Top 15: Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is rightfully one of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations. Whether you want to simply chill out on the white sand beaches, check out world-famous Maya sites or cenotes, or go to the city’s most famous nightclubs, you’re in for a real treat! With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which are actually worth checking out, and which are the tourist traps. Today at Civitatis we’re going to run through our top 15 things to do in Cancun, including the must-see spots and the hidden gems that don’t get the attention they deserve. ¡Vamos!

1. Wander Cancun City & the Hotel Zone

So, you’ve arrived in Cancun and you’re ready to start exploring! Where better to start than the city of Cancun itself? The major ‘Hotel Zone’ or Zona Hotelera is home to the largest hotels and resorts, gathered along a 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) stretch of land just minutes from the city center, mostly along the water. The beachfront in this area is all public, and not owned by any of the hotels or resorts along the strip, so you can relax or swim wherever you fancy!

Of course, there’s much more to Cancun than the tourist area, so don’t miss out on exploring other parts of the city. Reserve this Cancun city tour, which will bring you around the city’s most famous sites, including the Municipal Palace, the Plaza La Fiesta market, and the famous Delfines Beach, which is home to the colorful Cancun sign. This tour also includes a walk along the Hotel Zone—the perfect introduction to Cancun! Alternatively, check out this Cancun tourist bus to see more of the city, with a bit less walking!

2. Discover Chichén Itzá—One of the New Seven Wonders

No visit to Cancun is complete without taking a day trip to Chichén Itzá. Chichén Itzá was a major Maya city and is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. The city is thought to have been inhabited between 750 and 1200 AD and saw influence from the Maya Toltec and Itza cultures, making it perhaps the most eclectic ancient city in the Americas.

The main feature of the complex is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. This 100-foot (30-meter) stepped pyramid is a remarkable piece of architecture that hides a number of fascinating secrets. For example, the temple has nine steps, representing the nine stages of the afterlife, and 365 steps, representing each day of the year.

Another highlight of the complex is the Great Ball Court, a 443 feet (135 meters) by 213 feet (65 meters) playing field, larger than an American football, soccer, or rugby pitch. On the playing ground you’ll see various stone hoops, and getting the ball, which weighed 6-8 lbs (3-4kg), through these hoops, using only your hips, shoulders, knees and elbows was the aim of the game. Incredibly, it’s thought that the game would culminate with the captain of the losing team being sacrificed to the gods.

Pro tip: Arrive at the park early (between 8 am and 9 am) and head straight for El Castillo to miss the crowds. Later in the morning, tourist buses will arrive at the site in higher numbers.

3. Try Authentic Tacos & Other Mexican Street Food

While Cancun is known for catering to the taste of tourists, there is plenty of real, traditional flavors to be found across the city. The best and easiest way to try out the best spots, which are frequented by locals is on this taco & street food tour of Cancun. On this tour, your guide will bring you to five different locales, where you’ll be able to observe the preparation of some incredible traditional tacos and tuck into some yourself. You’ll wash them down with a cold Mexican beer and then finish off the evening with some churros—you can’t go wrong!

4. Experience a Day of the Dead Cenote Ceremony

Mexico, especially the Yucatan peninsula, is known for its beautiful cenotes. A cenote is a natural sinkhole in limestone bedrock, filled with pristine water from rain and underground rivers. The Yucatan Peninsula (where Cancun is located) is especially rife with such cenotes (some estimate that there are more than 6,000 on the peninsula), due to the large amount of limestone bedrock in the area.

When you’re in Cancun, there are lots of cenotes nearby to swim at or go diving in! To see a few different cenotes for yourself, check out the Ruta de los Cenotes, a 12-mile (20-km) stretch of road that will lead you to over a dozen brilliant cenotes. Some are singular ‘pools’, and others feature multiple cenotes and even a rollercoaster. Alternatively, check out this Xenotes day trip from Cancun to see four of the best cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula, where you can also snorkel, zipline, and abseil!

Fascinatingly, many of these cenotes were used by the Maya people for ritual purposes. In fact, it was thought by the Maya that these cenotes were gateways to the afterlife. The fresh waters in the cenotes were/are also said to rejuvenate the soul, containing powers that give life! In the month of November, you can enjoy a Day of the Dead cenote ceremony, and gain an insight into this Mexican tradition, which takes influence from both indigenous and catholic cultural traditions.

