Cancun in 7 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Cenotes, beaches with crystalline waters, Mayan ruins... In Cancun there is always something to see and do, as it offers a wide range of activities. However, you don't have to worry: with this itinerary you are going to be amazed with your tour of the Riviera Maya.

This plan takes you to the famous Isla Mujeres and the best of the Caribbean Sea in the area. You'll stroll through ancient ruins, such as Chichen Itza. And don't forget the classic cenotes, tasting authentic Mexican tequila, extreme sports and ecological parks. The itinerary I propose is an all-inclusive tour around the main attractions of Cancun.

Once you have made the transfer from the airport, take your welcome cocktail (almost all, if not all Cancun hotels have this courtesy), leave your bags and set off on your first visit to the area:

Isla Mujeres

This former fishermen's island seduces and enchants its visitors. Thanks to its goodness, it is known as Pueblo Mágico, a 15 km space where travellers can disconnect in the middle of the Caribbean vibe.

The best thing to do is to go to Puerto Juárez, in the city centre or to Marina las Perlas and hire one of the best catamaran trips in Cancun.

This type of excursions to Isla Mujeres from Cancun are among the favourites of all and usually include:

• Transportation to and from the hotel.
• Snorkelling equipment.
• The advice of a professional guide.
• Catamaran ride
• Buffet style lunch.
• Open bar.

The ferry transfer takes about 20 minutes, while the stay on the island is often between 5 and 7 hours. I encourage you to jump in the water and enjoy that well-deserved swim in the warm Caribbean waters while admiring the coral reefs.

You will see the Bronze Cross of the Bay and a variety of multicoloured fish all around you.

During this excursion you will be able to stroll, shop, swim with dolphins, kayak and, above all, get to know one of the best beaches in Cancun.

Visit the MUSA: Underwater Museum of Cancun

Once you return from Isla Mujeres, you can head to Boulevard Kukulcan at km 13 of the Hotel Zone to make the most of the day with a visit to the Cancun Underwater Museum, an ambitious ecological initiative from Mexico to the world.

In 2010 it was officially inaugurated with around 500 life-size sculptures submerged under the crystal clear waters of the site. Among the works in its 3 galleries you will find:

• The Last Supper.
• The Urban Reef.
• The Collector of Dreams.
• The Gardener
• No turning back

The works in this museum are made of marine cement and their designs were conceived to be non-invasive in the surrounding ecosystem. In fact, each sculpture features the local flora and fauna as a kind of "natural adornment".

I recommend you don't miss this museum, a Mexican gem in the area.

And in the evening

You can dine at your hotel or in the restaurants in the area, such as the exclusive restaurant El Fish Fritanga and its famous whiting, or perhaps the signature cuisine of Entre Fuegos.

If you prefer to combine Latin joy with an explosion of Caribbean flavours, I encourage you to visit the RosaNegra restaurant where you can experience Cancun' s party nights in a bohemian space that stimulates the senses. All these places can be found on Kukulcan Boulevard.

On the second day of your trip I encourage you to explore Cancun's landmarks in one place: Xcaret Park. In Mayan culture, Xcaret means "little cove", a precious hidden space and on this day you will discover the treasures that encompass this eco-archaeological park.

Activities in Xcaret Park

This park occupies around 80 hectares of land. I recommend you go with a tour so you won't lose track of anything.

You can hike through the tropical jungle; participate in the night shows; explore sacred caverns and dive into the natural pools and rivers, as well as swim with turtles.

There are about 50 activities available for your family to enjoy. Not for nothing does it make the list of the best activities in Cancun.

Information about the park

Excursions to Xcaret Park from Cancun usually take between 6 to 10 hours.

It is open from Monday to Sunday, from 08:30 hours to 22:30 hours and for around 140 euros, you open the doors to entertainment and fun. Here you can see a preview of this ecological park.

• Address: Carretera Chetumal - Puerto Juárez km 282, Int. B Colonia Rancho Xcaret, Playa del Quintana Roo. Approximately 75 minutes from the hotel zone of Cancun and 15 minutes from Playa el Carmen.

You've been to a theme park, now it's time to explore the Caribbean nature in a more relaxed atmosphere.

For the third day of your itinerary I propose a boat trip around Cancun to take you straight to Cozumel Island, the second largest island of Quintana Roo.

Boat trip to Cozumel

The boat ride takes about 1 hour and drops you off at Cozumel's Fiscal Pier, right in the heart of San Miguel, the island's main town.

Despite being a tourist destination, like neighbouring Playa del Carmen, much of Cozumel is a Protected Natural Area. There are fewer hotels and more spaces to experience its natural diversity.

In the surrounding area you will find 40 dive sites and the most beautiful beaches are in the south of the island. Although there is no public transport, I have a plan for you.

A complete dolphin experience

How about coming to Dolphinaris Cozumel and meet, train or swim with the dolphins? The experiences last from 60 minutes.

To get there just follow the coast along Rafael E. Melgar Avenue and in 20 minutes you will have arrived. Along the way you can stop for a drink at one of the restaurants or take pictures at the Mayan Sunset Park.

