Cancun in 5 Days: everything you need to know

Cancun is one of the most famous and visited tourist destinations in Mexico. Entertainment parks, cenotes, pyramids, water activities, partying to the max... Everything for a great holiday can be found here!

Millions of people from all over the world come every year to this setting of warm beaches and turquoise waters to discover allthat Cancun has to offer to its visitors and enjoy a great holiday. With five days at your disposal, you will be able to do a lot of activities.

First of all, I would like to clarify that the experiences I recommend here were chosen assuming that you will be staying in the city of Cancun.

Although some visits are made in this city, the great majority are made to other points in the surroundings of this paradisiacal area: the Riviera Maya and that, erroneously, some people also call it "Cancun ".

The huge advantage is that you can reach all destinations by only two roads from the city, one along the coast and one further inland. This saves time and facilitates connections between attractions.

Start your day at Xcaret Park

My first recommendation for you is Xcaret Park. This is 75 km away (1 hour maximum drive) taking the Cancun-Tulum route.

To get there I recommend booking a tour to Xcaret Park from Cancun, as you won't have to worry about transportation, as you will be picked up at your hotel or at a common meeting point.

Since its opening in the 90s and with around one million visitors a year, Xcaret is recognised as one of the most famous attractions in the southeast region of Mexico.

This fantastic park is a perfect blend of nature, Mexican culture and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

Most tourists take a full day (or even a two-day) visit, but I prefer you to get up early and visit this park and then follow it up with a fun night cruise. Do you think so?

Dive into the park's waters

The privileged location of Xcaret Park allows the sea, lagoons, cenotes and even underground rivers to meet in one place. Be aware... there will be experiences to enjoy in all of them!

For starters, there are three underground rivers in the park: the Blue River, the Mayan River and the Manatee River. These rivers have an average depth of 1.5 metres and are nearly 600 metres long. A dip in their cool waters is one of the most popular family experiences in the park. It is simply not to be missed.

These rivers originate in the earth's interior, flow through a labyrinth of natural caves and tunnels and end their journey in the sea.

As for the natural lagoons, in my opinion they are the best way to enjoy the sea water. These spaces where the waters of the sea are gently exchanged are like a relaxing natural jacuzzi that you won't be able to resist. Depending on the depth, you can also swim and explore safely here.

Meet the local wildlife

At Xcaret, you have the opportunity to meet different species of fauna from the jungles and seas of the Yucatan Peninsula and the Caribbean.

Among the exhibits are: a Butterfly Pavilion, which houses about 20 species (some endangered), the sea turtle aquarium and the Jaguar Island with specimens of this species sacred to the Mayans.

You can also meet the outrageous howler monkeys, the elegant pink flamingos and swim with colourful fish, dolphins and even manta rays!

Enjoy the celebrations of Mexican culture in Xcaret Park itself

Every day at this park, Mayan and Mexican traditions are celebrated with music, dance and acrobatic events.

If you have little experience of Mexican culture, I recommend as a first choice to see the Voladores de Papantla, who dance in the sun and amaze you with their movements several metres above the ground.

The musical Xcaret Mexico Espectacular is another show I recommend with more than 300 artists on stage, where you will learn more about the history of this region and witness a traditional ball game of the time, one of the most awaited events of this show.

For a price starting at 123 euros, you will have access to more than 40 activities in the park, equipment rental (such as snorkelling and life jackets) and transportation from/to Cancun.

Either way I suggest you check every detail before you book what's included and the different options. There is a lot to offer in this park, definitely a tour not to be missed in your visit to Cancun.

A fun night out with pirates and fireworks

Once back in Cancun after spending most of the day at the park, you will still have time to enjoy a fun activity.

To round off the first day, I suggest you take an entertainment cruise. The boat departs from a port in front of the city of Cancun at about 18:30 in the evening.

For this reason, you should leave Xcaret around 4:30 pm and be ready for your next attraction.

Between swordsmen and cannonballs, on this tour you will be entertained by a unique pirate show on the waters of the Caribbean... and, if you feel like it, you will be able to eat and drink like one of them.

A show for the whole family and one of the activities that should not be missing in your list of things to do in Cancun with kids. On the boat you'll be able to relax and enjoy a unique night that will culminate with fireworks, a 3.5 hour cruise you won't forget!

In the Yucatan peninsula there are several archaeological sites. One of the most important is Chichen Itza.

On this second day I recommend you to visit the site. The most comfortable way is with one of the tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun every day.

