It's somewhat ironic that Cancún gives off such a decided here-and-now vibe—there always seems to be a new hotel or condo on the drawing board or under construction—when the Yucatán Peninsula is so rich in archeological ruins that exude a timeless sense of antiquity. The legacies in stone left behind by the Maya people are some of the region's most compelling and mysterious sights.
Around the same time Europe was floundering in the Dark Ages, the Maya had developed a hieroglyphic writing system and mapped out the heavens with a calendar that served as a prototype for those used today. They also were skilled at clearing thick jungle to plant crops, building underground reservoirs to store seasonal rainwater and constructing limestone road networks to facilitate trade and travel.
Historical Ruins to Visit
Chichen Itza, Yucatán is the most famous of all Maya ruins and one of the top things to do near Cancún. This archeological zone is about 125 miles west of Cancún but easily reached by car via toll highway Mex. 180-D. If you arrange to spend the night at one of the hotels just outside the ruins, you'll free yourself from the tight schedule of a guided tour. And this AAA GEM place is well worth the extra time for its amazing pyramids and temples, which are monumental in scope and architecturally fascinating.
Chichén Itzá's focal point is The Castle (El Castillo). Perfectly symmetrical, this 100-foot-high pyramid has 91 steps on each of its four sides. Nearby is another impressive building, the Temple of the Warriors , which is embellished with decorative carvings. Note the preponderance of skulls, serpent heads and jaguars incorporated into Maya structures, all images underscoring the warlike nature of the people.
What to Do on a Rainy Day
Get up close and personal with marine creatures with a trip to the Interactive Aquarium Cancún in La Isla Shopping Village. Manta rays and sea turtles can be touched, and display tanks house sea horses, groupers, barracudas, bull sharks and many other species. Interacting or swimming with dolphins and feeding sharks also can be experienced for an additional fee. This is a good activity when you're looking for things to do in Cancún on a rainy day.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
Cancún's beaches, of course, are its most valuable natural asset. The water is absolutely beautiful, the sand is soft and it's warm enough to swim year-round. If you're staying at a beachfront property it's easy and convenient to use the stretch associated with your hotel. Keep in mind, however, that all beaches in Mexico are federally owned and therefore accessible to anyone.
Playa Langosta (beginning at Km marker 5 on Boulevard Kukulcán) and Playa Tortugas (roughly between Km markers 6 and 8) front the calm, shallow waters of Mujeres Bay, which makes them good for wading, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and such water toys as wave runners. Restaurants are within easy walking distance, and Playa Tortugas has public restrooms and changing areas. Tortugas is especially popular with local families on Sundays, when most people have the day off.
Playa Marlín, between the La Isla and Plaza Kukulcán malls (around Km marker 13 on Boulevard Kukulcán), offers nice views and is good for surfing. Playa Delfines is in the vicinity of Km marker 18 on Boulevard Kukulcán. This beach is known as “El Mirador” (the Vantage Point) for its panoramic lookout over the water. There also is a small public parking lot right off the boulevard. Keep in mind that the Caribbean beaches can have strong undertows and large waves that make swimming potentially hazardous. Heed the posted warning flags; green means conditions are safe.
Isla Mujeres is an easy day trip by boat from Cancún; via public ferry the ride takes about 45 minutes. Explore the narrow cobblestone streets and do some shopping on waterfront Avenida Rueda Medina or pedestrian-only Avenida Hidalgo (two blocks inland). The big tourist attraction is Garrafón Park . The easiest way to enjoy all the activities this marine park offers is to spring for a round-trip cruise ship package; your hotel or a local travel agency can provide details about vacation packages.
Day Trips from Cancún
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Xcaret (pronounced ISH-car-et) is about an hour south of Cancún. You name it and this AAA GEM attraction has it—snorkeling, floating along an underground river, exploring subterranean caverns, wildlife viewing (deer, tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, flamingos, butterflies), a living coral reef aquarium, a re-created Mayan village, even a granja de hongos (mushroom farm). The park is great fun for kids while also emphasizing conservation and preserving Mayan history and culture in the form of a dazzling evening show. Organized all-day excursions depart regularly from Cancún's Hotel Zone.
See all the AAA recommended attractions for this destination.