Things to Do in Cancun

Choose from 40 Fun Things to Do in Cancun

Kantun Chi Ecopark

Built around the cenotes and jungle of the Riviera Maya, the Kantun Chi Ecopark makes a popular choice for a day trip from Cancun or Tulum, offering a unique way to explore the dramatic natural scenery and learn about the region’s long Mayan history.

A subterranean playground of cenotes, underground caves and grottoes, dripping with stalactites, stalagmites and ancient columns, the dramatic landscape is the ideal backdrop for an adventure. Go swimming in the freshwater cenotes, try snorkeling or diving in the vast caverns, or go kayaking around the underground caverns.

Practical Info

Kantun Chi Ecopark is located about 90 km south of Cancun and is open daily from 9am-6pm.

Carretera Federal Cancún-Tulum, km 1266.8, Puerto Aventuras, Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico 77734, Mexico

9am-6pm

From $ 140

Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Located just outside Cancun, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is a natural amusement park that offers recreational activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, ziplining, and biking. With colorful coral reefs, tropical hills, and rugged coastal cliffs, Garrafon Natural Reef Park allows you to experience some of the best of Mexico’s outdoor treasures.

The Basics

Garrafon Natural Reef Park offers more than 20 land- and water-based activities. Strap yourself into a harness and glide through the air on a zipline, explore the island by bike, hike to an ancient Maya temple, or relax in a lounge chair by the beach. Or take a dip in the clear Caribbean Sea, kayak, snorkel, or swim with dolphins.

Most tours of Garrafon Natural Reef Park leave from Cancun and include pickup and drop-off from local hotels. Basic ticket packages include buffet lunch, snorkel equipment, life jackets, kayaks, hammocks, pool entry, and ziplining. Upgraded packages include add-ons such as an open bar, VIP lounge access, and gourmet meals.

Things to Know Before You Go

Garrafon Natural Reef Park is ideal for nature lovers and thrill seekers.
Remember to bring sun protection and a swimsuit.
Visitor facilities include lockers, restrooms, restaurants, and a bar.
Reservations for activities at the park are highly recommended.

How to Get There

Garrafon Natural Reef Park is located on the southern point of Isla Mujeres, an island roughly 30 minutes by ferry from Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Some tours include roundtrip transportation, but you can also travel by taxi or rental car.

When to Get There

The park is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.

Must-do Experiences at Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Ideal for nature lovers and families with kids, Dolphin Discovery allows you to swim with these friendly marine mammals, as well as sea lions, manatees, sharks, and stingrays. For a more laid-back experience, the park’s infinity pool offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and Cancun bay. The park’s zipline which, allows you to cruise through the air at almost 100 feet (30.5 meters) above sea level, is another must-do.

Camino Sac Bajo, Lote 26 Fraccionamiento Paraíso Laguna Mar, Isla Mujeres, QROO Mexico 77400, Mexico

From $ 69

Avenida Kukulkan

Avenida Kukulkan, also known as Cancun’s Hotel Zone, is a pulsing thoroughfare lined with oceanfront resorts that separate the Caribbean Sea from the Nichupte Lagoon. This long, flat strip is home to some of Cancun’s best shopping, dining, and nightlife. From Avenida Kukulkan, various paths lead out to a limitless stretch of white sand.

The Basics

If you’re vacationing in Cancun, chances are you’ll end up at one of the resorts along Avenida Kukulkan. There’s lots to see and do here, including shopping, surfing, and more. After dark, visitors flock to Party Center, right in the middle of the Hotel Zone, to drink and dance the night away at Cancun’s hottest clubs.

Party-goers who want to avoid the hassle of planning transport can opt for a skip-the-line nightlife tour that includes unlimited drinks plus hotel pickup and drop-off.

Things to Know Before You Go

English is widely spoken in almost all of the tourist areas.
Paths leading out to the beach are easy to spot from Avenida Kukulkan.
Remember to bring sun protection and water, as the strip and beaches offer little shade.
Get a taste of Maya culture at the Cancun Maya Museum and San Miguelito.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach Avenida Kukulkan, located just minutes from downtown. Most visitors arrive by airport transfer, taxi, or public transport—the R1 or R2 buses travel the length of the Hotel Zone. If you’re driving, head eastbound on Avenida Coba and continue straight through the intersection with Avenida Bonampak.