If walking isn't your thing, you can also rent a scooter or a car from €25 per day. There are several options such as Avis, Rentadora Isis and Fiesta Car(the best rated) near the port, so you can explore the island at your leisure.

Sail on a submarine

After saying goodbye to the dolphins, I invite you to dive into the depths of the Caribbean in a submarine. From the Dolphinaris to Atlantis Submarines Cozumel it's 2.5 km along Quintana Roo on the same avenue Rafael E Melgar.

Once there, you can park your scooter or car until the end of the day, because they will take you to a private beach.

Atlantis Submarine offers you the option to combine the submarine expedition with a stay at Nachi Cocom beach, a private beach where all services are included (open bar, 4-course Caribbean specialties, use of sun loungers, outdoor pool, outdoor jacuzzi and more).

The Atlantis allows you to appreciate the tropical surroundings, a sunken ship, coral reefs and hundreds of animals submerged between 20 and 30 meters from sea level.

During the 2 hour tour, a crew member accompanies the experience with narrated anecdotes while guests enjoy the view through the 26 skylights of the submarine until you reach the famous Cozumel wall (a 600 meter waterfall that delimits the island).

Walk along the seabed

If you feel like you need more adventure, raise the stakes, strap on your special helmet and dive 7 to 8 metres down to make room for yourself amongst the marine life.

It's all about walking amongst the fish and coral with the Sea Trek experience.

I was really looking forward to this activity as it is a truly memorable adventure. It is important to note that no swimming skills are required to participate in the experience. Anyone who can walk and is at least 90 cm tall can participate in this activity.

Snorkelling

When you leave the Atlantis Submarine, you will be taken to Nachi Cocom Beach, where you can dive into its private beach and practice snorkelling, an activity considered one of the best snorkelling experiences in Cancun.

Shoals of manta rays, curious frogfish, incredible corals and sea turtles are just some of the marine treasures you'll find while snorkelling.

In addition to these activities, there is also a tour of the village. Perhaps you'll want to learn about its history at the Cozumel Museum, stroll through the Coral Monuments, capture the best views of the island from Benito Juárez Park or enjoy a tequila tasting, a great way to end the day. Afterwards, hop on the ferry to Cancun.

For the fourth day, I suggest you get to a place a bit far from the centre of Cancun. After the long journey to Mexico, I think it's worth visiting its emblematic sites without the crowds.

Don't worry, you will visit Chichen Itza, but first I suggest you go along the Caribbean coast to Tulum. You can get there via Chetumal-Cancun. It will take you 1 hour by car from Playa del Carmen and about 2 hours from Cancun Hotel Zone.

If you prefer to keep it simple, you can always book one of the organised tours that take you to both sites.

What to see and do in Tulum

The excursions to the Tulum Ruins are simply amazing.

Tulum was one of the busiest trade routes during the Mayan period between the 13th and 14th centuries. Ceremonies of worship to the descending god were offered within its spaces. Its walls were a fortress for the ancient settlers, in fact, Tulum in Mayan means wall.

These ruins are located on a cliff flanked by the Caribbean Sea and its calm waters. Playa Paraiso, Playa Santa Fe and Playa Pescadores are some of the beaches in the area. There are also caves in the surrounding area.

Due to the geography of the place, it is best to hire a tour so as not to lose track, there are options from 33 €.

The visit to the place requires about 3 hours, the ruins are small but charming, you will not want to leave the place.

I think this visit should not be missing from the itineraries of travellers interested in enjoying the best beaches and Mexican history from its roots.

What to see and do in Coba

Once you've finished touring the archaeological area of Tulum, have lunch in the area. The cochinita pibil and garnachas here are famous. With a full stomach, continue on your way to Cobá, 40 kilometres north of Tulum.

This place is impressive. This archaeological site is home to the Pyramid of Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan work of art in the Yucatan. Admire the Mayan footprints along with the local wildlife. You can also swim or snorkel in the Sac Actún cenote or on the beaches, where you may stumble upon some sea turtles.

You can encounter these beautiful little animals all year round, but if you travel between May and September, you'll be in the middle of the best time to visit Cancun and increase your chances of an encounter. Before heading to Chichen Itza, this is a must-see.

The Caribbean Sea is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, but the Riviera Maya theme parks don't skimp on extreme sports.

Take a day to explore one of these options: Xel-Ha Park, Xplor or Extreme Adventure Eco Park.

6-8 hours are recommended to enjoy each park, the perfect time to push your senses to the limit in the Riviera Maya.

Option 1: Xel-Ha Park

Xel-Ha in Mayan language means "where the water is born" and this park takes it very seriously. When you buy your tickets for Xel-Ha Park in Cancun you will have the opportunity to do the following activities:

• Jump on a vine into a cenote with the Chuck Kay experience.
• Practice canopy with landing in the Xel-Ha River.
• Relax in the Bay of Caprichos, a natural pool that surrounds the mysticism of the place.
• Navigate through 4 types of mangroves, namely the Red, Black, White and Botoncillo Mangroves. The adventure in inflatables or swimming allows you to enjoy one of the largest natural barriers in the world.
• Swim in an intimate space inside the Cueva del Dorado and the Ixchel Rift.
• Cross a floating bridge.

