8 Popular & Unique Things to do in Cancun [Hidden Gems, Day Trips & More]
Are you searching for unique things to do in Cancun and beyond? We have covered some popular attractions, hidden gems in Cancun and day trips ex Cancun in this round up post.
Popular and Unique Things to do in Cancun, Mexico – By Travel Experts
Here’s a curation of both popular as well as unique things to do in Cancun, Mexico and around the area. Fellow travel bloggers and long term travelers to Cancun have shared their expert inputs.
Mayan Museum, Cancun
Recommended by Soumya of Stories of Soumya
Cancun is home to many secret spots, including the beautiful Mayan Museum.
Located at KM 16.5 on Kukulcan Boulevard, the Mayan Museum in Cancun has one of the most expansive collections of artifacts from the ancient Mayan civilization. You must visit this museum if you love history and want to learn more about the Mayans who ruled the Yucatan Peninsula for over 1000 years.
Museo Maya is home to three well-stocked galleries that display items excavated from ancient Mayan sites like Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum. Pottery, carved stelae, and ritual objects abound. You will also find pyramid models and a lot of text on the history and culture of the ancient people.
Further, there is also an outdoor section of the museum that houses the ruins of San Miguelito, a port town that’s over 900 years old. Here, you can see the remains of a small pyramid, palace buildings, smaller residences, and lots of iguanas.
The Mayan Museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Since this is one of Cancun’s best hidden gems, there’s rarely a queue, so you don’t really need to buy tickets in advance.
Day trip to El Cuyo
Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut
If you want to get away from the crowds, and visit one of the best hidden beaches in Mexico, take a day trip to El Cuyo, a small village along the Gulf of Mexico.
El Cuyo retains its small-town charm and a quiet pace of life. While it’s been growing in popularity in recent years, it’s still off the radar for many travelers because of its remote location.
Getting to El Cuyo from Cancun takes time and effort, and while you can get here by public buses, it will take much longer than by car, because there’s no direct bus from Cancun to El Cuyo.
One of the most popular things to do in El Cuyo is kite surfing, thanks to relatively shallow waters and favorable conditions off the Gulf of Mexico.
The area is surrounded by mangroves and several tour agencies in El Cuyo offer kayaking tours. Taking a kayak tour early in the morning is the best option if you want to see the incredible wildlife.
The town is also a gateway to Las Coloradas, the famous pink lakes where you can take stunning photos for the ‘gram and learn about the surrounding salt fields.
Another popular day trip from El Cuyo is Rio Lagartos, a remote biosphere where you can enjoy nature and spot incredible fauna including pelicans, flamingos and crocodiles.
Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
Recommended by Mayuri Patel of Fernwehrahee
One of the best-kept secrets of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and an easy day trip from Cancun is Isla Mujeres Island, located off the coast of Cancun. If you want to escape the crowd of Cancun for charming vibes and tranquillity, then must add this hidden gem to your Yucatan Itinerary.
The name “Isla Mujeres” translates to “Island of Women” in Spanish, which is believed to refer to the statues of the Mayan goddess Ixchel found on the island by Spanish explorers.
The island is very small, measuring only about 4.3 miles in length and 0.65 miles wide at its widest point. Despite its size, Isla Mujeres offers so many amazing activities for you.
The island has so many beautiful beaches including Playa Norte (North Beach), which is ranked among the best beaches in the world for its soft white sand and calm, shallow waters. You can also opt for snorkeling and scuba diving here.
The town itself is charming and walking downtown is a pleasant experience. You can explore the colorful buildings, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Also, do not forget to hire a golf cart to visit the southern tip of the island, Punta Sur.
It is home to a picturesque lighthouse, as well as a sculpture garden and a Mayan temple dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and childbirth.
Isla Mujeres is a perfect gem in the heart of the busy Cancun area and it’s an easy boat ride away making it a perfect day trip.
El Rey Mayan Ruins
Recommended by Annie of Your Friend the Nomad
Cancun’s El Rey Mayan Ruins are located along the Cancun hotel zone.
While this archaeological site is much smaller than the Yucatan’s most popular Mayan ruins, like Tulum and Chichen Itza, it is certainly worth visiting if you’re looking for something to do in Cancun.
It costs only $75 MXN to enter the site, where you can observe some of the stone buildings that make up this ancient settlement. It was first settled in 300 by fishermen, but reached its height in the 1300s, before the residents fled during the Spanish invasion.
El Rey got its name, which means ‘the king’ in Spanish, because of a stone sculpture found at the site, which archaeologists believed was someone royal, perhaps a king. However, the real name of El Rey is unknown.
