Famous Cancun Landmarks & the Most Instagrammable Places to Take Pictures in Cancun

By Nicole Muto
Published: July 18, 2024

If you didn't Instagram it, did it even happen? Whether you want to show off your vacation photos or not, you most definitely will want to take pictures to remember all of the incredible things you did in Cancun. Cancun is a popular vacation destination because of its bright blue oceans, gorgeous beaches and warm weather. From days of relaxation pool or beach side to adventures at Chichén Itzá, there's something for everyone to enjoy (and photograph!). This is why we’ve had our team of city insider’s put together a list of some popular places to take pictures in Cancun.

Best Ways to See Famous Cancun Landmarks

There’s plenty of great places to snap the perfect Instagram photo of famous Cancun landmarks during your trip. Getting around Cancun is easy, especially when tons of attractions on the Go Cancun Card offer free round trip transportation. See all included attractions here. Many of the photo opps we listed below are located near some of the top attractions in the city – so you can combine the best sights with the best things to do. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more.

Best Places to Take Photos in Cancun

1. Dolphin Discovery Cancun

dolphin-tursiops-aduncus-swimming

A post shared by Kelly ? (@kellyccollin) on Jun 22, 2018 at 11:23am PDT

Dolphin Discovery is located on Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun. There's tons to do at Dolphin Discovery, but one of the most exciting and unique experiences is the chance to swim with dolphins. Hop in the water and allow the dolphins to perform tricks with you. You can hang onto their dorsal fins as they swim across the pool. They'll jump, flip and perform with a final dolphin kiss to finish off your day spent enjoying their show. After a day spent with your new aquatic friends, relax poolside or explore all that the park has to offer. Getting in: Royal Swim VIP Plus at Royal Garrafon Park tickets are included on Go Cancun Card as a premium option. Address: Camino Sac Bajo Lote 26, Fraccionamiento Paraíso Laguna Mar, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico

2. Chichén Itzá

temple-kukulcan-yucatan-mexico-chichén-itzá

A post shared by Claire Pritchard (@clairempritch) on Jun 25, 2018 at 4:04pm PDT

Chichén Itzá is a pre-Colombian city built by the Mayan people. It is one of the most famous archaeological sites in all of Mexico and is home to many different temples and structures built in traditional Mayan fashion. During its time, Chichén Itzá was the largest city and is believed to be one of the mythical great cities often referred to in Mesoamerican literature. Make sure you have your camera at the ready as you explore the site. There's tons of historical things to see and learn about during your time here. As one of the 7 Wonders of the New World, Chichén Itzá is truly a can't-miss. Getting in: Chichén Itzá At Your Own Pace tickets are included on Go Cancun Card. Address: Yucatan, Mexico

3. Xplor Park

spiral-tower-xplor-mexico

A post shared by Lucas Nader (@lucasnaderm) on Jun 24, 2018 at 8:43am PDT

Xplor Park is an adventure park where you can fly across the skies on ziplines, commandeer your own amphibious vehicle and explore underground rivers. For the best experience, head there after dark for Xplor Fuego. When the sun goes down, the park is illuminated with tiki torches and lights strung up to guide you as you continue your adventures. Explore the caves, fly through the trees and ride down the river as night falls on Cancun. Getting in: Xplor Fuego Park All-Inclusive Admission tickets are included on Go Cancun Card as premium option. Address: Carretera Cancún -Tulum Km 282, Puerto Juarez, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R., Mexico

4. Cruise the waters of Cancun

A post shared by Dancer Cruise Cancun (@dancercancun) on Mar 10, 2018 at 7:27am PST

One of the reasons Cancun is such a popular destination is because of the beauty of its oceans and beaches. The turquoise waters are something you have to see for yourself, and the best way to do so is aboard a cruise. Whether you hop on a sail boat or a catamaran, we guarantee you'll come across some of the most picturesque views you've ever seen. Keep your camera out! You can choose for a relaxed night on a dinner cruise or try the lively and upbeat Dancer Cruise, complete with a diving board and water slide on deck. Getting in: Columbus Sunset Dinner Cruise tickets, Isla Mujeres Discovery Cruise tickets and Dancer Cruise Cancun tickets are included on Go Cancun Card.

