If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches, crystal clear blue water, and vibrant nightlife, Cancun is the place for you. It’s an incredibly popular destination for a reason, and you’ll find something for everyone here. But if you’re struggling to choose between all the activities in Cancun, this guide will help you create your perfect Cancun Mexico itinerary.
The Best Cancun Mexico Itinerary
Cancun is full of adventures, and I highly recommend exploring as many of the unique things to do in Cancun as you can. Here are the top things I would put on your itinerary for Cancun.
Explore Xcaret Park
Any Cancun Mexico itinerary must include a visit to Xcaret Park! This gem is not hidden, but it’s popular for a reason. Xcaret is a water park, a theme park, a nature sanctuary, and a place that celebrates the culture of the area, all in one spot
It truly has something for everyone – underground rivers, a coral reef aquarium, a Mexican folk art museum, multiple performances, and so much more. Xcaret Park is a truly can’t-miss destination on your itinerary for Cancun.
Climb Coba Ruins
The Coba Ruins are about 2.5 hours outside of Cancún, but they are very much worth a visit on your Cancun Mexico itinerary. These Mayan ruins are located near several lakes, and the name of the city means “waters stirred by winds.” Unlike some of the other ruins nearby like the extremely popular Chichen Itza, you can climb some of the structures here. This is a must do on any Cancun Mexico Itinerary.
Relax at Playa Delfines
While any Cancun Mexico Itinerary is full of beaches, Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) is special because it is the only one that doesn’t have a huge hotel dominating the skyline. This gorgeous stretch of sand is unspoiled by development, so it’s a wonderful place to simply enjoy the ocean views. The beach is also known as El Mirador, and you can take a classic photo by the colorful letters that spell out “Cancun” to remember your time here.
Have Fun in the Sun at Playa Tortugas
Tucked away near the ferry terminal, this convenient local beach is a great place to spend the day playing in the sun and sand. Playa Tortugas can get really crowded, but it’s a fun spot to visit with cheap options to grab drinks and food.
Visit Chichen Itza
At the top of the must-do list on any Cancun Mexico itinerary is a visit to the famous ruins of Chichen Itza. Named one of the “7 New Wonders of the World” by Unesco, Chichen Itza is an awe-inspiring archaeological site of one of the most important city-states in Mexican history.
Note: Admission tickets are required to visit Chichen Itza and cost $614 MXN per adult (around $36 USD). You can buy tickets online to skip the line.
Swim in the Ik-Kil Cenote
Imagine a rocky cave without a ceiling filled with deep water, and you’ll get an idea of what a cenote is. The Ik-Kil cenote is an especially gorgeous one near Chichen Itza, with turquoise water up to 40 meters deep surrounded by lush greenery and hanging ferns. Swimming in the Ik-Kil cenote is a remarkable experience to add to your Cancun Mexico itinerary.
Sail on a Catamaran Cruise
Get out on the water for a different perspective on Cancun with a catamaran cruise. Many tour companies offer catamaran cruises, and one of the most popular options is a sailing excursion to Isla Mujeres. You can also take a stunning sunset cruise to soak in the natural beauty of Cancun.
Take a Trip to Isla Contoy
Escape the boisterous party atmosphere of Cancun with a trip to nearby Parque Nacional Isla Contoy. This national park is a wildlife sanctuary where you might spot manta rays, pelicans, flamingos, and more.
Note: To explore Isla Contoy, you must take a guided tour, and the number of visitors are limited to 200 each day.
Dive at Cancun Underwater Museum
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cancun, don’t miss the Cancun Underwater Museum. The Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA) features 500 sculptures submerged in the ocean. These man-made pieces of art are transformed by nature into coral reefs. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or take a glass-bottomed boat to view the exhibits at the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Enjoy the Water Sports
You can’t come to Cancun without jumping in the water for some fun! From jet skiing to parasailing to snorkeling or scuba diving, the water sports here are unparalleled. Book an activity with one of the many guide companies such as Jungle Tour Cancun, Parasail Cancun, or Manta Dive & Snorkel, and have the adventure of a lifetime.
