Skip to Content

5 Reasons Why Tourists Are Flocking To These Cultural Experiences Near Cancun

Last Updated

Cultural travel is on the rise in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean as travelers increasingly venture outside of their all-inclusive resorts.

With a range of new investments to improve accessibility and infrastructure across the myriad of stunning Mayan sites around Quintana Roo, enjoying the Mexican Caribbean’s rich culture has never been so easy.

overview of tulum's Mayan ruins in dayligt

The Mexican Caribbean is a lot more than beach and sun; in fact, it’s one of the world’s most historical regions.

And with that in mind, here are 5 reasons why travelers are flocking to these unique cultural experiences near Cancun.

Mayan Sites Are Thriving 

Display of local Cancun culture and art

New statistics published by Mexico’s National Institute for Anthropology and History (INAH) reveal that the number of travelers flocking to Quintana Roo’s main Mayan ruins is up 13% month-on-month.

And that’s largely due to new government efforts to make the region’s historical sites safer and more accessible than before.

@mekovalentino The Mayan Ruins of Tulum | 101 Visitors Guide #tulumruins #tulummexico #tulumbeach #tuluminati #tulumvibes #ruinasdetulum #thingstodointulum #archeology #mexicotrip ♬ original sound – Meko Valentino

The Mayan ruins of Chacchoben stand out as one of the fastest-growing attractions for history lovers. The ruins are a popular day trip for cruise ship travelers in Mahahual, one of the largest cruise ship ports in the region.

Travelers Are Increasingly Keen On New Experiences

With travelers flocking to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean in droves, a growing number of globetrotters are venturing far beyond the comfort of their resorts to explore the hidden treasures of this stunning region.

@its_lien_ Mayan ruins are definitely a must if you’re visiting Riviera Maya 😍 #mayanruins #mayanruins❤️❤️❤️ #tulummexico #tulumvibes #tulum2022 #rivieramayamexico #quintanaroomexico🏝🇲🇽 #mayancivilization #tulumruins #tulumruinas #yucatanpeninsula #mexicotraveling #mexicotravelchannel ♬ Bloody Samaritan (Cover) – Loud Urban Choir

And many are choosing to explore Quintana Roo’s well-preserved Mayan sites. For an easy day trip, travelers can reach places like Tulum or Chichen Itzá in just several hours. Meanwhile, other travelers choose to visit several ruins in one day, such as Tulum and Cobá, which recently re-opened to the public.

Abundant Choice Of Guided Tours And Excursions

In an era of growing digitization, booking guided tours and excursions has never been easier. Gone are the days when travelers have to visit a travel agency or set up an appointment with a concierge.

In 2023, online bookings are all the rage, especially in touristy regions like Cancun. Online marketplaces like Tripadvisor and Viator offer travelers a wealth of information to help them book top-rated tours in a safe and time-efficient way.

@plvang Mayan Ruins, a must visit when in Cancun #fyp #mayanruinstulum #traveltiktok #cancunmexico ♬ Intro – The xx

Travelers can find hundreds of customizable tours, such as this top-rated combo tour of Tulum’s ruins with a refreshing dip in a nearby cenote. That being said, while online bookings are convenient and fast, travelers should be wary of the growing number of scams.

Improved Safety

Cultural hotspots like Tulum have, at times, struggled with high crime rates, which have damaged their reputation. But new government efforts to deter crime – both at the state and local level – are paying off, with organized crime levels dropping significantly.

@luckyloutattoo Quick trip to Mexico to see the Mayan ruins 💕 #mexico #vacation #mayanruins #cancunmexico #adventure #life #mexicolindo ♬ BANANA SHAKE (SPED UP) – HUS

That’s especially true for Tulum’s Mayan ruins, which are guarded around the clock by a contingent of armed forces.

Meanwhile, massive investments in state law enforcement bodies mean that the fight against organized crime is set to decrease crime rates even further, guaranteeing the safety of millions of travelers. 

The Completion Of The Maya Train

Even though the Maya Train won’t be complete until December this year, the massive infrastructure project is attracting worldwide attention thanks to its ambitious goals.

@cancunrunner "El Rey" Archaeological site located in Cancun, Mexico. #cancun #mayanruins #mayanarchitecture #mayanculture #ancientmayans ♬ Rain Man (The Movie's Theme Song) – Movie Sounds Unlimited & Original Motion Picture Soundtrack & Soundtrack

Unlocking new attractions that have thus far been inaccessible, officials have already released plenty of new information on the upcoming project’s train stations, allowing travelers to plan their next Mexican Caribbean getaway. 

Aside from opening up new interesting sites, the landmark project is tied to a number of investments that will make visiting the region’s Mayan ruins safer and easier than ever before.

Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:

Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!

Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties


↓ Join the community ↓

The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean

the-cancun-Sun-facebook-group

Subscribe to our Latest Posts

Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.


Florence barasa

Monday 18th of September 2023

I'm interested in Cancun