Cancun what do

The entire coast of the Riviera Maya is dotted with cenotes, nearly 7, in total. Some cenotes are open to the sun and surrounded by tropical trees and hanging vines — great for a swim or snorkel, while others are parts of vast, underground cave and river systems, fun to scuba through on a guided tour. Access is usually granted for a small entry fee, with life jackets and snorkel masks to rent onsite; Dos Ojos even has flashlights for cavern snorkeling and diving.

For a more in depth exploration of the underwater cave systems, contact Cancun Scuba Center. Get Ready to Rumble with Lucha Libre Lucha libre is a uniquely Mexican version of pro-wrestling, emphasizing aerial maneuvers, choreographed acrobatics, wild personalities, and of course the famous masks.

Events usually have around five bouts, with each fight lasting for three rounds and always spilling outside the ring. Beer, soda, and snacks are for sale throughout the event. Over sculptures by six artists were designed and installed to encourage the growth of coral and replenish the habitat of tropical marine life. Subjects include giant hands, naval mines, VW Beetles, and life-sized people modeled after Cancun locals. Already the largest artificial reef in the world, the museum is still expanding; as the older artworks become obscured by wildlife, new installations are added.

The Enchanted Wood, featuring artworks blending land animals and trees, will make up the next permanent installation.

There are a few ways to visit MUSA, including by glass-bottom boat or snorkeling for the two Cancun locations or by scuba diving in the Isla Mujeres portion. Loggerhead, green, and hawksbill sea turtles are the most common, though sometimes giant leatherback sea turtles the largest turtle in the world and fourth heaviest reptile make appearances, too. From May through October, female sea turtles come ashore every night to dig nests and lay dozens of eggs each.

The eggs hatch and the babies swim out to sea in July through December. The lagoon is also an ideal spot to watch the sunset. Exploring Nichupte Lagoon may not top every list of what to do in Cancun, Mexico but we feel it deserves a spot on ours.

The museum houses three exhibit areas where they display over 3, artifacts on a rotational basis. Here you can learn all about the ancient Maya and their interesting history and how it relates to the Yucatan Peninsula where Cancun is situated. The museum entrance also includes access to the San Miguelito Archaeological site that sits on the same property.

The water is warm and clear and the sea life is abundant and amazing so diving is definitely a top thing to do in Cancun. You can arrange a diving excursion or rent equipment at many of the scuba diving shops. Again, with the warm and clear waters, Cancun is a great place to learn to scuba dive. Click here for scuba diving courses, tours and rentals.

If you want a more Mexican shopping experience and lower prices head into downtown Cancun and visit Mercado As with most markets in Mexico the prices are not really set and haggling is expected so be ready to go back and forth and never pay the first price asked.

Mercado 28 is also a good spot to try some traditional local food that can be hard to find in the Hotel Zone. If swimming with sea turtles is on your bucket list Cancun and Riviera Maya will check that box for you especially if you make a trip out to beaches like Akumal. You can even participate in sea turtle conservation efforts at many of the resorts or visit the turtle conservation center on Isla Mujeres.

If you visit between June and September you can join a whale shark tour. However, they are endangered so there are strict regulations around swimming with them. Your tour guide will instruct you on these rules and hopefully make sure everyone follows them. Check here for pricing and tickets to Ventura Park. Visiting an ancient Mayan archaeological site is one of our top things to do in Cancun. The site is more than 1, years old and is home to 47 structures including a pyramid temple.

El Meco is the closest archaeological site outside of Cancun. It may just be you and the many iguanas as you wander the grounds and admire the nearly 1,year-old ruins that have been taken back from the jungle. The combination of moderate-sized waves plus warm water and spectacular scenery make Cancun a great place to learn to surf.

There are several surf schools and board rentals around Cancun to show you the ropes and get you started. Despite what you may experience at the many touristy bars Mexicans take their tequila seriously, like wine or craft beer lovers back in the USA.

Good tequila is meant to be sipped not slammed back with lime and salt. A good tequila tasting will explain all about the history of this potent drink as well as introduce you to the many styles and types. The Xperiencias Xcaret family of theme parks has created a tribute to that site with a similar version of the colorful, cultural Mexican tradition.

Here you can spend a few hours floating on a brightly colored Mexican gondola and have fun in a carnival atmosphere complete with traditional music, dancing, singing and games. Of course, no authentic Mexican experience is complete without plenty of local food and drink and Xoximilco has that covered as well. Experience an ancient Mayan purification ceremony led by a shaman in a tiny domed hut. The shaman pours water and herbs over hot rocks to create a sauna or sweat lodge as they chant or play music to induce a meditative state.

The ritual lasts from minutes and is meant to get rid of toxins and cleanse the body, mind, and spirit leaving you with a sense of well-being and healing. Several of the resorts around Cancun offer Temazcal and there are also companies who offer it as a tour including transportation and refreshments.

The food and drinks are expensive for Mexico but are consistently good and the atmosphere and service always create a festive atmosphere. After 8 pm Senor Frogs becomes more of a nightclub with themed shenanigans like foam parties and open bar options.

Another popular place to zip line is Selvatica which has a 10 zip line course. In fact, we believe that eating tacos is one of the best activities to do in Cancun! The tortillas are always made fresh and the fillings can be the familiar beef, pork, chicken and seafood or the more unusual like goat, tongue, pigskin, tripe or even goat head.

Even if you stick with the familiar be sure to try the traditional and delicious Tacos al Pastor. For anyone that loves Mexican food, doing a taco tour is one of the best things to do in Cancun, Mexico.

As you can see there is almost no end of things to do in Cancun, Mexico. It really is so much more than beaches and parties. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of these links we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is one way that we earn an income that allows us to keep this site running. We are grateful for your support.

