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Cancun boasts stunning beaches and a party culture that brings in millions of tourists every year, but the best experiences in Cancun lie just beyond its doors. From ancient Mayan ruins to gorgeous, crystal clear cenotes, the places to visit near Cancun offer a richer, more diverse travel experience than just staying resort-bound. Be it Mayan pyramids, snorkelling with turtles, or escaping to peaceful islands, these places will leave you with an unforgettable day trip or short escape. You could visit a charming colonial town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or a remote and funky natural spot; they are all only a short taxi ride away.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Cancun
Places to visit near Cancun provide a unique mix of ancient ruins, tropical islands, and colourful towns.
1. Tulum
Photo: Erik Cleves Kristensen / Wikimedia Commons
One of the more intriguing places to see Near Cancun is Tulum, where ancient history meets a stunning natural setting. Just over 2 hours to the south, Tulum is best known for its stunning seaside Mayan ruins overlooking turquoise Caribbean waters. The Tulum Archaeological Zone allows visitors an amazing look into Mayan civilisation and culture, whereas the inviting beaches, such as Playa Paraiso and Tulum Beach, are great for relaxing or swimming. Nature lovers can swim in beautiful cenotes like Gran Cenote or Dos Ojos, surrounded by forests and jungles to explore.
Distance From Cancun: 131 km
Top Highlights: Tulum Ruins
Nearby Attractions: Playa Paraiso, Gran Cenote
2. Isla Mujeres
Photo: Marrovi / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Mujeres coastline with calm turquoise water and thatched huts along the edge.
Isla Mujeres is a tranquil island paradise that feels like a world away from the bustling streets of Cancun, despite being just minutes offshore. This charming island has a gentle pace, with colourful pastel buildings lining narrow streets and friendly locals always smiling. The coastal paths on the island offer amazing views of the Caribbean Sea, and the eastern cliffs are a great sunrise spot. You can spend your time eating fresh seafood from seasonal menus, shopping from the artisan market, and swinging in a hammock at the beach.
Distance From Cancun: 19.7 km
Top Highlights: Playa Norte
Nearby Attractions: MUSA Underwater Museum, Punta Sur
3. Chichén Itzá
Photo: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons
Chichén Itzá is one of the best places to visit near Cancun. This amazing building gives you an insightful journey into the ancient Mayan civilisation. Chichén Itzá is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is extremely impressive in its architectural massiveness, especially with the enormous Pyramid – El Castillo, as well as many intricately carved walls and ceremonial buildings. In addition to the Pyramid, the expansive site has the Temple of the Warriors, observatory El Caracol, and one of the largest ball courts in Mesoamerica; as you walk its stone corridor, the weight of many centuries of history will feel apparent at each step along the way.
Distance From Cancun: 196.1 km
Top Highlights: El Castillo pyramid
Nearby Attractions: Ik Kil Cenote, Valladolid
4. Valladolid
Photo: Luis Fernández García / Wikimedia Commons
Valladolid is a lively colonial town that offers a wholesome infusion of Spanish elegance with Mayan spirit, thus making it among the most enriching tourist attractions near Cancun. With its pastel-coloured buildings, tree-lined promenades, and cobbled streets, this small town offers a relaxed environment for strolling about. At the core of the downtown area is the historic San Servacio Cathedral of Valladolid, opposite an animated plaza where locals gather while street vendors hawk local delicacies. Places like Casa de los Venados offer a glimpse into Mexican folk art traditions, while nearby cenotes offer a delightful respite from the heat.
Distance From Cancun: 156 km
Top Highlights: San Servacio Cathedral
Nearby Attractions: Cenote Suytun, Casa de los Venados
5. Isla Holbox
Photo: Bruno Rijsman / Wikimedia Commons
Isla Holbox is a serene, off-the-grid paradise and one of the most interesting places to visit near Cancun for nature lovers and those looking for peace and tranquillity. Located at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, this island is accessible via a short ferry ride following a scenic drive. With no cars allowed, it retains a peaceful, untouched charm. Holbox is perhaps best known for the wildlife on the island (e.g. flamingos, pelicans, and whale sharks during the season) and its bioluminescent beaches at night.
