Best Places to Visit in Cancun – Top 7 Activities
There’s nowhere quite like Cancun, Mexico! This popular destination, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, attracts thousands of travelers to its beaches, energetic nightlife, and historical sites, making it an excellent choice for a vacation. Our list of the best places to visit in Cancun will make you fall in love with this favored Mexican city:
- Visit the Cancun Underwater Museum
- Explore Chichén Itzá
- Sail away to Isla Mujeres
- Splash around at Xcaret Park
- Swim in a cenote
- Venture back in time at El Meco Archaeological Site
- Walk along the shores of Isla Contoy
More information on the best places to visit in Cancun
Cancun Underwater Museum
There’s nothing quite like a visit to the Cancun Underwater Museum! Over 500 life-sized statues were created by various sculptors to form the vast attraction known as MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte). The site, expanding over 420 square meters, not only provides a home for marine animals and species, but it also aims to preserve coral life by attracting visitors to its location to relieve pressure from the reefs.
Guests can access the museum by snorkeling or scuba diving, depending on which gallery you’re interested in seeing. At 8 meters deep, Salon Manchones is best reached by scuba diving, while Salon Nizuc and Salon Punta Sam can be reached by snorkeling! MUSA will captivate swimmers through a literal sea of beautifully designed sculptures for a fascinating experience!
Chichén Itzá
Spend a day exploring the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá to learn about the history of this ancient civilization! You’ll witness the striking detailed architecture and get to marvel at structures like the Pyramid of Kukulkan (aka El Castillo), Temple of the Warriors, Great Ball Court, Tzompantli, and much more. Plus, your tour guide will educate you on the culture and how the Mayans used to live. As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Chichén Itzá is sure to impress anyone who visits!
Isla Mujeres
For something more low-key, make your way to Isla Mujeres where you’ll enjoy a calm, tranquil paradise surrounded by the blue sea. Beach lovers can spend time on the flawless white sand and have the option of going snorkeling, scuba diving, or kayaking. If you want to go more inland, hop on a bike or moped to walk through the shops, visit the Turtle Museum or Garrafon Reef Park, or witness some breathtaking views at Punta Sur! There’s even a spa if you want to give yourself an extra treat. To top it all off, the island is also home to a wide variety of restaurants so visitors can indulge in some delicious Caribbean and Mexican cuisine!
Xcaret Park
Kids and adults will love the fun yet cultural experience that Xcaret Park has to offer! Take a peaceful raft ride along Paradise River, journey to the past at an ancient Mayan Village, visit a Mexican cemetery, or learn about Mayan culture at different archaeological sites! Children’s World features water adventures and interactive activities for young ones ages 0 to 12 years old. There’s even a wine cellar you can walk through to learn about the history of wine in Mexico! Other activities include swimming in the lagoon or natural pools, snorkeling, an aquarium, a butterfly pavilion, a horse exhibition, and so much more! With an abundance of exciting things to do, we wouldn’t blame you if you went back a second day!
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Swim in a cenote
You can’t visit Mexico without swimming in a cenote! These unique natural pits are great excursions for anyone looking for an adventure or to try something new. Cenotes played a major role in Mayan civilization because they acted as a source of water, plus the Mayans believed they were portals to speak with the gods! When you venture to a cenote, your surroundings will be a sight to see as you float around in a pool of clear blue water and admire the cavern-like setting. Trust us, you’ll be left amazed after a visit to one of these natural wonders!
El Meco Archaeological Site
Although not as grand as Chichen Ita, El Meco Archaeological Site still offers an authentic Mayan experience for visitors. The grounds have been well-preserved over the years and since it is smaller, there’s a good chance you’ll get to explore the area peacefully without it becoming too crowded. As you observe the ruins and their architecture, you’re also likely to stumble across iguanas who hang out at the site and greet anyone who visits!
Isla Contoy
A small slice of paradise invites you to explore the beauty of Isla Contoy! You can book a tour to the island where you’ll get to snorkel through crystal-clear waters, walk the grounds to witness exotic plant life and greenery, and soak in some sunshine on a white-sand beach. You may even encounter creatures like iguanas, fish, hermit crabs, stingrays, and nurse sharks! Guests will also enjoy a delicious meal as the cherry on top of their trip to this tropical gem!
Get yourself to Cancun pronto! Head on over to All Inclusive Outlet and find the discounted vacation package that’s best for you so you can jump into all the fun!