, Sian Ka’an is the second-largest biosphere reserve in Mexico.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the biggest protected habitats in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, Sian Ka’an means “Entrance to the Sky” in the Mayan language.

One of the lesser-known Cancun places to visit, Sian Ka’an home to an incredible array of biodiversity where you can see monkeys, dolphins, and birds and fish.

If you want to visit Sian Ka’an on your own, drive south on Highway 307 toward Bacalar and make a stop at Muyil Mayan ruins (If you don’t have a car, you can also catch a collectivo).

The easiest way to reach Muyil is by renting a car because it will allow you to travel at your own pace.

Muyil is a small archeological site with several ruins that sees few visitors. From there, take a walk along the wooden boardwalk that leads to the observation tower and a small pier from where you can catch a boat to Sian Ka’an with a local guide.

If you don’t have a car, it’s also possible to visit Sian Ka’an on a guided tour from Cancun. Tours depart early morning and include many stops in the biosphere.

Fun things to do in Cancun Mexico

Luxury Spa Treatment in Cancun Mexico

Recommended by Charles from McCool Travel

Spa at Grand Fiesta American Coral Beach in Cancun
Pamper yourself with a luxury spa treatment at Grand Fiesta Americana – one of the most relaxing acitivities in Cancun.
Image courtesy: Charles from McCool Travel.

For ultimate relaxation, book a spa treatment at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All Inclusive Spa Resort.

This luxury resort occupies an enviable spot on Coral Beach in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

While the property features Cancun’s only five-star restaurant and the original “old school” beach, let’s discuss the spa.

The Gem Spa at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is one of the top-rated spas in Latin America.

Indulge in a full menu of treatments (the deep tissue massage is amazing) or specialty treatments like Chocolate Body Wrap, Bamboo Massage, or Seventh Wonder (which uses seven different massage techniques).

Whichever treatment(s) you book, you will have the pleasure of experiencing the ten-step hydrotherapy circuit prior to your appointment.

Allow at least an hour for this phenomenal and unforgettable wellness activity.

A staff member guides you through the steam room, ice room, clay room, hot tub, and six other sensory awakening and soothing stations.

Note, allow extra time for the last station, the hydrotherapy pool jets. They are magnificent.

Mercado 28

Recommended by Michelle from That Texas Couple

After deciding where to stay in Cancun, your next planning piece will be to determine the things to do in Cancun that interest you.

Mercado 28 will definitely be on your Cancun bucket list if you are a shopper.

Mercado 28 is a shopper’s paradise in Cancun.

Here, you can find all sorts of Mexican souvenirs – fun food, local goods, and great bargains (just be ready to negotiate).

Getting to Mercado 28 is quite simple. From the Cancun hotel zone, you take the R-2 bus.

Do not be fooled, though; the bus does not drop you off at Mercado 28.

The bus does drop you in front of several legit-looking stores, but these are not where you want to be.

Just keep walking about six blocks up the street, and you will see the archway for Mercado 28. This is where you will find the best deals!

While shopping Mercado 28, do not buy the first thing you see. You will see this item again, so be sure and browse around before committing. Once you are ready to make a purchase, negotiate!

Pro Tip: Wondering what to buy in Mexico? Check our epic list of the 27 Traditional Mexican Souvenirs to pick on your trip.

Isla Mujeres Day Trip

Recommended by Brodi of Our Offbeat Life

Isla Mujeres - a short day trip from Cancun
The stunning Isla Mujeres is a short trip away making it a convenient place to visit in Cancun.
Image courtesy: Esdelval from Getty Images via Canva Pro.

Located just 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a perfect day trip from the mainland.

The island’s name translates to “Island of Women,” after the temple to the Mayan fertility goddess located at the southern point of the island.

Visitors can take the fast ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. The entire ride is only 20 minutes.

There are several ferry terminal locations, including in the hotel zone. However, the hotel ferry terminals have significantly fewer departure times.

Most people arrive and depart from Puerto Juarez, just north of the hotel zone.

Most day-trip visitors rent a golf cart to tour the 8-kilometer-long island. The going rate for golf cart rentals is typically 1,100 pesos (approximately $55).

After seeing the sights, you usually have time to lounge on the pristine beaches of Playa Norte (North Beach) or enjoy a cold beverage at a swing bar.

The most popular things to do on the island are visiting the Mayan ruins on Punta Sur, snorkeling at a nearby reef, doing a street art tour, and eating at one of the many restaurants.

Pro Tip: The best way to enjoy Isla Mujeres is on this catarmaran tour with snorkeling and an open bar.

Playa del Carmen

Recommended by Agnes from The Van Escape

Playa del Carmen in Mexico
If you’re wondering what to do in Cancun Mexico, visit Playa del Carmen.
Image courtesy: Agnes from The Van Escape.

Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town along the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of Caribbean shoreline.

It’s only 45 minutes from Cancun, so it’s a perfect location for a day trip.

You can get to Playa del Carmen by local transport, regular buses from Cancun (also ADO) or by taxi.

The fastest, and most comfortable options are to take private transportation to Playa, or a shared shuttle.

Playa del Carmen, one of the best places to visit near Cancun, is known for its palm-lined beaches and coral reefs.

Its Quinta Avenida pedestrian thoroughfare runs parallel to the beach, with blocks of shops, restaurants, and nightspots ranging from laid-back bars to dance clubs.

It’s a perfect place for nightlife with fabulous cocktails. It’s also a great place to try traditional Mayan food. Visit El Fogon and La Perla Pixan Cuisine to try great food.

