Cancun offers endless opportunities for visitors to capture panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea as one of the top attractions in Mexico. However, besides rejuvenating your soul and body on the beach, there are a couple more things to do in Cancun.
Surprisingly, more than one million tourists pick Cancun for their vacation. And, if you are also traveling for the very first time in Mexico, do make a long haul to this paradise.
So, let’s make a quick go to the Cancun things to do.
Mexico Travel Restrictions 2022?
Presently, there are no COVID-19 entry requirements in Mexico. As of August 2022, tests, vaccinations, quarantine, or other health forms are no longer necessary.
Most of the hotels, restaurants, cinemas, malls and Cancun excursions allow hassle-free entry to the tourists. And, wearing masks is also forbidden, however, one may wear them as per their choice.
Cancun Mexico Travel Guide
Explore Cancun’s Hotel Zone
From resorts to nightlife, everything is exciting in Cancun’s hotel zone.
If you are looking for a primary tourist area, then stay or explore Cancun island- which is also known as The Hotel Zone. But, some may even prefer calling it Zona Hotelera which is basically a 15-mile stretch of smooth sand. This is the hottest place on Cancun where you can stay with huge crowds.
You will find a couple of hotels to stay in and the utmost experiences of exotic nightlife and iconic beaches. Kulkukan Boulevard is the only road connecting the dining and bars.
Must Visit Downtown Cancun
If you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of crowds, then Downtown Cancun can offer you some relaxation. Here, you can seek the art and culture of Mexico, try out local Mexican cuisine, shop at the native shops, and eat delicious street food.
As it sounds, this is the place where the local residents of the city live. So, here you can explore the native food, culture, lifestyle, and apparel of the “real” Cancun. Plus, a nice family-friendly park is located here too!
Dive in the Cancun Cenotes
This ancient Yucatan Peninsula is widely popular for its natural wells or cenotes. These limestone caves filled with water are among the top things to do in Cancun. People around the year come to swim, scuba dive, or snorkel in these large round-shaped cenotes.
Just about a half-hour drive from Cancun is Uta De Cenotes (aka Cenote Route) which is among the best cenotes in the city. If you’re planning to do the zipline, then you may want to try out the Verde Lucero or else explore the Cenote Selvatica, Cenote La Noria, Cenote Mojarras, and Verde Lucero.
‘Not to be Missed’ Snorkeling Near Cancun
This ocean activity must be on your Cancun bucket list. Perhaps, you won’t be able to resist snorkeling in Cancun’s turquoise waters and glimpsing the Underwater Museum or Underwater Museum of Art.
More than 400 sculptures were produced in MUSA using supplies that promote the growth of reefs. The exhibitions are surrounded by maritime creatures and feature enormous hands and VW Beetles, making for a truly unique experience.
Temazcal Ceremony
If you plan to witness the local’s ceremony of purification, then the Temazcal ceremony can be the other things to do in Cancun. You will be placed in a tiny hut by a local shaman; just beside hot rocks and water. He will chant some mantras to clean your soul and body.
Bask in Cancun’s beaches
The 13 miles stretch of Cancun has so many beaches to pamper your soul and body suffering from a monotonous daily routine. You will find a couple of beaches such as Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas, Chac Mool Beach, and Playa Forum. All of these beaches allow visitors to experience panoramic views of the sunsets and indulge in thrilling activities. Just a word of caution, avoid swimming in Playa Delfines as the currents are high and avoid Playa Tortugas if you don’t want huge crowds.
Zip lining in the Jungle
Among the top things to do in Cancun, the very popular one is Ziplining. You’ll find a couple of great options in various theme parks and the closest one being Selvatica. Here you can explore ten different packages with multiple lines.
If you want to reach the highest point, then visit Xplore Adventure Park with zip lines at 147 ft. They also have several ziplining routes for two zip-line circuits.
Witness Maya history
Here are some of the ancient ruins you can explore in Mexico:
Drive for 3 hours and reach the ancient Maya ruins. Only courageous are able to glimpse through the history of Chichén Itzá which is built 1500 years ago. These mysterious, macabre tales abound at these ancient Mayan temple ruins in Mexico.
The ancient stone engravings at Chichen Itza of terrifying animals and murderous warriors leave visitors in awe once they have finally made it past an army of neighborhood merchants at the gate. El Castillo Pyramid or temple of Kukulkan is also an impressive ninety-eight-foot tall pyramid structure.
