Cancun is known for its beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, cenotes, and Hotel Zone nightlife — there's many attractions to discover. Here are some of my favorite things to do!
The popular gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is often the first travel experience that most Americans have in Mexico. My family and I have spent lots of time in Mexico over the years, including Cancun. Today I'm going to share my top picks for fun things to see and do there.
Cancun Mexico is typically known for its beautiful white beaches & resorts located in the "hotel zone". It's also a famous destination for Spring Break.
The city has great nightlife, beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and many adventure activities nearby.
If you're planning to spend 3 days in Cancun, or maybe even a week, I wanted to recommend some of my favorite unique things to do, no matter what time of year you visit. Whether you're with your family, friends, or on your own!
Below you'll find my recommended itinerary and travel tips for this great city in Mexico.
Jump to:
- Cancun Activities & Attractions
- 1: Cancun Hotel Zone
- 2: Swimming In Cenotes
- 3: Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
- 4: Take The Mayan Train
- 5: Visit Cancun's Best Beaches
- 6: Chichen Itzá Mayan Ruins
- 7: Shopping At Mercado 28
- 8: Cancun Nightlife & Nightclubs
- 9: Mexican Adventure Theme Parks
- 10: Isla Mujeres Day Trip
- 11: Visit Las Coloradas
- 12: Selfie With The Cancun Sign
- 13: Swimming With Whale Sharks
- 14: Bird Watching At Isla Contoy
- 15: Kayaking Nichupte Lagoon
- 16: Day Trip To Tulum
- 17: Sample Cancun's Restaurants!
- 18: Something Unique
- 19: Activities For Families & Kids
- 20: Free Things To Do In Cancun
- Best Time To Visit Cancun
- Where To Stay In Cancun
- How To Get To Cancun
- FAQ: Top Cancun Questions & Answers
Cancun Highlights Map
Cancun Activities & Attractions
1: Cancun Hotel Zone
Cancun is divided into two areas. Downtown, also known as Ciudad Cancun -- and Cancun Island, also known as The Hotel Zone or "Zona Hotelera".
The Hotel Zone is the primary tourist area, synonymous with resorts, catamarans, wild nightlife and beaches. It's a 15-mile strip of sand shaped like the number seven. This is where most people stay.
As the name implies, there are tons of hotels as well as most of the nightlife and beaches. Restaurants and bars line the only road, Kulkukan Boulevard, which runs from one side of the Hotel Zone to the other.
You can't visit Cancun without experiencing the shops, nightclubs, and beaches that line the Hotel Zone!
2: Swimming In Cenotes
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is famous for its amazing cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with water formed in limestone caves. The entire Riviera Maya is covered with thousands of cenotes, and many of them you can swim in.
Cenotes are created when the limestone surface collapses, creating an opening into the Yucatan's large underground river system. Most people visit them to go swimming, scuba diving or snorkeling.
Some of the best cenotes near Cancun are located along the Ruta De Cenotes (Cenote Route) near the city of Puerto Morelos, about a 30-minute drive away.
Here you'll find Cenote La Noria, Verde Lucero, Cenote Mojarras, and Cenote Selvatica among many others. My favorite was Verde Lucero, which has its own zipline!
If you don't want to drive yourself, there's a fun guided cenote tour which leaves from Cancun called the Xenote Experience.
➜ Read My Guide To Mexico's Best Cenotes
3: Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Snorkeling or scuba diving turquoise blue Caribbean waters is an ocean activity you can't miss while visiting Cancun. One amazing underwater attraction is the Underwater Museum -- or MUSA.
500 sculptures were created from materials which encourage coral reef development. Huge hands, statues of locals and VW Beetles, the exhibits are surrounded by ocean wildlife giving you a really unique experience.
Cancun is located close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. Home to dolphins, many kinds of tropical fish, eels, lobsters, nurse sharks, and majestic eagle rays. There are many diving companies that offer PADI certification too.
You can also snorkel or cave dive at the famous cenotes located around the Yucatan.
4: Take The Mayan Train
After many years of construction, the new Tren Maya (Mayan Train) is finally taking passengers! This multi-billion dollar tourism project aims to make more parts of Southern Mexico easily accessible to travelers.
Currently in 2025 you can travel from Cancun all the way to Palenque, stopping at scenic destinations like the beautiful colonial towns of Valladolid, Merida, and Campeche along the way. The train also stops at the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza! A trip from Cancun to Merida costs about $50 USD and takes 3.5 hours.
