The Best Things to do in Cancun
Cancun is my all-time favorite destination to visit! I know! I know! You probably think it’s overrated. The truth is, it could be. However, there’s a reason so many people flock to this awesome part of the world.
There is so much to do in Cancun for everyone, and there is so much natural beauty here. Some of the most beautiful beaches and cenotes are found here. There is also delicious food, incredible theme parks, lovely people, green jungles, ancient history, and so much more.
The truth is that Cancun stole my heart. I even called it home for several weeks. Waking up to the vibrant turquoise water was my favorite thing in 2020.
However, what I also love about Cancun is everything there is to do around the Yucatan Peninsula. When I think of Cancun, I not only think of the city but of all the nearby destinations you can visit on a one-week itinerary.
So, if you’re ready to explore this lovely area of the world, read on to find out all the best things to do in Cancun and nearby.
Best Things to do in Cancun
Table of Contents
Swim in a Cenote
Let me start by saying that swimming in a cenote has been one of my favorite experiences in the Yucatan Peninsula.
What exactly is a cenote? It’s a natural sinkhole or underground cavern that results from collapsing limestone bedrock. In return, it leaves the ground fresh and crystal clear water exposed.
The Yucatan Peninsula has many of them scattered everywhere. Choosing which one to swim in is the hard part, but rest assured you’ll enjoy any of them.
For example, Casa Tortuga has a set of cenotes you can swim in. It’s a guided and organized site. Or, you can explore on your own and stop at various along the road on the way to Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Lay Beachside
Laying by the beach is a no-brainer. This is by far the number one reason to visit Cancun. The water here is one of the prettiest I’ve seen in the world.
Its turquoise water is mesmerizing, warm, and just perfect. No matter what type of vacation you’re on, you can find the ideal beach for you since it stretches far.
Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort
Although I mostly travel on a budget, Cancun is the first and only place I’ve stayed at an all-inclusive resort. There are many to choose from because people come specifically for this experience.
What I loved about the all-inclusive is the excellent food, beachfront views, and lovely pools.
Some resorts will be geared towards adults only, and some are family-friendly, so make sure to choose wisely. Personally, I loved Krystal Cancun because it’s within walking distance of the tourist spots.
Visit a New World Wonder
Only a short drive away, is Chichen Itza, a New World Wonder. Although this place gets very busy, it’s worth a visit because it’s full of history.
You can visit this archeological park early in the morning (as soon as it opens) to avoid the crowds and the tour groups that arrive later in the day.
Wander the streets of Valladolid
If you head to Chichen Itza, make sure to stop at Valladolid in Yucatan, Mexico. This colorful town was named one of Mexico’s Pueblitos Magico, or magical towns.
The architecture is lovely, and you’ll want to photograph each corner. It also has a beautiful plaza where you can sit and relax.
Plus, I have to mention that the food in the state of Yucatan is terrific. So make sure you buy something to eat here.
Dance the Night Away
The party scene in Cancun is always lit! Although I feel I can’t party as I did in my 20s, I still enjoy the nightlife because I love music and dancing. There are many places to choose from for a night out of fun.
However, my all-time favorite in Cancun is Coco Bongo. It’s a Vegas-style nightclub with performers who imitate famous people such as Pitbull, Michael Jackson, and many more. There is no other club like it!
Have Fun a Fun-Filled Day at Xcaret
This eco-archaeological park in Cancun is what I compare to Disneyland but in natural form. There is no shortage of park activities here.
You can see different animals throughout the park, go swimming in the beach or lazy rivers, and explore the mini ruins. At night, you can enjoy the incredible night show that depicts Mexican and Mayan history.
Be adventurous at Xplor
One of the most exciting ways to spend time in Cancun is at Xplor Adventure Park in Playa del Carmen. If soaring above the treetops, swimming in caves, and riding in jeeps is your thing, Xplor will not disappoint.
The reason to visit this theme park is to zipline above the jungle. However, there is also an underground river to raft through, and you can swim in a cave with rock formations. You can also drive 4X4 vehicles on hanging bridges and rocky jungles.
Explore Tulum
Less than two hours away from Cancun is the small town of Tulum. The first time I went to Tulum, it wasn’t as well-known as it has become in recent years.
Now, you find an abundance of expats living here and influencers visiting daily.
This is because Tulum has lovely photo-perfect resorts and restaurants. However, my reason for loving Tulum is the beaches and archeological sites.
You can find the Tulum Mayan Ruins, which are spectacular, and you can go all the way to Coba to climb the stairs to the top of the ruin.
Shop and Dine at Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is perfect if you’re looking for a more affordable city to stay in. It’s also more central to all the areas I’m mentioning in this post.
This beach city is mainly known for Avenida 5 (5th Avenue). This is where you can find some of the best shopping, bars, nightclubs, and top-notch restaurants.
Although Playa del Carmen doesn’t have the best beaches, it’s where you can take the boat to some of the islands where you can scuba dive and snorkel.
