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Everyone knows that Cancun is popular for its beaches, nightlife, and luxury all-inclusive resorts, but the Mexican Caribbean vacation destination has much more to offer.
Its location at the northern end of the Riviera Maya region puts visitors in close proximity to numerous destinations that can be explored on a day trip away from the city.
But not everyone wants to travel away from the hotel zone of Cancun for something to do, so below are five unique things you might not know you could do without leaving:
Why People Travel Outside Of Cancun
The most common reason for visitors traveling outside of Cancun is to find a more cultural experience.
Many people visit Mayan ruins, seek out authentic Mexican food, or find somewhere to enjoy nature.
But you might be surprised to find out that you can do all of these things without ever leaving Cancun’s hotel zone.
@tampabrowartist Cancun vacation Part 2: Mayan Ruins at #chichenitza! 🇲🇽 #mexico #mexicotravel #cancun #cancunmexico #yucatan #mayancalendar #mayanculture #indigenouspeople #indigenous #mayanruins #traveltiktok #travel #glt #girlslovetravel #valladolid #valladolidyucatan #historybuff #travelgoals #vivamexico ♬ Mexican Music – MiraculousMouse
Tour Mayan Ruins
Many tourists travel miles to see Mayan ruins, and it’s a necessary trip to see some of the most impressive ruins, but there are ruins you can see without even leaving the Hotel Zone.
The El Rey Archeological Zone is made up of nearly 50 different structures, including the San Miguelito Archeological Site, which dates back to around 1100-1450 A.D.
About 30 minutes from the Hotel Zone, you’ll also find the El Meco Archeological Site, a smaller but still important collection of ruins.
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@nelly.urena1 Ruinas El Rey 🤴 #cancun #cancunmexico #cancunphotoshoot #cancun2022 ♬ Hay Que Bueno – KD One & PV Aparataje
Eat Authentic Mexican Food
While you may not find much authentic Mexican food at the luxury all-inclusive resort you’ll be staying at, you don’t have to go far to experience traditional Mexican cuisine.
To be sure, the bulk of the authentic Mexican restaurants are outside of the Hotel Zone, but there are some options that are likely only steps from your resort.
One option that gets rave reviews, many saying that it’s the best authentic Mexican restaurant in Cancun, is Restaurante Mextreme.
Other options that get great reviews are La Bamba “Mex-Seafood,” Restaurante Hacienda El Mortero, and Xkat-Ik, which is actually authentic Mayan cuisine.
@kellysotog #baecation2022✈️🏝 #travelcouple #mexico🇲🇽 #haciendaelmortero #cancunmexico #travel #aniversaryvacation ♬ original sound – Kelly Soto
Learn About Mayan And Mexican Culture And History
The Mayan Museum of Cancun, which is connected to the San Miguelito ruins, has a wealth of information on Mayan culture and history.
It has somewhere around 400 ancient artifacts, some of which were uncovered in Quintana Roo, the home state of Cancun.
A little further away, off of the coast of Cancun, MUSA (the Underwater Museum of Art), is also a unique cultural experience worth your time.
@lunasolas23 #mayanmuseum #cancunmexico #ruins ♬ EL NOPAL – Goliath Flores
Visit An Ecological Park
You might be surprised to find out that there are numerous green spaces located in the middle of the city of Cancun, and a couple of them are ecological parks.
Villas Otoch Ecological Park is located northwest of the Hotel Zone and features walking paths, trees, and a playground for the little ones.
Kabah Ecological Park is another urban green space surrounded by lush vegetation, running paths, and wildlife.
@juliotorres1454 hotel zone cancun
♬ dance(256762) – TimTaj
See Wildlife At Nichupte Lagoon
Nichupte Lagoon is located between the Hotel Zone and the downtown area.
It is home to a huge array of wildlife, including approximately 160 different types of birds. You’ll also find crocodiles, leopard frogs, blue crabs, white turtles, and other flora and fauna.
Tours of the lagoon are offered by different companies and typically cost less than $100, depending on the type of tour.
@soyguselcancunence Puente nizuc #cancunmexico #playasmexicanas #fyp #parati #soygus #viral #laguna ♬ sonido original – Soy Gus
Exploring Cancun
Exploring outside of Cancun is great, but there is plenty to explore in Cancun too.
All of these places are probably only a short distance from the hotel you choose.
And visiting them will give you a true sense of what an amazing vacation destination Cancun truly is.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
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