5. Go Scuba Diving at Night (Or During the Day…)

Always been curious about scuba diving? This is your time to try it out for yourself! With the area’s crystal clear waters, beautiful coral and sealife… Cancun is the perfect place to give scuba diving a go. Check out this introductory scuba diving class, which includes a theory lesson and a dive at Manchones Reef, during which you’ll descend 32 feet (10 meters), and catch a glimpse of some of the rich marine life that lie beneath the water.

For an even more unique experience, try scuba diving at the Manchones Reef at night! On this activity, you grab a torch and dive down to see octopi, lobster, and eels. The advantage of going at night is that you may also see some bioluminescent creatures, whose light is only perceptible in the dark.

6. Grab a Ticket to Ventura Water Park

For a chill day out enjoying the sun, grabbing a ticket to Ventura Park should be on your radar! Only 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Cancun, Ventura consistently ranks amongst the top-ranked water parks in the country. If you’re traveling with kids (or adults who are kids at heart), Ventura Park is home to a wide selection of brilliant waterslides, rollercoasters, and zip lines. Your ticket also includes a buffet lunch, so you won’t have to worry about bringing food with you to the park, or paying expensive prices while you’re there. For us, the best ride was the Double Space Bowl, which features a 50-foot (15-meter) drop and reaches speeds of up to 30 mph (50 kph).

7. Take a Day Trip to Isla Mujeres

Just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a slice of paradise you won’t want to miss! When you’re there, rent a moped or a golf cart and spend the day exploring the island. Along the way, you’ll find a huge variety of great food spots and beaches. For us, the finest beach on the island is Playa Norte. Calm, crystal clear waters, beautiful white sand, and all of the amenities you could dream of—what more could you want?

You can grab a ferry fairly easily from Cancun yourself, or, to make life a bit easier else you could enjoy this Isla Mujeres Catamaran cruise from Cancun. On this cruise you’ll have the chance to snorkel, check out the island a little bit, and have a traditional Mexican lunch!

8. Swim with Sharks on Playa Norte

If you like the sound of a little day trip to Isla Mujeres but are looking for something more, try swimming with sharks on Playa Norte! As part of this activity, you’ll enjoy transport over to the island, and swim alongside the largest fish species in the world: whale sharks! Don’t be scared, these gentle giants aren’t aggressive, and are perfectly safe to swim alongside!

9. See the JOYÀ Cirque du Soleil

Fancy a show? There are a good few options for shows to see around Cancun, but our top pick is the JOYÀ Cirque du Soleil. JOYÀ features an incredible journey into the jungle, where you’ll meet a grandfather and his adventurous granddaughter. The show features incredible voices, breathtaking acrobatics, gorgeous choreography, and a uniquely Mexican flair. More than a show, this is an unforgettable experience, not to be missed!

Buy a ticket to JOYÀ Cirque du Soleil (with transport from Cancun).

10. Visit the Ancient City of Tulum 

If you’re spending a little bit longer in Cancun, definitely take a day trip to see Tulum. This ancient walled city is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque Maya sites in Mexico, perched atop cliffs that overlook the Caribbean coast. First inhabited around 500 AD, Tulum grew into a significant port town between 1200 and 1521, before being largely abandoned due to the spread of diseases brought by European settlers.

Tulum is two hours away from Cancun by car, though the best way to see it is as part of this Tulum + Coba tour from Cancun, which includes transport and a tour guide. It also includes admission to the Maya site of Coba, where you’ll be able to actually climb a Maya pyramid yourself, something which is not permitted at most archaeological sites.

11. Enjoy the Best Views of the Caribbean from the Sky Wheel

The Sky Wheel is one of the most popular attractions in Cancun, a nearly 200-foot (60-meter) Ferris wheel in the Hotel Zone. If you can, we recommend going on the wheel in the evening time, so that you can enjoy watching the sunset over Cancun’s beautiful white beaches and the Caribbean Sea.