With these tours you will have a full day to get to know this imposing legacy of the Mayan culture. It will also take you to Valladolid, a colonial city that is on the list of Mexico's Magical Towns, as well as an extraordinary cenote.

A stop in Valladolid

A couple of hours from Cancun, this tour makes its first stop in Valladolid. The colonial mansions, charming churches, the order of its central square and the tranquillity that permeates every corner of this warm city will catch your attention from the moment you arrive.

A 30 minute tour accompanied by an expert guide will take you through the history and tradition of this beautiful city.

Valladolid is also known for being in an area where cenotes abound. As part of this tour you will be able to visit one of the most impressive ones.

Chichen Itza, a visit to the most famous archaeological site in Mexico

Chichen Itza is the most visited archaeological site in Mexico, the most important for the Mayan civilization and also one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.

It is a sacred city for the Mayas, built for various rituals and where they developed one of their greatest legacies: the calculation and observation of time.

Its most famous pyramid, dedicated to the god Kukulkan, has 91 steps at each of its 4 ends which, added to the upper base, results in a year of 365 days.

These calculations are also observed when twice a year there are perfect alignments with the sun: the spring and autumn equinoxes.

During this phenomenon, an enormous serpent (the god Kukulkan) appears to descend the steps of the great pyramid indicating the beginning of a "new cycle" in the harvest (spring) and its closing (autumn).

By the way, these two dates are saturated with tourists seeking to "recharge their energy" and I would suggest you avoid them. Other structures such as the Caracol, the Temple of the Warriors and a huge ball court are part of this millenary city that will take you through the history of this ancient civilisation.

Let yourself be caught by the magic of the Saamal cenote

If there is anything that can compete with Cancun' s best beaches when it comes to water activities, it is the cenotes.

The cenotes are among the most outstanding natural treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula. These bodies of water that are fed by a complex system of underground rivers were sacred places for the Mayans, as they believed they were connected to the underworld.

Formed millions of years ago by the effects of salt water and rocks that were dissolved by the saline effect, they are wonders that no tourist should miss on holiday.

The experience of swimming in their waters, snorkelling, diving in the caves or simply relaxing while contemplating these fascinating formations in detail will be unforgettable.

This circuit includes a visit to the Samaal cenote, one of the largest in the area, which you will descend 20 metres down rock stairs to reach. There are diving platforms and an artificial waterfall, you will love it!

On the third day, you will take a break from the roads. You'll start the day with an excursion to Isla Mujeres, a paradise that overlooks the crystal clear turquoise waters off the coast of Cancun.

On your return, you'll be treated to a one-of-a-kind show with one of the world's most famous circus companies: Cirque du Soleil.

Excursion to Isla Mujeres, a favourite for those who love the beach and the quiet life

Isla Mujeres is an island conveniently located less than 20 kilometres off the coast of Cancun.

The fine white sandy beaches surrounded by calm waters teeming with colourful fish and the friendliness of the locals who have been gradually creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere without leaving the traditional, are part of its charm.

There are many tours offered to visit Isla Mujeres, so you will have no excuse not to include it in your next trip. Besides, it is also one of the best catamaran tours in Cancun.

On the tour I recommend here, you will arrive at the island aboard a catamaran. You will be provided with snorkelling equipment, the option of a buffet lunch and a guide for the island tours.

This area hides some of the best attractions of the island, such as Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, and the visit to the Underwater Sculpture Museum, where aesthetics and conservation came together to rescue the reef. For you to keep in mind, during August and September, it is also possible to sign up for a whale shark swimming excursion, one of the best snorkelling activities in Cancun.

Enjoy a show by Cirque du Soleil

Who doesn't love Cirque du Soleil? For many, attending this show is one of the top 10 things to do in Cancun.

If you haven't seen it before, I'm pretty sure you've missed it. If you are visiting Cancun, I recommend that you don't miss this opportunity.

To close your third day in this wonderful Mexican destination I suggest you attend the show JOYÀ, one of the productions of this excellent entertainment company that takes place in a theatre immersed in the jungle of the Riviera Maya. For a price starting at 82 euros per person, follow this tender story about an alchemist and his granddaughter who embark on an adventure to discover the secrets of life in a magical setting.

The event has two showtimes each night and you can also choose to have a splendid dinner during the event.

For the fourth day of your trip, you will again spend a few hours on the road. I remind you that, with only two major roads, the tourist destinations are well connected.

