Visiting Cancún? Want to do more than sunbathe? Get outdoors and explore the Mexican paradise with eco activities around Cancún, natural aquariums in the Caribbean Sea and more.
Zip-lining though the Mexican jungle, diving in cenotes and snorkeling the Caribbean Sea is tiring work – you’ll need somewhere to rest after all that outdoor adventuring. So to help you out, we’ve hand-picked a selection of the best hotels and resorts near the destinations. Book on our website now and make the most of the Culture Trip Ultimate Covid-19 Booking Guarantee.
Xplor, Playa del Carmen
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You won’t have more fun anywhere else near Cancún than Xplor eco adventure park. Zip-line through the trees across 14 routes with the Caribbean Sea glimmering in the background. Grab the wheel and drive through the jungle on amphibious vehicles, with caverns, narrow roads and hanging bridges along the way. Raft or swim through prehistoric rivers in the underground caverns. And look out for the only five-in-one waterslide in the world.
The mother of all resorts, Hotel Xcaret is part of the most well-known theme/water park in Mexico, Xcaret, of which Xplor is a part. The only resort that offers access to all the parks and tours by Xcaret, it’s perfect for a jam-packed holiday of family fun, and the flamboyant architecture pays tribute to the traditions of Mexico.
There are a handful of must-visit Mayan ruins near Cancún, but none are quite as naturally spectacular as the Tulum ruins, which sit on a cliff above a picture-perfect white sandy beach. The archaeological site was once an ancient city that was a seaport for trading jade and turquoise. Inquisitive travelers will love the theories and myths that surround the structures.
After a day exploring the ruins and the natural beauty surrounding it, treat yourself with a luxurious place to stay afterward. There are lots to choose from in Tulum, but TAGO is one of our favorites. A day here begins with sliding open your floor-to-ceiling wooden doors and taking a dip in your private balcony pool. For the rest of the day, drift dreamily on the beach club swings, then head over to the Mexican-inspired TAGO Restaurant with a final stop via the shaman-led wellness center.
The whole family will love a day at the nature theme park Xcaret. Swim in underground rivers and get up close to the creatures of the Aviary, the Coral Reef Aquarium and the Butterfly Pavilion. From swimming with dolphins to floating down a lazy river, visiting a traditional cemetery to snorkeling the inlet, Xcaret will entertain you for days. There’s also a section for younger ones called Mundo de los Niños, and you won’t want to miss the live performances – the night show, a celebration of Mexican and Mayan history, is our favorite.
You get the best of both worlds at Occidental at Xcaret Destination: all the fun activities for kids, being connected to the nature park by a gondola, but also respite from the action amid tranquil open spaces. Look out for the wildlife, too, including monkeys, iguanas and the raccoon-like coati.
Ready to see the largest natural aquarium in the world? That’s what you’re in for at Xel-ha near Tulum, an eco-park where you can swim in grottos and cenotes (natural sinkholes), explore Mayan ruins, jump off the Cliff of Courage, cross the floating bridge, ride bikes or fly kites. There are plenty of other activities and exhibits to keep you occupied, or you could spend your time relaxing in the sun or napping in a seaside hammock. Xel-Ha also features a delicious buffet restaurant and a children’s area.
After an adventure-packed day at Xel-ha, a private villa is the perfect place to retreat, and Villa Pescadores is one of our favorites. You’ll find it on the white sands of Tulum National Park. More beachside cabana than traditional villa, these rustic retreats feature handmade furniture, canopy beds and private balconies. In the bathroom, you will find locally sourced toiletries. But the real win? The spot on Playa Pescadores. A stay comes with access to the beach club where daybeds and hammocks make for lazy afternoons. The dining experience is typical Tulum – relaxed and forward-thinking. Head to the beach grill for mezcal-infused fish and the catch of the day.
See the Yucatán Peninsula with a sustainable tour from Aventuras Mayas. Explore ancient Mayan archaeological sites and enjoy zip-lining excursions, cenote rappelling, and snorkeling along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere. Make the most of the Cenote Chukum tour, which explores a 130ft (40m) cenote named Chukum-Ha after the surrounding chukum trees indigenous to the area.
For our final place to stay, we thought we’d show you our highest-rated hotel in Cancún – and you can see why. Sleek modernist architecture complements the soothing Caribbean Sea that can be found on its doorstep. Once you’ve enjoyed the five outdoor pools, head to the private beach for further relaxation. Then amble over to the spa for a dose of pampering.
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