5. Garrafon Park

park-garrafon-isla-mujeres-cancun

A post shared by Traveller • O Mundo Num Giro (@karinrozendo) on May 15, 2018 at 6:23pm PDT

It may seem like there are a lot of natural parks and eco-adventures in Cancun, but we promise you this - visiting as many as you can is totally worth it! At this natural reef park you'll find colorful fish, tons of coral and unique sculptures under the water. Don't miss the opportunity to snorkel here. You'll come face to face with the locals, like sea turtles, African surgeonfish, spotted blowfish and more. Zipline up above or relax at the infinity pool that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. From swinging in hammocks to swinging through the tree tops, a day at Garrafon Park will be unforgettable. Getting in: Royal Garrafon Natural Reef Park Adventure tickets and Royal Swim VIP Plus at Royal Garrafon Park tickets are included on Go Cancun Card. Address: Carretera Garrafón Lote 9 Km. 6, SM 9, 77400 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico

6. Parasail above Cancun

drone-photo-parasail-playa-ballenas-cancun

A post shared by @andreiaflorduardo on Apr 20, 2018 at 10:13am PDT

One of the best ways to see Cancun is by floating above it. Strap yourself into a harness and fly above the clouds on a parasail trip over Cancun. If you've never been before, don't worry - there will be guides and operators to help you with a seamless ride. Bring a waterproof or disposable camera with you to snap photos as you glide over the bright blue water and white sand beaches. You can even have your captain dip you into the water at the end of your journey! Getting in: Parasailing Adventure in Cancun tickets are included on Go Cancun Card.

7. Explore a cenote

ikkil-cenote-sinkhole-lovely-yucatan-peninsulla

A post shared by JoAnna? (@joannariker) on Jun 10, 2018 at 10:16am PDT

For those that don't know, a cenote is a natural sinkhole created from the collapse of limestone or rock. The collapse reveals an underground oasis of crystal clear waters and sand. Cenotes are a peculiar thing because you still get the feeling of being underground even as sunlight pours through the large opening at the top of the rock. The chance to swim and swing around the cenotes of Cancun and Tulum are absolute can't-miss stops on your vacation. When else will you be able to relax in a natural pit? Make sure you bring a waterproof camera to capture the beauty of it all! Getting in: Tulum-Tankha Cenotes Eco-Adventure Park tickets are included on Go Cancun Card.

8. Snorkel Puerto Morelos

reef-front-puerto-morelos

A post shared by Brad Chrisman (@chad.brisman) on Oct 15, 2017 at 9:58am PDT

Journey below sea level and meet the aquatic life that calls Puerto Morelos home. The reef off of Puerto Morelos is the second largest greatest barrier reef in the world and is full of sea turtles, colorful fishes and unique families of coral. Diving into the water to explore for yourself is one of the best ways to learn more about the oceans that surround Mexico. Getting in: Snorkel in Puerto Morelos Plus Meal tickets included on Go Cancun Card.

9. La Isla Shopping Village in Cancun

A post shared by Elaine Resende (@elaineresende_) on Jun 5, 2018 at 8:05am PDT

It may be called a shopping village, but La Isla Shopping Village is way more than that. The indoor-outdoor shopping mall is also home to attractions and rides. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it here. You can peruse the racks at your favorite stores, like H&M and Victoria's Secret, or explore the souvenir shops owned by the locals. If shopping isn't your ideal vacation activity, not to worry - you can visit the aquarium, dine on authentic cuisine or catch a movie here too. Getting in: Shopping in Cancun tickets and Interactive Aquarium Cancun tickets are included on Go Cancun Card. Address: Blvd. Kukulcan km 12.5, La Isla, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Let’s Recap

While this list is by no means exhaustive, it does contain a bunch of our favorite places to take pictures in Cancun. From the most popular attractions to natural caves to snorkeling, there’s something to suit every taste when it comes to Cancun photo opportunities. Remember, a number of these famous Cancun sights and attractions are available with the Go Cancun Card, where you can save on combined admission prices vs. paying at the gate. If you have recommendations for other places to get the best photos in Cancun, feel free to comment below!

Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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The expansive beaches of Cancun's hotel zone
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What to do in Cancun in March

