30 Best Places to Visit in Cancun

Riviera Maya is one of Mexico's biggest resort cities. Cancun was once inhabited by the Maya people. Tourists can see the ruins of their cities and temples. The name comes from a Mayan language. It means «throne of the snake» in Russian.

Cancun is divided into two parts: a downtown area and an area of hotels next to the coast. In the city, you can walk around, but for out-of-town walks, a cab is better. Cancun was just a small fishing village until the end of the 20th century. Now it's one of the top five resorts in the world to visit on a trip to Mexico.

➤ El Rey Archaeological Zone

Near Cancun are the ancient ruins of El Rey. In the first century AD, people lived here, but now the ruins are inhabited by iguanas. Only 47 of the ancient buildings have survived. There's a pyramid on top of the central structure. This is where all the important rituals took place.

The walls are especially interesting. Some of them have ancient paintings with pictures of rulers, national heroes, and everyone who was famous in the era. The pictures are faded, but you can still make them out.

• Working time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: the tickets are 80 pesos.
• How to get there: you can get there by bus or cab.

➤ Mayan Museum

Cancun's Mayan Museum opened just in time for 2012, the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar. It's five thousand square meters. There are three sections: the Quintana Roo Hall, the Maya Hall, and the Hall for temporary exhibitions.

Among the colorful exhibits are some unique pieces. A skeleton of a woman who's more than ten thousand years old, for example.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: a cab is a good way to get there.

➤ El Meco Archaeological Site

El Meco is on the coast. It's thought to have been built around the third century and lasted for eight centuries until it was abandoned. El Meco has a pyramid, from which you get an amazing view of the city.

It's more than 12 meters high. The pyramid served a strategic purpose, it was the highest point on the coast from which you could watch the sea and control the flow of ships.

• Working time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: 70 pesos for admission.
• How to get there: the best way to get there is by car or cab.

➤ Playa Chac-Mool

The clear blue of the sea is shaded by white sand. There's something for everyone here, whether it's a relaxing family trip or a relaxed meeting of young people.

The constant presence of waves is a distinctive feature of this area's sea. Kids should be especially careful when swimming here. Lifeguards are on duty all the time. The beach is behind a lot of hotels, so it's always crowded.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: you can take bus number R-1, R-2 and R2-94.

➤ Dolphinaris Cancun

A beautiful dolphinarium on the coast. There are several pools on its territory, separated by narrow aisles. There are photographers at the dolphinarium who will take pictures or videos whenever you want. Although the pictures are great, their services are pricey.

There's stuff to do at the dolphinarium every day for kids and adults. On the property is a small restaurant where you can relax in comfort.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: it'll cost you at least 60$ per person.
• How to get there: you can take a bus or take a cab.

➤ Ka Yok Planetario

Cancun's planetarium is also pretty cool. It's especially nice that the creators thought about the visitors. In the entrance, there's a cozy kids' area where a child can play and do puzzles for free.

The farther away, the better. Among the items on the tour is a working telescope, through which everyone can look at the stars. The sightseeing tour includes a film about the history of our system and how Indians imagined the world.

• Working time: 12 noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: you can take the bus from anywhere in town, but a cab is the most convenient option.

➤ Xplor Park

The park gets thousands of visitors a year who are looking for thrills and extreme adventures. It also has an interesting history. A meteorite fell on the place where the park is now built, forming a crater.

Over time, the crater filled with ocean water and the bottom changed: caves and underwater rivers appeared. Today, they're all open to the public and available for research. In the park, you'll find a lot of instructors who can help at any time.

• Working time: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some programs running 6 to 11 p.m.
• Cost: check ticket prices on the day of your visit.
• How to get there: you can get there by bus in an hour from Cancun.

➤ Bullfighting Arena

The arena puts on a show every week. Adults and kids gather here to watch the man with the bull dance. Bullfighting started five centuries ago, and it's still evolving now.

Arenas are round for a reason. Originally the arena was rectangular, but then they changed it to a circle so they wouldn't corner the bulls.

• Working time: find out when they're open before you go.
• Cost: 400 pesos for entry.
• How to get there: you can walk or take a cab from the city center.

➤ Bay of Women

At the beginning of the 16th century, the area got its name. Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba was the first European to visit the island. He saw the statues of half-naked girls and decided to name the island «Isla de la Femme».