When to Get There

Cancun can be visited year-round. Winter sees large numbers of tourists, and the weeks before and after Easter are also some of the busiest. Other times of year are less crowded. From May to October, expect higher-than-average humidity and a chance of wet weather.

Cancun Maya Museum

While it may not be the most authentic corner of the Yucatan Peninsula, Avenida Kukulkan does offer pockets of culture. At Km 16.5, the Maya Museum showcases centuries-old artifacts from ancient Maya sites throughout the Yucatan region. The museum sits alongside a patch of jungle with a small group of well-preserved Maya ruins known as San Miguelito.

Blvd. Kukulcán, Cancún, Q.R. Mexico 77500, Mexico

From $ 39

Cancun Wax Museum

Marvel at more than 100 famous faces (and bodies!) at Cancun's only wax museum. Wax figures from the world of entertainment (music, television, movies, sport and politics included) cover the 7,500-square-foot (700-square-meter) museum, providing visitors with some surreal photo opportunities. Each wax figure has been carefully and meticulously crafted, with everyone from Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth to David Beckham and Amy Winehouse on display.

With a collection of well-known children's characters as well, the Cancun Wax Museum is especially popular with kids, and is therefore the ideal attraction for families. For maximum convenience and to avoid disappointment, it's best to book a Cancun Wax Museum admission ticket in advance.

Insider's Tip: A visit to the Cancun Wax Museum makes the ideal start or end to a day of shopping; the museum is located inside the La Isla Plaza shopping village in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Practical Info

Public buses and private shuttles will deliver you to the La Isla Plaza to visit the wax museum, which is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

La Isla Plaza, Boulevard Kukulcan, Cancun, Mexico

10am-10pm

$27

From $ 27

Labna

Labna is an excellent site for archaeology lovers and architectural buffs with its Mayan building ruins that were built in the ancient Puuc style. Located in the Yucatan Peninsula by the larger Uxmal ruins, Labna is a compact structure hidden within the Puuc Hills. Though smaller than some of the other Mayan ruin compounds in Mexico, it is impressive nonetheless. Labna was once used as a ceremonial center by the Mayans during the pre-Columbian era.

Labna’s impressive Gateway Arch is still standing today, and visitors can stand under it and walk through it while marveling at its intricate construction. It is believed that this arch was used to signify the start of the area of the ancient village where the priest and the elite people of Labna lived. Relief designs are etched into the side of the arch, providing impressive details that visitors love taking pictures of. Labna, along with the Uxmal ruins, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is estimated that Labna was inhabited by as many as 2,000 people between 750 AD and 1,000 AD.

Practical Info

Labna is located a little over two hours south of Merida and is accessible by car or tour bus.

Labna, The Yucatan, Mexico

From $ 1,054

Captain Hook Pirate Ship

There are dozens of ways to see Cancun but one of the most entertaining is aboard the Captain Hook Pirate Ship. Spend an evening enjoying dinner served by salty sea men followed by dancing on the deck and an all-night open bar.

The cannon’s fire signals the departure of this famous ship. As the night progresses visitors can enjoy tales from the high sea, as well as a live enemy attack complete with swords and pistols. A ride aboard the Captain Hook Pirate Ship is the perfect way to experience life on the sea without the fear of being forced to walk the plank.

Practical Info

An evening aboard the Capital Hook Pirate Ship includes dinner, an open bar and a live performance. Roundtrip transportation from most hotels is available for an extra cost.

Playa Linda km 4, Cancun, Mexico

See website for prices

From $ 70

CoCo Bongo

CoCo Bongo in Cancun isn’t your typical nightclub. For starters, there’s no traditional dance floor. Instead, the popular venue hosts energetic performances including acrobats, bands, and musical impersonators who belt out tunes by artists ranging from Rihanna to Elvis. This lively spot is a must-visit for those looking for a fun night out in Cancun but don’t want to simply dance to DJs.

The Basics

This favorite nightlife franchise boasts three locations in the Caribbean—Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Punta Cana. Each location features a huge video screen and seating on multiple levels for viewing the productions, along with festive touches like soap bubbles, balloons, confetti, and streamers. You’ll find plenty of skip-the-line booking options, and some even include an open bar for groups. This can be advantageous to avoid long lines at the door and bar during busy times.

