The top 10 things to do in Cancún

06.10.2023 - 16:29 / lonelyplanet.com / El Rey

It's hard to imagine that a mere five decades ago, Cancún was just a tiny fishing village. But when developers arrived on the scene in the late 1960s, they took a long look at the coastal region's mesmerizing jungles, wildlife-rich wetlands and impossibly turquoise waters, and the rest is history. 

Today, the megaresort is Mexico’s top tourist destination and one of its fastest-growing cities. Many travelers experience Cancún as a place of wild fiestas, glitzy all-inclusives, and gringo-friendly shopping centers, a tropicalized Vegas of sorts. But it also sits in one of the most biodiverse areas in Mexico, making it a wonderland for anyone interested in nature adventures. The world's second-largest barrier reef lies just offshore, while inland precious freshwater cenotes (limestone sinkholes) abound. Add Maya culture, savory regional cuisine and sophisticated ancient ruins to the mix, and you have one sweet Caribbean getaway.

Here are some of our favorite activities in this splendid southeastern corner of Mexico.

The ancient Maya believed cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, and once you lay your eyes on their deep blue waters and otherworldly stalactites, you'll understand why.

Many of these swimming holes make for an easy day trip from Cancún. Among the standouts, the fascinating Maya-run park Cenote Dos Ojos (120km south of downtown) allows visitors to go swimming, snorkeling or cave diving. For a more chilled-out vibe, cool off at Valladolid's Hacienda San Lorenzo Oxmán (165km east of Cancún), a former henequen property featuring a partially collapsed freshwater cave with hanging vines. 

Local tip: Cave diving can be very dangerous and is for certified divers only. Make arrangements through a dive shop and always choose a reputable outfit, such as Scuba Total.

Several small Maya archaeological sites dot Cancún's coast, including El Rey, El Meco and San Miguelito. While these ancient settlements are well worth visiting, you should definitely set aside time to hit some of the more spectacular ruins in Tulum, Cobá or Chichén Itzá.

After a stroll around Tulum’s sun-soaked cliffside ruins, head down to the private beach for a refreshing swim in the azure sea. In nearby Cobá, home to the Yucatán's largest temple pyramid, visitors have the unique opportunity to explore the spread-out jungle ruins on a rented bike. And while it's true that Chichén Itzá gets too packed for its own good, we can say with confidence that the mathematical and astronomical precision behind the main pyramid will leave you floored. Look no further than the serpent shadow formation that invariably slithers down the structure's north stairwell during spring and autumn equinoxes.

 Planning tip: When visiting Chichén Itzá, get an