If you grab the Sky Wheel Pass Go card, you’ll be able to enjoy the Sky Wheel, along with Ripley’s Believe It or No, Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze, and the Kids Paradise Open, for only around 15 USD more than the ticket to the wheel alone.

12. See Pink Lagoons at Las Coloradas Natural Park

Los Coloradas Natural Park, located on the Yucatan Peninsula is home to some incredible, almost otherworldly sites. In the park, you’ll see magical pink lakes, surrounded by white sand dunes (which are actually salt dunes). These magnificent bodies of water have this appearance partially due to the high salt content in the water—In fact, these waters are around four times as salty as regular seawater, making them perfect for salt harvesting! The color can also be attributed to Halobacteria in the water, which release pink/purple color.

Swimming isn’t allowed in these lagoons, as the salt is harvested for food, but the views alone make the visit worthwhile, especially if you’re already around Valladolid. To make the trip from Cancun, join this Las Coloradasa Natural Park trip, which includes transport to the park, along with a Maya spa treatment!

13. Have the Night of Your Life at Coco Bongo

Cancun is known for many things—and its nightlife is certainly one of them! In the Hotel Zone alone there are around a dozen nightclubs, and lots more bars to choose from. Once you’ve enjoyed a great meal at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants, you’ll want to move on to Coco Bongo, one of the most famous nightclubs in Mexico. This nightclub provides a Las Vegas-style show within a Mexican nightclub.

There’s everything from acrobatics performed to Beatles songs to Carnival-inspired samba dancing to stunt shows. To enjoy this spectacular club, buy this ticket to Coco Bongo, and you’ll also be able to have up to 15 drinks included!

14. Try Flowriding

If you’re into watersports, you’ll love Flowriding! Flowriding is a unique sport that combines elements of bodyboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. It consists of a specially designed pool that generates continuous, artificial waves, allowing riders to surf on a consistent water flow. The waves are fast and dynamic, giving you the thrill of surfing but in a controlled environment. Beginners can start by bodyboarding on their stomachs, while more experienced riders can stand up and perform tricks, much like traditional surfing.

Try flowriding in Cancun for yourself!

15. Go Shopping at Mercado 28

When visiting a new city, often one of our favorite activities is going shopping, and this is especially true for Cancun. When you’re there, pay a quick visit to Mercado 28, Cancun’s famous, longstanding flea market. Here, you’ll find local handicrafts, ceramics, leather goods, and much more, from a wide variety of vendors. Lots of places will have similar items, but keep looking and you’ll find some pretty unique souvenirs to bring home as well! The market can often have a pretty hectic vibe, and the vendors will try their best to get your attention, and also expect you to haggle with them a little bit! 

For the best experience, go on this Cancun Shopping Tour, which includes pick up and drop off at the market, as well as an English-speaking guide, who can suggest which stalls are worth visiting!

Where Are the Best Beaches in Cancun?

There are lots of great beaches in Cancun, check out some of our favorites:

• Playa Delfines: This relaxing beach is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike, on the south of the Hotel Zone. Here, you won’t find noisy beach clubs and bars, but more traditional establishments to try out.
• Playa Tortugas: Great for families, Tortugas features open-air cafés, plenty of restaurants and bars, and less sargassum seaweed than other local beaches. This is another popular beach amongst locals, and it offers parasols and chairs for rent!
• Playa San Miguelito: This relaxing beach doesn’t receive quite as much traffic as the previous two, but has the same beautiful white beaches and gentle, blue waters!
• Playa Forum: Party-goers, this is the beach for you! There’s always music playing at Playa Forum (also known as Playa Gaviota Azul), and it’s also where you’ll find a few of the city’s main nightclubs, including Coco Bongo.
• Playa Langosta: The ideal family beach, Playa Langosta has especially calm and shallow waters that are perfect for the little ones. What’s more, on the waterfront you’ll find a range of quality restaurants, and other amenities.

Well, those are 15 of the very best things to do in Cancun. In truth, there are dozens more things we would have liked to include on this list, but we had to draw the line somewhere! If you’re still looking for things to do in the city, or day trips to take, definitely check out more tours and experiences in Cancun with Civitatis—there’s lots more to check out!