What’s more, just offshore you’ll find the Meso-American Barrier Reef, one of the longest coral reef in the world. It is a wonderland for snorkelers and divers alike.

In Punta Esmeralda, where there is a very well-kept public beach, you can find a cenote or even two.

It is from Playa del Carmen that ferries depart for the famous island of Cozumel. You can also get there on a sightseeing flight organized in the town.

One of the most popular things to do in Playa del Carmen is to visit the stylish Frida Kahlo Museum and amazing Parque Fundadores, where you’ll find the Portal Maya Statue, a sculpture depicting two figures rising up to touch each other.

Pro Tip: Looking for the best attractions in Playa del Carmen? Check out our epic guide for the best things to do in Playa del Carmen in 3 days.

Xcaret Park

Recommended by Melissa from The Family Voyage

If you’re eager for fun things to do near Cancun, head south to the world-famous Xcaret Park.

This eco-park has more than 50 attractions ranging from outdoor adventure to Mayan culture to wildlife viewing in its 200 acres.

Throughout the day there are performances around the park, culminating with the evening show.

You won’t want to miss swimming across the park in the underground river or the immersive, multi-tiered spiral aviary!

If time permits, there are 45-60 minute workshops throughout the day exploring traditional Mayan food and crafts.

The park even has several areas of ancient ruins from the days when it was a bustling seaport.

Because there are more activities than you can realistically explore in a single day, you’ll want to decide on your priorities and have a strategy for visiting the park.

Be sure to read these Xcaret Park tips before your visit to make the most of your day.

Like so many activities in the Yucatan Peninsula, virtually everything at Xcaret Park is outdoors and there is a lot of walking involved.

You’ll want to wear water-friendly clothing and comfortable shoes or sandals. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and even mosquito repellent, especially for the evening.

Getting to Xcaret Park is easy, as the park offers the option to take their dedicated bus from Cancun.

If you’re on a tighter budget you can also take the ADO bus.

Pro Tip: Book your Xcaret Park admission tickets here.

Practical information for visiting Cancun

Best time to visit Cancun Mexico

The best time to visit Cancun is between December – April when temperatures are refreshingly mild and weather is just perfect to walk around and explore.

Also the best time if you are planning to climb one or more Mayan pyramid.

However, remember that Cancun gets pretty busy from mid-March to early-April because of spring break holidays.

Between June – November is the rainy summer season. The days are humid, hot, and wet. Therefore, this is not a great time to visit Cancun.

September, October, and November are especially unpopular because that is also the time for hurricanes.

Where to stay in Cancun

It is a good idea to stay in the Cancun Hotel Zone or Zona Hotelera because that is where majority of the accommodations are.

Hotel Zone is a 14-mile-long island that is the hub of all activity – beaches, shopping, nightlife, and some Mayan ruins too. It features several all-inclusive resorts and family-friendly hotels.

  • Located on a secluded beach, Nizuc Resort & Spa is one of the best-rated resorts in Cancun. Six on-site restaurants serving everything, from Mexican to Peruvian and Asian. Nizuc’s luxury spa is one of a kind. And those views of the ocean are gorgeous. Check out the pictures here for some stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
  • If you are looking for a budget-friendly option in the Hotel Zone, Residence Inn by Marriott is the perfect choice. They have clean big studios equipped with kitchens and comfy beds. Guests love their extensive breakfast buffet, room views, and rooftop swimming pools.

If you are looking for something cheaper or wish to avoid the hubbub of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, try Downtown Cancun. Here are some great options.

  • The Quetzal is a warm, cozy place to stay. It features large rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and a terrace. Guests love their service, delicious breakfast, and warm, homelike feeling. Read more amazing reviews of The Quetzal here.

Getting to Cancun Mexico

You’ll need to fly in to the Cancun International Airport. Check here for the all the airlines that fly into Cancun.

If you have already planned your trip, book a private transport from the Cancun Airport here.

City bus in Cancun
City buses are an easy to get to the best Cancun attractions.

Getting around Cancun Mexico

Buses are a popular way of getting in and around Cancun.

Local public transportation buses shuttle around the Hotel Zone and Downtown and have convenient stops at popular restaurants, malls, hotels, and beaches.

Buses are quite frequent and cost around 12 MXN per ride.

For day trips to Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza, and others, we regularly used ADO Buses – super convenient and clean.

Colectivos are another popular option for commuting between towns on the Riviera Maya.

Taxis are available in plenty in and around Cancun Hotel Zone.

Uber also operates in Cancun but there are times when ridesharing companies get into trouble with taxi unions, thus leading to suspension of services.

Experience Yucatan Beyond Cancun

Read our posts on
Yucatan Peninsula | From visiting the mighty Chichen Itza to roaming the streets of beautiful colonial towns, there are many wonderful things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Chichen Itza | Grab this ultimate guide to visiting Chichen Itza. Or read some surprising facts about Chichen Itza before your trip.
Mayan Ruins | Visit some lesser-known Mayan ruins near Cancun or check out some of the magnificent pyramids of Yucatan.

Loved the best things to do in Cancun Mexico? Pin it for later!

Traveling to Cancun Mexico? Looking for the best things to do in Cancun? Here's an ultimate Cancun travel guide with the top 17 things to do in Cancun, Mexico. Add them to your Cancun bucket list and plan a memorable Cancun trip. #Cancun #Mexico

Soumya is an acclaimed travel writer who has traveled to 30+ countries and lived in 8 while pursuing her passion for history and culture. Her writings have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. She loves exploring world heritage sites and has a deep affinity for everything ancient, especially the lost civilizations of Mesoamerica!

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