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Best Places To Visit On Your First Trip To Cancun

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

Being famous for aqua-golf, white sand beaches, vivid nightlife, and stunning hotels and resorts, Cancun is one of the tropic’s most popular resorts in Mexico. While there are so many things that a visitor can do and visit in Cancun, the first-time visitor may find it difficult to plan his/her visit. To assist you not to be lost as you tour this popular vacation place in Mexico located on the Yucatan Peninsula here are the best places to visit for the first time.

Explore Isla Mujeres

Located just 30 minutes away by ferry from Cancun across Bahia de Mujeres, Isla Mujeres provides a relaxed vacation with amazing beaches and views but without mass tourism. Take a golf cart or scooter to drive around the island and to reach the soft sand beaches, the vibrant downtown shops, and Punta Sur’s clear blue waters, or simply grab a beach chair and some alcoholic beverages, and just laze around at any beach club. To be more precise, it is one of the most suitable locations for a day trip from the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Museo de sitio arquitectura: El Rey Ruins

Established between 600 to 900AD, El Rey is an archaeological site that is situated in the hotel zone or zone hotel. One gets a rather peculiar experience of visiting Mayan cities and ruins when you have monstrous hotel towers and swimming pools right behind you. Temple of the descending god – ascend a pyramid to get spectacular views over the park and check out the museum opened on-site to exhibit the ancient inhabitants of Cancun.

Party in Cancún Centro

Most tourists mainly lie down in the main hotel strip, but to properly feel the true Mexican spirit it is recommended to get lost in the downtown area of Cancun (Cancún Centro). Take a local bus or a taxi along the Avenida Tulum; there are crowded markets, delicious taco stands, Mexican can’t ti nas with Mariachi Orquestras, and hot night clubs playing hot Latin music till the morning.

Take a swim with Whale Sharks or Sea Turtles.

Visiting any of the aquatic parks or going out into deeper waters to swim with the whale sharks or the sea turtles in the Caribbean Sea may be among the highlights of this resort city. Many tour operators provide snorkeling to Isla Contoy or Isla Mujeres where these playful sea mammals are often found. But swimming with these amazing animals is not only a sight for sore eyes but, indeed, a chance for an unforgettable adventure that cannot be felt on any other beach. Most tours operate from May to September when the water bodies are comparatively free from turbulent waves.

Tourism – with a visit to Chichén Itzá and Cenotes.

Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a must-see for all Cancun visitors even if it is located 120 miles (193 km) west of the city. For sightseeing, consider taking an organized day trip to visit the El Castillo pyramid, ball court, observatory, and Temple of the Warriors. Do not forget to go and take a dip in one of the mystical natural pits known as cenotes near the ruins or just dive in it and jump off a cliff. I would also strongly recommend taking a day trip to Chichén Itzá and visiting several cenotes on the way.

Relax on Playa Delfines

Nearing two miles long, and located just north of El Rey ruins and running parallel to Cancun’s Hotel Zone, Playa Delfines is one of the few public beaches that are accessible to both local Mexican residents and tourists. It was stunning with blue water, fine sand, and no crowds, making it the perfect place for relaxing on the beach in Cancun without being surrounded by a resort. Prepare sandwiches for lunch, plan to snorkel, observe parasailing, and just lie down on the sand in this picture-postcard pretty beach.

For Shop and Eat at Mercado 28

Mercado 28 is just like an open-air mall and it has some features for everyone – shops, food, handmade products stands, bars, and even the hairdressers who braid hair. It has all the characteristic trappings of Christmas with a lot of shops that sell everything from jewelry, pottery, clothes, caps, and bags with Mexican trappings, or for the culinary inclined, you can treat yourself to some of the best Mexican delicacies around. Their large food court offers a variety of food from street tacos, ceviche, Oaxacan food, and even more, which you can consume in a traditional Mercado style.

Drinks may be sipped at a rooftop bar.

There is no better way to explore Cancun than being served a cold drink while admiring the fantastic views from the top. The Terazza rooftop bars and lounges along with pools are in hotels such as Le Blanc Spa Resort and Grand Oasis with the infinity pool and open-air dancing. Or visit some old familiar places such as Mandala Beach Club or Palazzo Dance Club & Lounge, which provide magnificent views of the Nichupte Lagoon. It was indeed a Sunset trailing in Cancun when you had to move from one rooftop bar to another.

Sunbeds & Beach Restaurants By Kukulcán Blvd.

Lavish Boulevard Kukulcán is the main avenue of Cancun’s infamous Hotel District that holds over 26 kilometers of pristine beaches and the Caribbean Sea. Besides luxurious accommodations such as the beach resorts and hotels, there are shopping plazas, numerous restaurants, and vibrant open-air beach clubs such as Mandala, La Santa, Samba, and Coco Bongo where people groove with their favorite music and favorite drink under the Mayan sun. Try a walking/ biking tour of the best venues on the avenue and its bustling promenade.

Snorkeling or Scuba diving on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is considered to have some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving facilities only eight miles away from Cancun in the Caribbean Sea. Go for a one-day snorkeling trip to the International Underwater Museum Sculpture Park MUSA, swim with sea turtles, find out different types of colorful fishes such as the parrotfish, and different types of rays especially the eagle rays, experience drift diving along the coral walls around the island among others. Newbie divers can easily get a beginner tour in the clear water since many tour companies specialize in diving here.

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FAQ

What are the must-visit beaches in Cancun?

Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres offers calm waters and stunning views, while Playa Delfines boasts vibrant energy and iconic Cancun vibes.

What about exploring Mayan ruins?

Tulum is a picturesque coastal site with stunning beachfront ruins, while Chichen Itza is a larger, more impressive complex with the iconic El Castillo pyramid.

Can I experience the underwater world?

Absolutely! The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef offers incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities, and the Cancun Underwater Museum is a unique underwater art exhibit.

What about adventure and nature?

Xcaret and Xplor are popular eco-parks with activities like swimming in cenotes, exploring jungles, and enjoying thrilling water rides.

How can I experience the local culture?

Visit the Mercado 28 for authentic handicrafts and delicious street food, or take a cooking class to learn about traditional Mexican cuisine.