Cancún. The very word conjures up images of pricey beach resorts, glittery discotheques and spring breakers gone wild.
But Cancún is much more layered than that. It’s a living breathing city with archaeological sites and theaters, nature reserves and professional sports. And of course, it has those dazzling beaches.
Accessing the best of Cancún doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either…in fact, many spots don’t cost anything at all!
Playa Delfines
Playa Delfines is a breathtaking Caribbean beach with soft sand and turquoise waters. With no high-rise hotels on it, the beach is also one of the few in the Zona Hotelera that is easily accessed.
Playa Delfines
The vibe is chill and family-friendly – playing in the waves, sandcastle-making and reading novels are the main events. It also has rows of palapas, clean restrooms, a playground…even life guards.
Playa Delfines
Museo Maya de Cancún
Sitting among the high-rise hotels, this contemporary museum showcases over 400 Maya artifacts – vases, jewelry, masks – found at key archaeological sites around the Yucatán Peninsula.
Teatro de Cancún
A US$4 ticket includes access to the adjoining ruins of San Miguelito, a Maya community dating to the 13th century. Jungle paths wind past ancient dwellings, alters and even a 26ft-high (8m) pyramid.
Teatro de Cancún
Mercado 23
This bustling city market is a great place to experience the sights and scents of local Mexico: rows of tropical fruits and vegetables, buckets of colorful flowers and all manner of animal parts.
Mercado 23
Souvenirs and handicrafts can be found here too – most of the same ones you’d find in the Zona Hotelera but at a fraction of the cost.
Mercado 23
Parque Kabah
This tropical nature reserve in downtown Cancún appeals to nature- and fitness-lovers alike. A 1.2-mile trail loop is popular for running; along the way, spot local wildlife like coatis and iguana.
Parque Kabah
A set of ponds are home to turtles and young crocodiles; in the winter, migrating birds also make them their temporary home.
Parque Kabah
A wood playground and simple park museum round out the space. Park-goers encounter occasional farmers markets, yoga classes and other free events here too.