Go Scuba Diving
If you’re into scuba diving, you’ll love exploring underwater in Cancun. There are so many awesome reefs, including Punta Negra, Grampin, Herradura, Grampin, and more, and you can also dive to several wreck sites like C-58 and Ultrafreeze (El Frio). And though it takes a while to get to, Manta Valley is a must-visit to swim among the manta rays.
Watch a Lucha Libre
For some classic Mexican entertainment, enjoy the showmanship of Lucha Libre. Watching one of these flamboyant Mexican wrestling matches in Cancun is quite a lot of fun to experience. Check out Lucha Libre Cancun or Luchatitlan to find a show.
Shop at Mercado 28
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at Mercado 28, a massive flea market in downtown Cancun. From souvenirs to clothing to handmade goods, this place has it all – plus, plenty of food vendors and taco stands when you need some sustenance while shopping til you drop.
Spot Sea Turtles at Akumal Beaches
For a special experience that definitely should be part of your Cancun Mexico itinerary, head to the beaches of Akumal and snorkel with the sea turtles. The beach is free to enter, but to access the turtle habitat areas, you will need to hire a guide.
Note: The nesting season for sea turtles is May-November, so this is your best chance to see them, although you can usually spot them all year long.
Swim with Whale Sharks
Another awesome wildlife experience in Cancun is swimming with whale sharks. The warm water of Cancun attracts whale sharks who filter feed on microscopic organisms in the ocean, so the whale sharks are not a danger to humans and don’t mind if you swim right alongside them. Book a tour with one of the many operators in Cancun to join the whale sharks in the water.
Note: Whale shark season in Cancun runs from the beginning of June to mid-September.
Visit El Rey Archaeological Site
El Rey archaeological site is named after a sculpture of a king or noble ruler found at the site. The ruins of El Rey tend to be less crowded (and cheaper) than other popular archaeological sites in Cancun, and it’s located in the hotel zone of Cancun, so it’s very easy to access. The pyramid temple is one of the highlights to check out at El Rey.
Visit El Meco Archaeological Site
On the north side of Cancun, you’ll find El Meco archaeological site. The main attraction here is El Castillo, a temple with serpent heads carved into the staircase. These ruins are in old Cancun, out of the main touristy area, so it’s a nice escape to visit them.
Go Ziplining
For a serious adrenaline rush, take a zipline ride high in the air and see Cancun from a birds-eye view. The longest zipline in Cancun is at Xavage Park, and it’s 65 feet up and nearly half a mile long.
Join the Floating Fiesta at Xoximilco
Hop on board a colorful trajinera and float through the canals of Xoximilco. A ticket to this festive party on a boat includes a meal of traditional Mexican cuisine, an open bar, and musical performances that will make you get up and dance.
Try a Temazcal Ceremony
While in Cancun, you can experience a Mayan purification ritual known as a temazcal. This Mexican sweat lodge ceremony is performed by a shaman guide and typically takes several hours. OlMar Travel offers a traditional temazcal tour in the nearby Mayan community of Dos Palmas.
Take a Taco Tour
You really can’t come to Cancun and not eat at least a few tacos, and a taco tour is the perfect way to sample several local favorites. The Cancun Taco Tour includes 5 tacos of a variety of styles, as well as four local beers and a churro for dessert.
Where to Stay in Cancun
Finding a place to stay in Cancun can be overwhelming, simply because there are so many options. Here are a few great choices of hotels in Cancun covering the spectrum of price ranges.
Budget: Mayan Monkey
With a lively social scene and a great location overlooking the lagoon just steps from the beach, Mayan Monkey offers real bang for your buck at an affordable rate.
Mid-Range: Hotel Emporio
Treat yourself to stunning views from sleek rooms at Hotel Emporio, which also features several swim-up bars.
Luxury: NIZUC
Indulge in paradise at NIZUC, which has a private white sand beach and 5 outdoor pools. Upgrade your stay in an ocean view suite or a private villa.
Conclusion
If you end up visiting Cancun, let me know if you found this article useful, and would love to hear from you if this blog helped you plan your Cancun trip!
