Flight Booking Tour Package
Best Tourist Places to Visit in Cancun

12 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Cancun 2024

Cancun is a gateway of the Yucatan Peninsula to the magical world of Mayan pyramids and ruins, beautiful crystal caves at Rio Secreto, pristine beaches, and much more. You can lounge next to turquoise Caribbean Sea water with a margarita in hand, trek nearby forests and landscapes, or experience adventure sports at Extreme Adventure Eco Park.

Cancun offers something for everyone. Make a plan and explore what awaits you!!

List of 12 Places to Visit in Cancun that Gives a Glimpse of Mayan Legacy

Get ready to fall in love with these captivating destinations in the Cancun region as we take you through 12 places to visit in Cancun for an experience to cherish forever.

  • Chichen Itza | One of the Seven Wonders on the Earth
  • Isla Mujeres | An Island in the Caribbeans
  • Playa Delfines | A Quiet Beach
  • Playa Tortugas | A Popular Beach for Turtles and More
  • El Rey Ruins | A Mayan Archaeological Site
  • The Maya Museum | A Large Convention Complex
  • Cancun Underwater Museum | Seabed-Based Attraction
  • El Meco Archaeological Site | A Prominent Mayan Trade Centre
  • Interactive Aquarium | Marine Life of Cancun
  • Xcaret and Scenic Tower | A Theme Park and Other Facilities
  • Urbano Kabah Park | The Natural Oasis in Cancun
  • Extreme Adventure Eco Park | Adventure Sports, Trekking and More

1. Chichen Itza | One of the Seven Wonders on the Earth

A must-visit site for history geeks and culture lovers, the Chichen Itza has several amazing facts you should experience first-hand. UNESCO named it World Heritage Site in 1998. During a global survey, the ancient Mayan city was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Prominent monuments within the ancient city premises are El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulkan, a rotund observatory, a ball court, a market, and the Temple of Warriors.

  • Location: Yucatan Peninsula, around 200 km from Cancun resort town
  • Best Time to Visit: November to April
  • Entry Fees: 533 Pesos (26 US Dollars)

2. Isla Mujeres | An Island in the Caribbeans

Want to experience the pure island environment? Head to Isla Mujeres to explore the unique island for everyone in the Cancun region. It is a perfect place to spend with friends and family or unwind for precious ‘me’ time. The island offers white sand beaches and water sports, including snorkelling, diving, and serene turquoise Caribbean waters.

  • Location: The meeting point of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, around 13 km off the Yucatan Peninsula
  • Best Time to Visit: December to March
  • Entry Fees: 30 Pesos

3. Playa Delfines | A Quiet Beach

Cancun is popular for its beautiful picturesque beaches. Playa Delfines, or Dolphin Beach, is the local’s favourite among tourists who want an uninterrupted beach view. In the early morning, you can view dolphins, once common sightings, from El Mirador (a lookout platform).

Major highlights of this beautiful beach are a long stretch of white sand with endless views and turquoise waves, thatched-roof shade structures known as Palapa, traditional Mexican food, sandcastlers, surfers, and more.

  • Location: Southernmost Point of Zona Hotelera
  • Best Time to Visit: March, April, May and August are best for pleasant weather, and July is perfect for swimmers
  • Entry Fees: Free

4. Playa Tortugas | A Popular Beach for Turtles and More

If DJ playing on the beach, high-rises in the backdrop, and crowd are not your thing, the calm atmosphere of Playa Tortugas is just the place for you. It is the second-best beach destination in Cancun, a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Highlights of the beach are clean white sands, a relaxed atmosphere, water sports, open-air restaurants, an excellent evening dining experience and much more.

You can also hire umbrellas and chairs on rent and travel to Isla Mujeres through ferries departing daily.

  • Location: Northern Part of the Cancun
  • Best Time to Visit: December Holidays to Spring Breaks
  • Entry Fees: Free

*It is advisable to check weather conditions before stepping out to the beach to avoid surprises)

5. El Rey Ruins | A Mayan Archaeological Site

Visiting El Rey Ruins is one of the best things to do in Cancun to explore the rich history and culture of Mayan Civilisation. And also, photo-session with hundreds of Iguanas around here. The ancient Mayan city is easily accessible to tourists and locals. El Ray town was a central hub for maritime trade in its heydays around 1200 A.D.

Highlights of this pre-Columbian Mayan Cultural site are a pyramid temple, around 50 buildings and ruins, ancient architecture, large tiered designs, columns, and more.