Explore Downtown and Market 28
Mercado 28 is in downtown Cancun. Here, you can find all kinds of souvenirs. In addition, there are a lot of traditional handicrafts at great prices.
La Isla Cancun
La Isla Cancun is a shopping mall in the city. What I like about it are the things to do there. For example, you can ride La Gran Rueda, a Ferris wheel, or visit two small museums. They are Museo del Tequila and Museo del Chocolate.
Isla Cozumel
Cancun has many incredible islands nearby, and Cozumel is one of them. This island has the second-largest reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef.
This means there is an amazing coral and sea life to enjoy when you go snorkeling and diving. You can stay on the island or go on a one-day tour. The most popular tour for snorkeling is to Cielo.
Isla Mujeres
This enchanting island is known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise water, and excellent snorkeling. The island has a laid-back vibe and is perfect for a day tour or for staying a night.
What I enjoyed the most was the boat ride to the island. I saw the bluest water I’ve seen in my life. I got to visit on a yacht tour and had so much fun!
Isla Holbox
If you have a few extra days in Cancun, I suggest you head to Isla Holbox. This island is beautiful and gave me Bali vibes with its bohemian and laid-back style.
It’s the perfect place to get away from the crowds and disconnect from the busy beach life. The island has lovely murals, incredible sunsets, and great beaches.
When to Visit
I want to say there is no wrong time to visit Cancun because I’ve enjoyed it no matter what time of the year I’ve gone. However, there is a rainy season that can mess up your plans.
With that said, the best weather is from December to April. Because the weather is so good, it is heavy with tourists and prices soar.
The other months of the year see more rain, especially from July to October during hurricane season. I’ve visited during these seasons and three times while hurricanes were passing nearby, and even then, it didn’t affect my travels too much.
It usually rains for a bit, then it stops. During this time of the year, prices go down a bit. Just be prepared for water and come flexible to change your plans.
Tips for Visiting
- Don’t book your tours online or ahead of time. There are many tour companies throughout Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. You can shop around for the best deals by asking around and comparing prices.
- Don’t skip Cancun. The beaches there are beautiful.
- There is a problem with Sargazo (brown seaweed) at different times of the year. Sometimes it gets pretty bad. Know this ahead of time and check to see if there will be a lot when you visit.
- All these places are spread out. Therefore, renting a car is the easiest option.
- If you are on a budget, there are many hostel options. You can also ride ‘colectivos’ to get to the different cities. They are vans that local people ride for very cheap prices (under $3).
How to Get Around
There are many ways to get around Cancun, but I suggest renting a car if you’re vacationing. It will be the easiest way to get around to all the places because they are very spread out.
Your other option is to stay in Cancun and purchase tours that include transportation. If you stay at an all-inclusive hotel and want to move around, there is a city bus that, for about 10 MXN pesos, you can ride each way on the hotel zone street.
Where to Stay
I won’t lie. Cancun is expensive! The best way to save is to stay in the city center at an Airbnb or a budget hotel. One option for saving money is to stay in the city center on the days you have tours. You won’t be using the hotel anyways.
Then, get yourself an all-inclusive hotel or a lovely beachfront hotel for a couple of days. My ex and I splurged on Hotel Krystal Cancun Resort for an anniversary and loved it. It was close to everything and has an awesome beach.
There are also some great hostel options for those traveling solo. In the past, Tulum was much cheaper, but recently it’s become more expensive. An excellent option for accommodation is staying in Playa del Camen. It all depends on what you are looking for.
The last time I was there, I stayed at this awesome Airbnb that I loved. It’s pricey but cheaper than staying at an all-inclusive.
What to Pack
Here are some travel items to pack for your trip to Mexico.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
The Best Things to do in Cancun
I’ve been to several cities in Mexico, but Cancun is not one of them. It looks gorgeous and hope to visit at some point. One of my best friends is from Yucatan so at some point, l will take her up on the offer to visit. Lovely images and hope to climb Chichen Itza someday :-).
It is so gorgeous! I say you visit your friend and enjoy the beauty of Cancun!
The Yucatan holds some of my favourite memories. The beaches are so beautiful. Swimming in a cenote is one of the most magical experiences a person can have in my opinion.
Definitely agree about swimming in a cenote as a magical experience! Hope you get to do it again!
I have so many good memories of Cancun. I would love to go back. I agree everyone really needs to experience a night out at Coco Bongos – that place is so fun. I pinned for future reference. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Isn’t it a great place! I hope you get to go back again. 🙂
Cancun has surprisingly never been on my radar until recently. Probably because it seems like everyone I knew growing up would go so it seemed so cliché to me and I’ve always felt a need to be different. But I am especially interested in seeing Tulum and Chichen Itza. And who could say no to an all-inclusive resort on the beach? #weekendwanderlust
I always used to hear it too and it seemed cliche. We enjoyed going during low season and encountered it was not just a party city. It has a bit of everything for everyone’s likes. Hope you get to go!