You’re in for a treat if you head to Cancun in March! One of the best months to visit this top Mexican beach destination, it provides the dose of sun, sea and sand that anyone tired of the Northern hemisphere’s dull winter weather is probably crying out for. Kissing the Caribbean Sea, and ideally situated for exploring the region’s pre-Columbian relics, Cancun is not just for self-proclaimed beach bums. From cultural tours to jungle ziplines, here are our picks of the top things to do in Cancun in March. What to expect from Cancun in March March lies towards the end of Cancun’s high season – beginning in December with the Christmas vacation period. However, book your flights and accommodation in good time – the previous November or December should do it – and you’ll still be able to find reasonable rates. The main hotel zone remains busy through to April, with spring breakers from the US filling their rooms from mid-March. And for good reason. In March, Cancun’s climate is perfection. Occupying the dry season, it’s neither too hot nor too cold – daytime temperatures average 27°C. Sea temperatures are almost identical and visibility good. Humidity levels are low, meaning bright, sunny blue skies as alluring for those keen to uncover the region’s Mayan roots as those looking to lay a towel on the nearest stretch of sand. Life’s a beach Nor do you have to look far for a ribbon of pristine white sand – there’s over 22 kilometers of it. Playas Azul, San Miguelito and Delfines are all within easy reach of the lagoon-side hotel zone. Each offers something different, but edged by crystalline waters, they all share the same sense of there being no better patch of sand anywhere in the world. When you succumb to the call of their warm Caribbean waters, you won’t be disappointed either. That’s because the hotel zone is part of the world’s second-largest reef system – the Grand Mayan (Mesoamerican) Reef – running all the way to Honduras. There’s therefore plenty of opportunity to get amongst the fire and staghorn corals of Cancun National Marine Park by snorkeling or scuba diving. The most unusual way to do this has to be at Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA – Museo Subacuático de Arte). Containing 500 specially sunk sculptures, its three ‘galleries’ are between three and six meters down. They aim to provide new spaces for coral polyps to grow, and form an integral part of many reef and snorkeling tours. Staying above the waves, kayaking is an incredible way to check out the nooks and crannies of Nichupte Lagoon, which provides an important area of mangrove habitat for all manner of species. Mayan majesty The Mayan stepped pyramids of the city of Chichen Itza, parts of which were constructed 1400 years ago, are wonderful at any time of year, and so special they’ve been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the civilization’s largest cities, its most famous landmark is the Temple of Kukulcan. It’s better known simply as El Castillo – the Castle, and by archeologists as Structure 5B18. Extraordinary at any time of year, it was constructed so that the sun on March’s spring equinox creates the shape of the serpent Kukulcan on the pyramid’s flanks. Oceanside Tulum, roughly 1.5 hours south, is equally mesmerizing. Ancient city walls up to 5 meters high helped protect it for 250 years, making it one of the best-preserved of any Mexican historic site. Facing the breaking day, it has its very own pyramid called El Castillo, as well as the Temple of the Frescoes, used to track the movement of the sun. A great way to absorb Cancun’s modern persona is with a shopping tour to Mercado 28 and Plaza Las Americas. The first is a mix of swap meet, street food and handmade souvenir stalls full of bright hues and the sound of bartering. The second is a sunlit covered mall with an upscale vibe and the biggest names in brands. Natural treasures But there’s still more to Cancun in March. This area of the Yucatan Peninsula encompasses some magical areas of jungle. Enticing in and of themselves, they also hide spectacular natural sinkholes called cenotes (and pronounced ‘se-no-tay’). The perfect place to relax and cool off away from the crowds, there are around 30,000 cenotes ranging from tiny pools to grand cathedrals of rock. They include Tankach-Ha, which pairs perfectly with a trip to the ancient Maya citadel of Coba, where with the help of a rope you can scale the heights of its 42 m pyramid. Surrounded by the jungle, there’s also plenty of opportunity to explore a tree canopy that’s home to loose-limbed spider monkeys, cute coati and a staggering array of bird life – toucans and parrots amongst them. Beyond animal sightings, the adrenaline-junkie is well-served by the jungle around Cancun, with ziplining, rappelling and getting behind the controls of an ATV all popular activities. Sample the region’s cuisine All this action will have your stomach rumbling, and Cancun’s culinary scene should not be forgotten when planning a trip to the city. Beyond the usual tacos, burritos and tamales the Yucatan has some intriguing regional delights that will soon have your taste buds crying out for more. Look out for specialist chicarronería stalls, whose crispy pork belly castacán will have even reluctant carnivores reaching for more. Be sure to leave space for dessert though. Marquesitas should be high on your list to try. Consisting of thin crepes, they are filled with shredded cheese and sweet ingredients such as chocolate sauce or hazelnut spread before being rolled into a cigar shape. Although it might sound odd on paper, the mix somehow works! Thirsty? Then wash it all down with pozol, a thin porridge-like drink made from cocoa and corn famed for its revitalizing properties. Save on attractions in Cancun in March See more, pay less. It’s a crazy idea, but also the very reason Go City exists. Visit Cancun’s attractions with us and you can make incredible savings all from one digital pass and without having to forgo the freedom to do what you want when you want to do it!
Ian Packham
A couple enjoy the sea on a pier in Cancun
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Discover Cancun in August

