Whether or not you’ve visited Cancun before, on your next trip to this epic Mexico beach destination, think outside the box. Go beyond the all-inclusive hotels and vibrant nightlife – there’ll be time for that, too, if you plan it right – and head to these lesser-known gems. Ranging from a few minutes to a couple hours’ outside the city, each has its own appeal, from stunning and less-touristy archaeological sites to flora- and fauna-filled remote tropical islands. Here are a few ideas to whet your appetite for off-the-beaten-path Cancun.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
1. MUSA Underwater Museum
Ever been to an underwater museum? If you’re a diver or snorkeler, you’ll definitely want to check out the MUSA Underwater Museum between Isla Mujeres and Cancun. More than 400 submerged statues were installed here by British sculptor Jason De Caires Taylor in an attempt to provide a fertile landscape for marine fauna. The average depth of the museum is about 26 feet – as you snorkel or dive through the waters, you’ll see an array of statuary meant to reflect various themes, from capital society to fishing communities. Look for “Anthropocene,” a VW bug automobile submerged near the Manchones Reef and home to a colony of red lobsters. “Silent Evolution” showcases nearly 450 human-size figurines living harmoniously. Even if you’re not a snorkeler or diver, you can enjoy MUSA via glass-bottom-boat tour.
Ever been to an underwater museum? If you’re a diver or snorkeler, you’ll definitely want to check out the MUSA Underwater Museum between Isla Mujeres and Cancun. More than 400 submerged statues were installed here by British sculptor Jason De Caires Taylor in an attempt to provide a fertile landscape for marine fauna. The average depth of the museum is about 26 feet – as you snorkel or dive through the waters, you’ll see an array of statuary meant to reflect various themes, from capital society to fishing communities. Look for “Anthropocene,” a VW bug automobile submerged near the Manchones Reef and home to a colony of red lobsters. “Silent Evolution” showcases nearly 450 human-size figurines living harmoniously. Even if you’re not a snorkeler or diver, you can enjoy MUSA via glass-bottom-boat tour.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
2. Isla Contoy
Nearly every Cancun visitor makes their way to Isla Mujeres, so consider instead Isla Contoy, especially if you’re a nature and wildlife enthusiast. This totally uninhabited island is 30 miles north of Isla Mujeres and an important habitat for native flora and fauna as well as a migratory bird nesting site. Only 200 visitors are allowed to visit the island each day to this original Mayan isle, where humans remains dating back more than 500 years have been discovered and where there’s evidence of pirate hideouts. Keep an eye out for iguanas, hermit crabs, caiman crocodiles, frigate seabirds and more. Where UV-protective clothing – there is no sunscreen allowed.
Nearly every Cancun visitor makes their way to Isla Mujeres, so consider instead Isla Contoy, especially if you’re a nature and wildlife enthusiast. This totally uninhabited island is 30 miles north of Isla Mujeres and an important habitat for native flora and fauna as well as a migratory bird nesting site. Only 200 visitors are allowed to visit the island each day to this original Mayan isle, where humans remains dating back more than 500 years have been discovered and where there’s evidence of pirate hideouts. Keep an eye out for iguanas, hermit crabs, caiman crocodiles, frigate seabirds and more. Where UV-protective clothing – there is no sunscreen allowed.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
3. Cenote Dos Ojos (Two Eyes Cenote)
Explore the two pools and caverns of the Cenote Dos Ojos), composed of two circular cenotes with a famous limestone cave system below. The sacred water is crystal-clear and as you explore the caves, be sure to notice the intricate stalagmites and stalactites. This cave cenote can be accessed via an entrance at land level – you’ll make your way down the stairs then into the underground pool. As you explore, remember that the ancient Mayans believed cenotes to be passages to the underworld. In this very spot, cultural and religious rituals and traditions were performed eons ago.
Explore the two pools and caverns of the Cenote Dos Ojos), composed of two circular cenotes with a famous limestone cave system below. The sacred water is crystal-clear and as you explore the caves, be sure to notice the intricate stalagmites and stalactites. This cave cenote can be accessed via an entrance at land level – you’ll make your way down the stairs then into the underground pool. As you explore, remember that the ancient Mayans believed cenotes to be passages to the underworld. In this very spot, cultural and religious rituals and traditions were performed eons ago.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
4. Rio Secreto (Secret River)
Explore the largest non-submerged cave in the Yucatan peninsula, and even swim through the underground river 82 feet underground – with a guide, of course. You’ll get a feel for the unique geography of the area and view centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites as you make your way through the series of caves carved out by the river. Discover a huge half-sunken cavern (a favorite of divers), spooky passageways, colorful mineral formations and more.
Explore the largest non-submerged cave in the Yucatan peninsula, and even swim through the underground river 82 feet underground – with a guide, of course. You’ll get a feel for the unique geography of the area and view centuries-old stalactites and stalagmites as you make your way through the series of caves carved out by the river. Discover a huge half-sunken cavern (a favorite of divers), spooky passageways, colorful mineral formations and more.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
5. Isla Holbox
You’ll have to charter a flight to Isla Holbox (or make a four-hour drive), but either way it’s worth it for the thousands of birds, flamingos and white sands you’ll find there. This remote island checks all the boxes for paradise – turquoise waters, hammocks hanging from palm trees, gentle sea breezes, quiet. So quiet, in fact, because no cars are allowed here – instead, golf carts make their way up and down streets made of packed sand. Forego the all-inclusive resorts and nightclubs for the day and soak up the natural island vibe of Holbox.
