Top Things to See
Cancun’s tourist appeal largely lies in its beach resorts, with wide stretches of sandy lagoons providing a haven for water sports lovers and sun-seekers. Meanwhile, the surrounding areas of the city encompass protected parks and nature reserves containing exquisite Mexican flora and fauna. If you want to see the city and its surrounds in a less traditional manner, try a lobster dinner cruise, from where you can enjoy the city’s night-time illumination, or head off on a jeep adventure, which guarantees adrenalin-pumped sightseeing.
 Bullfight at Plaza de Toros
Hosted every Wednesday, Cancun’s Plaza de Toros puts on a Mexican folkloric show and bullfight. These contests between man and beast attract huge crowds and can be an exciting form of entertainment, but they are not for the faint-hearted, with the matador or the bull dying at the end of each fight. Tickets can be bought on-site on the day.
 Cenotes
Cenotes can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula and are natural wells that have formed over centuries. Some are entirely underground, while others have openings in their roofs, allowing sunlight to light the ‘cave’. There are also a few cenotes that are completely open, which are similar to lakes. These water sources were of great importance to the Maya and can now be visited and enjoyed by tourists who are allowed to swim at many of these magical sites.
 Garafon Park
Situated on the south side of the island, this park doesn’t boast the sandy beaches of the hotel zone, but it does have an area for swimming with the local fish. As the park is a popular stop off point for boat trips from Cancun, independent visitors are advised to arrive early, as it can become quite crowded here at lunchtime. There is a small entrance fee to the park.
 Isla Mujeres
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from the hotel zone, this small island offers a great alternative to the beaches on the main island. Beaches here include Puerto Juarez; situated close to downtown Cancun. This beach is cheaper but crowded. If you want to do more than just laze on the beach, try hiring a scooter and tour the coastline, but be sure to wear a helmet as other drivers can be quite unpredictable here.
 Jeep Adventures
For something a bit different, try a self-drive Jeep Adventure, which allows you to explore Cancun’s surroundings in a memorable and exciting way. Popular destinations to tour on a jeep daytrip from Cancun include Mayan ruins, private jungle reserves, underground cenote (where you can go swimming or snorkelling) and the authentic Mexican towns that surround the city.
 Lobster Dinner Cruise
Enjoy Cancun from a different perspective on a dinner cruise in the lagoon. Whether you are looking for a romantic night out or dinner with friends, dinner cruises provide great views of the city illuminated at night as well as delicious food including fresh seafood delights. Watch the sunset while tucking into a lobster and enjoy the quiet lapping of the calm waters.
 Xcaret
This nature preserve park offers tourists a welcoming place to enjoy walks among Mexican plants and wildlife, with the park also boasting excellent swimming and snorkelling opportunities, as well as a stunning white sand beach. This is the site where Xcaret de Noche (Xcaret at Night) is hosted, a song and dance show that details the history of Mexico. The park also contains a mini-zoo, which is ideal for children.
Top Things to Do
Commemorate the dead and partake in Mexico’s best known festival
Day of the Dead is celebrated at the beginning of November and is a time when residents lure the dead back for a day with their favourite foods and beverages as well as marigolds and candles.
 Dine out and experience some traditional Mexican cooking
You can experience authentic Mexican cuisine at some of Cancun’s best restaurants. El tikinxic (barbequed fish prepared Mayan style) and pan de cazon (shredded shark baked in a tomato sauce and served on a tortilla) are just two of the city’s favourite meals, but watch out for the chillies, which could set your night on fire.
 Get an adrenalin rush and indulge on some adventure activities
You will find everything from jeep adventures to bungee jumping on offer here. With a total of three bungee platform in Cancun, thrill seekers can get a rush in scenic surrounds, while the faint-hearted might prefer a trek in one of the surrounding nature reserves.
 Learn about the ancient Mayan civilisation
Take a daytrip to Tulum and Chichen Itza, where you can see significant archaeological ruins that once attracted Mayan worshippers for over 1,000 years.
 Snorkel among Mexico’s sea creatures and beautiful reefs
You can see everything from fish to sponges, crustaceans and anemone as well as tunicates and molluscs. Snorkel among Mexico’s sea creatures and beautiful reefs
 Dance the night away at one of Cancun’s nightclubs
You will find dozens of bars and clubs to choose from, offering everything from jazz to the latest dance tunes hitting the dance floors here. This party city never stops.
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