20 Phenomenal Things to Do in Cancun and the Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, and More!

You might be sitting at your resort currently and asking yourself “What are the top things to do in Cancun?”

Of course you can go to Cancun (Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, Etc.) and stay in an all inclusive resort and feel like you are doing a lot.

After traveling to the Riviera Maya region a million times (more like 30+ times the past 5 years) I can tell you with certainty, you must experience more of what this region has to offer!

Regardless if you’re visiting for the first time, honeymooning or vacationing during a holiday….there are plenty of hidden gems in the Yucatan Region near Cancun!

From ancient ruins and off the path cenotes, to street tacos and jungle adventures, Cancun and its surrounding areas have so much to offer!

Here are my top 20 picks to help you get the most of your trip!


1. Chichen Itza

Also known as El Castillo…. Chichen Itza is one of the “new seven wonders of the world” and who wouldn’t want to see one of the wonders of the world?

Located in one of the most famous ancient Mayan cities, Chichen Itza dates back to 600 AD.

It has been speculated that most Mayan traditions were originated here from the high steps and the flying Mayan rituals that you will see performed at most public sites.

Unfortunately, it is pretty far from Cancun and pricey once you are at the ticket booth.

I highly recommend an official tour that includes transportation and entry into Chichen Itza. Plus a tour guide can actually explain what you are looking at instead of staring at rocks (it really helps).

Luckily the far drive is worth it because Chichen Itza is located near a couple of cenotes which leads us to #2…

2. Swim In A Cenote

Cenotes are mother natures own pools. These are naturally birth “pools” of water that are great to swim in.

Usually located in remote locations, cenotes can provide your trip with a sense of both adventure and relaxation.

Surrounded by raw jungles and caves, cenotes really provide an experience that makes you feel like you’re in a movie.

Cenotes are also picturesque so be ready to bring your best camera!

To see the top 5 cenotes I recommend you check out my blog post about them here!

3. Visit Valladolid

Located 2 hours West of Cancun… A charming colonial town with colorful streets, cenotes, and authentic Yucatán cuisine.

If you are the type to vacation with the locals as much as you can, visiting Valladolid is a must stop.

Cenotes, Mayan Ruins, Tours & adventure excursions are plenty here.

4. Snorkel/Dive In The MUSA Underwater Museum

Located off the coast of Isla Mujeres – with over 500 life sized sculptures submerged under water creating a beautiful artificial reef. 

From main land Yucatan, you can take a ferry over to Isla Mujeres.

Consider this an art gallery under water that benefits the marine life.

A visibly stunning artifact, MUSA is definitely a one of a kind experience.

Don’t feel like diving or Snorkeling? Glass bottom boat visitors can also get a glimpse of MUSA. 

A must see if you love art! (But in an adventurous way!)

5. Snorkel At Isla Mujeres

If MUSA Underwater Museum is fully booked or if you’re looking for a more laid back snorkeling experience.

Cozumel’s little sister island, Isla Mujeres, has lots to offer but we found that snorkeling here is more rewarding.

We recommend Mia Reef due to its easy accessibility and marine life tends to stick around with the snorkelers.

Pack an extra set of dry clothes and a towel and get ready to dive in!

There are plenty of snorkeling options on the island and most won’t let you down!

6. Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

One of the most pristine nature experiences I have ever seen.

A UNESCO World Heritage site with pristine nature, wildlife, and untouched beaches.

Sian Ka’an can be visited by Boat, Kayak or a guided tour (highly recommended).

Beaming with wildlife, this reserve is home to Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Crocodiles, Manatees, and hundreds of Bird species.

One of the most serene experiences to be had in the Yucatan. 

7. Visit Playa Del Carmen (Nightlife)

located right off the coast to the ferry port to Cozumel. I highly recommend visiting 5th Avenue (Playa Del Carmen) at night as the area gets lively!

Full of shopping, eateries and clubs Playa Del Carmen has lots to do.

Looking for local food while you get a cocktail made table side? Playa Del Carmen is perfect.

Get ready to walk as 5th Avenue is pretty long!

The “Mexican Las Vegas Strip” as I like to coin it.

8. Zipline At Selvatica

Fly through the jungle canopy at one of Mexico’s top-rated adventure parks.

