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CancúnCulture & history

Our most recommended Cancún Culture & history

Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

1. Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

Travel back in time as you explore the Mayan  archeological ruins of Chichén Itzá on a guided tour. Connect with nature as you swim in the azure waters of the Cenote. Eat a mouth-watering buffet lunch and take a guided walking tour of Valladolid. Benefit from pick-up at your hotel, or a nearby meeting point, and then journey to one of the most important monuments on the Yucatán Peninsula.   Upon arrival at Chichén Itzá, look at the step pyramid of Kukulcan, known for the play of light from the equinox that casts shadows on each step to create an image of a serpent descending.   Go to the ancient Cenote and experience one of the sinkholes that form part of a network of underground rivers sacred to the Maya people. Enjoy a delicious buffet meal and take a stroll around the colonial city of Valladolid to complete your experience.

Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, Valladolid, Lunch and Tequila

2. Cancún: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, Valladolid, Lunch and Tequila

Dive into Mayan culture on a guided day trip with optional hotel transfers from Cancún or Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World for being one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities. Enjoy a Mexican buffet and tequila tasting, and stop at Valladolid and a cenote. The fun will just get started with a panoramic visit as no visit to the charming town of Valladolid, famed for the ornate, 16th-century Convent of San Bernardino of Siena, and the baroque San Gervasio Cathedral. Then, a visit to the area would not be complete without a stop by a cenote, a refreshing, enchanting underground sinkhole, sacred to the Mayan people. Then, enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch and a tequila-tasting experience. Finally, once at Chichén Itzá, follow the guide while learning all about the most important buildings. From the awe-inspiring Pyramid of Kukulcan to the ruins that once housed tens of thousands of Mayans, the Pyramid of El Castillo or El Caracol, this visit is filled with rarely heard stories, incredible details, and stunning photo opportunities. Discover why the huge city played such an important role from the Late Classic period (600 AD) into the early part of the Post Classic period (1200 AD), and why it remained a huge center of pilgrimage.

Cancun: Jungle Tour Adventure with Speedboat and Snorkeling

3. Cancun: Jungle Tour Adventure with Speedboat and Snorkeling

Explore the colorful marine life and clear blue waters of the Cancun jungle on this guided water adventure. Get your adrenaline pumping on a speedboat ride around Nichupte Lagoon, and slow the pace down with peaceful snorkeling over the underwater statues at the Punta Nizuc coral reef. Get fitted with a lifejacket and snorkeling equipment at the marina before learning how to operate the speedboat safely. Board your two-seater speedboat to explore the Nichupté Lagoon, which is rich in mangrove vegetation. Navigate through the mangrove jungle as your guide points out the most interesting fauna and flora to ensure that you discover all this unique area has to offer. After around 35 minutes, arrive at the Mayan Coral Reef at Punta Nizuc. See some of the Musa statues that form an underwater museum, where you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel. After 30 minutes, return your speedboat to the marina.

Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

4. Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

Discover the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá on a guided tour from Playa del Carmen. Immerse yourself in the jungle at an eco-park, with some time for swimming in a cenote and a hearty buffet lunch. Start with pickup from Playa del Carmen and first travel to the jungle eco-park. Marvel at the sacred cenote as you refresh yourself with a purifying swim in crystalline waters. Dig into a delicious buffet lunch at the restaurant at the eco-park, and be ready for a flavor sensation. Try some of the famed Mexican cuisine with regional dishes from Yucatán. After your buffet, head to the world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itzá. Take a guided tour of the ceremonial site and listen to fascinating tales of the ancient Maya civilization. Learn more with your expert guides and hear entertaining stories of life at Chichen Itzá. Discover a culture that was way ahead of its time. Then, enjoy some free time to explore by yourself and walk in the footsteps of the Mayan people. Your final stop is in the colonial center of Valladolid for a quick visit to this charming “Magic Town” of Mexico. The imposing church and architecture of the town surrounding the “zocalo'' or town square are perfect photo ops and a chance to relax and enjoy the laid-back vibes of Yucatán, before heading back to Playa del Carmen.

Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archeological Tour with Lunch

5. Tulum and Coba: Full-Day Archeological Tour with Lunch

Spend the day discovering ancient Mayan archaeological sites on this guided tour of Tulum and Coba. Swim in a sinkhole and enjoy free time for taking photos. After being picked up in the lobby of your hotel by a certified guide, start your tour and receive an introduction to Mayan culture on the way. Make your first stop at Coba, the tallest pyramid in México, where you can take in an incredible view of the area.  Swim in natural cenotes (sinkholes) and relax in the refreshing water. Finish the day at the Tulum Archaeological Zone, an impressive Mayan city built on the coastline. Enjoy a guided tour through the area and free time to explore and take pictures.

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim & Cenotes

6. Cancun/Riviera Maya: Tulum Ruins, Sea Turtle Swim & Cenotes

After pickup from your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya, visit the Ruins of Tulum. Embark on a 45-minute tour with a professional archeologist guide and learn about Mayan history. Explore the site at your own pace.  Next, board your coach and travel to the Jaguar Cenote. The drive includes off-roading since the cenote is located in the jungle. Once arriving, enjoy a Mexican buffet-style lunch including Cochinita Pibil ´the pulled pork of Mexico,´ chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, and tortilla chips. Vegetarian options are available upon advance notice. Visit and swim in the wet stage cenote, snorkel, and explore the colorful sea life. After your cenote adventure, enjoy a Mexican-style coffee called Café Olla. Next, head to Akumal Bay, a perfect place for swimming with sea turtles that feed on the seagrass in the bay near you. Put on your provided snorkeling gear — or your own, if you prefer — and enjoy a snorkeling tour of these amazing creatures. Your instructor will guide you through each step of the process to ensure a unique and fun-filled swim experience. A professional photographer will accompany you throughout the day and capture your beautiful moments. Look over the photos at the end and purchase your USB with the guide. Finally, return to the van for transportation back to your hotel.

Cancun: Snorkeling Tour at MUSA The Underwater Museum

7. Cancun: Snorkeling Tour at MUSA The Underwater Museum

Board a boat that will take you to the middle of Isla Mujeres bay, located only 30 minutes away from Cancun. Once the boat has reached the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, jump into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to go snorkeling. Admire more than 400 life-size human figures that are brought to life by coral, algae, and other marine life. The submerged sculptures were designed by Jason de Caires. Continue to the Manchones Reef, where you will have another chance to go snorkeling. You will be able to see various types of fish, as well as sea turtles, rays.

Cancún: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour & Swim with Dolphins

8. Cancún: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour & Swim with Dolphins

Take a catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres, with a stop to snorkel at Cancún Underwater Museum en route. Explore the island, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and relax at the beach club. Get up close to dolphins. Play with them, hug them, and shake hands. Learn all about these intelligent creatures. Board the catamaran at Playa Langosta and head straight to Cancún Underwater Museum. Put on a snorkel and mask and take a dip to discover the creative sculptures on the seabed. Marvel at how nature has taken over, adding its own twist to these artworks. Spot fish and other marine life. Climb back aboard the catamaran to head to Isla Mujeres, one of three Magical Towns in Quintana Roo. Embark on a guided tour of the center of the island for an hour. Discover its natural wealth, Mayan vestiges, and Caribbean culture. Immerse yourself in the island's relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Next, have a short briefing before your swim with dolphins. Choose between 3 options, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. Take part in different activities such as handshaking, hugging, and belly-riding. Feel the excitement of being foot pushed by dolphins. Learn about the species from the specialists. Finally, enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet lunch and take advantage of the open bar at the Discovery Island beach club. Sunbathe on a lounge chair, take a dip in the swimming pools, and generally unwind after your fun-filled morning. Return to Cancún aboard the catamaran in a party atmosphere.

