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Cancún, Mexico
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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
Most popular attractions in Cancún, Mexico
1. Museo Maya de Cancún
Explore Maya culture and an on-site cenote in a compact, modern museum. Interactive exhibits, original artifacts, and a scale model of the Yucatán bring the ancient world alive.
2. Isla Mujeres
A relaxed island escape with turquoise water and calm beaches. Stroll Playa Norte, snorkel clear reefs and zip around by golf cart.
3. Parque Las Palapas
A lively downtown park where locals gather for food, music and markets. Sample street tacos, catch live performances, and browse craft stalls under the evening lights.
Book a FREE walking tour in Cancún, Mexico
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Mercado 28
Authentic Mexican market atmosphere with affordable crafts and street food. Wander colorful stalls, bargain for souvenirs, and taste tacos from family-run stands.
5. Punta Nizuc
Shallow clear reef at Cancún's southern tip, perfect for close-up snorkeling. Expect bright corals, schooling fish and easy shore access for quick swims and photos.
6. Laguna Nichupté
Lush mangroves and calm waters behind Cancún's Hotel Zone make Laguna Nichupté worth visiting. Expect sunset boat rides, kayaking past herons, and skyline reflections.
7. Playa Tortugas
Calm shallow waters and easy access from the hotel zone make Playa Tortugas ideal for a relaxed beach break. Expect quick snorkeling, beach bars, and a lively pier scene.
Things to Do in Cancún, Mexico
Popular activities and local experiences recommended by travelers
Additional popular things to do in Cancún, Mexico
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Marquesitas
A crisp rolled crepe filled with sweet cheese and cajeta or chocolate, they originated in Yucatán and are a beloved street dessert in Cancún, served warm and crunchy.
Dulce de papaya con queso
Candied green papaya simmered in syrup and served with salty soft cheese, this sweet-and-salty pairing is a classic Yucatanecan dessert often found in Cancún's markets.
Cocadas
Chewy or toasted coconut sweets common along Mexico's Caribbean coast, cocadas celebrate the region's abundant coconuts and are a popular seaside treat in Cancún.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Cochinita pibil
Slow-roasted marinated pork traditionally cooked in banana leaves and achiote, cochinita pibil is a signature dish from the Yucatán peninsula and a must-try near Cancún.
Sopa de lima
A citrusy chicken or turkey broth flavored with local lima lime and fried tortilla strips, sopa de lima is a bright, comforting staple of Yucatecan cuisine served widely in Cancún.
Ceviche
Fresh local fish or shrimp cured in lime juice with onion, tomato, and cilantro, ceviche highlights Cancún's coastal seafood and is served at beachside stands and restaurants.
Traditional Beverages
Xtabentún
A unique Mayan liqueur made from fermented honey and anise, often traced to ancient ceremonial drinks and now enjoyed in Cancún as a sweet local spirit.
Agua de Jamaica
A tart, ruby-red hibiscus infusion served chilled, agua de Jamaica is a ubiquitous and refreshing agua fresca sold across Cancún's markets and eateries.
Horchata
A creamy rice-based agua fresca flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, horchata is a popular cooling drink that pairs well with spicy Yucatecan food in Cancún.
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Day trips
Isla Mujeres
Laid-back island with beaches and snorkeling
Google MapsComments (6)
Skip taxi lines, take the ADO bus from the airport to downtown or Playa del Carmen. Clean, cheap, shows up often and saves a ton.
Not bad, beaches are pretty but felt overrun by day trips. If you hate crowds maybe pick a morning swim and avoid peak hours.
Great weather in December, but the hotel zone is pricier than we thought. Street food was cheap and delicious, try the ceviche.
Walk 2 blocks inland from the hotel zone for real tacos and half the price. Pay in pesos and carry small bills, many stalls take cash only.
Amazing beaches and friendly locals, food markets were a highlight. Expect crowds but still worth 5 nights for chill and parties.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
N/A; Tren Maya planned to connect Cancún in the future
Use ADO buses or authorized airport shuttles to the hotel zone; prebook transfers during peak season.
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