The renowned Maya ball court is off to the left of the main pyramid. The ballgame is the first organized sport in recorded history and dates back more than 3,500 years. Although there are ball courts in several places, the one in Chichen Itza is the biggest in the world.
Temple of the Warriors, also known as the Hall of the Thousand Columns, may have served as a gathering place or an indoor market. They might stand in for temple watchmen or fallen soldiers bringing presents to Chac, the rain god.
Do Shopping at Mercado 28 (Market 28)
Market 28 center in Downtown Cancun is a huge place to buy local Mexican stuff. From leather and boutiques to handcrafts and street food, you can buy everything from more than 600 vendors established in this long-running flea market.
If you are good at bargaining, then it’s your chance to grab astounding items and products from this place. However, be ready to sweat while haggling with hundreds of shoppers and vendors.
Fun waiting in Cancun’s exotic nightclubs
Perhaps, no one can miss the nightlife when exploring the things to do in Cancun! The nightclubs are filled with exotic vibes and a lively ambiance, especially during spring break when students gather to enjoy their leisure time.
Keep a day for the sun-basking and unleash your energy on the dance moves at night. The best nightclubs in the city are Coco Bongo, The City Nightclub, Dady O, and Mandala Beach Club.
Paddleboarding
It’s not just simple paddleboarding rather it is stand-up paddleboarding which is so much popular these days. Though it seems to be difficult but it’s quite an easy and friendly sport that almost everyone on the Cancun trip enjoys it.
If you are up for a challenge, then you can join with the others and give it a try. Or else you can enjoy it solo or in groups. However you do it, it’s one of the exciting things to do in Cancun, Mexico.
Best time to visit Cancun
The end of November to March-end is the best time to visit Cancun, Mexico. During this season, you can witness the snowbirds arriving from the US and Canada to escape the harsh cold winters.
The weather in this season is amazing with little or no rain. However, this is also the peak period when the majority of the visitors arrive in this city. Consequently, the hotel and flight fares also get pricey. Mostly, march break all the price limits as students and families come to explore the place during their spring break.
If you wish to avoid huge crowds and avail of tickets at a reasonable price, opt to travel from April to November. Else, opt for the rainy season from mid-July to October.
Where to Stay in Cancun
Cancun, Mexico has a couple of places that allow visitors to stay and experience great. From 2-star hotels to 5-star resorts, you will find a plethora of places to stay in Zona Hotelera, El Centro Cancun (Downtown), Costa Mujeres, and Puerto Juarez. Among these are some of the best neighborhoods of Cancun.
Talking the hotels, Temptation Resort & Spa, Ritz Carlton, Nizuc Resort & Spa, Marriott Cancun Resort, Hotel Del Sol, and Secrets Playa Mujeres, are some of the prominent ones.
Cancun Travel Tips and Advice
- If you are traveling for the first time, make sure you are all packaged and familiar with the tourists-targetted areas.
- Cancun is relatively pricey than Mexico, hence make sure you’ve planned your budget accordingly.
- Try to stay in a hotel that provides free meals or else try to eat at the local restaurants or have street food.
- Rent a car to explore more of Cancun. You will get a chance to come out of the busiest zones and explore the cheap places that are astounding as well as remarkable.
FAQ’s
Is it safe to visit Cancun?
Cancun is among the safest cities in Mexico. And, since the Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, this is the right time to explore and try a couple of exciting things to do in Cancun.
Where to stay in Cancun for nightlife?
Every place in Cancun is worth a visit for nightlife. However, popular nightclubs and iconic attractions are located in the Zone Hotelera. And, to be very specific Punta Cana region is highly in demand.
What’s the best neighborhood in Cancun?
Hotel Zone or Zone Hotelera is the best neighborhood as there is so much to explore and witness in its lively ambiance. However, if you want to explore the “real” Cancun at a decent price, then stay at El Centro.
Closing Thoughts
So, that was all about the things to do in Cancun. Shopping, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, zip lining, sun basking, dancing, ceremonies, diving, and sightseeing are some of the popular things to do in Cancun, Mexico. Whether you are with kids, partner, friends, or even traveling solo, you can take part in these activities and embrace your travel journey.
We hope we have provided you with all the information related to the activities in Cancun. If you’re planning a trip to Cancun, you can call us at +1-855-567-0070 and we can share some exciting itineraries or customize one for you!
