You already know that I always recommend all-inclusive resorts, as well as guided tours, so here I will show you some of the places you must see, know and visit in Cancun that will surely leave you enchanted. We know it is quite overwhelming to arrive at Cancun Airport and not know how to start your trip, so we suggest you plan your trip in advance.
EL REY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Although it is a place visited by hundreds of tourists every day, the archaeological zone known as El Rey is one of the places to see in Riviera Maya that you cannot miss on a visit to this region. It is a place to take into account if you want to learn about the history and culture of the ancient inhabitants of this territory.
This archaeological site consists of 47 structures, although the most emblematic is the one in the shape of a pyramid. It is estimated that they were built between 1300 and 1550, although the place was inhabited by the Maya since 600 BC.
CHICHÉN ITZÁ
Chichén Itzá is another of the places that must be visited in Cancun, it was also declared a World Heritage Site.
This Mayan archaeological complex is about two and a half hours away by car, but it is worth it despite the distance and the amount of people who visit it.
It is full of temples and grandiose structures, one of the most important is the pyramid of Kukulcan, one of the 7 wonders of the modern world, which is closely linked to the Mayan calendar and crops, as it has a step for each day of the year.
TULUM
Tulum is a coastal city located an hour and a half from Valladolid by car or almost two hours from the hotel zone of Cancun.
Known for being an ancient Mayan city, it is a place with an archaeological site worth visiting.
I recommend that you don’t go to Tulum on a guided tour where they walk you around like a little kid and then back to the hotel. Go using a shuttle from Cancun to Tulum, as it is the safest option and is pretty much the same as a tour, only cheaper and with more freedom.
One of the main attractions of Tulum is the archaeological site of the same name, an ancient Mayan city known as the city of dawn or Zamá, where you can see structures such as El Castillo. In addition, in Tulum you can also visit the Cenote Calavera or Gran Cenote.
BEST CENOTES IN CANCUN
Cancun and the whole state of Quintana Roo is full of cenotes, in fact, it has more than 3000 cenotes and many of them are still considered virgin.
The cenotes are natural pools or wells that can be subway, with a kind of dome, semi-dome or without it, but always with crystalline waters, if you are traveling with a large number of family or friends, you can use the Cancun shuttle service, which will be of great help to make your trip more enjoyable.
Even though the cenotes of Cancun stand out for their beauty and are worth visiting, they are the typical place for sightseeing. So, in order for you to enjoy the cenotes better, I recommend you to visit those that are far away from the tourist areas. That way you won’t feel suffocated by the crowds.
PLAYA DEL CARMEN
If you want to enjoy the beaches, the white sand and the sea, the best beach to visit is Playa del Carmen. This is one of the most frequented by tourists and is very well known because it is located 68 kilometers from the city of Cancun.
It is undoubtedly an exceptional place to enjoy Cancun and the Caribbean. The best experience is to stay in an all-inclusive hotel, here are the best all-inclusive hotels in the Riviera Maya,
To move from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, without any problem, you can use a transportation from Cancun to Playa del Carmen service, which will take you without any problem to your hotel in the safest way.
Don’t forget to try Mexican food
One of the things you can’t miss on a visit to Cancun, Tulum and all of Quintana Roo is to try the typical Mexican and Yucatecan food, just go to a local restaurant.
Just don’t get excited about the spicy food if you are not used to it, or you will get the so-called “Montezuma’s Revenge”.
So if you are wondering what to eat in Cancun, here is a list of dishes you must try during your visit to this city.
Tips for visiting the Riviera Maya
During my visit to Cancun I have collected some information that can be useful for you, especially if you come with little money or want to go to Cancun as a backpacker.
The best time to travel to Cancun is from December to April, since there is no rain and the maximum temperature is 28° Celsius, the bad thing is that it is the high season.
If you want to enjoy the attractions of the area without many tourists and you don’t mind walking around in a storm or hurricane, then you can visit Cancun between May and November, the best thing is that it is mid-low season and you can get the best prices.
Wear a hat or put on sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Wear cool clothes, but don’t forget a raincoat in case it rains.
Use mosquito repellent (they are everywhere), preferably organic to avoid damage to marine ecosystems.
Public transportation is good in the Cancun area, but if you are going to a hotel, it is much more advisable to book a Cancun private transportation.
If you have a good budget and time you can choose to visit an island, before Isla Mujeres we recommend Holbox, Contoy or Cozumel.
One more thing: always remember to respect the ruins and natural spaces you visit. And of course, enjoy your experience.
