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What to Do in Cancun

Relax on the Beaches

Cancun, known as the gateway to the Yucatan, is lined by famous beaches. With their pale white sands, aquamarine waters, and pleasant breezes, the beaches of Cancun are perfect if you're looking to relax on your vacation. Whether you're sipping on a locally made tequila or swimming in the warm waters, these beaches will whisk you away to a tropical paradise.

Party at the Coco Bongo

Cancun is known for its exciting nightlife, and there’s no better place to party than at the Coco Bongo. Not your standard dancefloor, Coco Bongo is Cirque du Soleil meets nightclub meets theater. Featuring live performances, acrobats, conga lines, and movie clips projected onto large TV screens, it's a nonstop show. Drink your cocktails as bubbles, balloons, and confetti fall around you.

Swim in the Cenotes

Cenotes, natural pools formed in limestone caves, dot the Yucatan Peninsula, and some of the best are just a thirty-minute drive from Cancun. The Cenotes are filled with crystal-clear, cool water offering a respite from the warm Mexican weather. Whether you swim, snorkel, or scuba dive through the pools, exploring the Cenotes is a perfect way to experience the natural wonder of Mexico.

What to See in Cancun

Chichen Itza Maya Ruins

Visit the Chichen Itza Maya Ruins for a taste of history. Famous for its ancient buildings and statues, the oldest of which was built around 450 AD, it’s considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The centrepiece is the 98-foot El Castillo step-pyramid, a temple dedicated to the deity Kukulcan. Located three hours from Cancun, we recommend getting there early to avoid tourists.

Xcaret Park

Opened in 1990 and known as "Mexico's sacred paradise," Xcaret Park is a 250-acre eco-archaeological theme park built in the natural Mexican landscape. During the day, enjoy jungle trails, caverns, underground rivers, ziplining, snorkeling, aquariums, greenhouses, and butterfly farms. Then, in the evening, witness the two-hour night show celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of Mexico.

Lucha Libre Shows

Lucha libre shows are a staple of Mexican culture. This colorful form of wrestling is known for its outrageous masks, good versus evil storylines, and dazzling maneuvers. Shows can be experienced in Downtown Cancun at the Arena Cancun, and as you watch, snack on tacos and beer. Matches usually end with a luchador thrown from the ring, so catch a show if you're looking for a spectacle.

Where to Stay in Cancun

Zona Hotelera

Translated to the Hotel Zone, the Zona Hotelera is a one-size-fits-all area for tourists to Cancun. Comprising a 15-mile strip of beach, the Zona Hotelera has everything you'd need for a Cancun vacation. Luxury hotels and resorts, shops, bars, and restaurants line the beaches, all looking out onto the beautiful Caribbean waters. No wonder this is the most popular area in Cancun.

Punta Cancun

For party animals, there is no better place than Punta Cancun. Located in the northeasternmost tip of the Zona Hotelera, this area of Cancun never rests. Visit hip bars and cool nightclubs and dance away the night listening to local and international DJs. Punta Cancun is also the home of the Coco Bongo, which is an experience in and of itself.

Downtown (El Centro)

Looking to get away from other tourists? Then there's no better area than Downtown Cancun. Downtown is where the locals live, so if you're looking for a real taste of Cancunense culture, this is your spot. Local cuisine, shopping, and outdoor markets all contribute to an authentic vibe. Prices here tend to be lower than the Zona Hotelera too, so budget travelers, look no further.

Relax on the Beaches

Cancun, known as the gateway to the Yucatan, is lined by famous beaches. With their pale white sands, aquamarine waters, and pleasant breezes, the beaches of Cancun are perfect if you're looking to relax on your vacation. Whether you're sipping on a locally made tequila or swimming in the warm waters, these beaches will whisk you away to a tropical paradise.

Party at the Coco Bongo

Cancun is known for its exciting nightlife, and there’s no better place to party than at the Coco Bongo. Not your standard dancefloor, Coco Bongo is Cirque du Soleil meets nightclub meets theater. Featuring live performances, acrobats, conga lines, and movie clips projected onto large TV screens, it's a nonstop show. Drink your cocktails as bubbles, balloons, and confetti fall around you.

Swim in the Cenotes

Cenotes, natural pools formed in limestone caves, dot the Yucatan Peninsula, and some of the best are just a thirty-minute drive from Cancun. The Cenotes are filled with crystal-clear, cool water offering a respite from the warm Mexican weather. Whether you swim, snorkel, or scuba dive through the pools, exploring the Cenotes is a perfect way to experience the natural wonder of Mexico.

Chichen Itza Maya Ruins

Visit the Chichen Itza Maya Ruins for a taste of history. Famous for its ancient buildings and statues, the oldest of which was built around 450 AD, it’s considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The centrepiece is the 98-foot El Castillo step-pyramid, a temple dedicated to the deity Kukulcan. Located three hours from Cancun, we recommend getting there early to avoid tourists.

Xcaret Park

Opened in 1990 and known as "Mexico's sacred paradise," Xcaret Park is a 250-acre eco-archaeological theme park built in the natural Mexican landscape. During the day, enjoy jungle trails, caverns, underground rivers, ziplining, snorkeling, aquariums, greenhouses, and butterfly farms. Then, in the evening, witness the two-hour night show celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of Mexico.

Lucha Libre Shows

Lucha libre shows are a staple of Mexican culture. This colorful form of wrestling is known for its outrageous masks, good versus evil storylines, and dazzling maneuvers. Shows can be experienced in Downtown Cancun at the Arena Cancun, and as you watch, snack on tacos and beer. Matches usually end with a luchador thrown from the ring, so catch a show if you're looking for a spectacle.

Zona Hotelera

Translated to the Hotel Zone, the Zona Hotelera is a one-size-fits-all area for tourists to Cancun. Comprising a 15-mile strip of beach, the Zona Hotelera has everything you'd need for a Cancun vacation. Luxury hotels and resorts, shops, bars, and restaurants line the beaches, all looking out onto the beautiful Caribbean waters. No wonder this is the most popular area in Cancun.

Punta Cancun

For party animals, there is no better place than Punta Cancun. Located in the northeasternmost tip of the Zona Hotelera, this area of Cancun never rests. Visit hip bars and cool nightclubs and dance away the night listening to local and international DJs. Punta Cancun is also the home of the Coco Bongo, which is an experience in and of itself.

Downtown (El Centro)

Looking to get away from other tourists? Then there's no better area than Downtown Cancun. Downtown is where the locals live, so if you're looking for a real taste of Cancunense culture, this is your spot. Local cuisine, shopping, and outdoor markets all contribute to an authentic vibe. Prices here tend to be lower than the Zona Hotelera too, so budget travelers, look no further.

More Destinations to Explore

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