Planning an escape to paradise this winter? We’ve got just the place! Located on the northeastern edge of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun is just about the perfect vacation spot that has just about everything you could ask for.
Visiting the Mayan Ruins
One of the best things about Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula is the ruins. There are a variety of Mayan ruins in the area that is still standing today and can be visited, most notably the structures at Coba, Tulum and Chichen Itza.
The ruins of Coba are some of the most remote landmarks you’ll find in the area, making them a bit harder to get to but still absolutely worth it. Since the site hasn’t been visited as much as places like Tulum or Chichen Itza, you can still climb to the top of the pyramid. The site is also unique because it has not been excavated like the others and it feels as if you’re right in the middle of the jungle.
Tulum is the only place you’ll find Mayan ruins on the beach. So after taking a tour of the beautiful ruins, you can spend the rest of the day at the beach or walking around town. Be careful with this one though, there is absolutely no shade, so if you’re visiting in the warmer months, be sure to come in the morning.
The last ruin we recommend is the infamous Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is probably the most well known and recognizable of all the Mayan ruins due to its status as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza also has a pyramid, similar to Coba but you cannot climb it, due to preservation efforts.
Taking a Dip in the Cenotes
Another must do on your trip to Cancun are the cenotes, as the entire area is scattered with these secret swimming holes. The natural pools were once thought to be a place where the Mayans could speak to the gods, and you can see why. These oasis’ were uncovered due to collapsing limestone bedrock, which revealed beautiful underground bodies of water. The best part is that there are SO MANY of them, so you’ll never run out of underwater adventures on your trip.
Adventuring in the Water
If you’re looking for more swimming opportunities, we recommend going snorkeling. Cancun has some of the most beautiful water with interesting marine life that you simply shouldn’t miss. The Riviera Maya reef system has more than 500 fish species and 100 coral types. The area is known for its abundance of loggerhead and green turtles, if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot some on your trip. For those feeling a little more adventurous, you can also take this as an opportunity to swim with whale sharks (don’t worry, these are the ones without teeth.)
Exploring Eco-parks
Last but not least, the area has a few exciting water parks that you NEED to experience. Parks such as Xcaret and Xel Ha, are actually referred to as ecological parks due to their conservation efforts. These places offer access to underground rivers for you to explore and Xcaret even has a few small Mayan ruins within the park to check out. If you’ve never been to Mexico, or it’s been a long time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at all the fascinating things to do.
Trust us, you’ll be sure to love your trip to Cancun. With all of these amazing things to do (and more), there’s no doubt it’ll be the trip of your life.