Cancun Attractions and Things to Do

Cancun attractions are available by the dozens, but only a handful are unique and truly popular.

When planning to visit a Cancun attraction or excursion, be sure to look at prices and services for at least several tour operators.


Visitors can tour nearby Mayan archaeological sites including Calakmul, the largest city of the Mayan region with more than 6,000 structures mostly covered by jungle; Chichén-Itzá, with the famous El Castillo Pyramid with 91 steps to the top on each side and 52 panels on each side representing the 52 year cycle of the Mayan calendar; Palenque, which has ruined structures with histories carved in stone that scholars only recently began to decipher; Tulum, which once served as a major seaport for Mayan traders;  and Uxmal, which was built between 700 A.D. and 1000 A.D. and lasted until the Spanish conquest.

Chichen Itza is especially amazing. It was first built around 900 A.D., is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the second most-visited archaeological site in Mexico.

Going to the ruins is a full day's trip out of Cancun. Prices range from about $50 to $100 U.S. per adult and $40 to $75 for a child, depending on the starting location. Mayan excursions are provided by numerous tour operators.


Visitors can take boat tours to this small island to see sand and brick streets, bright clapboard houses, snorkeling opportunities, a turtle sanctuary and other activities such as the Garrafon National Park. Visitors to the turtle sanctuary can observe the turtles by  paddling around indoor and outdoor pools. It's also the location of a favorite Cancun excursion, swimming with the dolphins.


The island of Cozumel, a western Caribbean cruise stop known for diving and snorkeling, is about 40 miles away and a popular side trip. It also has easy access to Mayan ruins and other attractions such as the Chancanaab National Park.


Visitors to Cancun with more modern interests can go to AquaWorld, a major watersports center that offers diving, fishing, boat tours, waverunners and a unique ride call The Rocket.


Anyone who simply wants contemporary fun might consider Wet and Wild / Parque Nizuc. This water park located at Boulevard Kukulkan Km. 25 in Cancun has snorkeling, water slides and swimming with the dolphins. Telephone: 52 (998) 881-3000


Visitors will cross through Mexican jungle in 4x4s to see the world's largest underwater cave system, a daylong trip that includes snorkeling and kayaking.


This open-sea aquarium and water theme park built around the Xel-Ha Inlet is a major ecological attraction. It is located 60 miles from Cancun, close to Tulum.


Another eco-tourism and education attraction located near the Mayan ruins of Tulum is the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. The facility acts as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. Attractions include more than 345 species of birds and numerous animal species. Revenue produced through tours, fishing and other activities is used to fund conservation and education programs within the reserve.


Other opportunities include a farm of large crocodiles at Croco Cun, the aquarium at Acuario Playacar and the birds such as the egret and pelican at Isla Contoy, which is a short boat ride from Isla Mujeres. Xcaret is 45 miles south of Cancun and has Mayan ruins, a snorkeling lagoon and an underground river through which visitors can float.


The Plaza de Toros is a small bullfighting ring near the northern end of Boulevard Kukulkán at Av. Bonampak and Sayil. Bullfights are scheduled every Wednesday at 3:30pm during the winter tourist season. The telephone number is 52 (998) 884-8372)