Other parts of the Mayan Train route are still under construction, like the sections that will take you down to Tulum and Calakmul. You can book tickets on the train here.
5: Visit Cancun's Best Beaches
The 13 miles of Cancun's coast is lined with Instagram-worthy beaches featuring soft, white sand, teal-blue Caribbean waters and a cool breeze.
The Hotel Zone has many beaches where you can relax and sip your margarita, but some of them really stand out, thanks to their beauty and atmosphere.
- Playa Delfines is one of the largest beaches in Cancun. It is also known for the iconic Cancun sign and for being void of hotels or resorts, which makes it a local's favorite. The currents are quite strong, so swimming is not advised.
- Playa Tortugas is best for families with kids, because it has small waves that allow swimming. The only drawback is the fact it can get crowded. You can enjoy a drink or seafood at the oceanfront restaurant.
- Chac Mool Beach is the perfect place to dive into the Caribbean waters. There are plenty of operators who rent water sports equipment, which makes this beautiful beach heaven for all water sports lovers.
- Playa Forum is the perfect mix between a vibrant atmosphere and a tropical retreat. It is located behind the most popular nightclub of Cancun, the Coco Bongo, this beach is filled with restaurants and bars.
Rent A Car In Mexico
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
6: Chichen Itzá Mayan Ruins
The Maya city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its amazing ancient pyramids. The oldest building in Chichen Itza dates from the 5th century.
The most impressive structure of the city is the 98-foot tall pyramid Temple Of Kukulkan (aka “El Castillo”). The nine terraces around it symbolize the belief in heaven with nine levels.
Chichen Itza is well preserved so you can get a glimpse of how the ancient Maya people lived. It's located about 2.5 hours away from Cancun by car, or 3 hours by bus, and is the Yucatan's most popular Mayan site.
While it's possible as a day trip, I highly recommend spending a day/night at the nearby colonial city of Valladolid -- for a true Mexican cultural experience that Cancun often lacks.
➜ Read My Guide To Visiting Chichen Itza Here
7: Shopping At Mercado 28
Mercado 28 (Market 28) is a huge shopping center in downtown Cancun. This isn't your typical mall, instead it's a giant flea-market that boasts 600 vendors who sell pretty much everything.
From textiles to maracas and leather items, you can find some cool Mexican souvenirs at Mercado 28. Many items are handcrafted and unique, so they make great travel gifts.
Feel free to test your bargaining skills here. Resist the seller's first price and you can walk away with a great deal. Stop by one of the local restaurants for food at a fraction of Hotel Zone prices too!
Mercado 28 is easy to reach by bus from the Hotel Zone, but if you have a rental car, remember which lot you park in, as there are 4 different entrances and parking lots that look very similar.
8: Cancun Nightlife & Nightclubs
Ok, I can't talk about Cancun without mentioning the nightlife. The city is known for its crazy nightlife, especially during Spring Break, when students travel to Mexico for a little fun.
After a day at the beach, when sun goes down you can unleash your energy and dance the night away. The best nightclubs in Cancun usually have long waiting lines, but it's worth the wait.
- Coco Bongo is the most popular club in Cancun. They have acrobats, cover bands and DJs who spice up the night. It's kind of a mix between nightclub and Vegas show!
- The City Nightclub features celebrity DJs like Tiesto, Fergie and Paul Van Dyk who perform on a regular basis. With three floors and nine bars, the club can hold up to 5000 people each night.
- Mandala Beach Club is the place to go for a bikini party. This outdoor house music club opens daily at 9:30 PM, offering great music and delicious tropical cocktails.
- Dady O is the place to go if you are looking for techno and house music, professional dancers, light shows and body painting. The club has five bars and two floors where you can party until sunrise.
9: Mexican Adventure Theme Parks
Planning on spending a week in Cancun? There are a bunch of Mexican theme parks nearby that are fun for all ages. These outdoor adventure parks take advantage of the natural landscape, and are a great activity if you're visiting Cancun with kids.
These organized adventures that will take you zip-lining through the trees, swimming in caves, driving ATVs, or snorkeling with colorful fish. A great way for families to have fun in Cancun, but adults will have a good time at these theme parks too.
- Xoximilco is a traditional Mexican party held on boats that float along canals near Cancun.
- Xcaret is a Mayan/Mexican ecological theme park featuring cenotes, wildlife, beaches and jungle trails.
