Cancun’s Top Activities That Aren’t At The Beach

Cancun’s breathtaking and beautiful beaches with their soft white sands and turquoise waters are where most vacationers want to spend their time, which isn’t surprising because Cancun is known for having some of the most fabulous beaches in all of Mexico. However, did you know that there is so much more to Cancun than just its beautiful beaches and great weather? Cancun has a rich history, diverse culture, and naturally stunning environment with so much to offer vacationers. Visitors can visit famous ancient ruins or partake in various outdoor adventures. There is so much to do in Cancun besides just hitting the beach, where do we even start? Start by reading below to learn more.

Attend an Authentic Temazcal Ceremony

Have you ever heard of a temazcal ceremony? A temazcal ceremony is a traditional Mayan ritual that is a spiritual experience that is one of Cancun’s top activities. Visitors who join in the ceremony enjoy the benefits of positive energy and a sense of renewed health as well. The Temazcal hut has actual volcanic rocks inside that are heated up until they glow, creating a sauna like feel. As the ceremony progresses, the heat will increase and decrease according to the different rhythms and beats that are played in the background. In addition to the volcano rocks, heat and ancient music, aromas of delightful herbs will facilitate a peaceful and tranquil ambiance for the experience. To finish off one of Cancun’s top activities, refresh yourself with a cooling bath to conclude the ceremony and enjoy refreshments as well.

Swim in the Great Mayan Reef

Another one of Cancun’s top activities is to snorkel or scuba dive in the Great Mayan Reef which is over 1,000 kilometers long. The Great Mayan Reef stretches from the Yucatan Peninsula all the way down to Belize and Honduras. Travellers in Cancun can go snorkeling and swimming and enjoy getting up close and personal with the area’s vibrant and colorful marine life. The Caribbean sea waters are so clear it is easy to appreciate the marine life and corals that surround you as you snorkel or scuba dive. Want to know where to find the best snorkeling in Cancun? Head to Punta Nizuc near the Hotel Zone where you will be in awe of the large variety of fish and coral, and can even see cool underwater sculptures as well.

Ancient Ruins at Chichen Itza

Do you want to soak up some of the incredible Mexican history and culture during your getaway? If so, you can’t miss one of Cancun’s top activities which is a visit to Chichen Itza, the most impressive archaeological site in Cancun. Chichen Itza was recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and was formerly one of the largest Mayan cities. The ruins are well preserved and top landmarks to check out include El Caracol, The Temple of Warriors, the Great Ball Court, and the El Castillo, which is an impressive ancient castle. Another one of the most important landmarks to see is the Temple of Kukulkan. If you are able to visit during the autumn and spring months, you will be amazed by the shadow of a snake that appears on the side of the temple when the sun sets. Some people say that if you clap your hands while standing there, you will hear a bird noise which is believed to imitate the Quetzal bird from Central America that the Mayans treasured more than gold.

Day Trip to Tulum

Do you want to take a day trip to a nearby town while you are in Cancun? If so, head to Tulum for a fun day trip which is close to Cancun. Tulum is a former port city that was built to keep invaders out and protect their people. In fact, Tulum’s protected wall was so strong that it continued to operate for more than seventy years after the Spanish conquistadors came to Mexico. Located on a high cliff that overlooks the beaches and water, Tulum is a small coastal town that makes for a perfect day trip from Cancun.

Visit Hidden Caves and Underground Rivers

Another one of Cancun’s top activities is to visit hidden caves and underground rivers in the area. Numerous underground rivers, hidden caves, and swimming holes are in the region including the most popular, Xcaret, which also has incredible cenotes. At Xcaret, there are three rivers that are perfect for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The amazing underground caverns were formed from limestone caves, and cenotes are filled with fresh water that are perfect for cooling off on a hot summer’s day.

Take a Picture at the Cancun Sign

One of Cancun’s top activities that doesn’t cost a penny is to take a picture at the Cancun sign. The Cancun sign is at the Playa Delfines beach which you can easily reach with public transportation. Pose and smile in front of the Cancun sign and the crystal clear Caribbean waters will create an incredible backdrop for your memorable keepsake. Why not make a day out of it and bring along a picnic and watch the sunset as well?

Enjoy a Tranquil Catamaran Cruise

Last, but not least, enjoying a Catamaran Cruise is another one of Cancun’s top activities to enjoy. With day and evening cruises available from several different touring companies, you can decide what time you want to go. The day cruise allows vacationers to disembark for some swimming and snorkeling, while the evening cruise provides a delicious gourmet dinner and premium cocktails.

We hope you enjoyed our list of Cancun’s top activities. As you can see, there is so much to do in Cancun besides laying on one of their beautiful beaches all day. Now the only question is, which one of Cancun’s top activities are you going to try first?