Things to Know Before You Go

CoCo Bongo isn’t a traditional nightclub with a DJ, but you’ll find those nearby if you’re planning on a club crawl.
Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely be standing most of the night.
The venue can become extremely crowded, especially during peak times.

How to Get There

Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, one block from the Caribbean Sea, CoCo Bongo is within walking distance from most accommodations. Taxis are also readily available in the area and bar-hopping tours typically include the venue on their routes. Keep in mind that most skip-the-line ticket options don’t include transportation.

When to Get There

On the weekends and during high season (from December to April), lines to get into CoCo Bongo can be long. If you want to avoid the crowds, stop by on a weeknight. The venue opens at 10pm and closes at 4am, but the shows end at 2am; you can stay and dance until closing, however. Some tickets will give you access until 3:30am.

Nearby Carlos'n Charlie's and Señor Frog's

Two of Cancun’s other hot nightclubs, Carlos'n Charlie's and Señor Frog's, offer similar VIP service packages with open bar and skip-the-line access, and are located right next door to CoCo Bongo. These spots don’t offer the range of performances like CoCo Bongo, but visitors can still expect plenty of fun party vibes with a spring break–style atmosphere and funky cocktails.

Blvd. Kukulcan Km 9.5 #30, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, QROO 77500, Mexico

Varies

From $ 70

Cancun Airport VIP Lounge

The Cancun International Airport is the second-largest in the country and handles a majority of international flights coming in and out of Mexico. The VIP Lounges — located in both terminals 2 and 3 — give travelers a quiet, comfortable place to relax away from the bustle of the main terminal while waiting for a flight.

Admission to the lounge includes an open bar, snacks, coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices. Lounge guests enjoy free WiFi, TVs showing news and sports channels, a variety of newspapers and magazines and a kids area.

Practical Info

Traveling with kids? Children under 2 can enter the VIP Lounge for free.

Cancun, Mexico

Daily 8am to 9pm

From $ 38

Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an

The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site that encompasses numerous habitats. The variety of flora and fauna in Sian Ka'an is astounding, and the site is known to include 23 Mayan archeological sites, some of which date as far back as 2,300 years ago.

Explore the eco-tourism and education center and see how the Sian Ka'an Ecological Center serves as model for sustainable development in tropical ecosystems. The revenue generated from the center's activities fund conservation programs within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve.

Practical Info

The Sian Ka'an Ecological Center is near Mayan ruins at Tulum and a section of the reserve is actually located in the Caribbean Sea as a coral reef. The center prides itself on using ecologically responsible technologies and promoting biodiversity.

Federal Road (307) Cancun-Tulum, #68 Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Tulum, Mexico

Open daily 9am - 2pm and 4pm - 8pm

Deluxe Tent Cabin: US$80 - US$120, Double Tent Cabin: US$65 - US$100. Tours have separate fees

From $ 120

Jolly Roger Pirate Ship

Offering family entertainment that both adults and children can enjoy, the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship sets sail from the Riviera Maya and sails the Caribbean seas while dazzling passengers with swashbuckling pirate shows and hearty food. The ship is a modern replica of the Santa Maria, which Columbus is said to have journeyed on when he discovered the Americas.

The Jolly Roger features four decks and can accommodate up to 240 passengers, with plenty of space for entertainment and dining. Filet mignon, lobster, a vegetarian option, plus a special pirate kids menu are on offer, not to mention the open bar with free domestic drinks. The pirate show is a blend of comedy and adventure, interspersed by dinner, fireworks, and dancing. Expect dramatic sword fighting, exploding cannons, and amazing acrobatics, all designed to entertain, delight, and draw you in to this unique pirate adventure.

Insider’s Tip: This is a popular attraction, so it's a good idea to book tickets in advance. Dinner, drinks and entertainment are all included in the ticket price.

Practical Info

The Jolly Roger Pirate Ship departs from the Playa Linda Pier. A pier tax of $11 per person in addition to the cost of the tour is required upon departure.

Boulevard Kukulkan, Km 4.5, Cancun, Mexico

6:30am-10pm

From $87

From $ 100

Cancun Underwater Museum

Helping to define Cancun as more than just a tourism spot for dedicated beach lovers, the Cancun Underwater Museum is an attraction unlike any other in the world. While almost all of us have, invariably, at one point or another, been to a museum, few if any of us have been to an underwater museum. Until now, that is.

