There’s more to Cancun than beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and incredible nightlife, and plenty to do with 4 days in Cancun. If you head out of the main tourist areas, you’ll find local markets, underwater museums, and even ancient Mayan cities. If you’re planning to spend a few days in and around Cancun prior to visiting other regions in Mexico, be sure to venture off the beaten path!
Day 1
Morning
Awake to a glorious sunrise and go for an early morning snorkel on your first day in Cancun. The coastal areas around the city are excellent snorkeling spots filled with colorful coral, sea turtles, and even shipwrecks. If you arrive early enough, you’ll have the place all to yourself. Alternatively, hop on a glass bottom boat and see Cancun’s Underwater Museum or MUSA. Founded in 2009, this museum was created with the goal of saving the regions coral reefs. The subterranean statues have deliberate holes in them so seaweed, algae and coral can continue to grow, and marine life can feed from them. There are 500 sculptures in total located around Salon Manchones, Punta Sam, and Nizuc. It’s a superb way and unusual to begin your holiday.
Afternoon
In the afternoon you can explore the Hotel Zone. This bustling area of Kukulcan Boulevard is the main hub of activity in Cancun. Unbeknownst to many, it’s also home to the ruins of San Miguelito. Located beside the Cancun Mayan Museum, this awe-inspiring archaeological site gives great insight into the Mayan civilization and how it functioned. The site has four areas to explore – The Chaak Palace, North and South Complexes, and The Dragon Complex. The structures are surrounded by lush indigenous trees, swaying palms. and winding pathways. It’s full of stone carved structures depicting the Mayan God Chaak and a variety of hieroglyphics. Stay until late afternoon to climb to the top of the ruins. Look over the turquoise Caribbean Sea and imagine how life was during the Mayan era.
Afterwards, you can venture to one of Cancun’s state-of-the-art malls for a spot of gift shopping or dine on delectable cuisine overlooking Nichupte Lagoon at sunset. Our Cancun city guide offers a more definitive guide to the different neighborhoods and sights in Cancun.
Day 2
Morning
You’ve explored some of the Hotel Zone on Day 1, now it’s time to discover downtown Cancun. Located a short bus ride from the Hotel Zone, this is the beating heart of Cancun. It’s where Mariachi bands play in squares at sunset and bustling markets open all day to serve tourists and residents. Begin your day with breakfast at Marakame. This trendy restaurant sits in an outdoor plaza beneath trees and twinkling fairy lights. It has some of the city’s finest coffee and a range of Mexican and International delights to energize you.
For a taste of how Mexican people shop, spend an hour or two at Mercado 23. Only Spanish is spoken here so if yours is a little rusty, it’s an idea to bring an app or guidebook. The market vendors sell everything from tortillas, grains, and fresh food items to esoteric trinkets and medicinal plants. It’s a great opportunity to experience life as a local on one of your 4 days in Cancun.
Afternoon
Purchase some fresh produce for a picnic and take a leisurely walk in Kabah Park in the afternoon. This tranquil green area is a wonderful place to sit back, relax, and enjoy nature. There’s a museum which depicts the region’s history and the development of Cancun, alongside a zoo with spider monkeys and crocodiles.
Later in the day, seek out a different experience at Spa Xbalamque. It’s located in a hotel with Mayan wall art, statues, and carvings. The spa is the ultimate haven of serenity in a bustling city. Their spa treatments are out of the ordinary, so don’t expect a hands-on massage or facial. They offer a traditional Mayan healing ceremony called Ritual Temazcal. This involves meditation, sound therapy, and a steam bath with medicinal herbs. If you’re looking for something more traditional, look at this full spa and wellness guide. When your revitalization is complete, either head back into the Hotel Zone for a beachfront dinner or explore live music venues and chic restaurants of downtown Cancun with the help of our Cancun nightlife guide.
Day 3
Morning
Isla Mujeres is accessible by boat from Cancun in around an hour. Charter a boat and enjoy a spot of sea fishing along the way. Many boat captains will allow you to fish, as long as you leave the spoils for them to sell to local restaurants on their return! On arrival in Isla Mujeres, there are options to hire a bicycle and cycle around the palm-lined island or shop for jewelry, clothing and ceramics in the quaint, pastel-colored Caribbean style town. Stay on the island for lunch, then take a boat ride to Isla Contoy 18 miles north.
Afternoon
Isla Contoy is a tropical paradise, not frequented by many tourists. This protected natural area restricts visitors to 200 people a day to reduce the effects of tourism. The island is home to over 150 species of bird, sea turtles and reefs teeming with corals, nurse sharks, and tropical fish, so don’t forget your camera! Return to Isla Mujeres for a romantic dinner overlooking the bright lights of Cancun in the distance before returning to the Hotel Zone by boat.
Day 4
Morning
No visit to Cancun would be complete without taking a day trip to one of Mexico’s most famous Mayan cities – Chichen Itza. This ancient civilization complex is located 2.5 hours inland from Cancun in dense jungle. Arrive early morning to avoid tourists and wander around this architectural masterpiece. Chichen Itza was a significant center of economic and political activity around 600 A.D and one of the largest cities in the world covering almost 2 square miles.
The main highlight is El Castillo, a huge pyramid which sits at the heart of the city. The towering structure is a monument to mathematical and astronomical precision and knowledge. It measures 91 steps on each side with a final platform at the summit, which in total represents each day of the calendar year. Walk around the base marveling at this well-preserved structure before viewing Las Monjas the government building and the ancient ball court.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head for the colonial city of Valladolid. Make your first stop Casa de los Venados, where you can discover 3,000 pieces of Mexican folk art – each piece with its own unique story. Afterwards stop for lunch in a traditional cantina before browsing cozy boutiques and colorful architecture along Calzada de los Frailes. Before you depart Valladolid, venture to the city’s underground Cenote Zaci to cool off. This incredible cobalt-hued cenote sits below ground level but opens to the skies. Natural vines drape from rocks and winding staircases and as the sun’s rays beam down as you swim; you realize it’s the perfect place to end your day, and to your 4 days in Cancun.
Cancun Adventures
4 days in Cancun is the perfect amount of time to explore this glorious region. From bumping nightclubs to ancient ruins, you can see every fascinating facet of Mexican life. Reward your days of exploring with a luxe spa day!
