Cancun is one of Quintana Roo’s tourist centers and Mexico’s most famous beach destination. This city is considered the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula. Its turquoise Caribbean waters and its proximity to ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization have made it a world-class tourist destination.
Being Cancun a city planned to exploit its resources for tourism, its hotel infrastructure is one of the best in the world, which can be seen in the hotel zone of the city, a 20 km long coastline where the resorts of the most prestigious franchises in the world are located; and in the heart of the city, you will find the real Cancun: its people, its customs and its authentic essence.
In this post we will make a list of the best tourist places to visit in Cancun: from its paradisiacal beaches to the best local restaurants, entertainment venues and pre-Hispanic monuments that abound around it.
Let’s get to know the largest city in the Mexican Riviera Maya!
The best places to visit in Cancun
The beaches and coastlines
Cancun’s beaches are its main attraction. Relaxing on a sun lounger and taking a swim in its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters is one of the best things to do.
This city has more than 20 kilometers of public beaches of all kinds: tourist, local, calm waters or with waves, or with water activities, allowing you to choose the one you want according to your preferences.
Among the most recommended is Playa Delfines, where the big letters of CANCUN are located and which offers spectacular views of the sea, although the strong waves make it more recommended for surfing. Another of the most famous and popular is Playa Tortugas, where you can practice all kinds of water sports and enjoy the parties that are usually held there. And if you prefer tranquility you can go to Playa Langosta or Playa Caracol, which offer a more family atmosphere. Other beaches you can visit are Playa Ballena, Playa Linda or Playa Las Perlas.
Cancun’s hotel zone
If you want to spend a different and comfortable day, we recommend you to live the experience of staying in one of its famous all-inclusive resorts, even if only for a day.
Barceló Hotels Chain have up to 7 hotels in this area of the Riviera Maya, so if you want to live this experience of staying in an all inclusive resort or if you are looking for Cancun black Friday deals, Barceló Hotels are an excellent choice.
Chichen Itza
3 hours from Cancun by road you will find the most important ancient city of the Mayan world: Chichen Itza.
This ancient city of the Mayan civilization is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and important structures such as the Temple of the Jaguar, the Ball Game and above all, the famous Kukulkan Pyramid are still preserved in very good conditions.
On leaving the site you can complete your visit by going to the spectacular Il Kil cenote and take a dip in its waters.
Cancun City
Although the city of Cancun is a less touristic area, here you will probably see the real place.
During your walk through the city, in Parque de las Palapas you can get to know the essence of Cancun, as well as try the local Mexican food in one of its restaurants such as Taquería Coapeñitos, Lonchería El Pocito or La Fonda Mexicana, where you can taste dishes like cochinita pibil, lime soup, tacos, burritos, quesadillas and the famous aguas frescas. If you prefer to eat fish, ceviche or seafood, a visit to Pescaditos restaurant is the best option.
In Cancun city you will also find many souvenir stores, especially in one of the craft stalls at Mercado 28, located next to Plaza Bonita. And at the Tequila Museum you can learn all about the process of making this Mexican alcoholic beverage and take home a bottle as a souvenir.
If you still have time and have not had the opportunity to see any Mayan ruins, you can visit the archaeological site of El Meco or San Miguelito.
Isla Mujeres
To get to Isla Mujeres, you must take a boat from Puerto Juarez to get there.
This island is very close to the Cancun’s hotel zone, and has crystal clear waters and white sands worthy of being considered a paradise. Here, you can snorkel or dive in its shallow waters full of coral reefs and admire its tropical fauna.
Between Isla Mujeres and Cancun is located the Museo Subacuático de Arte: an underwater museum where you can see more than 500 submerged sculptures. This museum is one of the most original sites in Cancun, and the sculptures are made of a special marine material that allows the proliferation of corals.
Tulum
The ruins of Tulum are located on top of a small cliff with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean in the background, and is one of the most beautiful places to see in the Riviera Maya. This archaeological site preserves some important structures such as the Temple of the Frescoes and El Castillo. This place can be perfectly toured in about two hours and you can finish by taking a swim at the beach located just below the ruins.
