10+ Free and Affordable Things to Do in Cancun

What's the best way to see Cancun's dazzling nature and wildlife for free or on a minimal budget? Read on to find out our favorite spots for beachcombing, observing sea turtles and snorkeling.

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
By Casey Makovich
Cancun

Cancun is renowned for its incredible beaches, resorts, and buzzing nightlife. Located in the tropics, Cancun is a top-rated destination and you don't have to spend a fortune to experience it. The city's central district, Hotel Zone, and Isla Mujeres, just offshore, offer many free or low-cost activities under $15.

Cancun is the modern entry to the Mundo Maya (Mayan World) and is blessed with glorious white sand beaches with crystalline waters.

Some of the fabulous free or low-cost attractions in Cancun include:

  • Mayan Ruins and Mayan Museum
  • Plaza La Isla
  • Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach)
  • Cancun Aquarium
  • Isla Mujeres

El Rey Archaeological Zone (El Rey Ruins)

archaeoligical-site-el-rey-near-mirador

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.

Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach)

delfines-beach-lagoon

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.

The "Cancun Spot"

Cancun Spot

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.

Mayan Museum of Cancun and San Miguelito Ruins

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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.

Plaza La Isla Cancun

This 162-store Plaza La Isla is the largest shopping center in Cancun. In addition to international stores like Zara and Benetton, Plaza La Isla has a number of local boutiques and shops. The Plaza includes an entertainment and game center, a theater, and a wax museum.

You can also visit its interactive aquarium or take a ride on the Venice-style canal that winds its way through the shopping village. Plaza La Isla Cancun also hosts regular free music events including mariachi, traditional Mexican ballads, and other musical genres.

Getting in: The Plaza is free and open to the public.

Ka'Yok Planetario de Cancun (Cancun Planetarium)

Located in central Cancun near Walmart on Avenida Coba, Cancun's planetarium is considered the most modern and up-to-date of its kind in southeastern Mexico. The planetarium has a hemispherical screen showing the known universe, and the observatory has two telescopes, allowing you to observe the afternoon or night sky.

Onsite, you'll also find a museum devoted to water use and another about the Mayan worldview and astronomical knowledge.

Getting in: Admission is available for purchase upon arrival and is approximately 40 Pesos (about $2.15).

Parque de Las Palapas (Palapas Park)

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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.

Isla Mujeres (Isle of Women)

isla-mujeres-playa-norte-mexico

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.

Tortugranja (Sea Turtle Sanctuary)

Tortugranja

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.

A trip to Cancun can be budget-friendly

With these options, you can get a great insight on what Cancun has to offer without spending a fortune. Want to make your sightseeing extravaganza even more budget-friendly? Check out the Cancun attractions you can visit with Go City®, where you can save on admission to top attractions vs paying separately at the gate.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions including Isla Mujeres, Xcaret Park, Chichen Itza, and more. 

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.   

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

So grab a Cancun pass and save while you sightsee!

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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A view across a Cancun beach in the hotel zone
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Is Cancun safe to visit?

