Aktun Chen. About an hour from Cancun on the road to the ruins of Tulum is Aktun Chen, a cave embellished by an underground river. The main cave with a magnificent vault, has been illuminated and supplied with paths for easy walking and viewing of stalactites, stalagmites and natural sculptures.
Bullfights. Wednesdays bring the classic struggle between man and bull (toro) to the downtown Plaza de Toros Cancun. Also on the agenda on occasion are dances and cockfights. Downtown Cancun
Cancun Arts & Crafts. El Tesoro de Kukulcán, which accepts credit cards, has handicrafts, jewelry, and talavera. Plaza La Fiesta, also with handicrafts and jewelry, has tablewear and souvenirs.
Cancun Golf. For golfers, Cancun yields a treasure-trove of opportunities to tee-up. Among the possibilities are Hilton Park Golf Club’s 18-hole (par 72) Robert Trent Jones course at the Hilton Cancun Beach and Golf Resort, which incorporates one of Cancun’s ruins – Ruinas Del Ray – within its challenge. Pok Ta Pok Club de Golf in the Hotel Zone, also by Robert Trent Jones, is an 18-hole (par 73) course with a practice tee and putting green. Melia Cancun Golf Club at the Melia Hotel in the Hotel Zone is an 18 hole, par 54 course. Hilton Park Golf Club, Boulevard Kukulcán. Pok Ta Pok Club de Golf, Hotel Zone. Melia Cancun Golf Club, Melia Hotel, Hotel Zone. Playa Mujeres Golf Club at the Playa Mujeres Complex
Cancun Kayaking and Windsurfing. Cancun’s waters are ideal for kayak and windsurfing enjoyment. For calmer waters, the Nichupté Lagoon, or the northern end of Cancun Island provide protection. Jet skiing, parasailing and regular sailing are also popular.
Cancun Nightlife. By night, Cancun wakes up to the beat of discos, cantinas, bars and nightclubs. The Ballet Folklorico with lavish costumes and traditional dances performs in various locations. Laser-lighted dance clubs cover everything from rock and reggae to salsa, typically opening at around 10 p.m. and pulsating until dawn.
Chichen Itza and Tulum. The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum, among Mexico’s most photographed attractions, mesmerize as silent temples to one of the world’s oldest, most mysterious cultures.
Cozumel. Cozumel – diving capital of Mexico – is an island some 40 miles south of Cancun’s Hotel Zone and can be accessed by frequent shuttles or by ferry from Playa del Carmen.
Day Cruises. Providing for expanded adventure, day cruises to Cozumel and elsewhere from the docks at Playa del Carmen near Cancun are plentiful.
Diving and Fishing. Waters surrounding Cancun are legendary for clarity and submerged diversity, with snorkeling right off the beach or scuba dive/snorkeling over the "Mayan Reef" on Mexico's Caribbean. Famed dive spots such as Palancar, El Bajito, Manchones and Chitales are all nearby. At the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, divers can sometimes "pet" these little charmers. Isla Mujeres may well be the area’s most scenic place for diving and snorkeling. Deep sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, tuna and dorado is popular during the respective seasons.
Isla Contoy. This small uninhabited island, 25 miles north of Cancun and just under 20 miles north of Isla Mujeres (from where day trips depart), is a refuge for birds, marine and animal life.
Isla Mujeres. This charming isle about six miles from Cancun has three excellent beaches, the most popular being Playa de los Cocos in the north end, with calm waters and assorted water sports. Secluded Playa Lancheros, at the southern end, has live turtle pens and a separate swimming area. Playa Garrafon, a national underwater park, is ideal for snorkeling. Banderas, Cuervones and Manchones are reefs for experienced divers.
Ruinas del Rey. This small archaeological site is notable for the unusual architecture of its two main plazas bounded by two streets. The majority of Mayan cities had one plaza and few streets. This site may have been a royal burial ground. Paseo Kukulcán Km 17.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site with more than a million acres, divides almost equally among wetlands, tropical forest and marine systems. Friends of Sian Ka’an is a non-profit organization operating biologist-escorted tours from Cancun that help the biosphere concept support itself via low-impact tourism.
Tres Rios. About 25 miles from Cancun, Tres Rios stretches inland from a pristine white sand beach, encompassing subtropical jungle and mangroves, covering 370 acres and offering a prime selection of pools where the area's underground rivers come to the surface. Only in Tres Rios are these “cenotes” at ground level, found in the shallow rivers heading to the sea. Visitors can walk or bicycle through the jungle, canoe down the river, kayak in the sea, ride horseback along the beach, snorkel in the river or on the park's outstanding section of the Great Mayan Reef. Also awaiting are hammocks and space to build sandcastles.
Xcaret. This 250-acre ecological theme park along the coastline, Xcaret features an underground river for swimming and a Dolphinarium where visitors can swim with the dolphins.
Xel-Ha. Billed as the world’s largest natural aquarium, Xel-Ha is a collage of inlets, lagoons, sinkholes and caves where visitors can snorkel, swim, sunbathe, take a stroll or discover other charms of what was once a playground for the ancients.
Xpu-Ha Eco-Park. This 90-plus acre private park has only 3 percent of its land developed for access roads, baths and showers, two snack bars, and a seaside restaurant, La Palapa. Ranked among the most diverse environments in North America, Xpu-Ha is a sanctuary for rare birds and for protected species such as crocodiles, sea turtles, native deer and snakes. Walks along nature trails are led by expert guides, providing insights on vegetation, fauna and geological features. Sunbathing areas, space for soccer and volleyball, and rental shops for snorkel or scuba are also provided.