Cancun/Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote, Ek'Balam Tour

9. Cancun/Playa del Carmen: Chichen Itza, Cenote, Ek'Balam Tour

Discover the magic of the Yucatan on this day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Ek Balam and a visit to cenote Saamal. Benefit from a hotel pickup by air-conditioned van, lunchbox, and a guide. Journey to the ancient city of Chichen Itza, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Be accompanied by an expert guide throughout the day and learn fascinating facts and folklore of the Mayan civilization.  Next, visit Ek Balam, an off-the-beaten-track Yucatec-Maya archaeological site with incredible carvings hidden in a jungle landscape. Climb the soaring Acropolis pyramid, the highest point of the ruins. To recover from the Yucatan heat, dive in the crystalline waters of the underground, semi-open Cenote Saamal. Soak up the natural light illuminating the waters and the sight of tree roots cascading towards the sinkhole water.

Cancun: Scuba Diving for Beginners, 2 Dives

10. Cancun: Scuba Diving for Beginners, 2 Dives

Take a scuba dive lesson for one day and have the opportunity to dive in popular spots in the crystal waters of Cancun without need for a scuba certification. Learn the basic of scuba diving in a pool, then explore the underwater world with two tank dives in the ocean. After filling out a short medical form, you will take theory lessons and pool practice to learn the basics of scuba diving, then you will do two tank ocean dives. The first dive tales place at MUSA Underwater Museum and the second dive at Manchones reef.

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Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 1,572 reviews

It's about 2hrs to Tulum from cancun it's an air conditioned coach with a toilet l, we had 10 people on the coach and when we got to Tulum we were then put into groups of english speaking so we did have quite a few people by the time we got into Tulum. Tulum itself is beautiful and it's quite small so it's easy to get around but you can't get to close to anything as it's all roped off. Our guide very knowledgeable and explained the history of tulum very well. you get to walk around the ruins for about half hour then you have to get back to the coach where you have lunch, aslong as you get your lunch ordered you can eat this on the coach to Coba. Coba is again stunning but it is a 2km walk from the entrance to get there there are bikes which you can hire and also locals will bike you up to the temple for a minimal fee. Unfortunately you cant climb the temple due to it needing restoring. The cenote is beautiful crystal clear waters there's 2 of them 1 is a cave the other is outside

A great day out! We initially just booked the catamaran & dolphin experience but glad we changed to this one! The catamaran is big & you can sit in the sun whilst on it. Snorkelling equipment is included in the price (only a short swim in the ocean, not a huge amount to see but still an experience). Drinks were also included on the boat - Both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. We then went to Isla Mujeres where you get 2 hours to explore. You can rent a buggy or get a taxi tour to drive round the island & take photos at tourist spots (both options are around $50) we jumped in with another couple so it only cost us $25 to do. They then take you straight to Dolphin Discovery … such an AMAZING experience!! The buffet food here was delicious, couldn’t fault it. Having done the Royal Swim and Swim Adventure in the past, I’d happily recommend the middle package (Adventure) over the Royal Swim, but definitely pay for the photos! We finally headed back to Cancun whilst watching the sunset.

A great experience. The drive to Ek Balam is about 2 hrs but our guide Jesus told us about the mayan histories how to pronounce the words and was very knowledgeable so the drive didn't feel like 2hrs. Ek Balam is unbelievable. With the restoration that's been happening you can really see the architecture in its full beauty it is a huge area with little shade and being in the jungle it's very humid even early in the day. The cenote is about half hour away buffet lunch and drinks was very good and then Jesus took us through the mayan village and you can try mayan chocolate and chewing gum. The drive to Valladolid is again about half hour, you spend about 45mins there which is enough time to see everything locally. I really would recommend this experience it is a long day alot of walking but being able to get up close and personal, climb the temple and with Jesus' knowledge it really is a must do

I was solo and mr apolina was pretty cool chill tour was an experience i recommend it just wear sun lotion lolol just a little the sun was out Def an experience of a like time all the explaining about civilization and everything was pretty cool something they will never show you in school or anywhere else def an awesome tour guide experience

Nice excursion. The visit to the two archaeological excavations was beautiful. You don't have to go all the way to Tulúm to see the Mayan influences.