What to Do in Cancun, Mexico
I have been to Cancun, Mexico a number of times these last few years. Every time I visit I find something new and interesting to explore. Some visits are meant for lounging by the pool and other trips are mean for exploring the local history. Check out my favorite things to do in the Cancun area.
Mayan Ruins- Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba
Our first international trip was to Mexico back in 2015. We visited Chichen Itza (our first new world wonder) on a day trip. Chichén Itzá is a complex of Mayan ruins on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. A massive step pyramid, known as El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan, dominates the ancient city, which thrived from around 600 A.D. to the 1200s.
This last visit to Mexico I planned a day visiting Tulum and some of the area cenotes (we will get to these). The Mayans knew what they were doing building their homes on the water.
Mayan Ruins are a must have experience.
Mexican Cenotes (se·no·tes)
Cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, which reveals a secret subterranean world of groundwater pools. The Mayans revered cenotes because they were a source of water in dry times; indeed, the name cenote means "sacred well".
At these hidden locations, you can swim in crisp mineral-rich waters in magical caves or under a jungle-framed sky and feel lost in another time.
There are thousands of cenotes scattered around Mexico with new ones being discovered every day.
Isla Holbox- We predict this is the next big Instagram location
Isla Holbox is an island north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is about a 2 hour drive and 25 minute ferry ride from Cancun. While there are no all-inclusives on the island, you won't miss out on them with all the small restaurants and bars to choose from.
This island is not spoiled by many tourists as most boutique accommodations have less than 50 rooms.
The car-free island is rich in marine life such as sea turtles and whale sharks. Since there are no cars you will find that the roads are sand filled and taxis are golf carts.
Must sees include laid-back Holbox Village and Punta Coco Beach.
Snorkeling
Our favorite snorkeling areas are Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Akumal, and Cozumel.
If you are feeling really adventurous why not swim with whale sharks (June-September) or bull sharks (November- February).
Tacos and Tequila
You can't visit Mexico without trying the tacos and tequila. I am known to make tacos for breakfast!
Some resorts offer free tequila tastings right at their bars. If you want to get off the resort there are some excursions where you do a tequila tasting tours and visit some notable Mexican sites.
I have seen taco trucks at a number of the resorts in Mexico. They are usually found pool or beach side during lunch time.
Stay in one of the Playa Del Carmen area resorts and walk to 5th Avenue and try a different taco and tequila vendor each day.