The island stretches for 8 km and is half a kilometer wide. It's a cozy, magical spot. The island has sandy beaches on one side, and rocky cliffs on the other.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: 65$ for admission.
• How to get there: from Cancun, take the ferry to the resort.

➤ Xel-Há Park

Xel-Há is some distance from Cancun and faces the coast. A natural lagoon is a shady place where manatees and other sea creatures hang out. There are a bunch of water activities there.

For instance, you can swim with dolphins or rent a scuba diver to observe the underwater world's inhabitants in their natural habitat. There's an ancient Mayan port ruins in the park too.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: tickets start at 40$.
• How to get there: take a cab or catch an intercity bus from the bus station.

➤ Playa Delfines

Delfines deserves its reputation as one of the most picturesque beaches in the city. Dolphins are often spotted here. That's how it got its name. White sand and blue water.

It's important to remember that on this section of the coastline, there are almost always waves, and sometimes they're big ones. There are toilets, sports playgrounds, umbrellas, and lifeguards on the beach, so you can have a great vacation.

• Working time: Check the hours before going, the beach may be closed during storms.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: take a cab to the nearest hotel to the beach, then walk from there.

➤ Playa Las Perlas

The beach at Las Perlas is beautiful like most of Cancun's beaches. The sand is almost white, the water is clear and clean. The waves are rare, and the water is shallow.

Las Perlas is considered the safest beach in Cancun, where you can relax with kids. The water is always warm and there aren't many people there. Most people come here with their kids.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: you can walk to Las Perlas beach from the city center in about 30 minutes.

➤ Ventura Park

Cancun's famous water park is fun for adults and kids alike. There are lots of rides that make you nervous. There's a slide that can reach high speeds, a tube that's six stories long, and a swimming pool with real waves. But it's just for adults.

Children have a separate area with safe rides called «Children's Park». All you need is a swimsuit, everything else can be rented or purchased on the spot for a small fee.

• Working time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: tickets start at 30$.
• How to get there: you can take the bus or a cab.

➤ Coco Bongo Nightclub

Night parties here have been going on for almost 25 years. Acrobats, musicians, and dancers perform every night at Coco Bongo. The bright shows are popular with tourists and locals alike. Almost 2,000 people can fit in the club.

• Working time: 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Cost: tickets start at 90$.
• How to get there: you can get to the club by cab or private car.

➤ La Isla Cancun Shopping Village

Shopping at La Isla Cancun Shopping Village is not only one of the best in the city, but also one of the largest. There's a wide canal running through the shopping areas, and the buildings are lined with small, bright buildings. It's crowded day and night.

At night, a lot of young people gather on the center's ground. The place is popular with locals and tourists alike. Everyone can find something to his taste and within his budget at a lot of stores.

• Working time: be sure to check the mall's opening hours before visiting.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: walk or take a cab from the city center.

➤ Mercado 28

There's a huge flea market near the business district. It's a good place to pick up a small souvenir. Mercado 28 sells unique handmade items in a range of materials, like silver and clay.

Almost everything here can be bought for dollars, since the sellers have adapted to the tourists and made the buying process easy for them. There aren't many card payments, so we recommend having cash on hand.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: you can walk to the market or take the R-1 or R-2 bus.

➤ Mercado 23

Mercado 28 specializes in souvenirs, Mercado 23 is a food market popular with locals and tourists. It sells fresh fruits and vegetables every day at a good price. If you plan to pay with a card, make sure you withdraw enough cash before going to the market.

• Working time: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: walk or take a cab from the city center.

➤ Museum of the National Institute of Anthropology

Museum of Anthropology in Cancun City is part of the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. It's actually an independent museum. It's easy to get to the museum since it's right in the center of the city. On a museum tour, you'll learn about the history and features of the region, as well as about Cancun specifically.

Among the museum's exhibits are works by Spanish artists and sculptors. Archaeologists also found Mayan and Aztec artifacts in Cancun.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: make sure you check the ticket price before you go.
• How to get there: you can take a cab or walk from the city center.

➤ Yamil Luum Ruins

Ruins translated into Russian as «hilly land». Its territory is home to two temples: the Temple of the Scorpion and the Temple of the Hand. The deities these temples were built in honor of are still a mystery.

The area was excavated until the XIX century. It was cool to learn that the pyramids here are built in a unique way. Whistling was created when a stream of air got inside the complex system of structures. So it was possible to tell if a storm was coming by the sound.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: take a cab to the ruins.