Conveniently located in the middle of Mexico’s jungles, Selvatica has it all.

Cenotes, zip lining, ATV rides, Off-Road trails and much more.

We found Selvatica to be one of the most well organized adventure parks Mexico has to offer.

9. Relax on Playa Delfines

Couldn’t make this list without a public Cancun beach and Playa Delfina’s is the first one I thought of.

The largest public beach in Cancun and one of the largest in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

It is a pretty straight forward public beach access but it is extremely convenient with lots of shade, public restrooms and an overlook to get a good look at the beach and all the action that is happening there.

Beautiful crisp blue waters and soft sand.

Everything you can possibly want from a public beach.

Pro Tip: get here early as it can get packed by noon!

10. Day Trip To Cozumel

Cozumel is one of my all time favorite destinations and for a reason!

From the picturesque drives to semi-private beaches, to rum tours or adventurous snorkeling and beach games, Cozumel has it made.

From the moment you step off the ferry or cruise ship, you know Cozumel is different.

If you just feel like walking and seeing the ports, that is fine as well as there is plenty of shopping and restaurants available.

Whatever you are in the mood for you can find it in Cozumel.

Pro Tip: Playa Punta Morena is one of my all time favorite beaches and getting there is one of the most fun things we do every time we go!

Read my blog post here about how to get there and have a great time!

11. Xperience Xcaret

Xcaret screams adventure and rightfully so.

From zip lining to swimming in giant lagoons, you are sure to have a blast at Xcaret.

Their parks are made for you to make the most of your Mexico stay all in one visit.

Once you jump in the lagoon, you can swim or snorkel through the whole park.

Want to access the beach? You can do that too.

If you love wildlife there is animal sanctuaries that include Parrots, Jaguars, Monkeys & more.

Xcaret also has shows and cultural immersions to truly get a glimpse of what an adventure park can be.

It is family friendly and very well organized.

12. Go Deep Sea Fishing

Chartering a boat to fish in Mexico has to be one of the most rewarding fishing trips one can do!

The water is prime for fishing as the waters are much more clear than up north the Gulf.

You can chose different options between half day or full day deep sea fishing.

Most charters will include all you need to give you the best chances of pulling Marlin, Snapper, Amberjack & more!

In my experience fishing here also comes with a very knowledgable crew that know exactly where to take you!

13. Explore The Hotel Zone

Shaped like the number “7”…Walk, bike, or bus through Cancun’s vibrant Hotel Zone for nightlife.

Consider this area “Mexico’s Las Vegas Strip”, with plenty of shows, shopping, nightlife, beach clubs & much more!

14. Take A Jungle Tour

If you’re adventurous, a jungle tour is a must!

ATV through the jungle, Zipline over hills, Hike through nature trails & finish off with a swim through a Cenote!

Expert guides will lead you to see exotic wildlife or even speed boat through mangrove channels.

Jungle tours will make you feel more alive than you currently are already being in the Yucatan!

15. Swim With Whale Sharks

One of the most adrenaline filled adventures I have ever done.

Swimming with Shale Sharks has to be one of the most memorable things I have done in Mexico.

Seasonal (June–September), but unforgettable if you’re there at the right time.

Don’t worry, they don’t other “big” marine life… let alone eat humans. They only eat small crustaceans, plankton and very small fish.

16. Shop/Walk Mercado 28

Mercado 28 is perfect for a day of shopping for homemade souvenirs, Jewelry and lots of other tourniquets.

Get ready to bargain as most of these venders rely on getting you into the shop and making sales by any means necessary.

Hungry? Grab some tacos on the go or other traditional Yucatan dishes.

17. Savor Tacos Al Pastor

Nothing Screams local experience like authentic street tacos.

Located in downtown Cancun—skip the hotel restaurants for this.

Taquería Los Chachalacos has to be a must stop. 

Easily some of the best Tacos I have ever had.

18. Visit Coba Ruins

What makes the Coba Ruins different than most of the others, Nohoch Mul pyramid can actually be climbed by visitors 

Also, the shaded pathways keep visitors from dying under the Mexican sun.

You can also rent a bike and go through the pathways for some more fun.

Coba ruins are about 2 hours away from Cancun so we highly recommend booking a tour to get there.

