Things to do in Cancun: places, attractions, and more!
If you are planning a trip to Cancun, read this article about different activities and places you can visit during your stay in this Mexican paradise.
If you are planning to visit this wonderful destination, and you’re thinking about things to do during your stay in Cancun, don’t worry! In this article, we are going to show you the best places you can visit, the most interesting plans, and the best attractions.
From exploring the wonderful beaches of the Caribbean to enjoying the vibrant nightlife of this city. Find all the information you need to know in this article. You’ll also read about how to connect to the internet with an eSIM card for Cancun. Let’s begin!
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What to see and do in Cancun?
This is probably a question that you have made to yourself when planning your trip. The answer will depend on the season of the year in which you visit the city, as well as your interests and preferences.
If you visit Cancun in summer, you definitely cannot miss the beautiful beaches of the Hotel Zone, such as Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas, where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. It is also recommended to take an excursion tour to Isla Mujeres, a tropical paradise surrounded by crystal clear waters and a wide variety of water activities to enjoy. On the other hand, during fall, it is an excellent time to explore the nature of the region. You can visit the Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve, where you can observe unique flora and fauna species, as well as explore the impressive Bacalar Lagoon, known as the Laguna de los Siete Colores.
If you decide to visit Cancun in winter, we recommend you explore the culture and history of the region. You can visit the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá, one of the wonders of the world and one of the most important sites of the Mayan culture. Finally, in spring, you can explore the region’s natural reserves, such as the Tulum National Park, where you can explore the region’s flora and fauna, as well as its impressive cenotes.
Nonetheless, no matter what time of year you decide to visit Cancun, it is very important to have a stable internet connection to fully enjoy your trip. A great and accessible option is the Holafly eSIM card for Cancun, which will let you remain connected to the internet all the time and anywhere you are in Cancun.
1. Best beaches in Cancun
Cancun is well-known for its beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and white sands. In this section, we will show you the best beaches in Cancun, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Dolphin Beach
This beach, located in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the city. It is ideal for sunbathing and enjoying a refreshing swim in the sea, but it is also a popular place for surfing and other water sports. To get there, you can take the R-1 or R-2 bus in the hotel zone.
Turtle Beach
Another of the most popular beaches in Cancun, Playa Tortugas, is perfect if you want to enjoy a day with your family. Its shallow waters and calm waves make it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It also has many restaurants and bars, as well as souvenir shops and water activities for the whole family. To get there, you can take the R-1 or R-2 bus in the hotel zone.
North Beach, Isla Mujeres
This beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, and it is located on the island of Isla Mujeres, north of Cancun. It is ideal to enjoy a relaxing day of sunbathing, and snorkeling. You can also explore the island on a bike or golf cart and enjoy the local restaurants and bars. To get there, you can take a ferry from the port of Cancun or Playa Tortugas.
Lobster beach
Lobster Beach is located in the hotel zone of Cancun, and it is perfect for those looking for a calmer and more relaxed environment. Its shallow waters and no waves make it perfect for swimming and enjoying the sun. It also has numerous restaurants and bars along the beach, as well as a beautiful view of the sunset. To get there, you can take the R-1 or R-2 bus from the Hotel Zone.
If during your stay in this wonderful place, you want to keep in touch with your loved ones, do not forget to get your eSIM with cellular data for Cancun before traveling.
2. Museums to visit in Cancun
Museums are a great way to dive into the history, culture, and art of a place, and Cancun is no exception. Now, we are going to show you the best museums you can visit in Cancun to learn more about its rich history and art.
Mayan Museum of Cancun
If you are interested in the history of the Mayan civilization, the Mayan Museum in Cancun is a must-see. This museum holds an impressive collection of Mayan artifacts and interactive exhibits that will let you learn more about the life, religion, architecture, and traditions of the Maya. The museum is located at 16.5 km from the Cancun Hotel Zone, you can get there by car, public transportation, or by taxi.
Prices:
- Adults: $5
- Children (0-18 years): Free
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Underwater Museum of Art
The Underwater Museum of Art is such a unique museum in the world since it is completely submerged in the crystal-clear waters of Cancun. This museum has an impressive collection of sculptures and works of art created by contemporary artists who have been submerged in the sea to create an underwater museum. To get to the museum, you can take a snorkeling or diving tour from the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Prices:
- Adults: Varies from $58.
- Children: Varies from $35.
- Duration: 4 hours.
Schedule:
- Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (The last tour starts at 2:00 p.m.)