If you are looking for an immersive experience in the Cenotes Route, this is the park for you. Xel-Ha is a favourite for families with young children, so I recommend including it among the thingsto do in Cancun with kids. It will be a day to enjoy the marine wonders for a price of around €103.

• How to get to Xel-Ha Park: You can hire a direct tour from Cancun, take the ADO bus from the Hotel Zone or go by private car along the Chetumal-Cancun highway, 40 km from Coba.

Option 2: Xplor Park

Climbing, sailing, driving, exploring... you can do all this during your visit to the XPlor Multi-Adventure Park. You will be able to join any of its activities.

• Amphibious car rides. Get on board the Xplor ATVs and go on the park's two sea and land circuits.
• Swimming in the underground rivers. At your own pace, discover caves and other rock formations in the underground cavities characteristic of the Riviera Maya.
• Flight between zip lines: 2 circuits with 7 sections each. At the end you will descend in a river.
• Rowing inside the earth in a single or double raft.
• Hacuamatization: If you said "Hacuamatization what? you are not the only one. At Xplor you can zip-line 4 metres up in a hammock, hence the name. Let's be honest, the name is as much fun as the activity.

XPlor, always on the cutting edge, renews its activities regularly. Experiences are available as day and night packages from €139.

• Where is Xplor Park: At 307 on the Tulum-Cancun highway, 2 hours from Cancun's Hotel Zone. You can get there by private car or with the park's transport if you buy your tickets with transport included.

Option 3: Extreme Adventure Eco Park

This theme park is located on the Cenotes Route, 15 minutes from Cancun. You can go by private car or hire a shuttle service.

When you visit Extreme Adventure Eco Park you can go canopying among the jungle trees, horseback riding through the jungle, snorkelling in the second largest coral re ef in Puerto Morelos, or get on board a motorbike and go on one of the best off-road tours in Cancun, the emblematic activity in this park.

You will also get to know the Mayan Jungle, where nature surprises you with two emblematic cenotes (sinkholes). Here you can swim in crystal-clear waters, dive off cliffs and test your balance by canoeing.

After visiting the amazing cenotes, you can finish the adventure with a tequila tasting, all in a plan available from 70 €.

On the sixth day of the Riviera Maya itinerary, I recommend you to visit the destination longed for by all tourists, Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World today.

Chichen Itza

The protagonist in this scenario is clear, the Pyramid of Kukulkan, a construction that according to the ancient Mayan calendar, is composed of 364 steps that end in an upper platform to complete the 365 days of the year distributed in 6.5 km2. There is no way to remain indifferent after this visit.

Excursions to Chichen Itza from Cancun not only include that pyramid, but also offer the opportunity to see the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court, the Castle, the Platform of the Eagles and the Jaguars, churches and other monuments.

The natural light shows are key among the site's attractions and have been part of Mexican history since 987 AD.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 08:00 hours and 17:00 hours.
• LocationChichenItza is located in the east of Yucatan, on the road to Cancun, 120 km east of Merida and 200 km west of Cancun.
• Price: from 39 €.
• Duration: Excursions last between 10 and 12 hours.

Valladolid

Once you have finished your tour of the site, I recommend you explore Valladolid. Some excursions to Chichén Itzá combine both visits.

In Valladolid you can get to know the architecture of this famous town among spaces such as the Calzada de los Frailes, a charming street with old structures, the church of Candelaria or the church of San Lorenzo, patron saint of the city.

If you plan to visit the city during the ninth month of the year, make a note of this stop among the things to do in Cancun in September. This is the time of the patron saint festivities, a week where revelry, mariachis and Mexican fiestas celebrate the Virgin.

In case you are more interested in water activities, Valladolid also features some nice cenotes such as Suytun, Ik-Kil or the Saamal cenote. All perfect for cooling off after the hike.

After this intensive itinerary to see the best of Cancun, on the last day I recommend you take advantage of the hotel's facilities to relax before returning home.

Tomorrow

I suggest you spend the day on a beach near your hotel or simply relaxing by the pool.

If you prefer to be in your swimming costume under the sun, but outside the hotel, you can choose from a dozen beautiful beaches, such as Caracol, Tortugas or Gaviota Azul.

Afternoon

After a succulent lunch, typical of Mexican cuisine, the best thing to do is to take a stroll through Cancun's Hotel Zone. Walk through the famous Mercado 28 and do your souvenir shopping, or stroll through the Palapas Park.

In the hotel zone you will also find other places of tourist interest, such as the Scenic Tower, the Mayan Museum of Cancun, the San Miguelito Archaeological Zone and the Interactive Aquarium.

Night

In the evening you can end your trip aboard a night cruise in Xoximilco Park.

These boat parties are for small groups, include live music, open bar (including tequila), entertainment by a local guide and transport to the hotel. Here the only occupation is to have a good time. The experience is the perfect way to end your trip.