16 Best Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is a city located on the south eastern side of Mexico. It’s considered to be a major tourist destination within this region.

Famous for its idyllic beaches, Cancun sees over a million tourists each year. But it’s not just the sandy beaches that attracts visitors!

We’ve come up with a list of the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico that we are sure you’ll love.

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1. Check Out An Underground River

Yes, that’s right, an underground river! Many people know this region for its hidden underwater realm. The underground rivers go right through to the Yucatan Peninsula.

They are also said to be the longest underground rivers in the world, giving access to some of the most complex cave structures.

The water is crystal clear; you can see right through it.

Be warned, swimming in the underground rivers can be quite expensive. But if you love the water, and want something a little more unconventional, then this is well worth the price.

2. Go On A Catamaran Cruise

You can also opt to relax on deck and enjoy the open bar. Snorkeling is also an option if you are seeking something a bit more adventurous. All necessary equipment is included in the price.

You can continue sailing into the evening if you choose the dinner cruise. Enjoy a 4-course meal and sip on cocktails while the sun sets behind you.

3. Snorkeling in Cancun

As mentioned above, snorkeling in Cancun is a truly memorable experience.

Cancun has a number of beautiful reefs that you are guaranteed to fall in love with.

Take the Great Mayan Reef, for example. This particular reef spans over one thousand kilometers.

If exotic fish, underwater sculptures and coral interest you, then we recommend Punta Nizuc. You can also book a tour if you are keen to find out more about the area.

4. Zip Lining in Cancun’s Adventure Park

Zip Lining is a fantastic activity for all ages and can be experienced at Selvatica, Cancun’s adventure park. There are four different zip lines included in the package.

There is also a tour called the Extreme Canopy which is set high in the tree tops above the jungle. Near the end of the tour you’ll be dropped into a cenote, a natural swimming hole, for a refreshing dip.

Altogether, there are ten different zip line adventures for you to choose from.

5. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza has been classified as one of the the New Seven Wonders of the world. It is an ancient Mayan site, and it used to be the biggest Mayan city within the area. Not only that, it was believed to be one of the great mythical cities of Mesoamerica.

There are thousands of ancient buildings within this area, all of them still standing today. These include: an ancient observatory called El Caracol, the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors.

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6. Day Trip to Tulum

Tulum is another fascinating site to visit whilst in Cancun. This was once an ancient walled city that kept outside enemies from invading it.

The Spanish occupied this city for approximately seventy years during the Conquest.

The city of Tulum sits high on the cliffs, offering a breathtaking view of the seascape below and around it. Be sure to bring your swimming gear if you decide to pay a visit to this ancient site.

7. Visit the Markets in Cancun

A visit to Cancun city center should be your next port of call.

Here you will discover a hive of different activities and a large variety of restaurants and cafes. 

If you want to take home a souvenir of your trip to Cancun, then we recommend a visit to Market 28.

Give yourself enough time to browse through the eclectic market stalls. There’s something here for everyone; you’ll have difficulty choosing just one!

It’s well worth taking your time here, you don’t want to miss out on any possible bargains.

8. Enjoy The Night Out in Coco Bongo

Consider treating yourself a night out and get to know the night life Cancun has to offer.

Cancun by night is just as thrilling as Cancun by day. Why not treat yourself to a night out in the dazzling city center?

Forum By The Sea is a vibrant shopping mall in Cancun where you can enjoy thousands of shops in one place. There are also lively restaurants, bars and clubs, perfect for starting off your night.

Coco Bongo is located in this plaza, and is known as one of the top venues for nightlife in Cancun. It caters to all needs, playing music of every genre and hosting live shows each night, from musical acts to acrobatic performances.

It truly is the heart of the party scene in Mexico.

9. Xoximilco Fiesta

For a more traditional (but just as entertaining) activity, we suggest trying Xoximilco.

Xoximilco is a true Mexican fiesta. Essentially, it’s a party on board a bright and colorful gondola.

The gondola will take you through some of Cancun’s most beautiful natural scenery and canals.

You’ll have the opportunity to eat authentic, Mexican cuisine while listening to traditional Mexican music.

10. A Trip to Valladolid

Valladolid is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, approximately two hours away from Cancun.

The city was established in the 16^th century by the Spanish Conquest, but managed to preserve its Yucatan roots and culture.

The town features many colonial style buildings, some with courtyards which open to reveal lush greenery or bustling markets. Grab a bit to eat while you admire the Spanish architecture.

The local Cathedral is a must see while you’re in the area. It combines Mayan and Colonial architecture to produce something truly unique. We recommend visiting at sunset for optimal views.

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11. Go to a Temazcal

A temazcal is a very old Mayan ritual. It is a steam bath designed to increase people’s energy and improve their overall health.

The temazcals are situated in small huts sitting atop volcanic rocks.

Water is poured over these hot stones and the hut slowly turns into a sauna. During the session, natural herbs will be burned by the shaman to enhance the experience.

12. Check The UNESCO Site

This UNESCO site can be found close to Tulum.

It sits in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and has been around since 1987. It is a remarkably unique feature of Mayan heritage.

The full reserve covers 1.3 million acres and is protected by the Mexican Caribbean.

Here you will discover as many as 115 different types of animals and birds.

As well as wild animals, the reserve is also home to more than one thousand different types of flora native to the area.

Enjoy a boat ride through the natural beauty of the biosphere or get up close and personal with the sea creatures while you snorkel in crystal clear waters.

13. Cancun Scenic Tower

The Cancun Scenic Tower is also commonly known as the Torre Escenica.

Here you will have access to the most breathtaking views of the city, even reaching as far as the Caribbean coast.

The Tower spins around slowly to give tourists a 360° view of the Hotel district and its surrounding area.

It takes approximately five minutes to reach the top, but once you’re thee you’ll have up to fifteen minutes to take in the views and as many photos as you’d like.

14. Sunset Sailing Trip

If you are looking for something romantic to do – or if you just love sunsets – then we highly recommend a sunset cruise.

The boat ride last approximately two hours. You’ll be treated to a private dinner and drinks aboard a luxury catamaran while the sky turns from bright blue to a deep gold.

15. Take A Day Trip To The Isla Mujeres

This is also known as The Island of Women. The name originally came from the temple of Ixchel.

Ixchel was the Mayan goddess of fertility.

The island is easily accessible by ferry, which you can pick up from Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Isla Mujeres was a quiet fishing village in the past and it retains the same peacefulness even today. It’s a great place to take some time out from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.

A trip to turtle farm is a must. For a very small entrance fee, you can watch the sea turtles in their natural habitat – you may even see some eggs hatching, if you’re lucky.

The island isn’t very large, and so it cannot accommodate too many vehicles. If walking is a problem for you, you can also hire a golf-cart and drive around the island yourself.

Don’t forget to visit the Hacienda Mundaca’s ancient ruins and the Garrafon Reef Park also.

16. Las Coloradas

Finally, Las Coloradas is an absolute must.

Meaning “the red” in Spanish, these pink tinted lakes are situated in a tiny fishing village.

The lakes are part of the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, which is home to a menagerie of birds and animals, from crocodiles to jaguars.

Fishing isn’t the only industry in the village; the pink water is also used to process salt.

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