Distance From Cancun: 60.9 km
Top Highlights: Bioluminescent beaches
Nearby Attractions: Punta Cocos, Flamingo Point
6. Coba
Photo: eugene_o / Wikimedia Commons
Coba is a remnant of an ancient Mayan city hidden right in the jungle, one of the most atmospheric and adventurous places to visit near Cancun. Unlike the restored sites, Coba still maintains that hairy-wild appeal: temples partially embraced by trees on one side, and on the other, long pathways called sacbeob cutting through the forest. Nohoch Mul is the kingpin there, the highest pyramid in the Yucatán, and people can still climb it to enjoy panoramic views of the jungle. The site is so vast that cycling or taking a cycle taxi to explore some of the more remote parts is a joy.
Distance From Cancun: 130 km
Top Highlights: Nohoch Mul pyramid
Nearby Attractions: Cenote Choo-Ha, Cenote Tankach-Ha
7. Xcaret Park
Photo: AMAPO / Wikimedia Commons
Xcaret Park is an engaging mix of nature, culture, and experiences. It is one of the most exciting locations to visit near Cancun because of the mixture of things to observe and do. You can explore shaded jungles, look at native animals, or look at staged replicas of pre-Hispanic traditions depicted through music, architecture, and dance. The park includes exciting air-conditioned walking exhibits and shaded natural trails. Visitors can experience exhilarating activities or find peace and tranquillity amongst nature while they also immerse themselves culturally through the observation of ceremonial rituals, artisan crafts, folklore shows, or traditional music, to name a few.
Distance From Cancun: 75.8 km
Top Highlights: Underground rivers and cultural shows
Nearby Attractions: Playa del Carmen, Cenote Azul
8. Akumal
Photo: Ken Thomas / Wikimedia Commons
Akumal is a tranquil off-the-beaten-path coastal village on the east side of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Akumal is one of the more peaceful nearby places to visit close to Cancun if you like marine life and beautiful, calm beaches. Akumal is located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and it is best known for its beautiful bay, where you can snorkel with wild sea turtles in shallow, crystal-clear waters! In addition to the bay, Akumal has a variety of beach bars, small boutique hotels, and a community committed to caring for the local environment.
Distance From Cancun: 104 km
Top Highlights: Swim with sea turtles
Nearby Attractions: Yal-Ku Lagoon, Half Moon Bay
9. Puerto Morelos
Photo: Edna Winti / Wikimedia Commons
A petite fishing town, Puerto Morelos, is keeping local flavour alive, yet the proximity of life-giving scenic wonder turns it into one of the very few authentically bestowed spots near Cancun for someone to visit. Just a few miles south would offer a tranquil respite from the city’s hustle without losing the advantage of convenience. The town boasts a lovely central plaza, artisan crafts, and some rustic eateries along the beach that serve wonderful fresh seafood. Offshore, the coral reefs nearby, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, offer some of the finest coral snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Distance From Cancun: 38.5 km
Top Highlights: Offshore coral reef park
Nearby Attractions: Cenote Route, Botanical Garden
10. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Photo: Ken Thomas / Wikimedia Commons
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an enormous and protected natural attraction and one of the most biophysically diverse areas and ecologically rich destinations to visit near Cancun. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve encompasses tropical forests, wetlands, mangroves, and unspoiled beaches along the Caribbean coast. You can easily get there from Tulum. If you are an eco-focused traveller who wants to experience primary, raw nature, this is the place for you. Boats tour the ancient Mayan canals and float with the current in the serenity of crystal-clear waters. It’s common to see wildlife regularly, such as dolphins, manatees, crocodiles, exotic birds, and much more.
Distance From Cancun: 139.5 km
Top Highlights: Boat tour through Mayan canals
Nearby Attractions: Muyil Ruins, secluded beaches
There’s so much more to explore beyond Cancun! From ancient Mayan ruins and charming colonial towns to lush biosphere reserves and remote islands, the places to visit near Cancun offer rich cultural and natural wonders. Discover wildlife, stunning cenotes, and centuries-old pyramids, immersing yourself in the vibrant life of southeastern Mexico. For a deeper experience beyond the beach, start planning your trip with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Gerson Repreza / Unsplash
