10 places to visit in Cancun and its surroundings

Cancun is much more than the beach in front of your hotel. In less than an hour you can be on an island, swimming in a cenote or walking among Mayan temples, and with a little more time you can reach some of the most impressive places in Mexico. Here are 10 places to visit in Cancun and its surroundings, ordered from nearest to farthest, so you can build your own itinerary.

In Cancun

1. The beaches of the Hotel Zone

White sand and a sea that shifts from blue to turquoise: those are the beaches of the Hotel Zone. Playa Delfines, with its lookout point and the famous “Cancun” sign, is a must. We recommend the best ones in the best beaches in Cancun.

2. The Nichupte Lagoon

On the other side of the Hotel Zone lies the Nichupte Lagoon, a system of lagoons and mangroves that is ideal for exploring by kayak, paddle board or boat, especially at sunset.

3. The El Rey archaeological site

You don’t need to leave the Hotel Zone to see Mayan ruins. El Rey is a small, quiet site you can explore in a morning, surrounded by vegetation and iguanas.

4. MUSA

The Underwater Museum of Art brings together more than 500 sculptures beneath the sea. You can see it snorkeling, diving or from a glass-bottom boat.

Less than an hour away

5. Isla Mujeres

About 20 minutes away by ferry, Isla Mujeres welcomes you with colorful streets, golf carts and North Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.

6. Isla Contoy

It is a protected natural area where hundreds of seabirds nest. Access is limited to a small number of visitors per day, so it is best to book your Contoy Island tour in advance.

7. The Cenote Route

Very close to Puerto Morelos, this road brings together several cenotes where you can swim in fresh, crystal-clear water. We tell you which ones to visit in the Route of the Cenotes.

Day trips

8. Tulum

About two hours by road, Tulum combines a seaside archaeological site, beaches and cenotes. Plan your visit with our guide to what to do in Tulum.

9. Chichen Itza

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World is about 200 kilometers from Cancun. Arrive early to avoid the heat and the crowds. Everything you need to know is in our Chichen Itza guide.

10. Holbox

To reach this car-free island you have to drive to Chiquila and take a ferry, but it is worth it: calm waters, sunsets and, in season, whale sharks. Discover it in Holbox Island.

Planning tips

• Save the places in Cancun for your arrival and departure days, and keep full days for the excursions.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen in cenotes and in the sea: it protects the reef.
• Bring cash for entrance fees and transportation on the islands and at archaeological sites.

For a comfortable base a few minutes from everything, Grand Oasis Cancun puts the beach right in front of you and the Hotel Zone within reach. And if you want even more ideas, check out our list of attractions in Cancun.