Sightseeing and Tourist Activities in Cancun

Xcaret — Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park located about 46 mi south of Cancun and less than 4 mi south of Playa del Carmen, in the Riviera Maya. Here you can admire tropical flora and fauna typical of the region as well as different expressions of the Mayan culture. In its facilities you can find an archaeological site, underground rivers, beach, butterfly pavilion, orchid greenhouse, regional fauna breeding farm, Mayan village, Jaguar Island, among others; you can also practice water activities as snorkeling and swimming with dolphins; enjoy the Temascal and Spa services; and at night you can admire the Mexican history and folklore show “Xcaret México Espectacular”.

Chichen Itza|Chichén Itzá Archaeological Site — The large Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza is nowadasy one of the World’s New Seven Wonders, often visited on a day trip from Cancun, but is rather distant and only a small portion of the site and attractions can be seen this way. If you find the ancient Maya of interest, spend a night at one of the hotels at Chica which is a fresh water sinkhole, where you can swim. The Kukulcán Pyramid is one of the most impressive Mayan structures. It is now closed off to climbing to preserve it from erosion.

Tulum — the only major Mayan archaeological site to overlook the Caribbean Sea is only 80 miles south of Cancun. Bus services from Cancun run around 2 hrs and cost 60 pesos. Tulum contains over 60 different structures and is believed to be one of the most important ceremonial sites for the Mayan people. This archaeological zone that date back more than 7 centuries show the remains of a huge walled city with roads, homes and businesses by the sea. The major highlight of Tulum is El Castillo which is a large pyramid that sits on a forty-foot cliff. El Castillo is thought to be a part of a series of lighthouses. The ruins are similar to Chichen Itza but unlike Chichen Itza, you are not allowed to go inside or climb on the pyramids.

The Mayan Riviera — The Riviera offers several ecological water theme parks such as Xcaret and Xel-Ha and Selvatica, which boasts the largest zip-line circuit of Mexico and Latin America.

Rio Secreto | Natural Reserve, a wonder made by the centuries, this cave was discovered just two years ago, it’s a labyrinth of endless passageways formed by ageless geological processes. Here you can walk and swim an easy 600 meter route amidst the thousands of calcified stalactites and stalagmites found in this protected natural reserve.

Xel-Ha — Xel-Ha is an outdoor water theme park that encompasses the range of Mexican Caribbean nature. There are natural, ecological attractions and various water activities such as snorkeling and diving in lagoons, caves and creeks, and swimming with dolphins. One can relax and admire the scenery on the lazy river or be adventurous by jumping from thirty foot ledges into the water below. Families can get their picture taken with exotic birds or swim with tropical wildlife such as sting rays. There are also a number of outdoor restaurants and bars. A fair warning about the lazy river, however, as it acts as a real river and riders have been known to get stuck in the mangroves on either side, separating them from loved ones.

Isla Mujeres — a great break from the Cancun tourist traps. This small island is just a 20 minute ferry ride from the hotel zone or from Puerto Juárez Federal Dock, located 5 minutes from downtown Cancun. Rent a scooter to get around the island fast and cheap. There is a beautiful ecological water theme park, Garrafon, with splendid vistas on land and a magical underwater world.

Cozumel — A very pretty island and the most inhabited in all of Mexico, it is also an important Caribbean port of call. Chankanaab National Park is located here. Well known for its water sport activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, boating and fishing.

Coba — A beautiful site hidden by lush jungle. It boasts the tallest pyramid of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Nohoch Mul. Muyil boasts a lake surrounded by many Mayan constructions.