Mexico

Things to do in Cancun

Cancun is the gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula: a 22 km hotel strip on the Caribbean, with Mayan sites, cenotes and islands within reach. Most visitors use it as a base for Chichen Itza, Tulum, Isla Mujeres and the eco parks of the Riviera Maya, so the day trips matter more than the city itself.

  • Chichen Itza day trip with cenote swim
  • Isla Mujeres catamaran and snorkelling
  • Tulum ruins and beach
  • Xcaret or Xel-Ha park tickets

Experiences in Cancun

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Outdoor and natureHikes, kayaks and nature trips within easy reach of the city.

Top-rated experiences in Cancun

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Highlights

  • Chichen Itza day trip with cenote swim
  • Isla Mujeres catamaran and snorkelling
  • Tulum ruins and beach
  • Xcaret or Xel-Ha park tickets
  • Snorkelling at MUSA, the underwater museum
  • Cenote tour on the Ruta de los Cenotes

Best time to visit

December to April is dry and sunny, with peak prices around Christmas, New Year and Easter. Hurricane season runs from June to November, most active from August to October, and sargassum seaweed can reach the beaches from spring to late summer.

Getting around

R-1 and R-2 buses run the length of the Hotel Zone and into downtown day and night; taxis are not metered, so agree the fare first. ADO buses link the airport with downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Local tips

  • Leave for Chichen Itza early: it is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road and the site gets hot and busy by late morning.
  • Many cenotes and marine parks only allow biodegradable sunscreen, or ask you to shower before swimming.
  • Pay in Mexican pesos rather than dollars; prices quoted in dollars in the Hotel Zone are usually rounded up.

Day trips from Cancun

  • Chichen Itza
  • Tulum
  • Isla Mujeres
  • Cozumel
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Cancun?

The most booked experiences in Cancun are Chichen Itza day trip with cenote swim, Isla Mujeres catamaran and snorkelling, Tulum ruins and beach and Xcaret or Xel-Ha park tickets.

When is the best time to visit Cancun?

December to April is dry and sunny, with peak prices around Christmas, New Year and Easter. Hurricane season runs from June to November, most active from August to October, and sargassum seaweed can reach the beaches from spring to late summer.

How do I get around Cancun?

R-1 and R-2 buses run the length of the Hotel Zone and into downtown day and night; taxis are not metered, so agree the fare first. ADO buses link the airport with downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Do I need to book tours in Cancun in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Cancun?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Mexico City1295 km awayNew York2489 km awaySan Francisco3874 km awayCusco4186 km away