10+ Free and Affordable Things to Do in Cancun

Some Mayan cultural sites are located in the Hotel Zone, including the El Rey Ruins, the first ruins explored in Cancun. The El Rey Ruins cover about 700 meters and include two main streets and two squares. Most visitors immediately notice the numerous iguanas that live among the stone buildings, which were once temples and a marketplace.

Getting in: Entrance to the El Rey Ruins is 50 Pesos (about $2.70). You can buy water at the ruins but don't buy fruit for the iguanas, as you will see signs warning you not to feed them.

Located by the "Cancun Spot" sign, Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach) is a public beach with stretches of white sand, blue water, and ample public parking. It is the last beach on Boulevard Kukulkan in the Hotel Zone, located at KM 19.5. Playa Delfines has a children's playground and is often less busy than other beaches in Cancun.

The waves can be strong at Playa Delfines because it isn't sheltered by Isla Mujeres. You will also find a lot of delicious fresh fruit, local delicacies, and water vendors nearby. You can feed the iguanas at this beach, but there is no shade, so bring umbrellas or plan to arrive early to stake out one of the free palapas (palm umbrellas).

Getting in: Playa Delfines is free and open to the public.

One quick free must-do in Cancun is stopping to take pictures at the "Cancun Spot." Located at Playa Delfines, the "Spot" is a brightly painted metal sign which offers free Wi-Fi. Travelers report long lines at the "Spot" during peak hours, so like the nearby beach, it's often best to visit in the morning.

Getting in: The "Cancun Spot" is free and open to the public.

Open to the public between 9am and 6pm, the Mayan Museum is the primary museum exhibiting Mayan relics in Cancun and the surrounding area. The Museum includes exhibits and the ancient Mayan site of San Miguelito. Located in the Hotel Zone, the museum has three galleries that include 350 Mayan artifacts and treasures, from weapons to necklaces and sculptures.

These precious artifacts are regarded as the most representative of Mayan culture, including the great Mayan cities of Chichen Itza and Palenque.

Getting in: The cost of entry is 57 Pesos (about $3.00), which includes the museum and the San Miguelito Archaeological Zone.

Las Palapas Park is located in the SM 22 district, a short distance from the Municipal Palace. A "palapa" is a palm frond shelter found everywhere in Cancun. You will see a few of these in the park, along with white umbrellas and other outdoor shelters and seating.

The park is an outdoor square and mall in the heart of Cancun, featuring musical performances, many outdoor seating areas, and local vendors. You will find outdoor performers from mimes to street artists along with many cultural presentations, from dancers to singing.

Off the shore of Cancun lies beautiful Isla Mujeres. The primary cost to visit the island is ferries that leave from Ultramar, Puerto Juarez, or Punta Sam. Each ferry costs between 40 and 72 Pesos (about $2.15 to $3.90), depending on your departure location and ferry speed. The slowest, cheapest ferry leaves from Punta Sam, which also accommodates cars.

Isla Mujeres is about 5km long, and many people choose to rent a bicycle or golf cart to get around and see the entire island. East-facing Playa Norte (North Beach) is considered one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches. You can relax on the pristine white sand and order fresh seafood or beverages. Isla Mujeres is a destination all of its own with spectacular snorkeling, zip-lines, and many other beautiful beaches in addition to Playa Norte.

A few additional no-cost sights on Isla Mujeres include the Punta Sur Sculpture Park, which ends at a Mayan site dedicated to the Mayan Goddess Ixchel. The 19th-century stone Hacienda del Pirata Mundaca built by Spanish pirate Fermin Mundaca documents his homesickness amid the romantic Spanish settings.

Located on Isla Mujeres, the Sea Turtle Sanctuary costs approximately 30 Pesos (about $1.61). The sanctuary includes a turtle hatchery and a small aquarium. You can see examples of the three sea turtle species that visit Cancun's waters and beaches, learn about the turtle's life cycle, eggs, and if you're lucky, watch the young turtles hatch.