The site is located just steps from Playa Delfines, one of Cancun’s most popular beaches, so visiting both of these spots is a great way to spend a day in Cancun.
Visit a Cenote and Explore the Maya Underworld
Recommended by Alexandrea Sumuel of Wander With Alex
A cenote (pronounced se-no-te) is a natural sinkhole formed when the limestone ceiling of an underground cavern collapses and is filled with fresh water.
The term cenote comes from the Mayan word Dz’onot, which essentially means “a water-filled cavity.” The ancient Mayans believed that these sinkholes were entrances to the underworld.
Those looking for unique things to do in Cancun should not pass up the opportunity to visit one of the many cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s an easy day trip filled with swimming, snorkeling, cliff jumping, diving, and exploring.
The best way to visit a cenote from Cancun is on a guided group tour to the Riviera Maya region, where thousands of these beautiful cenotes are found in the jungle. Some tours take you to multiple cenotes, archeological sites, or a nearby town to explore.
Popular cenotes in the region include Cenote Ik Kil (near Chichen Itza), Cenote Azul (Playa del Carmen), and Gran Cenote (near Tulum).
If you aren’t interested in a guided tour, head to an ecological park like Xplor Eco Park, where you can visit a cenote and enjoy activities like ziplining, rafting, and ATVing.
Chichen Itza
Recommended by Imee Magbag from Journey To Mexico
Located in the state of Yucatan Peninsula a few hours drive from Cancun, Chichen Itza is one of the most iconic archeological sites in Mexico. Visiting Chichen Itza offers a glimpse into the past but also a unique experience.
One of the famous features of Chichen Itza, is the El Castillo, also known as Temple of Kulkulan, located in the center of the site, you can climb the steep steps to the summit and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, offering a glimpse into the ancient Mayan world, while at the summit you can also marvel the intricate carvings adorning its surfaces.
Another most visited archeological wonder is the Great Ball Court, it is the largest and most impressive ball court in Mesoamerica. It attracts visitors from its size and grandeur.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, visiting the Sacred Cenote is a must, a natural sinkhole that served as a sacred site for the Mayans, you can peer into its depths, contemplating the rituals and sacrifices that once took place here, while also marveling at the lush greenery that surrounds it.
These are just a few of the many attractions that you can explore at Chichen Itza. Whether exploring the towering pyramids, delving into the mysteries of ancient rituals, or simply soaking in the rich history of this remarkable site, a trip to Chichen Itza promises an unforgettable experience.
Xavage Adventure Park
Recommended by Mal of Let’s Travel To Mexico City
Situated around 20 minutes drive from Cancun downtown, Xavage Adventure Park by Xcaret is the perfect destination for all adrenaline junkies out there!
The park is filled with adrenaline-pumping activities, which are a nice break from a Cancun resort life. Dive into the ropes course and ziplining to find your inner hero, with paths set for beginners and adrenaline pros alike.
Fancy testing your driving skills? The Monster Truck experience puts you behind the wheel of a large ATV vehicle, in which you will have to conquer some really rough terrains.
Rafting will test your teamwork as you navigate thrilling rapids, while the jet boat ride promises heart-racing spins and splashes in the water.
We recommend purchasing tickets in advance that include round transportation from Cancucn on their branded bus. The park is open every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm, and all-inclusive tickets include breakfast, unlimited soft drinks and snacks throughout the day, and a fantastic buffet-style lunch.
Day Trip to Holbox
Recommended by Sara of Holbox Island Travel
A day trip from Cancun to Holbox is one of the most epic things you can do during your vacation in Mexico. A less known and touristic place that will make you disconnect from the busy Cancun.
When you land on Holbox, the first thing you’ll notice is the beauty of its beaches (whose water is not even knee-deep!), but there’s much more to do than just sunbathing.
As you stroll through the streets, don’t miss the colorful street art especially on Carito Street, and take a photo at the Holbox letters next to the beach pier.
When the tide is low, I recommend a walk to Punta Mosquito along the sandbanks. Keep an eye on the shore, because you may see eagle rays swimming. Another must in Holbox is Punta Cocos, one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset.
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the chance to swim with whale sharks, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot flamingos.
Most tours from Cancun include visits to Isla Pájaros (Birds Island) and Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island), each offering unique landscapes and wildlife.
If you are hungry, be sure to try the lobster pizza in Roots, a very typical culinary delight of this island. For a sweet treat, stop by El Mangle Blanco ice cream shop, and try their activated charcoal ice cream – it’s as intriguing as it sounds!
One last tip: Remember to bring cash, preferably in Mexican pesos, as it’s the preferred currency on the island and most places don’t accept credit cards.
So here were some fun day trip ideas and unique things to do in Cancun, Mexico.
