5 Must See Attractions in Cancun

Located in Mexico, the city of Cancun is part of the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a busy tourist destination for its Caribbean climate, and for luxury resorts and hotels; visitors tend to flock around Cancun’s self-contained resorts, and its white sandy beaches. I had the pleasure of visiting this location earlier this month while attending my dear friend Shirley’s bachelorette weekend. Cancun is home to busy markets and architectural sites, while surrounding coastline features multiple attractions. For east coast residents, a flight to Cancun can be as short as 1 hour and 45 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Miami. Relaxation is always on the top of my list when it comes to a vacation but as an avid traveler sightseeing is equally as important. If you find yourself heading to Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen or even Cancun in the near future, here are the must see sites that you shouldn’t miss!

1. Chichen Itza

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We booked a private tour through Cancun Adventures which took us to discover the amazing Chichen Itza Ruins on a personalized private tour from our resort in Cancun. During the tour, we had a bilingual guide which explained everything about the archaeological site of Chichen Itza and why this is one of the most amazing prehistoric sites discovered so far. Our guide dropped some knowledge of mathematical, astronomy and architecture before leaving us to take our photo ops. There was plenty of picture sites of the great vestiges of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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It took a two hour drive from Cancun, but trust me when I say it was well worth it. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Mayan cities.

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This Archaelogical site of Mayan ruins houses one of the 7 New Wonders of the World and not only a sight to see but a sight to hear. When you visit this picture section the acoustics in this area is crazy. Upon arriving, you will probably wonder why guides are clapping or yelling one word phases but once your guide explains you will be amazed. Put your listening ears on.

Tip: We were lucky enough it was not snortging hot therefore we were more worried of rain showers but it can get hot based of reviews. Be sure to bring water, hat or umbrella for coverage. I would suggest the morning tour as well hence the tour is practically all day we did not arrive back to the resort till 5pm. Be mindful there is a time change when heading to Rivera Maya so ensure reservations at the resort are made with proper planning.

2. A cenote

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Our tour also included a buffet lunch and a visit to Cenote Ik Kil where you can cool off in the water and get amazed with its beauty. The cenote is 150 feet deep! For those who do not know a cenote is basically a giant sinkhole caused by the crumbling of limestone.

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The Ik Kil Cenote, or IkIl Cenote is almost like an underground cave housing a deep well. The water is incredibly cool and refreshing. (Disclaimer I did not enter the sinkhole posed by it) :)

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A cenote is virtually a very large hole in the ground filled with water that is usually open to the sky after the collapse of a cave; kind of like a pond but way cooler. There are an estimated 7,000 cenotes in the Yucatan due to the limestone, with the most well known and arguably the most beautiful one being the Ik Kil.

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The swimming hole is located 85 feet below ground level and can be reached by climbing the stairs cared into the limestone. The water is cold, refreshing, and reaches depths of 150 feet, so diving is not only allowed but encouraged.

Tip: Admission is about $6USD if visiting on your own. Locker rental, life jackets, etc are all extra. The Ik Kil denote is located on the highway to Chichen Itza and can be combined into one day trip. On the way back to Cancun from the Mayan Riveria.

3. Downtown and market 28

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El Centro

Many visitors don’t get around to visiting Cancun itself, and stick to the self contained resorts; however downtown Cancun has much to offer travelers, from busy markets, to the rows of shops along Avenida Tulum; the El Centro area is also home to restaurants, and the Mercado Veintiocho craft market. Ideal if you want to take a break from the hotel district, and if you want to see more of the local culture of Cancun. Walks can be taken from hotels, as can bus and taxi rides. Bus rides were $1 USD per trip.

4. Tequila Tasting

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Yes, this isn’t a site to see, but it’s still a must-do!

You get offered tequila almost everywhere you go in Cancun. As you walk the streets you’ll get stopped and asked tequila shot? Mexican boyfriend? By the end of the trip you’ll be tired of hearing tequila.

5. Drink and eat all day at the beach

We stayed at GR Caribe and we literally spent the whole day chit chatting on the beach ordering food and drinks, the perks of an all inclusive. It was such a great time bonding and soaking up the little bit of sun that Cancun gave us. The cold front did hit us during the weekend so we didn’t get to enjoy the sun.