- Xel Ha is a natural water park in Mexico for snorkeling in crystal blue waters.
- Xplor has all kinds of fun adventure activities like zip lining, ATV trails, cenotes and more. With a Mayan theme.
- Rio Secreto is an underground river and cave tour that lets you explore stunning Mexican cenotes with a trained guide.
- Selvatica is a Mexican adventure park that specializes in zip lining. They offer multiple packages with 10 different zip lines.
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10: Isla Mujeres Day Trip
Isla Mujeres, which translates to "The Island of Women", gets its name from the temple of Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility. This small island is only 20 minutes from Cancun by ferry from Hotel Zone.
Isla Mujeres offers stunning views thanks to its rocky coast and gorgeous bays. It is also the first spot where you can see the sunrise in Mexico. This sleepy fishing village offers a well-deserved pause from the crazy nightlife of Cancun.
Watch sea turtles hatching at the local turtle farm and conservation center.
You can drive around the island in a rented golf-cart, visit Ixchel temple, check out Garrafon Reef Park, go kayaking, snorkeling, or visit the 19th-century ruins of Hacienda Mundaca.
11: Visit Las Coloradas
Las Coloradas, or “the red ones” are pink lakes in a small fishing village with the same name. The lakes are part of a natural reserve which covers 150,000 acres and is home to a wide diversity of animals.
The amazing pink water is part of a salt processing facility, which is one of the main industries in the area, apart from fishing. The bright pink color of the lakes comes from red plankton and shrimp.
Las Coloradas is a three-hour drive from Cancun by rental car. Travelers who decide to spend the night in the area can look for accommodation in Rio Lagartos, located 30 minutes away. Flamingo tours can be booked from Rio Lagartos too.
12: Selfie With The Cancun Sign
One of the most touristy things you can do in Cancun is to get a picture with the colorful Cancun beach sign. Located on Playa Delfines, which is easily accessible by bus, the sign is one of the local landmarks.
Once on Delfines, you can enjoy the local white sand beach, which remains one of the least developed beaches in the area.
Just pay attention to the tides and warnings, as Delfines is known for strong currents, so you might want to skip swimming and stick with sunbathing. The view is spectacular and it's my favorite beach in Cancun.
13: Swimming With Whale Sharks
The Whale Shark is on the endangered species list, so having the opportunity to swim with these magnificent creatures is going to leave a strong impression.
The Yucatan peninsula is one of the places where you can swim with these large harmless creatures – an adult can reach 12 m long and can weight up to 20 tons, making them the largest known fish.
Baby whale sharks are very playful and known to play with swimmers. The best time to swim with the sharks is between June and September. Tours leave from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Isla Holbox.
14: Bird Watching At Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is a bird watcher's paradise. The small protected National Park sanctuary North of Isla Mujeres is home to more than 100 species of birds and 4 species of sea turtles.
The tropical breeze and bird spotting complete this amazing tropical heaven. Once here you can relax and just take some pictures of the wildlife, before picking up your snorkeling gear and dive into the clear waters.
Isla Contoy can be reached via an all-inclusive cruise at the cost of about $100 per person. To keep the inhabited island in pristine condition, tourists have to follow very strict rules and pick up after themselves.
15: Kayaking Nichupte Lagoon
Nichupte Lagoon is an enormous body of water made up of 5 different lagoons called Nichupte’, Río Inglés, Rio del Amor, Caleta Nizuc y Bojórquez. You can go kayaking and paddle boarding here.
It's the only natural ecosystem that remains after the construction of Cancun's huge Hotel Zone. The waters are surrounded by jungle paradise, heaven for bird watchers and biologists.
The fresh water coming from the rocks underneath mixes with the salt water from the sea offering a comfortable, prosperous and protective environment for many species of fish to reproduce.
16: Day Trip To Tulum
If you're visiting Cancun, you probably shouldn't leave without stopping by the beach town of Tulum and Ruins of Tulum, one the largest cities built by the Mayans.
This former port city is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, as well as beach clubs and yoga retreats. But the highlight is the ancient walled city perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean ocean.
Tulum was a major trading and religious center between the 11th and 16th centuries, and is one of the coolest Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. Make sure to bring your swimsuit and visit the hidden beach!
17: Sample Cancun's Restaurants!
Want to splurge a bit? Cancun is full of amazing local restaurants. Some of my favorites include Casitas Cancun, Lorenzillo’s, Porfirios, and La Fonda Del Zancudo.