Essentially a bountiful series of sunken sculptures, the Cancun Underwater Museum is an ongoing project aimed at inspiring a love of art as well as Cancun’s magnificent coral reefs. Soon over 400 original sculptures will lie between depths of 9 to 20 feet, and so make for excellent viewing when either snorkeling or diving.

How does something this wonderful and unique come about? By simple artistic inspiration. Jason deCaires Taylor was the artistic brains behind the operation, and people have responded well to the idea. Eerie, beautiful, and spectacular are all words used to describe this underwater phenomenon that successfully promotes Cancun as an artistic residence, as well as an excellent diving opportunity.
Don’t miss this fantastic Cancun attraction.

Cancun, Mexico

From $ 45

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres (the “Island of Women”) is known for its rich marine life and pristine beaches. Here you can snorkel at Manchones Reef, scuba dive in the Cave of Sleeping Sharks, or stretch out on the white sands of North Beach (Playa Norte). On land you’ll find bustling nightlife, with oceanside bars and restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The Basics

Most Isla Mujeres tours leave from Cancun, whether you want to travel by sailboat, catamaran, or motorboat. A snorkeling excursion is one of the best ways to experience the island’s diverse aquatic life, and many Isla Mujeres day trips visit the Manchones, El Meco, or Garrafon reefs. If you’re feeling daring, some tours include a swim with whale sharks, the world’s biggest fish. Combo tours from Cancun allow you to visit Isla Mujeres along with other Riviera Maya attractions such as Contoy Island (Isla Contoy), Xcaret Park, or Chichen Itza.

Things to Know Before You Go

Isla Mujeres is a must-see destination for beach and wildlife lovers.
Remember to bring a towel, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
It’s a good idea to bring cash (pesos) for gratuities or other purchases.

How to Get There

Isla Mujeres is located just off the coast of Cancun. Ferries run from the mainland every half hour and drop off at the island’s downtown area, close to the beaches and shopping streets. Because Isla Mujeres is only five miles (eight kilometers) long, most people use golf carts or scooters to get around.

When to Get There

Winter is the busiest time to visit, when the weather is warm and dry. Hurricane season runs from May through September and often brings rain and clouds. July and August are the best months to see whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, when hundreds of them gather off the coast.

Things to Do Near Isla Mujeres

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a paradise for ocean lovers and history buffs, with clear Caribbean waters and ancient Maya ruins such as Tulum and Chichen Itza. Popular mainland destinations include Cancun and Playa del Carmen, while the nearby island of Cozumel is an excellent scuba diving destination, known for its rich coral reefs.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Free

From $ 45

Isla Contoy

This small island off of Mexico’s Caribbean coast has become one of the most important nature reserves in the region, particularly for marine birds such as the brown pelican and the double-crested cormorant. The tropical paradise, of which more than 70% is covered in mangrove forest, is home to white sand beaches and palms, as well as an extensive reef just off of its shores. Because the island is well protected, it is believed to have some of the best snorkeling and bird watching in the country.

At only five miles in length, Isla Contoy can make visitors feel like they have their own private tropical island. In addition to serving as a secluded getaway, the island is an important nesting ground for both local birds and sea turtles.

Trails wind throughout the island, offering views of the turquoise waters and beaches as well as many opportunities to see local wildlife. Guided tours take visitors through the wilderness and often include snorkeling on the beautiful Ixlache Reef.

Practical Info

Isla Contoy is about 30 miles north of Isla Mujeres, which is a short ferry ride from Cancun. Access is granted to a maximum of 200 daily visitors, so the area is best visited with a tour group to obtain the necessary permits.

Isla Contoy, 77500, Mexico

From $ 80

Coba Ruins

In the heart of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula lie the ruins of Coba, an ancient Maya city considered to be one of the most important settlements in Mesoamerican history. During its peak between AD 500 and 900, Coba housed 50,000 residents and was the central terminus for the complex Maya system of roadways. The jungle site is still being excavated, but visitors can experience the already discovered remains of these sacbes, or stone causeways, as well as a number of engraved and sculpted monuments.

