Things to Do in Cancun Besides The Beach or All-Inclusive Resort

Xcaret Park is bursting with 40 different attractions. There's the Mayan Village, Mayan Temples, the Paradise River, and the Vino De Mexico Wine Cellar. Visit them all in a day, or come back again, it’s up to you. Xcaret Park also has a Children’s World where kids can play in their own pool and several water rides, so you won't have to worry about keeping the whole family entertained.

The Paradise River is true to its name — you will take a beautiful float down the river in almost surreal beauty as parrots fly overhead. You can also tour the Underground Rivers, or take the Scenic Tour that gives you 360-degree views of the Caribbean. If you visit Xcaret Park on your first day in Cancun, you may never want to go back to the beach!

Getting in: Xcaret Park tickets are included as a Premium Attraction option on the Go City® All-Inclusive Cancun pass.

At Extreme Adventure Park, you can snorkel at two different reefs — each considered one of the most beautiful sites in all of Mexico. The Great Mayan Reef, for example, will give you the chance to see sea turtles, many different colors of reef, and more species of fish than you can imagine.

An ATV ride through the jungle may also be on the itinerary. Imagine yourself as an explorer, but on a prepared path, as you drive through the jungle looking at flora and fauna. When your ATV ride is over, you can also choose from six different zip lines and interactive bridges to climb from tree to tree. 

Getting in: Extreme Adventure Park tickets are included as a Premium Attraction option with the Go City® Cancun All-Inclusive Pass.

An adventure to remember, and also a chance to learn more about the Mayan culture. The trip involves visiting an archaeological dig site, where you’ll learn more about the great Mayan civilization, and the archaeologists who discovered important knowledge about their ancient culture.

You’ll also get to visit and swim in beautiful cenotes, which are naturally occurring swimming holes formed by rivers. You’ll also have a chance to kayak through the river and learn even more about the Mayans who lived here centuries ago. 

Getting in: Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Tour is separately ticketed.

The Isla Mujeres is a small island near Cancun. In just a 20-30 minute ferry ride, visitors will have a chance to explore an important island that has both remnants of the Mayan civilization and modern amenities. While on the ferry, you can eat a delicious breakfast while enjoying the beautiful blue waters Cancun is noted for.

Once you’re there, you can explore ancient ruins, or you can visit the downtown area which has many different shops to explore. There is also a pool at Isla Mujeres if you’ve had enough of the beach for a while. There's also a domestic open bar during your day-long stay. 

Getting in: Isla Mujeres Discover Sail tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes.

See ocean wildlife in a way you never thought you would have an opportunity to witness. Snorkeling at moonlight makes the sea life sparkle, thanks to the illumination. On this tour, you will spend an hour and a half visiting three different reefs.

Even new snorkelers have the skills needed to enjoy this tour. Area 1 on the tour is known for octopus, moray eels, squid, and more, while Area 2 is where you are most likely to swim with a sea turtle. Area 3 is where the bioluminescence will amaze you, as you are surrounded by tiny particles that light up the water all around you. 

Getting in: Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour is separately ticketed.

You will also be able to eat real, authentic Mexican food here. The next stop is the Plaza Las Americas mall, which has stores including Sears, Victoria’s Secret, Adidas, and more. There are also drugstores, restaurants, and movie theaters. You should be able to find just about anything you want or need. 

Getting in: Shopping Tour in Cancun tickets are included on all Go City® Cancun passes

Chichen Itza is a city built by the Mayans and is considered to be one of the most famous archaeological sites in all of Mexico, with some of the oldest buildings on the entire continent of North America. You could spend a full day at this site wandering around this ancient site. There is also a resort pool, botanical garden, private hospitality suite, and lounge area. 

Getting in: You can visit Chichen Itza at your own pace separately. Or, if you want to visit using your Go City® Cancun pass, Chichen Itza is included as part of a day trip, where you'll also visit the ancient site of Valladolid.