When visiting Cancun, your all-inclusive resort will likely offer everything you need for a perfect vacation. You can enjoy exceptional dining, beautiful scenery and fun watersports without ever leaving your resort. However, during your time in Cancun you may wish to leave the resort behind for the day and experience more of this tropical paradise. Cancun offers plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten path and explore the local culture, history and environment. For a unique Cancan experience, try this sampling of off the beaten path destinations perfect for a day trip from the all-inclusive resorts.
Cobá
Many visitors to Cancun look forward to exploring Mayan Ruins. However, Chichen Itza, the most well known of the ruins, is often crowded and can feel more like a tourist attraction that a cultural experience. For a unique look at the area’s history, head to Coba approximately 110 miles from Cancun. The ruins of Coba, which are situated between two lakes, are largely unrestored. The surrounding rainforest has simply been cleared away to make this spectacular example of Mayan architecture accessible. The site features one of the tallest Mayan pyramids which visitors are allowed to climb. Because the ruins of Coba are spread over a large area, bicycles are available to rent at the entrance.
Cancun Underwater Museum
The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean offer some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. However, Cancun offers an opportunity to see more that colorful fish and coral. The Cancun Underwater Museum, formally known as Subacuatico de Arts, features 400 sculptures by artist Jason de Cares Taylor. The sculptures tell the story of the evolution of the Mayan culture. The museum cover 1600 square feet and resides at depths of 9 to twenty feet under water.
Downtown Cancun
Downtown Cancun is perfect for souvenir shopping, eating an authentic meal or watching Mariachi dancers. During the day, visitors can shop in several markets for handicrafts and local art. Meals of traditional Mexican food and fresh seafood are reasonably priced. After the sun goes down, downtown Cancun offers seemingly unlimited bars and clubs, many of which feature live music and drink specials.
Isla Contoy
A visit to tranquil Isla Contoy is perfect for recuperate from dancing the night away in downtown Cancun. This nature preserve is located approximately 30 miles south of Cancun. Isla Contoy is home to over 100 species of birds, of which pelicans are the most abundant, as well as reptiles, monkeys and other small mammals. The island also features a museum and lighthouse which provides an amazing view of the surrounding area. Time spent at Isla Contoy is a truly unique experience because only a limited number of visitors are allowed to enter the ecological reserve each day.
Cancun offers a wealth of off the beaten path destinations. Whether you desire an authentic cultural experience or a unique adventure, it is well within reach. The best part is, when your adventure is done you can easily return to the luxury accommodations of your all-inclusive resort.
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