Live Dream Discover is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon. Do you love Mexico as much as we do?

Or have you just started to explore the many awesome destinations this vast country has to offer? Either way the following articles may be of interest. What to Pack for Cancun and Yucatan, Mexico.

Throw a couple of swimsuits and a sundress in a bag and good to go! However, we have found that is not the case. Check out our ultimate packing list for Cancun. Having spent many months in this beautiful part of the country we can tell you from personal experience that a day at one of the Experiencias Xcaret Parks is a must.

But, which adventure eco-park should you pick? Well, we hope to help with that decision by comparing the two most popular parks: Xel Ha vs Xcaret. If you like to scuba dive the Yucatan of Mexico is a perfect place to be. Not only can you experience superb ocean dives but also the unique sport of cenote diving.

Take a look at this intensive list of the best cenotes in Mexico and get ready for an otherwordly adventure! Born in England, Sarah developed her wanderlust at a young age as she traveled around Europe with her parents. Blanketed in miles upon miles of jungle, the area surrounding Cancun is primed for extreme adventure activities.

This includes everything from ATV tours to ziplining, diving cenotes, and everything in between. The half-day experience includes a combination adventure experience from Cancun.

Activities include off-roading in an ATV, ziplining through the jungle, and swimming in a local cenote. Guests can be picked up from their Cancun hotel and will also be returned in an air-conditioned vehicle. From here, they are whisked off to the eco park, where an experienced guide will take you on a treetop tour through the zipline park. From here, climb aboard a Honda cc ATV for a trail ride down bumps, rocks, and roots. The experience caps off with a cooling plunge in a cenote.

Snacks are included on the tour, as well. We recommend these fun beachfront resorts in Cancun, each of which offers easy access to the region's top attractions, activities, and fun things to do:. Though smaller, the colonial city of Guanajuato is another good spot to explore for its attractive old architecture and fascinating subterranean road system.

Beachfront and Seaside : Thanks to its many splendid coral reefs, the island of Cozumel is particularly popular among those who enjoy water-based activities such as diving and snorkeling. The upscale resort destination of Cabo San Lucas is another good spot for those who enjoy lovely beaches and spectacular coastlines, as well as pleasant boardwalk strolls. Mexico Vacation Ideas : Mexico offers plenty of opportunities to learn more about the country's rich history while on vacation. The old city center of Morelia is also worth visiting and can be reached easily from either Mexico City or Guadalajara.

So, too, is Oaxaca , famous for its cathedral and traditional markets. Mexico Travel Guide. See also: Where to Stay in Cancun Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Address: Blvd Kukulkan km Exploring Tulum Mayan ruins at Tulum Tulum, just 90 minutes south, is a better option for those pressed for time. Chasing Adrenaline with Extreme Tours Jumping into a cenote in the Riviera Maya Blanketed in miles upon miles of jungle, the area surrounding Cancun is primed for extreme adventure activities.

Where to Stay in Cancun for Sightseeing We recommend these fun beachfront resorts in Cancun, each of which offers easy access to the region's top attractions, activities, and fun things to do: Luxury Hotels : Leading the way in luxury, The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun beachfront hotel boasts elegant sea-view rooms, sumptuous bedding, award-winning restaurants, a choice of lovely swimming pools, a kids' club, and a wonderful spa.

Be sure to also look into availability and hotel deals at the Royal Service At Paradisus Cancun , a posh location with nine restaurants, an adults'-only section, plus sports activities including tennis and golf. Mid-Range Hotels : A mid-range favorite, Fiesta Americana Cancun Villas features large rooms, an outdoor pool, kids' and teens' clubs, plus Mexican-inspired spa treatments.

Cancun is generally regarded as the party capital of the Mayan Riviera and as such it has a thriving night scene. Cancun really gets wild during college Spring Break so if madness and mayhem are your thing, then book accordingly. Catamaran not fast enough for you? Then maybe you want to rent a jet boat in Cancun and go on a jungle expedition. There are several companies in Cancun that rent two seater speed boats and take you on a follow the guide, hold onto your hat and ride with mad dashes through mangrove lagoons and rivers.

The facility is made of seven different worlds and provides free meals and beverages for the visitors. Visitors keen on adventure can go zip lining, fans of water activities can enjoy the water slide park, the Fun World offers entertainment for the kids, the Grand Prix surprises with a spectacular go-kart track, the Underworld gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy Virtual Reality. Captain Hook Cancun is a dinner cruise and pirate show featuring three 18th century Spanish galleon replicas.

The ship sails the Nichupte Lagoon and sunset serves as a romantic backdrop for a romantic lobster dinner with the wine and soothing music. Generally, most of the nearby cenotes start in Puero Moralas, and run down the coast. That said Cenote Park itself is fairly nice. We suggest traveling outside of Cancun to visit a cenote.

There are small caves off to the side, and a zipline and cliff for jumping. Cenote Azul is one of the best known cenotes for Cancun visitors. Cenote dos Oyos is closer to Tulum than Cancun, making it a bit of a drive. That said, dos Oyos is one of our favorites. There are 47 buildings here that date to about A. D, with a pyramid shaped temple. It costs 55 pesos kids under 11 are free , and most people can see the entire site in about an hour.

The aquarium is inside La Isla Shopping Mall. Click here to read a helpful article from the Dodo that gives some of the reasons we never recommend swimming with dolphins. Xoximilco is a park designed by Xcaret. Many tours from Cancun include a tequila tasting, or stop by La Destilleria restaurant, where you can sample 3 types of tequila. The list goes on. A favorite of ours was when we took a ferry to Cozumel, and a bus then a high-speed ferry to Belize.