Cancun is the most famous Mexican tourist destination in the world. Founded in 1974, Cancun is one of the most diverse tourist destinations in the country and offers a wide range of options for independent travellers, couples and families.
To help you with the difficult task of organizing an itinerary, we’ve put together a list of 10 places to visit from Cancun, so you can create your own list and make the most of that long-awaited adventure in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
10 Places to visit from Cancun
Cancun Beaches
Cancun’s beaches are all gorgeous, with the turquoise blue and white sand of the Caribbean Sea that’s perfect for a photo. Whether you’re after a relaxing day at Playa Delfines, a day of water sports at Playa Tortugas or Playa Ballenas, or a spot with all the amenities at Playa Las Perlas, you’ll find something that’s just right for you.
In Cancun, there’s a beach for every taste and every budget.
Holbox
Getting to Holbox Island isn’t the easiest, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
The island still has that charming fishing village vibe, and its peace, purity and beauty are becoming rare in the Mexican Caribbean. On top of that, Holbox is home to the majestic whale shark.
Sunset in Holbox . Photo by Christopher William Adach. CC.
Hotel zone (Zona hotelera)
The hotel zone is where you’ll find most of Cancun’s tourist services. Here you’ll find the biggest and most famous hotels, as well as most of the nightclubs.
There are also loads of places to eat and shop here, and, as in pretty much everywhere in Cancun, there are great beaches.
Hotel zone aerial view. CC. Photo by PriceTravel.
Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Playa del Carmen is the main destination of the Riviera Maya. If you want to get away for a few hours, “Playa” is a good option. Its fifth avenue is great for relaxing and shopping, and the gastronomic offer is first class.
Meanwhile, Tulum has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera Maya and the famous Tulum Ruins facing the Caribbean Sea.
El Rey, archeological site
El Rey (Literally: The king) is a small Mayan archaeological site that often goes unnoticed.
But if you are interested in Mayan culture or pre-Hispanic history as much as I am, you will enjoy walking around its old buildings in great peace. Besides, El Rey is located near the hotel zone, so it’s easy to get there.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres (Literally ‘Island of Women’) is a 6 km (4 mile) ferry ride from Cancun.
Isla Mujeres is an important destination in its own, with loads of services and activities. A must-see is Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.
Xcaret
Xcaret is Mexico’s most famous theme park. It’s a real paradise with an exhibition of Mexican culture and all kind of water activities.
Check out our mini guide: Top ten things to do in Xcaret to get the most out of your ticket.
Official site: xcaret.com
Cancun Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA)
Back in 2009, 500 life-size sculptures made by artists from all over the world were dunked in Punta Nizuc. The result is a landscape that combines the beauty of art and nature.
There are three ways to visit it: on a boat with a glass bottom, snorkeling or diving.
Official site: musamexico.org
Chichen Itza
Named as one of the new seven wonders of the world and world heritage site, Chichen Itza, is a must-see attraction.
Chichen Itza is located 188 km (115 miles) from Cancun, and there are several ways to get there: by public transport, rent a car or an organized tour as Xichen by Xperiencias Xcaret.
There are so many points of interest, like the grand Kukulkán castle, the Sacred Cenote, the Mayan observatory and the great ball court.
Kukulcán temple, Chichén Itzá. Photo by rivieramaya.mx
Nichupte Lagoon.
Between the hotel zone and Cancun city is the Nichupte Lagoon.
This small oasis in the middle of several resorts and tourist developments is full of wildlife: Mangle, crocodiles, white turtles, leopard frogs, iguanas and an endless native flora and fauna are an excellent excuse to visit it.
The best way to get to the lagoon is to go with a tour operator. If you’re into extreme sports, you can try flyboarding here.
