Archaeology:

Cancún has vestiges of Mayan culture in places such as El Rey and El Meco. Cancún Museum, set in the Convention Center in the Hotel Zone, displays pieces from these and other archaeological sites in the state.

Cancún is just a short trip away from imposing Mayan centers such as Tulum and even San Gervasio, on Cozumel Island. Two hundred kilometers outside Cancún, in the state of Yucatán, stands Chichén Itzá, which can be reached by taking Hway. 180 to Mérida.

Arts and Crafts:

You can find a wide variety of handicrafts in Cancun. These are not only locally produced but also brought in from several places in Mexico. The handicrafts made in the state of Quintana Roo are very similar to those produced in Yucatan, Campeche and other regions of the southeast. Examples of these include: huipils, (beautifully embroidered blouses) hammocks, objects carved out of wood and jewelry made from sea shells and stones, among others.

Festivals:

The joy and color of the festivals are a part of Mexican tradition. Dances and bullfights are some of the ways of celebrating in Cancun; there is also the Carnaval (the Carnival) and the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen (The Festivities for the Virgin of El Carmen) that are celebrated on July 16.

Historical Interests:

The San José church in Tepic, near Cancún was the location of one of the bloodiest events in the history of the southeast of Mexico, the Guerra de Castas (The Caste War), in 1847.

Museums:

A great way to understand more about the pre Hispanic history of the enigmatic Mayans in the state of Quintana Roo is through the museums. The Archeological Museum of Cancun has hundreds of objects found at the archeological sites of El Rey, Tulum, Coba, X’caret and Hel-ha on display. Similarly, you can visit the museum at the National Institute of History and Anthropology’s Cultural center in the town that has displays of Mayan relics.

Performing arts:

The cultural activities in Cancun will make your stay there richer. If you enjoy cultural activities, visit the Ballet Folklórico of Cancún that is presented at the Convention Center, or ask about the “Mexican nights” and other cultural events put on at several of the hotels.

Beaches:

The beaches at Cancun are the most popular among tourists of Quintana Roo. Their beauty is an irresistible invitation to a totally unique holiday. Some of the most outstanding among the many available options are: towards the north, Las Perlas, Linda, Langosta, Tortugas and Caracol; towards the east, Chac-Mool and El Rey, among others.

Cuisine:

You can enjoy a wide variety of succulent exotic dishes available in Cancun. The exquisite dishes of Mayan origins are distinguished by their use of condiments found in the region. Fish of all sorts cooked in different ways, chirmole, papatz tzul, cocido, relleno negro and cochinita pibil are just some of the dishes you can try at the restaurants in the state of Quintana Roo. Some of the best restaurants include La Habichuela, Lorenzillo´s, Sirenita and El Mortero, among others.

Eco Tourism:

Cancún is within easy reach of nature reserves such as Contoy Island and Sian Ka’an. The Riviera Maya has parks such as Tres Ríos and Xpu-Há offering cycling, walks and rowing facilities. It also has eco-archaeological parks such as Xcaret and Xel-há with a wide range of attractions. Four hours away from Cancún, in the state of Yucatán, lies Río Lagartos, an estuary where flocks of pink flamingos build their nests.

Night Life:

Nightlife in Cancún is intense and goes on until dawn in its many discotheques and nightclubs. You’ll find all kinds of music there as well as the finest Mexican and imported drinks. The bars are very entertaining and the waiters make sure there’s always a lively atmosphere. Boats offering dinner with music and a free bar cruise around the bay and Laguna Nichupté.

Shopping:

Cancún is a cosmopolitan city with all facilities. It has plazas and large shopping malls where one can acquire handicrafts from all over the country, leather articles, tobacco, and other imported goods in modern shops.

Spas:

Massage services to make your stay even more pleasant are available at most of the hotels in Cancun. The services at the Westin Regina Cancún, Fiesta Americana Coral beach and the Ritz-Carlton hotels are recommended.

Camping:

The splendid beaches and archeological sites of Cancun are just a couple of the reasons why you should not miss out on a trip to this resort and enjoy everything it has to offer, including camping. This activity can be enjoyed at various spots in the state of Quintana Roo, including Puerto Juárez and Punta Sam, among others.

Extreme Sports:

The beaches of Cancun with their wide variety of marine species are the places most visited by tourists. The marvelous white sands are an invitation to rest or to practice all kinds of extreme water sports. One of the most popular of these sports is the free fall, and Cancun boasts of having one of the highest bungee jumps in Mexico - the Regio bungee with a height of 70 meters.

Fishing:

The waters that lap against the Caribbean coasts of Mexico are unarguably the richest in marine fauna. This is why you are guaranteed success on fishing trips in Cancun. You can fish for chad, coronado, sea bass, sailfish, dorado and red fish – April to August is the best season for fishing for the last three mentioned – are some of the types of fishing done along the shores of Cancun. Fishing services are provided by Aqua-Sports and Big Game Fishing, among others.

Golf:

Cancún has stunning golf courses, some of which have championship features, overlooking the Caribbean or Laguna Nichupté. All major hotels have tennis and squash courts. Volleyball tournaments are held on the most popular beaches. Kukulcán Boulevard has a special area for cycling and roller-skating.

Horseback Riding:

One of the best ways to enjoy the beaches and the Cancun surroundings is on horseback. The Rancho Loma Bonita is one of the most popular places for renting horses; the place itself also has a great riding area.

Sailing:

One of the best places for sailing in Cancun is off its fantastic beaches. The waters are perfect for a really enjoyable time on the water. Sailboats and all the necessary equipment are available for rent at most of the hotels on coast of the state of Quintana Roo.

Snorkel & Scuba:

There are excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities in the blue-green waters of Cancun. Some of the places where you can practice this sport include Parque Eco- Arqueológico de X’caret (X’caret Eco-Archeological Park) that has an underground river, cenotes (natural underground reservoirs) and caves; the reefs in Akumal Bay, only 102 km from Cancun, and at Punta Nizuc, among others.

Surfing:

The best waves for surfing can be found at Bahía de las Mujeres and in the Caribbean Sea. The Canto Hotel also has the necessary wave conditions for great surfing.

Water Sports:

Cancún provides facilities for virtually all sports, such as swimming and diving, boat rides, and trips in glass-bottomed boats, sport fishing, surfing, kayaking and riding up to mangrove swamps in water motorcycles and tricycles, as well as diving in the nearby coral reefs.

The coast of Quintana Roo is surrounded by the Great Mayan Reef, which offers some of the best places for diving, such as those around Cozumel Island.