The Basics

The Coba ruins are an easy day trip from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya. Visitors can stroll or bike past two ball courts and the roads that once linked major Maya cities, and climb 120 steep steps up Nohoch Mul (the tallest ancient pyramid on the Yucatan Peninsula) for panoramic views of the lush Mexican jungle. Take a small-group or private tour of the ruins to gain deep insights into ancient Maya culture, or beat the crowds with an archaeologist-led, early-access tour of both Coba and Chichen Itza. If you’re feeling adventurous, combine your visit with a cenote swim, a snorkeling excursion, or a visit to an authentic Maya village.

Things to Know Before You Go

The archaeological site is vast, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a fair amount of walking and at least a few hours of exploring.
The top of Nohoch Mul is inaccessible to visitors with limited mobility, but pedicab services are available onsite for tours around the ruins. The Coba ruins are one of the more accessible Maya sites in the area.
Restrooms can be found at the entrance to the ruins.
Bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

How to Get There

Coba is roughly 45 minutes by road from Tulum, traveling inland. If driving, take extra precaution at small villages that are known for their speed bumps. Several public buses also make the 3-hour journey each day, but you can save the hassle by taking a guided day trip, many of which include hotel pickup and drop-off.

When to Get There

The archaeological site is open year-round. High season (December through April) brings sunny weather along with lots of visitors; go early to avoid the crowds that start pouring in at about 11am. Visit during the rainy season (May through October) for lower prices and fewer crowds, but be prepared to change your plans according to the weather.

Can’t-Miss Sights Near Coba

The Yucatan jungle surrounding the Coba ruins is worth exploring on its own. Try combining a tour of the ancient city with a trip to cool off in a cenote, a limestone sinkhole filled with clear water that’s great for swimming, tubing, or kayaking. You can also explore the nearby Tulum and Chichen Itza ruins, try your hand at ziplining in the forest, or visit the Xel-Ha aquatic park.

Coba, Mexico

From $ 59

Mandala Nightclub

Cancún is full of places to party, but the decor at the Mandala nightclub—a multilevel venue in Cancún’s hotel zone—sets it apart. Guests enjoy the wide-open dance floor, glittery lights, and impressive entryway. The club is also known for weekly pool parties, when guests dance to live DJ sets beside the pool or soak in the Jacuzzi.

The Basics

A favorite spot within Cancún’s nightlife scene, Mandala boasts Asian-themed decor with opulent chandeliers and mandala motifs. Skip-the-line VIP packages include access to an open bar that serves unlimited drinks until 3:30am. Other options include admittance to an exclusive VIP section with a private waiter. Mandala is also a frequent stop on bar crawl tours of Cancún.

Things to Know Before You Go

Dress to impress because casual clothes are considered a big no-no.
Bottle service is available for groups of six or more.
The open bar usually doesn’t include specialty drinks such as energy drinks, premium cocktails, or bottled water.

How to Get There

The club is located on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s hotel zone and opens daily at 9:30pm. Guests can purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. Bar crawl-type tours typically don’t offer transportation, but the club is easily accessible by taxi or bus. Buses in the hotel zone run 24 hours a day.

When to Get There

Mandala nightclub hosts two theme nights each week. Every Monday, a Mardi Gras party takes over, complete with bead necklaces, shots, and contests inspired by Carnival. On Thursday, Mandala Gone Wild is the club’s version of year-round spring break. The club also hosts a festive New Year’s Eve celebration that requires a special ticket.

Nearby Señor Frog's

Another popular Cancún nightclub, Señor Frog's, offers similar VIP service packages with open bar and skip-the-line access, and it’s located right next to Mandala. Known for its fun party vibes and spring break-style atmosphere, Señor Frog's also offers dinner, so it’s a convenient place to grab food before heading to Mandala.

Blvd Kukulkan km 9 Zona Hotelera, Cancun, Mexico

From $ 35

El Rey Ruins (Las Ruinas del Rey)

Located in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the El Rey Ruins (Las Ruinas del Rey) are an archaeological site containing 47 ancient Maya stone structures. Named for a mask and skull found on-site thought to honor the Maya sun god, these ruins are the remains of ceremonial buildings and market areas.

The Basics

If you’re staying in Cancun, the El Rey Ruins are a great way to see ancient Maya ruins without traveling to Chichen Itza or Tulum. At the ruins, you can explore Maya history, take pictures of the many iguanas that live there, and enjoy views of Nichupte Lagoon and the Hotel Zone from atop the structures. Visit on your own or as part of a full-day tour of the area. Some excursions visit the El Rey Ruins along with a cenote (underground swimming hole), an interactive zoo, and a ziplining park.

