5 Top Rated Things to do in Cancun, Mexico
While Cancun may be known for its beautiful sandy beaches, there’s plenty of other things to do besides sunbathe in and around the city. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a list of the top five attractions that are a must for any Cancun vacation.
Historical Ruins
The area surrounding Cancun was once home to a number of Mayan villages, and no Cancun vacation is complete without taking a trip to these nearby historical ruins. Discover the Chichén Itzá archaeological site where visitors can climb the pyramid steps at the Temple of Kukulkan (also known as El Castillo). The coastal town of Tulum is another popular destination. Tulum served as a port for the nearby Coba, a former major city site that is at the heart of a series of impressive stone causeways. However, El Rey is by far the most convenient archeological site to visit, as it is right in the center of the Hotel Zone. While El Rey is smaller than other local ruins, it makes up for it with the convenient location — and a large colony of friendly iguanas!
Downtown Cancun
While many other parts of Mexico can be dangerous for tourists, Cancun is a very safe city with no US travel advisory against the area. This means you can take full advantage of what Cancun has to offer in addition to and at much lower prices than the typical tourist-centric areas. To get started, simply book a taxi for downtown (aka El Centro) from the Hotel Zone. There you’ll find hip bars, authentic Mexican food, live music, and interesting souvenirs.
Selvatica
Selvatica is a unique “adventure park” that’s received international attention as the place for anyone craving outdoor fun. Guests can enjoy exploring the jungle, driving ATVs, flying by on zip lines, taking the plunge with bungee jumping, and strolling above it all with SkyWalk aerial bridges. Those looking for a more relaxing activity can take a dip in one of the onsite cenotes, gorgeous natural limestone swimming holes that dot Selvatica’s grounds. Selvatica also offers transportation to and from local hotels, lockers to stow valuables, and delicious food and beverages.
Underwater Museum of Art
The Mexican Caribbean off the coast features clean, pristine waters with high visibility. Taking advantage of this setting is the MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte), one of the largest underwater sculpture parks in the world. MUSA features over 500 life-sized sculptures by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor depicting the history of the Mayan people, along with newer pieces from other artists. All statues are made from coral-safe materials that promote the recovery of the natural reef ecosystem surrounding Cancun. Guests can experience the museum through guided tours on glass-bottom boats or through diving or snorkeling within the site itself.
Matrix Spa & Massage
The Matrix Spa & Massage is the #1 massage spa in Cancun, beating out some high-quality competition in this resort town. Matrix features a wide variety of different massage styles, including deep tissue massage, sports massage, hot stone massage, chair massage, and pregnancy massage. The spa also offer facials and reflexology services to make sure guests are relaxed from head to toe.
No matter what you’re into, Cancun is an international vacation destination where you’ll never be bored!