However if you only have time for one, I recommend checking out Rosa Negra -- located right on the water off Kukulcan Blvd in the heart of the Cancun Hotel Zone. They serve authentic Latin American flavors in a wonderful atmosphere with entertainment (singers, dancers, etc.)
Looking to save some money? Cancun also boasts tons of amazing street food and taco stands.
You'll find all the best tacos away from the Hotel Zone in Downtown Cancun, on Avenidas Tulum and the Parque Las Palapas area. Make sure to order the Tacos al Pastor!
18: Something Unique
El Meco is a set of ancient Maya ruins that aren't well known about, located North of Downtown Cancun. There's even a 41 foot high pyramid!
These ruins were probably related to Isla Mujeres and an important port for the Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula.
LOCATION: Avenida Lopez Portillo (aka the Cancun-Puerto Juarez road) in a rental car, taxi, or collectivo bus. The site is located at KM 27. The ruins are just off the road on the left.
19: Activities For Families & Kids
My family and I travel to Cancun often, and I find my kids love the beaches, cenotes, and adventure parks the most.
Xcaret is probably our kids favorite theme park in the Yucatan. It's about one hour South of Cancun. There's animal, rides, and educational parts about Mayan culture and traditions.
20: Free Things To Do In Cancun
While Mexico isn't an expensive destination compared to others, Cancun isn't as cheap as other parts of the country.
If you're looking to save some money, here are some free (or very affordable) things to do in the area.
Playa Delfines is a free local beach at the end of the Hotel Zone. Many of Cancun's beaches have been taken over by hotel beach chairs for guests only, but this beach is where locals hang out.
While everyone knows about Chitchen Itza, there are some smaller Mayan archeoligal sites in and around the Cancun Hotel Zone too. The El Rey Ruins include two main streets and two squares, with plenty of wild iguanas to enjoy. entrance ticket is only 50 pesos ($2.50 USD).
Best Time To Visit Cancun
High season for Cancun is during the winter from January to March, when all the snowbirds from Canada and the United States come down to escape the cold.
This is when you'll find the best weather and the least amount of rain. But it's also the most expensive and most crowded season. March is typically when Spring Break madness happens.
The best time to visit Cancun for families with kids is from April to November. If you are looking to travel on a budget, visit Cancun during the rainy season, from July to October.
Where To Stay In Cancun
Cancun has tens of thousands of rooms available for tourists, everything from budget hostels to 5-star luxury hotels. Below you'll find my suggestions for the best hotels in Cancun depending on your budget.
BEST HOTELS IN CANCUN
How To Get To Cancun
Most people get to Cancun after flying into Cancun International Airport. Search for the cheapest flights to Cancun on Skyscanner.com.
Rental Car
The best site to book your car is with Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
Renting a car offers the best flexibility to explore more remote and less touristy spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. It's my favorite way to get around!
Rent A Car In Mexico
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
Cancun Airport Shuttle
There are a bunch of airport shuttle services offering rides from the airport to Cancun, and they’ll be sure to harass you at the airport exit. The most popular one is probably Cancun Airport Transportation.
Public Bus
There are regular ADO buses that will take you all around the Yucatan Peninsula from the ADO Cancun Bus Station. Buses are comfortable and safe.
Cancun Taxis
Taking a taxi is what most tourists do, but beware that drivers here charge high prices whenever they think they can get away with it. Always settle on the price before getting in.
FAQ: Top Cancun Questions & Answers
If Cancun is one stop on a longer trip through the Yucatan Peninsula, I'd say 3-4 days is enough. But if you're planning to use it as a base to explore, 7 days will allow you to see a lot, and give you plenty of relaxing beach time too.
Mexico has its share of cartel problems, but overall Cancun is pretty safe compared to other regions of Mexico. Petty crime like theft can be an issue, so don’t leave stuff in your rental car or unattended on the beach!
If you're staying at a Cancun resort, check if they offer a "Kids Club". Typically a playground and activity area that is supervised by babysitters. Another option is the Interactive Aquarium Cancun.
HI, I'M MATTHEW KARSTEN
Nice to meet you! I'm a travel blogger, digital nomad, and American expat living abroad in France. Join me & my family as we share useful travel tips from 10 years traveling & living around the world.
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- Ultimate Travel Packing List
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- My Best Travel Tips For A Great Trip