Things to Know Before You Go

These ancient ruins are a must-see for history buffs.
Remember to bring sun protection, plenty of water, and shoes suitable for walking on rough terrain.
The ruins are not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

The archaeological zone (zona arqueologica) is located at the westernmost tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Adjacent to the Iberostar Golf Club, the ruins are roughly 15 minutes by road from Cancun International Airport. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or on a guided tour.

When to Get There

You can visit the archaeological site year-round, although the Cancun Hotel Zone is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.

What to See near the El Rey Ruins

Mexico’s Caribbean Quintana Roo region is full of attractions, both natural and man-made. Nearby Playa del Carmen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. The Maya ruins at Coba are also a must-see, with a 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid. Further Maya ruins at Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, visit the shores of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.

Blvd Kukulcan Km 17, Zona Hotelera, Cancun 77500, Mexico

Varies

From $ 189

Ek Balam

Once an ancient Maya town, Ek Balam (meaning “black jaguar” in the Mayan language) is now one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico, famous for its 96-foot-tall (29-meter-tall) Acropolis, a stone temple that offers picturesque jungle views from its peak. Don’t miss the jaguar motifs peppered around the site’s numerous structures.

The Basics

Situated about 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the popular tourist destination of Chichen Itza, Ek Balam isn’t quite as popular as its massive neighbor, making it less crowded. The attraction offers a chance to imagine Maya culture as it was thousands of years ago.

Ek Balam tours typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, and leave from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and other Riviera Maya destinations. Excursions range from a half day to a full day, and often visit other popular attractions such as Tulum Archaeological Site, the ruins at Chichen Itza, and nearby cenotes (underground lakes). Private tours are available for a personalized experience, and some day trips include a personal photographer.

Things to Know Before You Go

Ek Balam is a must-see for history buffs and culture lovers.
The Caribbean sun can get very hot and there isn’t much shade at Ek Balam, so remember to bring sun protection and plenty water.
It’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the ruins at length.

How to Get There

Ek Balam is located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, roughly two hours by road from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. You can get there by taxi, rental car, or guided tour. The closest international airport is in Cancun.

When to Get There

Ek Balam is busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms if you plan to participate in outdoor activities.

What to See Near Ek Balam

The nearby Quintana Roo region is full of attractions, both natural and man-made. Nearby Playa del Carmen is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and shopping. The Maya ruins at Coba are also a must-see, with a 138-foot-high (42-meter-high) stone pyramid. The archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichen Itza are also great spots to explore. For an island getaway, visit the shores of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.

Ek Balam, The Yucatan, Mexico

Varies

From $ 89

Escenica Tower (Torre Escenica)

Because Cancun is a flat coastal plain, you don’t really need to gain much elevation for a sweeping view of the town. Imagine, then, the panoramic view from atop Escenica Tower (Torre Escénica), considering the tower puts you 264 feet above the town. As part of the Xcaret network of sights, Escenica Tower offers visitors a view of the massive Xcaret complex, as well as the string of Cancun beaches all the way out to Cozumel in the distance. This is the highest point on the Riviera Maya, and because the enclosed, air-conditioned platform slowly rotates while climbing the tower, all you need to do is look out the window and take in the time-stopping view.

Insider's Tip: For an exceptionally dramatic view of Cancun, visit the tower at sunset.

Practical Info

The Torre Escénica is located on the Embarcadero of Playa Linda. The tower can fit up to 60 people at a time, and includes a short history of the surrounding area as well as the sights you can see from the top. The ride is accessible to travelers with mobility issues, and lasts about 15 minutes.

Torre Escénica Cancun, Blvd Kukulkan, Cancun, Mexico

9am-9pm daily

$15 for adults, $7.50 for children 5-11, and free for children 4 and under.

From $ 15

Cancun Interactive Aquarium

As one of the top family-friendly attractions in the resort town, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium offers visitors a peek into the Caribbean and the chance to touch, feed, and interact with a variety of marine life. Home to schools of colorful tropical fish, seahorses, jellyfish, stingrays, tiger and bull sharks, sea turtles, and more, the aquarium provides the chance to learn about the animals’ natural habitats and their role in the underwater ecosystem.

