Summary of Attractions in Cancún
Cancún, a majestic high-rise resort, was strategically developed in the 1970s. The name “Cancún” evokes images of pristine white beaches, azure waters, attentive service, and effortless opulence.
It is also synonymous with lively spring break festivities, attracting visitors who revel in the vibrant party atmosphere from November to April.
For those seeking relaxation, Cancún offers tranquil beaches where one can unwind with a refreshing drink. Nonetheless, the destination rewards the adventurous spirit with an array of exploration opportunities.
In no time, you could step onto exquisite tropical islands, navigate through subterranean rivers, or embark on a journey to ancient Mayan cities such as the distinguished Chichén Itzá.
Let’s discover the top attractions in Cancún:
1. Museo Maya
The Museo Maya serves as an exhibition space for a selection of Mesoamerican artifacts discovered in Quintana Roo, providing an excellent introduction to any visit to Chichén Itzá.
Visitors can learn about the Mayan economy, agrarian practices, cultural customs, belief systems, and the dynamics of power among city elites amidst their conflicts.
The museum is constructed atop the remnants of the San Miguelito pyramid and surrounding dwellings, which are expertly incorporated into its landscape.
Noteworthy artifacts include pieces of steles, human remains, domestic tools, monumental sculptures, jewelry, pottery, and figurines, all displayed in an organized and informative manner.
At present, a compelling temporary exhibition focusing on Aztec human sacrifices is also available.
2. Chichén Itzá
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most esteemed pre-Hispanic ruins in the Americas, Chichén Itzá is an essential day trip destination.
This archaeological site is remarkable for being occupied during three significant phases of Mesoamerican history (Late Classic, Terminal Classic, and Postclassic) and showcases a unique blend of northern Mayan Puuc style and architecture typically found in central Mexican highlands.
The central area of the site features iconic landmarks, such as the imposing 25-meter calendar stone and the majestic Pyramid of Kukulkan.
If you are willing to embrace the crowds, a spectacular time to visit Chichén Itzá is during the spring or autumn equinox in March and September, when the evening sun creates an optical illusion that resembles a serpent descending the Pyramid of Kukulkan.
3. Playa Delfines
Located in a serene area of the Hotel Zone south of the Museo Maya, Playa Delfines is a Blue Flag designated beach, offering an escape from the busyness of Cancún.
This expansive public beach features coarse white sand and robust waves that attract surfers, though swimming may be challenging at times.
Playa Delfines includes a designated swimming area monitored by lifeguards, allowing for safe enjoyment of the ocean.
For refreshments, a beach bar is available, and complementary palapas (palm shelters) provide shade.
Just behind, there lies the iconic “Cancún” sign, which is a favorite spot for photographs.
4. Isla Mujeres
Just a twenty-minute ferry ride from Cancún, Isla Mujeres feels like a tranquil retreat.
In stark contrast to its bustling neighbor, Isla Mujeres remains delightfully undeveloped.
Spanning a little over six kilometers, the island is primarily explored by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Visitors opting for an overnight stay will notice the tranquility intensifies once the last ferries depart for Cancún.
The island’s western shoreline, protected from the Caribbean winds and currents, features gently lapping crystal-clear waters.
Prominent among its beaches is Playa Norte, renowned for its silky white sand, sparkling turquoise waters, and curious pelicans resting on wooden breakwaters.
5. Xcaret
Situated outside Playa del Carmen, just an hour down the Mayan Riviera, Xcaret is a must-visit destination that justifies the travel time.
This multifaceted cultural and recreational park features authentic pre-Hispanic ruins and presents visitors with the chance to observe Mayan artisans, Papantla flyers, and a Mesoamerican ball game in the 6,000-seat Gran Tlacho theatre.
Visitors can also engage with traditional Mexican customs such as Día de Muertos and experience mesmerizing folk dance performances.
During the park’s development, several cenotes (natural sinkholes) were discovered, allowing guests to snorkel in their pristine waters.
The Xcaret group oversees a variety of nearby attractions, including the innovative multisensory theme park Xenses, the aquatic haven Xel-Ha, and the adventure-focused Xplor Park.
6. Torre Escénica
By retaining your wristband from Xcaret, you can gain free access to this observation tower in the Hotel Zone upon your return to Cancún.
As the tallest structure in Cancún, this tower ascending to 80 meters above sea level features a rotating capsule that carries visitors for an unparalleled panoramic view.
A concise recorded narration shares insights on the city’s history, geography, and statistics, along with details of the numerous landmarks visible from the observation deck.
7. Diving
Given its pristine water clarity, warm temperatures, vibrant reefs, diverse marine life, and attractions such as the Underwater Museum (MUSA), Cancún boasts an abundance of diving centers.
For those interested in learning, this resort is an exceptional location to begin, and many individuals can expedite the process by completing theory courses online beforehand.
Experienced divers are presented with numerous sites, offering unforgettable encounters with various wildlife, including dolphins, whale sharks (from May to September), bull sharks (from November to March), and sea turtles.
Additonally, there are wrecks and extensive caves that remain undisturbed by surface conditions.
The cenotes along the Mayan Riviera are specifically appealing for cave diving, with many of these sites having only recently been accessed.
8. Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA)
This innovative underwater museum, located off the west coast of Isla Mujeres, was inaugurated in 2009 as a creative means to alleviate pressure on Cancún’s reefs.
Over time, corals and other marine life have begun to thrive on the museum’s sculptures, crafted by English artist Jason deCaires Taylor.
The museum features over 500 submerged artworks spread across 400 square meters of shallow, previously unpopulated waters.
Visitors can choose to view the art from a glass bottom boat for a dry experience, though most opt to snorkel or scuba dive for an up-close look.
This setting is also considered safe for novices eager to experience their first boat dive.
Due to its popularity, aim to visit early in the day for a less crowded exploration opportunity.
9. Parque de las Palapas
Although Cancún may not be primarily known as a family-oriented destination, this central park defies that perception by providing a variety of entertaining activities, particularly aimed at younger visitors.
The highlight for many is the opportunity to rent electric cars at a cost of $20 pesos for ten minutes, along with ride-on carousels and an expansive playground.
Adults can explore the palapas, which are beach hut-style stalls selling arts, crafts, and jewelry, and indulge in delectable offerings from numerous Mexican street food vendors.
Items such as churros, flan, sorbet, or marquesitas (sweet wafer tubes filled with a variety of ingredients), along with savory snacks like quesadillas, grilled corn, and tacos, can be found here.
10. Playa Chac Mool
A splendid public beach, Playa Chac Mool is situated within the Hotel Zone and offers a refreshing alternative to the more crowded resort areas and private beaches.
This location does not feature a beach bar; instead, there is a singular stand offering parasol and sun lounger rentals.
Arrive early as these amenities are quickly snapped up by visitors.
For sustenance, guests have the option to bring their own or venture slightly further to the OXXO (Mexico’s convenience store). Playa Chac Mool is framed by Cancún’s legendary white sands and invigorating surf.
The waves break some distance from shore, resulting in a vast shallow area with turquoise waters ideal for children to wade and splash in.
11. Cenotes
The limestone substrate of the Yucatán Peninsula is interlaced with underground rivers that have formed cenotes, resulting in natural pools created by cave collapses.
Most cenotes are located at least an hour from Cancún yet are accessible through organized excursions from the resort.
Ik Kil is a noteworthy option, as it is close to Chichén Itzá and frequently included in combined trips.
This cenote is an open-air site situated in a basin that descends 25 meters below the forest’s surface and extends 60 meters in diameter.
With trickling waterfalls and forest vines cascading down to the water below, Ik Kil offers extreme diving challenges as it extends up to 40 meters deep; visitors can experience the thrill of diving from stone steps.
12. Golf
It is fitting for a luxurious destination such as Cancún to feature an abundance of golf courses.
Within a 20-minute radius, there are 13 courses available and an additional two if you are prepared to travel slightly further.
Development regulations in Cancún ensure that these courses integrate harmoniously with the natural environment, incorporating mangroves, dunes, jungles, and even remnants of Mayan ruins.
The Puerto Cancún course includes mangroves along its front nine, where one might catch sight of crocodiles residing in the water hazards, making ball retrieval a challenging endeavor! A round culminates at the dramatic island green on the par-3 18th hole.
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Riviera Cancún course is conveniently located near the airport and is well-regarded for its unobstructed views, free from towering structures.
Positioned within a delicate ecosystem, the course features underground channels that allow crocodiles to navigate between water hazards without encroaching upon the fairways.
13. Coco Bongo
Coco Bongo presents a unique fusion of a vibrant nightclub and an extravagant live performance reminiscent of Cirque du Soleil, promising an unforgettable experience typical of a Cancún night out.
At Coco Bongo, energetic dancing is interspersed with high-quality shows featuring live musicians, acrobatics, skilled impersonators, smoke, dry ice, confetti, and other exciting entertainment elements.
Due to high attendance, purchasing a VIP option is advantageous for added comfort and space, along with waiter service to eliminate the need to queue at the bar for drinks.
14. Xoximilco
Managed by the Xcaret group, Xoximilco is a cultural and culinary attraction located less than 20 kilometers from Cancún.
Inspired by the actual Xochimilco in Mexico City, this network of canals and islands was once the site of a pre-Hispanic city, where guests board “trajinera” boats to enjoy mariachi serenades and purchase delicacies from floating vendors.
Xoximilco presents an engaging and colorful experience, offering a vibrant floating fiesta featuring traditional Mexican cuisine, aguas frescas, beer, and tequila.
The accompanying alcoholic beverages often encourage spirited dancing aboard the trajinera.
15. La Isla Shopping Village
La Isla Shopping Village encapsulates the essence of Cancún, representing an artificial island that functions as a chic open-air shopping center.
As the largest retail complex in the Hotel Zone, La Isla features shaded walkways adorned with canopies, and decorative fountains at the intersections to enhance comfort.
The shops within La Isla comprise a blend of local chains and internationally recognized labels that appeal to tourists, including Zara, Nautica, Calvin Klein, and RadioShack, among many others.
For dining options, several familiar North American fast-food chains such as Häagen-Dazs, Chili’s, McDonald’s, and Starbucks can also be found here.
