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Attractions in Cancun

14 miles of white-sand beaches and the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are definitely Cancun's greatest and most popular attraction, but there are many other sights worth seeing, in the area.

Mayan ruins, which are scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, are a big draw for history buffs, or anyone interested in the Mayan culture. The ruins near Cancun are from the Colonial Period, around the 10th-12th century. Chichen Itza is the largest, grandest site, and also the most famous and most popular. El Castillo, the pyramid at Chichen Itza has become an iconic image. Even if people haven't visited it, they know where it is found. That, and the fact that Chichen Itza was named one of the Modern Wonders of the World, is why the archaeological site is visited by so many people each year.

Other Mayan ruins sites in the area, such as Coba, Tulum, & Ek Balam, are quite popular as well, but are usually less-crowded than Chichen Itza.

Nature & wildlife is another big attraction in Cancun. The Isla Contoy nature reserve is located on a small island, near Cancun. There, you will see many species of birds and plants, swim in the calm waters surrounding the island, and lounge on the pristine beach. Since Isla Contoy is a nature reserve, only a limited number of people are allowed to visit the island each day. For that reason, it's never crowded.

Xcaret and Xel-Ha are eco-parks, where visitors can snorkel, swim with dolphins, float down a lazy river, swim in a cenote, see Mayan ruins and plants, birds, & animals that are found in the region. A visit to the parks allows you to combine all of the best the area has to offer, beaches & water sports, Mayan ruins, & nature, into one day-trip.

Cancun's Interactive Aquarium is another place where you can swim with dolphins, see tropical birds, and learn about fish & other marine life.

Cenotes (sink holes) are some of the most unique attractions in the Cancun area. There are countless cenotes in the region, but quite a few are well-known tourist attractions. Cenotes can be covered, making them more like a cavern filled with water than a swimming pool, or uncovered. Cenotes are often too dark for snorkeling, or diving, but they are great for swimming and cooling off on a hot, Summer day.

And, of course, no trip to Cancun would be complete without a visit to the Herradura Tequila Museum. There, you can learn about, and taste, Mexico's national beverage. It's an interesting, and delicious, way to pass some time.