Travel To Cancun: The Top 3 Excursions Near Cancun
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As a kid, I vividly remember watching spring break specials in Cancun on MTV and wishing I could be there. Music, sun, beaches, bikinis—what more could a teenager ask for. Although I never got to travel to Cancun at the time, I did have the opportunity to visit as an adult. And guess what? It.still.did.not.disappoint!
Travel To Cancun
What makes Cancun such a special destination is that there is something for everyone. The teenager raver, couples seeking a romantic getaway, solo travelers, adventurers, and the list goes on. Fun in the sun and the beaches of this southeastern Mexican city are no doubt the major tourist attraction of Cancun. However, the home of the world’s second largest coral reef also offers an abundance of cultural activities.
El Rey Ruins
El Rey Ruins, for example, offer the opportunity to view ancient architecture in the hotel district of the city. For the more adventurous, daily cruises set sail for activities that range from exploring the topography of nearby Isla Mujeres to swimming with whale sharks. Another key element of Cancun is its placement. The location is perfect for a quick trip to other stunning surrounding locations.
The Top 3 Excursions Near Cancun
The top 3 excursions near Cancun: Cozumel
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Playa del Carmen and the island of Cozumel
I mentioned earlier that Cancun is the home to the world’s second largest coral reef. So now you’re probably thinking, “Great, how do I get there?” Well, I’d say to get the most bang for your buck it would be best to combine a multi-day trip to Playa del Carmen, which also includes a ferry ride over to Cozumel. Ferries depart regularly and not only would this itinerary allow visitors to check out the great food and shopping of Playa del Carmen, but also the awesomeness of experiencing some of the best diving in the entire Western Hemisphere.
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Tulum
As one of the last cities to be built by the Mayans, Tulum is a history-lovers dream. A spectacular coastline and remarkable ruins make this a definite dual-threat destination.
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Chichen-Itza
Quite possibly the highlight of my time near Cancun. This maze of Mayan ruins is a must-see. You won’t need to travel to Egypt to see the pyramids as you can easily spend a half-day exploring what was once the largest Mayan city and stare in awe at its centerpiece, El Castillo, as it stands tall above all nearby surroundings.
In the comments below, share highlights of your travel to Cancun or select which of the 3 excursions near Cancun most tickle your fancy.
44 Comments
can’t wait to go to mexico in october 😍😍😍 daytrip to Chichen itza is a must, and Tulum 😎 ahhh I’m counting back the days
Thanks so much! I hope to travel to Mexico this year! Thank you for the suggestions.
Looks and sounds amazing!! I would love to go to Cancun!! Definitely going to keep these places in mind if I ever get to go!
Let’s change that “if” to a when…you gotta make it down there eventually!! 🙂
OMG, I used to watch spring break specials in Cancun on MTV too. I was so jealous of all the fun they were having. I’ve never been but I like adventure so zip lines, ATV those are the types of thing I want to do.
I know…I’d be sitting in my room getting ready for school watching them dancing around like there wasn’t a care in the world!
Nice! I have never been to Cancun, and it is definitely one of the places that I’d like to visit. It always seemed like a spring break type of place to me. Nice to see that there are other reasons to check it out.
Well, it’s most definitely a spring break destination..but beyond that season there is a ton of stuff to do and see nearby!
I love Cancun. I’ve been twice but I haven’t had the chance to go on any excursions while I’ve been there. These three are on my list for next time.
Being the seasoned Cancun veteran that you are…you’ll have to add some excursions to your next trip!
Cancun is high on my list of places to visit with my significant other. THEN I’ll go with girlfriends. Maybe once by myself. The water always looks so beautiful, and I’ve been in some beautiful water before! Thanks for sharing your journey and your suggestions.
That sounds like a good way to do it!
Cancun is one of my favorite locations in Mexico. It’s so beautiful and tons of fun! I can’t wait to go back 🙂
Me either!
Wow, what a beautiful place to visit! I’ve wanted to visit Mexico but there is so much going on safety wise.
Don’t let that deter you. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings at all times it’s no different than traveling to any other major US destination…start looking up flights and book that trip!
Looking at all this snow outside right now, I would love to be here! The pictures are beautiful!! And it looks like a great place to visit!
Being near Chicago I can definitely relate to that…time to escape from all this snow and cold!!
I haven’t been to Cancun in about 15 years. I’d love to go back and visit at least one of these sites.
Well, if it’s been 15 years I say a return trip is long overdue!
I’ve been to Playa Del Carmen and I loved it! Tulum is still on my list. I hear there are lots of vegan and vegetarian options.
I definitely want to explore Cancun. I went to Cozumel in September and had a great time!
I fondly remember those spring break specials featured in Cancun. I was 21 the first time I traveled there. So much fun! Tulum and Ackumal were my faves. I also like to take the public bus into town to meet the locals.
Cancun seems like the perfect travel destination with the blue waters and sandy beaches! I would love to visit El Rey Ruins, I never knew there was so much to do around Cancun itself. Great advice.
I had heard of Chichen-itza but I don’t think I had ever seen pictures before. Those do look like some pretty amazing Mayan ruins. I would love to visit Cancun in the near future. It’s on my list of must see places to go to.
It’s definitely a must see…hope you can get there soon!
These pictures are spectacular and I would love to visit Cancun. As one of the last cities built by Mayans, Tulum also sounds like an interesting place!
I agree, there’s so much history there beyond the beaches.
A beach holiday is always the perfect kind of holiday for me and I am so sure I am going to love this place! All the beautiful photographs from your post are making me want to plan a trip to Cancun right away! 🙂
I must say it is one of my beautiful places in all the world. Thank you so much for sharing these awesome shots with us. Its first time when I heard and saw the Cancun.
everything looks so beautiful and dreamy , my gosh I need to go there .. I need a Cancun vacay in my life ! beautifully written and photographed article
One of my favorite places in all the world is Isla Mujeres. I go by myself every couple of years for a few weeks and it’s heaven. The people are friendly, beaches are beautiful, food is incredible, and most of all I’m able to recharge. x
Wow, Cancun looks amazing! My parents are going next year and they aren’t bringing us kids lol. Lucky them!
Wow, well good for them at least. You’ll have to make a seperate “kids” trip!
There are many reasons Cancun remains popular with travelers, and you have highlighted several of them here. I personally favor Tulum, it is a bit less crowded, has fabulous beaches and offers spa and yoga retreats.
I agree, Tulum is often overlooked by many travelers to Cancun and that’s a shame!
I hear lot about Cancun for honeymoon destination. I’m actually all about historical sites. El Rey Ruins sounds like that I would love to go see!
Cancun is great because it offers the beachfront beauty and also access to abundant history!
I appreciate this post! Thank you! I have been toying with idea of a trip to Cancun. But honestly, cancun itself doesn’t interest me at all. I don’t like resort-based party destinations. BUT the surrounding excursions interest me VERY much! Especially the ruins!
I’m sorta the same. The party phase is over so I always like to look beyond that in a destination.
Cancun is on my to go list! Great shots you’ve taken, especially the Tulum one. Thank you so much for sharing this.
You’re welcome and I hope you can make it there soon!
I love visiting Cancun. It’s always so much to do. You offered some great suggestions. I think I’ve visited them all except one. Looking forward to my next visit! Thanks for sharing!
Well, looks like you’ll cross the last place off your list during your next visit!