Cancun welcomes millions of visitors each year eager to relax on its white sand coastline, party night long in its clubs and explore the historic remains of the Riviera Maya. As one of North America’s top beach resorts, this family-friendly destination has something for everyone. The Caribbean Sea offers extraordinary snorkeling, sultry year-round temperatures ensure the beaches are alive with sunbathers and those in need of a little retail therapy won’t be disappointed either. So far, so incredible. But is Cancun safe for travelers? Here’s the truth behind the headlines. How safe is Cancun? The very thought of voluntarily traveling to Cancun scares some would-be visitors witless. However, millions take their vacations here each year, begging the question, how safe is Cancun? Taken as a whole, crime rates in Mexico are higher than other nations with similar economies. But burrow down into these figures and you’ll discover that the vast majority of these crimes take place far from the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula. Safer than US cities including Detroit and New Orleans, the Yucatan has some of the lowest crime rates in the country and a murder rate lower than that of another popular tourist destination with a very different reputation – Thailand. The Mexican government makes huge efforts to keep tourists safe. The tourist areas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya more generally are well policed, with a dedicated tourist police service. This hasn’t stopped sporadic attacks taking place linked to the country’s drugs trade, but tourists are not directly targeted and rarely get caught up in them. Most crimes take place away from the tourist areas and hotel zone, in neighborhoods such as Lopez Portillo, far from anywhere of interest. If in doubt, make use of a local guide, who will know where is and isn’t safe for you to explore. How to stay safe in Cancun One thing to watch out for when looking for a trustworthy guide is people stopping you on the side of the street and offering their services. Unfortunately, they are almost always scammers. Instead, be sure to make use of guides you know to be trustworthy, such as those suggested by hotels and those used by Go City who lead tours to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. In general, you shouldn’t let the stunning beaches and nightlife put you into a false sense of security. Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll be the victim of a crime on vacation in Cancun, petty crime can take place anywhere. You should keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and not leave them unattended when you head to the bar if you’re traveling alone. You should also avoid wearing flashy items such as jewelry and watches, or carry expensive-looking electronics. They are always best left in a hotel safe. To sum up, you should follow the common sense precautions that you should be taking wherever you go in the world. Is Cancun safe at night? It is always wise to be extra cautious after sunset, which takes place between 6:30PM and 7:30PM throughout the year. Secluded areas of beach are best avoided, as are roads away from the main strip of the hotel zone. It’s considered safe to walk around this area of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, but if you’re intending to travel further afield, a taxi is recommended. If you are deemed to be drunk the police can arrest you. You will have to pay a fine for your release from the nearest cells. Likewise, you should stay clear of illegal drugs. There are now no legal penalties for carrying or consuming small amounts deemed to be for personal use (equating to 5g of marijuana), but harsh penalties exist for higher amounts and being a foreign national will not save you from prosecution or imprisonment. Cancun’s hotel zone is also a safe place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a good number of gay bars welcoming locals and visitors alike. Are buses safe in Cancun? Buses are the main form of public transportation around Cancun and are generally considered safe, though you may want to avoid using them after dark. Routes R1 and R2 are of particular interest to travelers since they connect downtown Cancun with the lagoon-side hotel zone. The US State Department recommends pre-booking taxis – most hotels will have a function for this – rather than hailing them from the road side, since you’ll have more control over your security. You will however need to agree a price before setting off on any journey. Hotel receptions will be able to suggest the approximate amount you should be paying. Alternatively, it’s also possible for most foreign nationals to rent a car for the day, giving you the freedom of the road. Watch out for bus drivers, who tend to travel at speed and weave in and out of traffic without warning. Other than that, roads along the Riviera Maya are pretty quiet and relaxed affairs. Parking is often free at resorts (excluding any tips) and available at most major attractions too. Natural dangers in Cancun to be aware of Your biggest risk when heading to Cancun might actually be natural, depending on what time of year you choose to visit. If you head to the Yucatan during the budget-friendly wet season, heavy downpours can lead to localized flooding. June through the end of October is also hurricane season. The chance of Cancun being struck by a hurricane is so small it’s not seriously worth worrying about. Landfall is most likely to happen in either September or October. Also be aware – and pay attention – to signs at lagoon-side locations warning of crocodiles, and don’t swim nearby under any circumstances. Is the water safe to drink in Cancun? Locals drink the water straight from the faucet, but as a traveler you should avoid this to be on the safe side. Only drink bottled mineral water. For the same reason you might want to avoid ice in drinks or any foods that will have been washed in municipal water supplies, such as salads, however tasty they appear. You should stick to fruit you can peel yourself. Hotel buffet tables are often identified as the source of food poisoning – ensure all foods are piping hot and protected from flies. Enjoying your time in Cancun safely Speak to anyone who has traveled to Cancun personally and they are sure to tell you that Cancun is safe. Governments around the world broadly agree. With your safety in Cancun sorted, the only thing left is to enjoy your time in this jewel in the crown of Mexican destinations. Explore the range of beaches, historic sites and modern attractions with Go City and you’ll have access to reduced admission prices to some of Cancun’s top attractions without losing flexibility during your stay. Who can say no to that?
Ian Packham
Colors of Mexico food tour Cancun
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Christmas in Cancun

