things to do in or near cancun

Besides Mexico City, Cancun is probably the most popular travel destination in Mexico. Cancun is located at the north east point of the Yucatan Penninsula. Cancun and along its coastline all the way down to the border of Belize is considered the Rivera Maya and has all Caribbean coast line, with clear turquoise waters. Absolutely stunning!!! You will not run out of things while visiting Cancun because the location is so close to many other popluar destinations such as Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza, and even Merida is not extremely far away. The only thing you have to worry about when visiting this popular destination is running out of "days" in your trip.

Chichen itza

Chichen Itza is one of the seven wonders of the world. If you travel to Cancun it makes sense to check this off your bucket list. Chichen Itza is about a 2 hour drive from downtown Cancun and well worth seeing this marvel. There is restaurant near the Mayan site at the Hacienda Chichen Itza resort. There is a lot of signifance to this Mayan city and is considered the most important capital city of the Maya, and established well before the period of Christopher Columbus. Today Chichen Itza is the the second most visited site of all of Mexico. Learn more about Chichen Itza click here.

underwater museum

If you are a diver or a snorkeller, and would like to see more than 500 different sculptures underwater, than the Cancun's underwater museum is a must see!  This is located at Cancun's National Marine Park. The park was started in 2008 and while it may not seem that difficult to submerge sculptures underwater, believe it once you see it, it really is a work of art! The art at this underwater museum is actually art from professional and well known Mexican sculptures.  

The underwater park is easily accessible from downtown Cancun and you will need a tour guide to get there, unless you own a boat and know what you are looking for. 

xcaret

If you want to experience one of the funnest eco-archaeological parks in the world, then you should not miss out on visiting the Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park in Cancun. This adventure packs a lot of different activities into one trip. You will experience great food, and even get to see a Mayan ball game while also seeing beautiful jaguar and butterfly exhibits.You get to float calm waters with waterfalls and this park is kid friendly. This park is located right in Cancun so getting there is no problem! 

isla mujeres

If you want to get away from the big crowds that Cancun can have because of its popularity, then a short ferry ride to Isla Mujeres is a great place to relax. This island has beautiful white sand beaches, no cars for noise free relaxation. Isla Mujers is perfect for riding a bicycle, snorkelling and sun bathing, not to mention having a good meal with a freshing drink. The Island is only 16 kilometers from Cancun and has daily/hourly ferry rides. To learn more about Isla Mujeres.

cenotes

Under ground sink holes ("Cenotes") that have formed perfect swimming holes are amazing! They are everywhere near Cancun. You can ask to go to less popular ones so that you can swim or even dive from one cenote to the next underground or go to more popular ones to take turns diving in and swiming. They are amazing mother nature works of arts and worth the experience!