Visit Cancún: what are the best things to do and see in Cancún?
As a popular tourist destination located on the Yucatán peninsula Mexico , Cancún is considered a tropical paradise with its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, water sports and its vibrant nightlife. Visit Cancun is therefore ideal to enjoy the sun and the Farniente . However, it is by exploring the rest of the Yucatán that you can truly enjoy your Mexican adventure through the Mayan archaeological sites, superb natural wonders, theme parks and other discoveries that you only do once in a lifetime. Here are some of the best things to visit and do in Cancún .
1. Chichén Itzá
Flickr – Juan Salmoral
A visit to Cancún would not be complete without a day trip Chichén Itzá one of the most visited sites in Mexico. Dating between 750 and 1200 BC, Chichén Itzá was an important religious, commercial and political centre during Mayan civilization. The vestiges installed here testify to the impressive knowledge of the Mayas in terms of architecture and astronomy. The important works not to be missed are El Castillo, a remarkable pyramid dedicated to the god snake with feathers (Kukulkan), the Temple of Warriors, the great ball playing field, the wall of the skulls, the observatory and the Sacred Cnote.
2. Isla Mujeres
Flickr – Roberto Ventre
One of the most popular things to do Cancún Isla Mujeres is a small island of about 8 kilometers long. With white sand and shallow waters, the beaches of the island are ideal for swimming, hiking (snorkeling) and relaxation. Nature lovers can enjoy a visit to the farm in turtles ( tortugranja ), a sewing and a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles. History lovers will be able to visit the Mayan ruins in Punta Sura and the beautiful 19th century Hacienda Mundaca, built by a Caribbean pirate. To the southern tip of the island, there is also a very original museum to discover: the MUSA , which is a sub-aquatic museum.
3. Tulum
Flickr – miquitos
Tulum is a famous excursion from Cancún both for its Mayan remains but also to have one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Once an important shopping and ceremonial center, the Mayan ruins of Tulum are made up of several different structures that make their visit interesting. The remains are perched on a cliff overlooking a picturesque beach of white sand and blue-green water. A privileged place by photographers, this beach is also for divers and kitesurfers. Close to the ruins and the beach is the Cenotes Park where it is possible to explore some of the most incredible caves and cenotes in the world.
4. Xel-Ha Natural Park
Flickr – Jeff
A true natural aquarium, Xel-Ha is an ecological park that gathers small coves, lagoons, wells and caves containing the most beautiful aquatic species in the Caribbean. Pleasant activities can be seen here as swimming with dolphins, caressing manta rays and jumping cliffs. In addition, you can hike along the paths in the jungle, stroll through the tropical gardens, feed the fish from a floating bridge and visit a sacred maya note that houses exotic birds and beautiful orchids. A trip to Xel-Ha is often coupled with a nearby Tulum tour.
5. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Flickr – Valerie Hukalo
Representing one of the most impressive excursions on the Yucatán Peninsula, Sian Ka’an is a large natural reserve that houses hundreds of species of animals and birds as well as magnificent landscapes. Here it is possible to practice kayaking through wetlands, walk along wooden walks and patauger into the crystalline water of lagoons to meet egrets, sea turtles, tropical fish, crocodiles and many more... You will also experience fly fishing, snorkeling and bird watching. In addition, there are more than 20 archaeological sites located in this reserve like the ruins of Muyil, an ancient Mayan trading center.
6. The Xcaret Eco Park
Flickr – Victor Romero Valladares
Located in an enchanting setting, Xcaret is a private leisure park that includes an underground river, beaches, a coral reef aquarium and even several Mayan ruins. Activities include swimming with dolphins, snorkeling near a coral reef and a walk in a reconstituted Mayan village. In addition, you can make a safari around an islet populated with jaguars, cross a butterfly pavilion, explore a cave of bats and attend a pre-hispanic ball game. Don’t miss the enchanting show of music and dance that will lead you through a folklore journey of the history of Mexico from the Maya to today.
7. Cozumel Island
Flickr – Cristopher Gonzalez
Its kilometers of beaches, crystal clear waters and coral reefs make Cozumel Island the main diving and snorkeling spot in Mexico. This idyllic place also offers other nautical activities such as fishing on the high seas, surfing, kitesurfing, and boat excursions on a glass bottom. Because it was once considered a sacred place by the Mayas, Cozumel also offers several interesting archaeological sites such as San Gervasio and El Caracol. Another popular attraction on the island is the Chankanaab National Park, which has beaches, hiking trails, an aquarium, a botanical garden and a large iguana population.
8. Swim with sharks
Flickr – Dtraveller Cancun
A stay in Cancun is for you the opportunity to swim with the largest fish in the world. Clearing your fear of sharks immediately, the Baleine shark is devoid of aggressiveness. From May to September, the waters along the Yucatán coast attract a large population of whale sharks looking for fish and plankton eggs. From Cancún to the islands north of the city like Isla Mujeres, Holbox or Isla Contoy, you can book a day trip to go by boat and swim with soft giants or simply watch them from the bridge. Underwater, you will also have the opportunity to see dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles and tropical fish.
How to go to Cancun?
Cancun International Airport is the second most frequent airport in Mexico after Mexico City. Many companies serve Cancun daily. You can find a cheap flight to Cancun on our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to sleep in Cancún
There are many possibilities to stay in Cancún. Dude city center in Isla Mujeres , you have the embarrassment of choice. Very furnished in accommodation, the city will not miss hotels: you can find the hotels at the best prices on the site of this Compare hotels .
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