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Aside from boasting some of the most awe-inspiring tropical beaches and lavish all-inclusives in the world, Cancun is a surprisingly dynamic cultural hub.
Travelers headed to Cancun this summer are in for a treat, as the city is the perfect home base from which to discover Mexico’s vast cultural treasures and delights. With that in mind, here are 5 unique cultural attractions in and near Cancun.
Discover Mayan History In Cancun
Cancun’s resort zone is home to one of the most visited museums in the Mexican Caribbean: the Museo Maya. Situated near Playa Delfines in the southern portion of the resort district, this vast museum is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Mayan history without having to travel too far.
Home to some of the oldest and best-preserved Mayan artifacts all the way from Chichen Itzá to Quintana Roo, this museum is worth including on your Cancun bucket list.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and admission costs just $4 per person.
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Shop At Cancun’s Bustling Mercado 28
With over 48,000 reviews on Google, Mercado 28 has become one of the most popular attractions outside of Cancun’s hotel zone. The sprawling marketplace is a shopper’s paradise, and with an abundance of local handicrafts and delicacies, it offers a window into Mexican culture.
Situated on Xel-Há Avenue in downtown Cancun, Mercado 28 is easily reached by taxi or Uber, although some resorts also offer guided tours.
Mercado 28 is a great place to walk around and soak in all the colors, flavors, and sights that make this one of Cancun’s main cultural hubs. However, travelers should be careful, as pickpockets are known to target unsuspecting tourists.
Partake In This Ancient Mayan Ritual
A growing number of Cancun resorts – such as Paradisus Cancun – are focusing on local cultural and spiritual experiences that make for an unforgettable vacation. Cancun travelers can also experience the magic of ancient Mayan rituals by booking a guided tour.
While the Mexican Caribbean is famous for all sorts of rituals, the Temazcal ceremony is perhaps the most unique. Consisting of a relaxing steam bath, this spiritual experience is guaranteed to make travelers feel like new.
Travelers can opt for this 6-hour guided session departing from Cancun, which includes pick up and drop off as well as an expert guide.
Visit The New Exciting Luchatitlan Wrestling Theme Park
One of Cancun’s newest cultural attractions, Luchatitlan, has earned praise from locals and visitors alike after opening its doors this year. Featuring a spectacular lucha libre or Mexican-style wrestling shows, the attraction stands out for offering guests tasty local delicacies while they enjoy the live show.
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Watch as 14 fighters battle it out for the Monarch’s belt in an unforgettable cultural experience. A show at the family-friendly attraction costs just $80 per person and is situated right in the heart of Cancun’s resort zone.
Delight Your Tastebuds With These Mexican Delicacies
Most travelers will be surprised to find out that Cancun is one of Mexico’s emerging foodie hotspots. While its massive all-inclusives offer a range of culinary experiences, the real Mexican foodie scene can be found in Cancun’s downtown area.
Travelers can find dozens of top-rated eateries and food shacks right outside of Cancun’s hotel zone. They can be easily visited by taking a taxi or Uber, but we’d recommend opting for Cancun Food Tours.
The acclaimed foodie tour company offers some of the most comprehensive culinary routes in the city, with its famed taco tour costing just $75 per person.
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