The Basics

Conveniently located along Boulevard Kukulcán at Plaza La Isla in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium offers many exhibits, including various touch tanks where kids and adults can feed stingrays and sea turtles, touch starfish, pet a shark, or even dive into a shark tank inside a safety cage to feed bull sharks. There’s also a dolphin habitat where you can see at show and even swim with the creatures, plus dolphin-focused education and therapy programs.

Things to Know Before You Go

A walk through the aquarium takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how much you interact with the exhibits.
The hands-on dolphin experience offers different packages in a range of price points and are designed for couples, groups, and families.
The aquarium offers on-site bathroom facilities, showers, changing areas, towels, and secure lockers.

How to Get There

Located inside La Isla Shopping Mall Cancun in the hotel zone, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium is easily accessible via taxi or rental car from most accommodations in Cancun. For example, from Hotel Riu Cancun at the northern tip, it’s a 6-minute drive. From Playa del Carmen, it’s about an hour drive north along Highway 307.

When to Get There

The Cancun Interactive Aquarium is open every day, but, as with most attractions, weekends and holiday periods are the busiest. To avoid the crowds, aim to visit during a weekday. The marine presentation (which is the only dolphin show in Cancun and Riviera Maya) takes place at 7pm daily, so plan to arrive in the late afternoon or evening if you want to catch the show.

Visit Ventura Park

If you’re looking for more family fun, visit Ventura Park, an amusement park made up of seven worlds including Dolphinaris, Underworld, Grand Prix, Fun World, Aaaahventura, and Wet n' Wild with rides such as waterslides, a wave pool, and a lazy river. Other activities include a roller coaster, ziplines, go-karts, and more. Various packages are available, and all include unlimited food and beverages. The park is open from 10am to 5:30pm and is located about 15 minutes south of the interactive aquarium.

La Isla Shopping Mall, Blvd. Kukulcan, 12.5 Zona, Hotelera, Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Varies

From $ 30

Chichen Itza

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza—meaning "at the mouth of the well of the Itza"—is Mexico's most-visited archaeological site, a magnificent display of the advanced civilization of the Maya people and the ceremonial center of the Yucatan.

The Basics
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage site, made up of many stone buildings in various states of preservation, all connected by a network of roads called sacbeob. The three most well-known of these monument complexes are El Castillo, the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.

The highlight of Chichen Itza's Mayan ruins is the Kukulcan Pyramid, known as El Castillo. Mesoamerican cultures occasionally built larger pyramids on top of smaller ones, and this is the case for the 79-foot (24-meter) step pyramid of El Castillo, where an excavation discovered a temple with an elaborate jaguar throne. History and archaeology buffs would do well to choose a tour that combines a visit to Chichen Itza with the ruins at Ek Balam, Coba, and Valladolid. Alternatively, choose a tour with access to the Mayaland Resort and a buffet lunch.

Things to Know Before You Go

Many tours are led by archaeologist tour guides, who are well-versed in Mayan culture.
The Ossario group and Central group are open to everyone; Chichen Viejo (Old Chichen) is only open to archaeologists.
Come prepared for the heat with light clothing, sunscreen, bottled water, and a hat.
This popular site can get extremely crowded—book an early-access tour to beat the crowds.

How To Get There
Chichen Itza is roughly two hours from Cancun, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, Quintana Roo by car. Visitors to those coastal resorts will have plenty of options for day trips to the archaeological site. Departures are also available from Cozumel and Merida.

When to Get There
The best time to get to Chichen Itza is at opening time, before the crowds arrive and the sun is high in the sky. Some private tours and small-group tours offer early access to the ancient ruins. At sunrise and sunset on the spring and fall equinoxes, the corner of the pyramid casts a shadow of Kukulkan, a feathered serpent god, creating the illusion of a snake slithering down the north side with the sun's movement.

Nearby Cenotes

The Cenote Sagrado is also an impressive natural site at Chichen Itza, featuring a sinkhole gateway into an underground body of water 197 feet (60 meters) in diameter. Another nearby cenote is Ik Kil, and some Chichen Itza day trips combine visits to these freshwater sinkholes on the Yucatan Peninsula with a stop at the ruins.

Riviera Maya & the Yucatan, Mexico

Daily 8am–5pm

Adults: 95 pesos, Children (12yrs and under): Free

From $ 15