Beautiful beaches and vibrant energy are only the beginning of your Cancun experience. Beyond the Hotel Zone, an entire region unfolds, from Isla Mujeres to the Riviera Maya and deep into the Yucatán Peninsula. Ancient cities, hidden cenotes, tropical oases, and open-sea adventures await beyond the city limits.
If you are looking for activities to do in Cancun and the surrounding area, these excursions provide a glimpse into the area’s natural wonders, rich heritage, and Caribbean spirit. Let Amàre Cancún, a Curio Collection by HiltonTM resort, be your guide as you venture into the extraordinary.
1. Venture to Isla Mujeres
Just a short ferry ride from Cancun, Isla Mujeres offers calm waters, colorful marine life, and a laid‑back island atmosphere. The ferry service is only 1 km from Amàre, making it one of the easiest day trips for first‑time visitors.
Pick a half-day outing if snorkeling and swimming are your priority. A full-day visit leaves time for lunch, shopping, and exploring the towns.
Most excursions include boat transport, snorkeling equipment, towels, drinks, and lunch. Pack a bathing suit, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to stay protected in the sun.
2. Journey to Chichén Itzá
Learn about ancient Maya history at Chichén Itzá, one of the region’s most impressive cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore with a guide to see the iconic El Castillo pyramid and other monuments.
Set aside a full day for Chichén Itzá. It’s several hours from Cancun, so the journey offers a glimpse of the countryside along the way. Many tours also include a cenote swim or a visit to the city of Valladolid, known for its colonial architecture.
Round-trip transportation, a guide, entrance fees, and lunch are usually included. Wear comfortable shoes and pack a layer for the air-conditioned bus. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Don’t forget a swimsuit if your tour includes a cenote!
3. Swim in a Hidden Cenote
Venture into the jungle to discover cenotes, which are unique swimming holes with crystal-clear waters. These natural freshwater pools form when limestone bedrock collapses due to underground rivers.
For the ancient Maya, cenotes were sacred. They believed they were entrances to the underworld, as well as vital sources of fresh water.
Cenotes are found throughout the Riviera Maya and Yucatán Peninsula, often near Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Valladolid. Each cenote has its own distinct character. Some are open-air pools surrounded by lush mangrove forests. Others lie inside otherworldly caves with dramatic rock formations and sunlight streaming in.
Choose a half-day excursion to experience the magic of cenotes. Full-day excursions may add stops in local villages and tastings of traditional cuisine.
Tours typically include transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and safety equipment. We recommend packing water shoes, a swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes.
4. Take a Catamaran Cruise
See Cancun from a new angle aboard a catamaran. Swim in turquoise waters, snorkel with colorful fish, and enjoy the warm tropical breeze and views of the coastline.
A half-day cruise provides a glimpse of the Caribbean, with time to swim and snorkel. Full-day cruises open up the itinerary, with time for different spots, longer swims, and lunch.
Most cruises include snorkeling gear, along with food and drinks, though inclusions vary depending on the tour. Pack a swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and a waterproof phone pouch.
5. A Day at Xcaret
Find a mix of nature, adventure, and Mexican culture at Xcaret eco-archaeological park. Stroll down jungle trails, swim in underground rivers, or experience live cultural performances.
The park also incorporates the archaeological site of Polé. This was once an important Maya settlement and an embarkation point for journeys to Cozumel.
A full day at Xcaret gives you time to enjoy all the activities at your own pace. Bring a swimsuit, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a change of clothes, so you’re ready for whatever the day brings.
Responsible Marine Tourism
Cancun and the surrounding areas are home to fragile coral reefs, protected marine areas, and diverse wildlife. Make sure to choose certified operators when swimming, snorkeling, or sailing. Follow your guide’s instructions and avoid touching coral or marine life. Use reef‑safe sunscreen to help protect these ecosystems.
Discover More at Amàre Cancún
Amàre Cancún puts the best things to do in Cancun within easy reach. Our ideal Hotel Zone location is just 1 km from the Isla Mujeres ferry and 25–30 minutes from Cancun International Airport and major tour routes. When it’s time to venture out, our team can arrange your excursions in Cancun, making every detail seamless.
At the resort, you’ll find even more to experience. Taste culinary creations from Michelin-star chef-curated tasting menus to bold global flavors. Learn the craft of mixology. Flow from morning yoga to Mediterranean-inspired spa rituals. Take a dip in the infinity pools, then follow the sunset to the rooftop for live DJ sets overlooking the city.
Amàre is an elevated adults-only resort determined to reimagine the traditional all-inclusive Cancun experience. Discover a vibrant world of inspired cuisine, immersive music, wellness moments, and artistic expression, all designed for those who seek more.
Book your stay and let the adventure unfold.