Museum of Mexican Folk Art
The Museum of Mexican Folk Art is a wonderful and charming place to learn about the richness and diversity of Mexican crafts. This museum has a wide collection of handmade objects, such as textiles, ceramics, carved wood, and embroidery, from different regions of Mexico. The museum is located in the center of Cancun, on Yaxchilán Street, and you can get there by car, public transportation, or taxi.
Prices:
- Adults: 4 USD
- Kids (0 to 18 years old): Free
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm.
Mayan Culture Museum
The Museum of Mayan Culture is a modern and interactive museum that will take you on a wonderful journey through the history and culture of the Maya. This museum features interactive exhibits, Mayan artifacts, and replicas of archaeological sites. The museum is located in Chetumal, a few hours from Cancun, but it is a place that is worth visiting if you are interested in Mayan culture. You can get there by car or public transport.
Prices:
- Adults: $8
- Children (0-13): Free admission
Schedule:
- Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If it is helpful for you, we recommend you explore the Travel Apps that will help you find interesting places and plans, during your trips.
3. Places to visit in Cancun
Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico, and it is very easy to see why. There is so much to see and do in this city, that it can be a little bit hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, we are going to show you below the best places to visit in Cancun.
El Meco Archaeological Zone
If you are a history lover, we recommend you visit the El Meco Archaeological Zone. This archaeological site is home to ancient Mayan ruins and is considered one of the most important places to learn about the history of the Mayan culture. You will be able to explore the ruins, and also enjoy beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. El Meco is only a 20-minute drive from downtown Cancun and admission costs around 70 pesos per person.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island located just 20 minutes by ferry from the port of Cancun. It is an ideal place for those who are looking to escape the tourist crowds in Cancun. Here you can enjoy beautiful beaches, snorkel and dive, and visit the Garrafón Natural Park. You can also rent a golf cart and explore the island at your own pace. The entrance to Garrafón Park costs around 1,500 pesos per person, but you won’t regret it.
Market 28
If you like shopping, Mercado 28 is a place you can’t miss. It is an open-air market full of stalls selling crafts, clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. Such a great place to find gifts for friends and family, or just to enjoy a day of shopping. Mercado 28 is located in the center of Cancun and is easy to get to on a taxi or bus. Admission is free, but be sure to bring cash since many stalls do not accept credit cards.
4. Activities to do in Cancun
There are countless things to do in this city, and here is a list of four activities you should not miss:
Visit the Isla Contoy National Park
If you like nature, you should visit the Isla Contoy National Park. It is a protected ecological paradise that is home to a large number of species of birds and marine life. You can take a tour to visit the island and enjoy a day of snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks. The tour includes a guide, snorkel equipment, and a buffet lunch. The price will vary depending on the tour, but you can expect to pay around 1,500 pesos per person.
Snorkeling in the coral reef
One of the best activities to do in Cancun is to dive into the beautiful Akchour Waterfalls, located near Chefchaouen, and enjoy the natural beauty of Cancun. Here you can hike scenic trails, cross hanging bridges, and cool off in the crystalline natural pools that the waterfalls form. The entrance to the waterfalls area is free, but it is recommended to hire a local guide to explore the trails. The prices of the guides vary depending on the duration and additional services.
Visit Chichen Itza
If you are a lover of history and culture, you cannot pass up Chichén Itzá, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. This Mayan city has numerous amazing buildings, such as the famous Kukulcán Pyramid. Access to this place costs $35 per person, and tour guides can be hired for an additional price.
Catamaran ride
Enjoy the Caribbean Sea aboard a catamaran, which will take you through the crystal-clear waters of Cancun while you enjoy the sun and the breeze. Many companies offer half or full-day tours, they include food, drinks, and water activities like snorkeling and swimming with turtles. The approximate price is $100 per person.
Recommendations to fully enjoy your trip
If you are planning a trip to Cancun, it is very important to consider some recommendations to fully enjoy your trip. First, we recommend you book tours and activities with anticipation, so you can make sure you find the best prices and avoid any problems. Also, do not forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, so you can protect yourself from the sun.
Another important recommendation is to keep hydrated, especially on the hottest days. Make sure to bring with you a reusable bottle of water, so you can refill it at different spots in the city. And if you want to be connected all the time, we recommend you buy a Holafly eSIM card for Cancun, which will let you connect to the internet all the time without having to look for WiFi networks, especially at the Cancun Airport, this way you will be able to keep in touch with your loved ones and share your experiences on social media.
Also, remember to respect the culture and local traditions, and take care of the environment and the natural protected areas. Cancun is a destination full of life and colors, and we are convinced that if you follow our recommendations, you will fully enjoy your trip!