  • Location: Kukulkan Blvd., 17 km from Zona Hotelera
  • Best Time to Visit/ Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; visit early morning to avoid crowds and rush.
  • Entry Fees: 55 Pesos

6. The Maya Museum | A Large Convention Complex

From traditional cuisines to culture to festivals, the Mayan civilisation has had a deep impact on Mexicans. Learn and explore everything you need to know about one of the greatest civilisations of the human race, renowned for art, mathematics, architecture, calendar, and astronomical system. Highlights of the Maya Museum are Mayan art and history exhibits, a collection of over 3500 Mayan artefacts, a forest path to San Miguelito, La Mujer de las Palmas and many more.

La Mujer de las Palmas (The Woman of the Palms) is the 12000-year-old skeleton of a woman unearthed near Tulum in a cenote. Once a thriving Mayan community, San Miguelito is now left with crumbling stone structures, dwellings, stone temples, etc.

  • Location: Southern Area of Hotel Zone in Cancun
  • Best Time to Visit/Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
  • Entry Fees: 90 Pesos (internal and external exhibits)

7. Cancun Underwater Museum of Art | Seabed-Based Attraction

Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) is a beautiful display of underwater sculptures. MUSA opened to the public in 2010 and is one of the most-visited tourist spots in Cancun. Explore the underwater museum for more than 500 well-reserved sculptures, most made by Jason deCaires Taylor. Two galleries of the museum are submerged between 2 to 10 meters deep.

You can enjoy glass-bottomed boats and snorkelling with family, friends and kids. It’s a great option to have fun while exploring these preserved sculptures.

  • Location: Quintana Roo
  • Best Time to Visit/Visiting Hours: Daily 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  • Entry Fees: Starts from around 513 Mexican Pesos

8. El Meco Archaeological Site | A Prominent Mayan Trade Centre

El Meco is another archaeological site from Mayan Era with remarkable historical significance. You can explore the impact of Mayans on the Castillo staircase decorated with serpent heads, and Itzamma influence all around. Archaeological findings believe the place was used as a maritime point, suitable given its location. Visitors can experience lagoons, the Caribbean Sea, and Isla Mujeres from the top of the Castillo.

  • Location: North of Cancun on the route to Puerto Juarez and Punta Sam
  • Best Time to Visit/Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Everyday
  • Entry Fees: 70 Pesos

9. Interactive Aquarium | Marine Life of Cancun

Enjoy the marine life of Cancun up and close at this aesthetically designed interactive aquarium. Major attractions for visitors include touching sea urchins and starfish, a fish tank area to learn about different species, an aquarium trek, swimming with dolphins, dolphin presentations, and much more.

  • Location: Blvd. Kukulkan Km. 12.5 Hotel Zone, Cancun
  • Best Time to Visit/Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Everyday
  • Entry Fees: Start from 285.50 Pesos

10. Xcaret and Scenic Tower | A Theme Park and Other Facilities

Xcaret and Scenic Tower is the best place for a panoramic view of the Cancun Hotel Zone, the Caribbean Sea, Nichuopte Lagoon, and more. Book your Cancun trip to view the best beach destinations of Latin America from this vantage point.

Location: Blvd. Kukulkan Km. 4.5, Zona Hotelera

Best Time to Visit/Visiting Hours: 

  • Monday to Friday-7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
  • Saturday and Sunday- 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Entry Fees: 

  • Adults (12+ years)- US$ 120.99
  • Kids (5-11 years)- US $ 90.74

11. Urbano Kabah Park | The Natural Oasis in Cancun

The natural oasis and lung of the city, Urbano Kabah Park gives a natural getaway from the chaos of the city. The park opened in 1995 and has emerged as a prominent tourist spot over the years. This 41-hectare natural reserve for diverse species preservation has many attractions for visitors. Highlights of the park are the rich presence of flora and fauna and green space for recreational activities with family and friends.

  • Location: Av. Kabah Av. Nichupte, Cancun
  • Best Time to Visit/ Visiting Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Everyday
  • Entry Fees: Free

12. Extreme Adventure Eco Park | Adventure Sports, Trekking and More


Looking for some adventure? Come and explore Extreme Adventure Eco Park in Cancun. This adventure-dedicated park offers several activities. Some prominent adventures are Extreme Adventuring Single and Shared ATV, Extreme Horse Back Riding, Cenotes Adventure, Extreme snorkelling, City & Taco Tours, and more.