The route I recommend is southbound and, as the title says, will allow you to visit 4 destinations in one day: the archaeological site of Coba, a cenote, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. All this for a price starting at 40 euros. Interesting, isn't it? Let me tell you more.

Mayan ruins of Coba

Coba is an important ancient Mayan city unlike any other. On the one hand, it is surrounded by lakes (hence its name, which means: "waters agitated by the wind") which is not common in this region; on the other hand, this city was not excavated or reconstructed like Tulum or Chichen Itza, but it has been like this for thousands of years.

The lack of human intervention here is also reflected in its biodiversity, as monkeys and many species of birds roam among the dense vegetation that surrounds this place.

On your visit you cannot ignore the great pyramid or pyramid of Nooch-Mul, an important ceremonial centre that, at 42 metres high, is the tallest in the entire Yucatan peninsula.

The Temple of the Church and a spectacular ball court are other structures you will see here.

A dip in the cenote of Choo-Ha

Although you will have already visited several cenotes during your days in Cancun, I am sure that you have not lost the desire to continue visiting them. They are all so unique that it is worth having more on the list. On this excursion, very close to the ruins of Coba, you will visit the cenote of Choo-Ha...a completely underground cenote.

Because it has no access to heat and sunlight, you can imagine what the waters are like. But the thrill of seeing and swimming in another cenote will make you forget about its temperature.

Admire the beauty and energy of Tulum

Tulum is the last great city built and inhabited by the Mayas. It is a spectacular archaeological site due to its location in front of the sea and the preservation of its elements. For all these reasons, the excursions to Tulum from Cancun are among the most demanded by all tourists.

Tulum was a site of worship of the god Descendant, although it also stood out in maritime trade, where tribes from all over Mexico and other regions of Central America came to this port to trade.

In addition to regular tourism, because of the energy that is believed to flow here, this archaeological site has also become a must-see for those seeking mystical and spiritual experiences from all over the planet, from gurus and yoga practitioners to UFO watchers.

Come and see El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God as you soak up this energy.

Playa del Carmen: a tourist and commercial centre not to be missed

And to close this tour: Playa del Carmen. Despite its small size, it is said that this city is like the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Its strategic location and connectivity, together with the immense amount of attractions found here (cenotes, resorts, theme parks, among others) make it a favourite destination for locals and foreigners alike. On this tour, you will spend an hour touring this interesting city, and be prepared, you will probably come back with several gifts for your trip back home.

You're coming to the last day of your holiday and it might be a good idea to slow down a bit. You have to pack your bags, do the last shopping and rest for the long journey that awaits you the next day.

For this reason, I chose a day of shopping and museum visits around the city, a little rest in the afternoon and, in the evening, a very Mexican celebration to say goodbye to your stay.

Touring the city: shops, museums and archaeological ruins

On this excursion you will visit a handicraft market and other attractions such as the Tequila Museum, some of the city's monuments and El Meco, an archaeological site located a few minutes from Cancun.

A 6-hour tour starting at 35 euros to get to know the basics of the capital of the state of Quintana Roo.

Celebrating the end of an extraordinary trip

On your return from the city tour, you can take a short break for lunch at the hotel or at one of the restaurants in the area and take the time to pack your luggage.

In the evening a celebration will be waiting for you in Xoximilco Park, where you will have the opportunity to experience the traditional Mexican fiesta on board decorated trajineras, tequila tastings, lots of food and live music, a great way to say goodbye to this trip!

• At Xcaret Park. Although the park includes several attractions in the price of admission, consider bringing another amount for additional expenses ranging from photographs, equipment rental and many attractions with cost. I recommend that the first attraction you see in the park is an underground river, as there are fewer people in the early hours.
• On visits to archaeological sites. Be prepared for very hot days with direct sun. Make sure you have plenty of hydration and sun protection.
• Chichen Itza. Being one of the most visited archaeological sites, avoid doing the tour on a weekend or, even less so, during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
• In the cenotes. Respect the safety and preservation indications of these natural spaces. I also suggest that you wear shoes with good grip to walk the stairs and platforms that lead to these bodies of water.
• In Isla Mujeres. Relax. This island is for enjoying its peaceful beaches at a more traditional pace; don't expect to see big business or luxuries here.
• Xoximilco. Between the partying, the music and the tequila, more than one can go over the top. Make sure to have a fun night out to remember it as a unique Mexican experience.