I’m not gonna lie, I’ve wanted to go to Cancun since the days of MTV and Carson Daly! haha But now I’m dying to go to Tulum!! Will definitely have to hit up both one day! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Haha! Those days must have been crazy! We never got to experience that but I have to agree with Tulum. Seems like it’s the big hype now because of all the nice resorts.
Would love to swim in a cenote. This place reminds me of Krabi. Looks exactly the same.
Cenotes are the best! Really?! Krabi is one of the places we most want to see. Think we’ll love it then.
Xcaret was one of my favorite things to visit in Cancun. Also loved Tulum. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Xcaret is beyond awesome!
FIrst of all, your pictures are absolutely stunning! Most of the people I know that have visited Cancun have just stayed at the resort, so I didn’t really know what was in the area. It’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Loved the pictures at Xcaret; the water is gorgeous. I love that it’s amongst nature too.
Xcaret is something else! There’s so much more than just nice resorts. Hope you get to go!
Pinning for my trip to Cancun! I’m excited to see Tulum and to swim in the Cenotes!
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Thanks! Hope you have a great time out there. 🙂
We frequent the area as we absolutely love the Mayan Riviera. The beaches are what we love most, but there is so much to do! We especially love the beauty and beaches of Tulum. All Inclusive resorts are and easy, relaxing way to travel for any age!
That’s so awesome you go often! We would absolutely love to live in this area because you are right, the Mayan Riviera is gorgeous!
This kind of journey is definitely my cup of tea! It’s super fun and full of adventure. What’s more, you get to relax at the beach at the end of the day!
Isn’t it all so perfect!?
I have always wanted to go here! I love the fact that there are so many adventurous things to do, can’t wait to tick it off my bucket list!
I hope you get to tick it off soon! It’s such a beautiful place.
The tour looks amazing! What an amazing and just natural style of bathing, fun and loving your life in Cancun. I would love to go for a trip here, am really fascinated by the Mayan civilization. What an organized itinerary ! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
I hope you get to go on a trip to Cancun! All of it is just perfect.
You guys did it right, amigos! Five days of go-go-go to all of the attractions, and then a couple days of Net Hammocks & Chill. 😉 We did the exact opposite – we checked into the all-inclusive and didn’t move much for a few days, and then a couple days of tours. #lazy Esta todo bien – all fun & sun! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Actually, next time we go we want to relax more days on the beach at an all-inclusive. Think YOU guys did it the right way haha. But then again, there is so much more we want to do. Saludos!
On our trip to Playa del Carmen, we made the trip to Chichen Itza, but missed Xcaret and Xplore. Looks like we have a reason not to go back again. They both look incredible.
Definitely go back to those parks! The nature inside the parks is amazing.
I’ve only been to Cancun on a cruise – and my day was spent in Tulum at the ruins, which I loved! – so I’ve not experienced a stay in Cancun. Looks like a wonderful place to vacation! Would love to go there someday for more than a day.
Think that calls for a new trip to Cancun so you can see more of it!
So much variety in experiences, all packed into one place…from beaches to limpid pools to adventure parks to historic monuments! Wow! Cancun seems fabulous.
Cancun is seriously perfect! Hope you go one day if you haven’t already.
I love the entertainment which is simultaneously an education about the history and traditions. Seems you had great time in Cancun!
So much entertainment! Cancun is a fave for sure!
Totally agree with you, and I love Cancun as a travel vacation spots because it has so much to offer.
The sea water is amazing and so many things to see and do. Thanks for your list and it makes me want to visit there again! @ knycx.journeying
Isn’t it perfect! It really does have it all. Hope you do get to back again soon!
I have not heard of Cancun earlier. But places seems to be amazing esp. Xcaret. I really liked it and would wish to visit it once 🙂
I hope you go! I think you would love Xcaret. It has it all!
We found Cancun to be a lot of fun too. You’ve really covered all the major activities here. It’s a great list. Our friends just got marries at Xcaret so it’s great to see people enjoying it during the day too. It’s just beautiful. I really think Chichen Itza and the cenotes are really the bucket list sites for sure.
Wow! How awesome to have gotten married at Xcaret! Some famous people book this place too because of its beauty. Cancun is definitely amazing!
What an fun list! We love visiting Mexico, especially the resorts of the Mayan Riviera area and Cancun! We haven’t been to Xcaret yet.
You have to go to Xcaret! You’ll love it.
So many wonderful things to see and do in Cancun! I hope to visit it one day as the Chichen Itza and Tulum are on my travel list ?
Isn’t it beautiful!? We want to go back to Tulum and explore it more.
I haven’t spent much time in Mexico and would really love to spend some time in the Yucatan peninsula!
I hope you do soon!
Cancun is breathtaking! This is an amazing guide, Edith and Juan!
Thank You! We agree with it being breathtaking.