  • Location: Ruta de los Cenotes, Puerto Morelos, Cancun
  • Best Time to Visit/ Visiting Hours: Depends upon the activities, reservations start at 9:30 AM
  • Entry Fees: Starts from US$ 99

Visit Adotrip.com to book customised packages to explore Cancun, its culture, marine life, recreational spots, history, and architecture through a guided tour. Our curated tour packages ensure fun and comfort. You explore premium services to avail of amazing deals and discounts. Book flights, hotels, buses, and trains with us and explore Cancun at its best.

Also Read: Places To Visit In Cancun

With us, nothing is far!

Book Cancun Tour Packages

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Tourist Places to Visit in Cancun

Q. What are the top attractions to visit in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the top places to visit in Cancun are-

  • Chichen Itza| One of the Seven Wonders on the Earth
  • Isla Mujeres| An Island in the Caribbeans
  • Playa Delfines| A Quiet Beach
  • Playa Tortugas| A Popular Beach for Turtles and More
  • El Rey Ruins| A Mayan Archaeological Site
  • The Maya Museum| A Large Convention Complex
  • Cancun Underwater Museum| Seabed-Based Attraction
  • El Meco Archaeological Site| A Prominent Mayan Trade Centre
  • Interactive Aquarium| Marine Life of Cancun
  • Xcaret and Scenic Tower| A Theme Park and Other Facilities
  • Urbano Kabah Park| The Natural Oasis in Cancun
  • Extreme Adventure Eco Park| Adventure Sports, Trekking and More

Q. What are some historical landmarks in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the historical landmarks of Cancun are-

  • El Rey Ruins
  • El Meco Archaeological Site
  • Chichen Itza
  • Xel Ha Park
  • Ek Balam (Yucatec-Mayan Archaeological Site)

Q. What are some cultural landmarks in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the prominent cultural landmarks in Cancun are-

  • El Ray Archaeological Zone
  • Chichen Itza
  • Kohunlich Archaeological Site
  • MUSA Underwater Museum
  • Zona Arqueologica de Ek Balam

Q. What are some fun activities to do in Cancun with kids?
A. 
Cancun offers beaches, museums, parks and lots more places to enjoy your trip with family and kids. Some of the prominent destinations for fun activities with kids are-

  • Ventura Park
  • Playa Delfines
  • Playa Tortugas
  • Xcaret
  • Parque de las Palapas

Q. What are some hidden gems to discover in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the hidden gems of Cancun are-

  • Pas Pozas, a sculpture garden in the Mexican rainforest
  • Playa du Akumal, a sugary-white picture-perfect beach
  • Xoximilco Cancun, a floating fiesta of Mexico
  • Puerto Morelos, a seaside town with a leaning lighthouse
  • Punta Cancun Lighthouse

Q. What are some great shopping destinations in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the famous shopping destinations in Cancun are-

  • La Isla, famous for shopping malls
  • Mercado 28, 23, and 272 flea and street markets
  • Fashion Harbour, shopping malls
  • Puerto Cancun Marina Town Centre
  • Flea Market Coral Negro
  • La Isla Paradise Experience

Q. What are some of the best places to eat in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the best places to try authentic Cancun cuisine are-

  • Harry’s-Cancun
  • Restaurante Careyes
  • Divina Carne
  • Abolengo Cancun
  • Nicoletta
  • Umami
  • Carajillo Cancun
  • Restaurante Cua
  • Restaurente Kaajal
  • El Oasis Mariscos

Q. What are some popular tours to take in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the top tours to take in Cancun are-

  • Chichen Itza Tour
  • Tulum Full-Day Explorer Tour
  • Jungle Buggy Adventure
  • Luxury Sailing and Snorkelling
  • Tour of Paradise Islands
  • Coba and Reef Adventure
  • Food and Drink Tour

Q. What are some of the best beaches to visit in Cancun?
A. 
Some of the most popular beaches in Cancun are-

  • Playa Delfines
  • Playa Caracol
  • Playa Chac Mool
  • Playa Langosta
  • Playa Marlin

Q. What are some of the best day trips to take from Cancun?
A. 
Some of the popular day trips from Cancun are-

  • Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All Inclusive Tour
  • Chichen Itza, Buffet Lunch, Cenote, Tequila Tasting and Valladolid
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Open Bar and Transportation from Hotel
  • Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkelling, Cenote and Caves
  • Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran with an Open Bar

--- Published By  Adotrip

Flight Booking Tour Package
chatbot
icon

Subscribe Our Newsletter To Get Exclusive Discounts & Offers In Your Inbox

Download Adotrip App Or Simply Subscribe To Get Exclusive Offers On Flights, Hotels, Buses And More

whatsapp

May I Help you