You’ll have to charter a flight to Isla Holbox (or make a four-hour drive), but either way it’s worth it for the thousands of birds, flamingos and white sands you’ll find there. This remote island checks all the boxes for paradise – turquoise waters, hammocks hanging from palm trees, gentle sea breezes, quiet. So quiet, in fact, because no cars are allowed here – instead, golf carts make their way up and down streets made of packed sand. Forego the all-inclusive resorts and nightclubs for the day and soak up the natural island vibe of Holbox.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
6. Coba
If you’re done Chichen Itza or Tulum – or if you’re looking for a less-touristy way to explore Mayan ruins – head to Coba. These ruins are enough off the beaten path that visitors can actually still climb some of the structures – not allowed at the more touristy ruins. More than 50 raised white-stone pathways (called sacbes, or white roads) have been discovered at the site – 16 of them are open to the public for walking or biking. The roads connect various residential areas to the main pyramid area of Nohoch Mul. While there, take the time to climb the 138-foot-tall Ixmoja pyramid, once the heart of the city. Look around the area for stone monuments called stelae, many of which depict the females who may have been rulers at the time. There are also two well-preserved ball courts, assumed to have been used for the traditional Mayan ballgame, ōllamaliztli.
If you’re done Chichen Itza or Tulum – or if you’re looking for a less-touristy way to explore Mayan ruins – head to Coba. These ruins are enough off the beaten path that visitors can actually still climb some of the structures – not allowed at the more touristy ruins. More than 50 raised white-stone pathways (called sacbes, or white roads) have been discovered at the site – 16 of them are open to the public for walking or biking. The roads connect various residential areas to the main pyramid area of Nohoch Mul. While there, take the time to climb the 138-foot-tall Ixmoja pyramid, once the heart of the city. Look around the area for stone monuments called stelae, many of which depict the females who may have been rulers at the time. There are also two well-preserved ball courts, assumed to have been used for the traditional Mayan ballgame, ōllamaliztli.
Photo Credit : Booking.com
7. Puerto Morelos
Experience “real” Mexico in Puerto Morelos, halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It’s a nice break from the high-rise glitz with enough brilliant blue seas and white-sand beaches to brighten your days and after-dark options to light up your night. Excellent cenotes are found just inland, beckoning swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Don’t miss the market south of the plaza in town, with plentiful handicrafts that are typically of better quality than what you’ll find back in Cancun. Oh, and the food here is authentic and fabulous!
Experience “real” Mexico in Puerto Morelos, halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It’s a nice break from the high-rise glitz with enough brilliant blue seas and white-sand beaches to brighten your days and after-dark options to light up your night. Excellent cenotes are found just inland, beckoning swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Don’t miss the market south of the plaza in town, with plentiful handicrafts that are typically of better quality than what you’ll find back in Cancun. Oh, and the food here is authentic and fabulous!
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
8. Akumal
Hang with the sea turtles in Akumal (Place of the Turtles), a pleasant day trip from Cancun. Bring along snorkeling gear and you’ll be able to head right out to swim with them in the large bay. Also check out the fresh- and saltwater Yal-Ku Lagoon, home to a huge variety of tropical fish, and Half Moon Bay. There’s cenote and cave diving nearby, excellent food and nightlife and the Centro Ecologico Akumal, where you can learn more about Akumal’s ecosystems and marine life.
Hang with the sea turtles in Akumal (Place of the Turtles), a pleasant day trip from Cancun. Bring along snorkeling gear and you’ll be able to head right out to swim with them in the large bay. Also check out the fresh- and saltwater Yal-Ku Lagoon, home to a huge variety of tropical fish, and Half Moon Bay. There’s cenote and cave diving nearby, excellent food and nightlife and the Centro Ecologico Akumal, where you can learn more about Akumal’s ecosystems and marine life.
Photo Credit : Shutterstock
9. Valladolid
A couple hours’ drive from Cancun you’ll find the charming town of Valladolid, the third-largest city in the Yucatan. Get an insider’s perspective on small-town life in Mexico as you explore the colorful streets lined by candy-colored buildings. Explore the colonial center of the town and even swim in a cenote that’s conveniently just blocks from the town square. From here, it’s an even trip to Chichen Itza, if you’re so inclined, or the less-well-known, but equally enticing Ek Balam archaeological site.
A couple hours’ drive from Cancun you’ll find the charming town of Valladolid, the third-largest city in the Yucatan. Get an insider’s perspective on small-town life in Mexico as you explore the colorful streets lined by candy-colored buildings. Explore the colonial center of the town and even swim in a cenote that’s conveniently just blocks from the town square. From here, it’s an even trip to Chichen Itza, if you’re so inclined, or the less-well-known, but equally enticing Ek Balam archaeological site.