➤ Interactive Aquarium Cancún

Aquaria was created in the early 21st century. It's a huge building that houses a bunch of marine life. There are five kinds of sharks alone. The inhabitants of the aquarium live in huge tanks, so you can see them from all sides.

Each tank recreates a particular species' natural habitat. And for those who like to get their nerves rattled, there's the opportunity to swim with sharks.

• Working time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: 520 pesos for admission.
• How to get there: you can walk to the Aquarium from downtown Cancun.

➤ Scorpion’s Temple

The ruins of the Temple of the Scorpion are on the site of an ancient Native American settlement. There was a time when scorpions were considered sacred animals because of their survival skills.

Stone and wood were used to build the temple, as far as we could tell. More accurately, its lower part, which has survived to this day, was made of stone, and the upper part was made of wood. There was a scorpion room inside the temple. It was probably where sacrifices were made to the gods.

• Working time: 24/7.
• Cost: free.
• How to get there: take a cab to the temple.

➤ Cancun Wax Museum

Cancun has reinvented the wax museum. It was opened in the 21st century. Right now, there are more than 100 exhibits. With special lighting and music, they're divided into halls that create different atmospheres.

A tour of all the rooms takes more than two hours. You'll see celebrities from the real world and favorite characters from movies and books.

• Working time: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
• Cost: Admission is 27$.
• How to get there: you can take public transportation or take a cab.

➤ Xcaret Park

Mexico's Xcaret Park is a symbol of the country. With ruins of ancient Mayan settlements, it's a unique historical and cultural site. «Xcaret» means «little bay» in Russian. A ticket to the park can be purchased almost a whole month in advance with a significant discount.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: Admission is almost 100$.
• How to get there: there's a free bus from the bus station to the park.

➤ Cenote Hubiku

«Iguana's Nest» or «Great Master» – the name of the cenote can be translated in several ways. It's a spherical, naturally occurring well. It reaches a depth of 30 meters. There are small fish in the cenote, that don't interfere with swimming.

The water is cool, not cold. During the day, bright sunlight streams through the roof of the grotto cenote.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Cost: 200 pesos for entry.
• How to get there: take a cab to the cenote.

➤ Cenote With Seven Mouths

The cenote is a system of wells that eventually join into one cave. For the Maya, it was a sacred place. Now it's open to tourists. With special equipment, you can dive under the water to learn more about the cenote's inhabitants.

The cenote reaches a maximum depth of 150 meters. The cenote's name comes from its natural shape. In the vault there are seven holes. Four of them were left untouched, and three were used as entrances and descents.

• Working time: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Cost: tickets start at 200 pesos.
• How to get there: the most popular way to get there is to take a cab.

➤ Tequila Museum

Mexico's traditional drink is famous all over the world. You'll learn the history of its creation and how it's prepared in the museum. In addition to the tour, you'll get to try some different tequilas.

• Working time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
• Cost: tickets start at 50 pesos.
• How to get there: take a cab to the museum.

➤ Captain Hook Cancun

If you or your kid ever wanted to be a pirate, here's your chance! Get on a galleon that's over three centuries old! On three galleons that belonged to Spanish seafarers in the 18th century, the show takes place.

Each of the ships is now equipped with modern systems, making the voyage not only fun, but also comfortable. Games and meals are included.

• Working time: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Cost: check the ticket price before you go.
• How to get there: the ships leave from the waterfront, which you can reach by taxi.

➤ Selvatica Adventure Park

Extreme entertainment fans have to check this place out. It's surrounded by jungle. Here you can test yourself with the many attractions. You can zipline, bungee jump or test your dexterity on suspension bridges.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
• Cost: before you go, make sure you check the admission price.
• How to get there: take a cab to the park.

➤ Cancun Scenic Tower

You can see the whole neighborhood from here, which is the highest point in the city. It's more than 100 meters above sea level. There are always lines and crowds because the observation deck only holds 60 people.

For the duration of the ascent, we recommend hiring a guide. You'll learn about the history of the city and the sights from the observation deck during the tour.

• Working time: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Cost: 200 pesos for entrance.
• How to get there: take a ferry.

➤ Underwater Museum

MUSA is the museum's abbreviation. It's the biggest underwater museum in the world. It was built in the 21st century. More than 450 sculptures are on the bottom. Take an underwater tour for an unforgettable experience. Both beginners and experts can take it.

• Working time: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: tickets start at 35$.
• How to get there: take a ferry to the museum.