19. Take A Catamaran Cruise

If you love cruising as much as I do, renting a catamaran is a MUST!

You can either do a private or group experience.

Sail the Caribbean, snorkel, and soak up the sun—plenty of options from Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Most trips include open bar, snacks and/or lunch.

Not to mention a friendly crew to make the most of your trip!

20. Relax At A Beach Club

One of the best places to go to a beach club would absolutely be in Cozumel.

Most beach clubs include loungers, cocktails, and ocean views.

Some even have action sports in the water and/or animal sanctuaries. 

We highly recommend Mr. Sancho’s beach club.

Check out our post about Cozumel Beach/Beach clubs here.

Planning Your Trip

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, the Cancun region is packed with unforgettable experiences…. far beyond the typical resort stay. 

From ancient ruins to hidden cenotes and local street eats, there’s always something new to discover. 

Wherever your adventure takes you, remember: the best stories come from getting out there and seeing it for yourself. 

Safe travels, and I’ll see you on the next adventure!

I’m Kam, the creator of Kam’s Travel and the face behind the YouTube channel Kam’s Kamera.

For more than a decade, I’ve been driven by a love for travel—whether I’m setting sail on the world’s top cruise lines or exploring new destinations on land.

My adventures have taken me from popular cruise ships to hidden gems around the globe, and I’m passionate about sharing every honest detail along the way. I started this blog and my vlog channel because I believe travelers deserve real, unfiltered insights—not paid opinions or polished ads.

What you see and read here is always based on my firsthand experiences, with all the highs, lows, surprises, and lessons that come with true exploration.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or you’re a seasoned explorer, my goal is to offer genuine stories, practical tips, and raw feedback to help you make the most of your own adventures.

Cancun FAQ’s

Is Cancun Safe For Tourists?

Yes – Cancun is safe for tourisits.

Of course, just like any other destination, the risk is never zero. However with the Yucatan Region (Cancun, Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, Etc.), the local economy relies heavily on tourism.

Most areas are heavily visited by tourists and lots of locals want to make sure it stays that way.

Petty theft & scams can happen. Rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true, don’t do it.

Stick with the resort chains and tour guides that are a part of countries. Don’t stick out by wearing any valuable jewelry.

Use common sense and don’t ask for trouble.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Cancun?

Snow birds tend to love to visit during the winter months and that also usually is the best time to visit. December – April tends to have dry sunny heat as well as less chances of scorching sun.

These months also tend to be cheaper to visit so expect bigger crowds at times.

Hurricane season runs from June – November so deals can still be had in these months. Expect less crowds but a higher chance at storms.

Do I need a Visa To Visit Cancun, Mexico?

Visas are not needed for short term visitors (180 days or less).

Just a passport not within 6 months of expiring from the last day of your trip.

Can You Drink The Tap Water In Cancun?

The water is rated “safe to drink” but that doesn’t mean you should.

I highly recommend you stop by any local grocery store or food stand and stock up on water bottles.

It is the safer route to go.

How Do I Get From Cancun Airport To My Hotel?

There are multiple options for transportation.

If you plan on sight seeing and being adventurous, there are plenty of major brand car rental services available – book a rental car in advance.

If you plan on staying mostly in your resort then paying for a shuttle service to your hotel is very simple and straight forward. Your resort might even have some options for you.

Tours also come with transportation so if you plan on doing any tour, it will most likely come with a shuttle service. Never forget to ask about transportation.

Is Cancun Good For Families/Couples/Singles?

The short answer is yes to all the above.

We have traveled with our kids to Cancun more than 10 times in the past few years.

You can customize your itinerary to fit anyones needs. Beach clubs, adventures, snorkeling or even just hanging out at the beautiful beaches… the Yucatan Region is truly giving to any visitor that knows where they want to go.

How Expensive Is Cancun?

Cancun can get expensive just like any other destination however I find it much easier to travel here on a budget than most other countries.

You can choose to visit on a tight budget or splurge on the top resorts and excursions.

All inclusive resorts make it much easier to travel to the Yucatan and feel like you don’t need to spend a lot of money.

I have visited on a budget as low as $500 for my wife and I (flights, all inclusive stay and transportation all included in that budget).

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