Swap your snow boots for your flip-flops and your scarfs for your bikini bottoms by spending Christmas in Cancun. With sands so white you could easily mistake them for snow, Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year on Mexico’s Caribbean coastline. However, this gives the resorts of the hotel zone a phenomenal atmosphere, whilst the glorious high season weather means nothing is off the menu when it comes to attractions. Add to this a platter of feast days and special events and you’ve got a festive season like no other! Here’s our guide to everything going on at Christmas in Cancun and the surrounding area. Early December In this devoutly Catholic country, the Christmas period doesn’t begin with December 1, but the first day of advent, four Sundays before Christmas Day. Traditionally seen as a time of preparation, churches such as Iglesia de San Servacio in the old quarter of Valladolid sparkle with nativity scenes and candles, echoing the lights which add another layer to the buzz of Cancun’s hotel zone. Just 45 minutes away from Valladolid stands Chichen Itza, one of the most important Mayan sites in the entire Yucatan. Immortalized on a hundred T-shirts and as thousands of souvenir models of all sizes, it contains the impressive El Castillo pyramid, a structure perhaps even more impressive today than when it was built 1600 years ago. Las posadas The next big marker is Las posadas, beginning on December 16. It is a nine day event typified by candlelit evening processions through the streets of Cancun. Residents dress up as the Holy Family, and seek a place to stay for the birth of Jesus. After being rejected from entering two homes, as in the Bible accounts of the birth, they are welcomed into the third, where a party with food, drink and pinatas are often evident. Homes are decorated with red-leaved poinsettias – native to Mexico – and other evergreen plants. In addition, children cut the sides of paper bags into a variety of shapes that are then illuminated by candles – a little like a festive version of a jack o’lantern. They’re called farolitos and are placed on windowsills and doorsteps. Christmas shopping In between the nightly processions there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the independent and big name stores that make up Cancun’s retail spaces. For souvenirs and other handmade items we’d suggest downtown’s Mercado 28, followed by a trip to the boutiques of US-style mall Plaza Las Americas. Decked out in all its Christmas finery, it has a friendly rivalry with Kukulkan Plaza a short distance further south, whose elegant flat-domed ceilings provides the perfect spot for the free nightly performances from December 20 – 31. Head to Punta Cancun (the Party Zone) for the best of the city’s nightlife. Around 25 major clubs do their best to attract you, offering open bars, giant dancefloors and DJ sets that extend towards daybreak. Nochebuena Rather than December 25, it’s Christmas Eve – or Noche Buena – the last day of Los Posedos which is the big day for family gatherings in Mexico. Children lead processions into their local churches, at which point the baby Jesus is placed in the manger of the nativity scenes. Most people attend midnight mass with church bells ringing out and fireworks exploding to mark the Holy birth. The feasting continues long into the early hours of Christmas morning, so don’t be surprised if some places are slower to open up than usual. It’s also Christmas Eve when children receive some of their gifts, especially those from Papa Noel (Santa Claus). When it comes to closures, you’ll see nothing like the complete shut down that takes place on Christmas Day in the US or Europe. Generally speaking, resorts and attractions remain fully open, although it’s well worth checking out individual places if you plan a Christmas Day visit. Christmas Day For a sense of the dishes enjoyed at this time of year in Cancun don’t miss your chance to explore the city’s puestos (market stalls) in search of the best seasonal street food. Christmas dinners usually begin with an oxtail soup containing beans and chilies. Bacalao (dried cod) and revoltijo de romerito (stewed greens with potato and dried shrimp) are also common. These are followed historically by a suckling pig, although the US influence has made turkey and glazed hams much more common. Adults then set about consuming large quantities of ponche con piquete, a hot alcoholic drink flavored with seasonal fruits and cinnamon that’s a little like mulled wine. Children get to play with luces de Belén, or Bethlehem lights, a type of sparkler. Holy Innocents Just a couple of days later, on December 28, comes one of Mexico’s more unusual celebrations. Although it commemorates the massacre of the Holy Innocents by King Herod after the birth of Christ, it has become the Mexican version of April Fool’s Day, with pranks played on those deemed ‘innocent’. Everyone seems to save their best tricks for the day, with newspapers and television programs also getting in on the action. Past stories have included reports that Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, was leaving Britain’s Prince William for a Mexican soccer star. New Year’s Eve Christmas in Cancun continues into January with the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6. This is when many children receive the bulk of their gifts, just as Jesus was gifted the gold, frankincense and myrrh from the Three Wise Men. But for most, the season ends on New Year’s Eve. Celebrations take a number of forms, with dining out a particularly popular choice for the evening hours. As the clock turns towards midnight, many holidaymakers head to the bars and clubs, whilst still more await the fireworks which erupt over Cancun on the stroke of twelve. Save at Christmas in Cancun Packed full of special events and traditional insights, there’s even more reason to visit Cancun at Christmas than at other times of year. For the most part your favorite attractions will remain open, so don’t forget to do the sensible thing and travel with Go City. Do this and you’ll make huge savings on admission costs to top attractions – it’s really as simple as that!
Ian Packham
Playa de Carmen in Cancun
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Things to do in Cancun in the Morning

Beat the tropical heat (and sightseeing crowds) with our guide to all the best things to do in Cancun in the morning. Our top picks include an early-bird excursion to the ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá, a shipwreck snorkeling adventure, and souvenir-shopping at Mercado 28.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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