5 Lesser Known Things to do in Cancun
Cancun is one of the most visited spots in Mexico, and it’s safe to say that any traveler could easily list the top things to do; there’s partying in the hotel zone, driving out to see ancient ruins, and swimming in the cenotes.
Cancun has become somewhat of a “tourist Disneyland,” which puts many people off visiting, but surprisingly for such a well trodden destination, there are still quite a few local secrets, and a lot of lesser known things to do.
Cancun Underwater Museum
Cancun Underwater Museum is borderline for a list of lesser known attractions, as its popularity in recent years means it is actually fairly well known. Though most people will recognize the photos without necessarily knowing where it is, what it’s about, and how to get there.
MUSA (Museo Subacuatico de Arte), is an underwater museum where you can snorkel or scuba dive among 500 sculptures embedded in the seabed. It’s the largest underwater museum in the world, and it’s actually spread across three different spots – Punta Nizuc, Manchones, and Punta Sam.
You can read about the artists here, though the point of the exhibits was to take tourism away from the other reefs to help over tourism which was impacting conservation. The statues also play a role themselves, as the materials they’re made from promote the growth of coral reefs.
Isla Contoy
Isla Contoy is a bird nesting site, and is a really beautiful day trip from Isla Mujeres. It’s a sanctuary for 150 tropical bird species, as well as endangered sea turtles, and is a National Park, and highly protected.
Visitors are capped here to 200 per day, and there are no hotels, nightclubs, or even any roads – it’s totally pristine. It’s a total escape from Cancun, and don’t be surprised if you see a manta ray swim straight past you as you swim off the white sand beach.
If you visit during the winter, there are over 10,000 birds which come to nest in the mangroves. If you visit from June to September you’ll have the chance to swim with Whale Sharks.
Cenote Calavera
There are plenty of famous cenotes around Cancun, but for a lesser-known experience, Cenote Calavera in Tulum is an absolute hidden gem.
Cancun to Tulum only takes an hour, and the actual Cenote is just outside of Tulum, on the road to Coba. it’s open from Monday – Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm, and is called the ‘Temple of Doom’ – you have to be willing to make a cliff jump to get in!
Jumping into the sinkhole from the top is the point of the whole experience, but if you still want to swim without the “doom,” there’s a ladder you can use to descend.
Once you’re in, you’re in – there’s no-where to stand inside the cenote, so once you’re ready to get out, you have to climb the ladder.
El Meco Archaeological Site
Mayan ruins are a big reason people visit Cancun, and the typical tourist trail includes Chichén Itzá, Cobá, Tulum Ruins, El Rey, and Xel-Há.
But there are also plenty which are lesser known, including El Meco Archaeological Site, which are the ruins of a small fishing community just north of Cancun. El Meco has the tallest Mayan pyramid in Cancun, though it’s not as well known as Chichen Itza, so you’ll likely be able to experience it without any other tourists.
The village is thought to date back to 600 – 900 AD, and it was once an important port in the peninsula.
Explore Ancestral Medicine
It’s easy enough to book in for a spa treatment in one of the chain hotels downtown, but Temazcal Cancun is a Mexican spa that allows you to dive into the culture of ancestral medicine, and pre-hispanic rituals for physical and spiritual healing.
While the spa itself is called Temazcal, the practice of Temazcal is an ancient ceremony which starts with a traditional steam bath, and incorporates medicinal plants like rosemary, eucalyptus, camphor, cedar, jasmine and lemon. You’ll sit with hot volcanic rocks, and aim to sweat everything out while the ritual takes place.
This insightful article on lesser-known things to do in Cancun has completely changed my perspective on this popular Mexican destination! The author’s recommendations go beyond the typical tourist attractions, introducing hidden gems and offbeat experiences that truly pique my interest. From exploring cenotes to indulging in local street food, there’s a whole new side of Cancun waiting to be discovered. I appreciate the insider tips and practical advice shared, which will undoubtedly enhance my future visit to this vibrant city. Time to step off the beaten path and embrace the authentic charm of Cancun!