August is the last opportunity you have to experience Cancun’s big three animal encounters – nesting turtles, hatching turtles and whale sharks. A variety of cultural events bring even more color and frivolity to its streets than normal, and balmy evenings mean ‘pack light’ can become your new vacation mantra. So although August in Cancun is considered part of the destination’s low season, with some chance of rain and growing levels of humidity, you can still enjoy the long list of things to do in Cancun in August. Don’t miss any of them with our guide to the best of the summer. Cancun weather in August August is the school vacation period, and yet Cancun’s Caribbean shores, beachside lagoon and cooling jungle cenotes (sinkholes) are generally much less busy than at other times of year. US and Canadian citizens tend to enjoy the August weather back home. Others can be put off by August’s ‘wet season’ tag. Don’t be. Cancun in August is dominated by hot and humid weather, with average daily temperatures of 29°C. But nestled on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, this should hardly come as a surprise. The ‘wet’ is also quite misleading, with just six days seeing any rain at all, divided relatively evenly across the month’s 30 days, though heightening in the latter half of the month. Grab your swimwear... The rest of the time visits to Cancun in August will be a mix of sun and cloud. The long ribbons of white sand see enough of the sun to make renting a lounger and parasol a must. There’s even a festival of the beaches – Fiesta de la Playa en Cancún. At the same time, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to discover the secrets and solitude of the region’s cenotes. These naturally-occurring phenomena are found nowhere else in the world and provide a very different swimming and bathing spot to the Caribbean Sea. Several degrees below the Caribbean’s 30°C, many have intriguing histories dating back to Mayan times, such as Tankach Ha close to Coba pyramid. Even more have dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations. And don’t forget your snorkel Whilst some cenotes are home to fish, the undisputed giants of the deep – whale sharks – couldn’t even fit in many at up to 18 meters long. They can however be admired from both above and below the water on dedicated swimming and snorkeling tours. They continue into August from Cancun as the whale sharks gather to feed for the summer in large numbers. Other species of shark, most notably bull sharks, can be found swimming amongst the corals and tropical fish of the region’s Grand Mayan Reef at any time of year. Its 14 species of hard coral provide innumerable habitats for around 500 different types of fish, including eagle rays and barracudas. Despite their fearful reputation, they’re generally very welcoming of both scuba divers and snorkelers keen to explore the reef. Greet turtles on the beaches The Grand Mayan Reef drifts for almost 1200 kilometers from Isla Contoy down to Honduras. Set sail for Contoy island in August and you’ll come ashore as mature turtles from several endangered species drag their heavy shells up the beaches to lay their soft-shelled eggs, an event which can be witnessed most nights. Eggs laid in the sands earlier in the season are also hatching, making August one of just a couple of months when it’s possible to encounter two generations in the same place. Turtles nest and hatch on Isla Mujeres too. It can be reached by both ferry, and more romantically, by private catamaran charter. Only seven kilometers long, the island celebrates its founding in 1850 with special celebrations around August 17, encompassing exhibitions, music and culinary demonstrations. Admire incredible views Another feast to look out for is August 15’s Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Although primarily a religious festival, mariachi bands and festive food and drink all make an appearance. The warm evenings – temperatures rarely drop below 24°C – make it a great time of year for dining out. Given Mexico’s culinary brilliance, there’s plenty of options whatever your budget, with a multi-course dinner on board ship as the sun sets surely high on the list. You could instead settle for the romance of a gondola rising above the main strip on the Gran Rueda Cancun Ferris wheel. Over 50 m high – equivalent to a 16 story building – air-conditioning ensures you’ll never feel the heat as you check out 360° views that stretch as far as Isla Mujeres. Stop by the museums August humidity levels means it’s not the best time to leave the coast for day trips to colonial Valladolid and the Mayan masterpiece of Chichen Itza. However, Cancun’s museums are another option. Occupying a modern state-of-the-art building, the Museo Maya takes visitors on a whistle-stop tour of Mayan art and culture through a dazzling array of sacred and everyday objects. Just a few steps away you’ll also find the remains of San Miguelito, complete with temples, pyramids and an inquisitive population of semi-wild iguanas. Sticking with the sea theme, Interactive Aquarium Cancun allows the whole family to explore the Yucatan’s underwater worlds without getting their feet wet. Its impressive tanks and displays contain somewhere in the region of 2000 individual species, of which around a quarter are reef favorites. You’ll also come face to face with reptiles including crocodiles, as well as sea lions and dolphins. How to budget for Cancun in August It might not be the usual month to head to the Yucatan Peninsula but Cancun in August has a lot to recommend it. The sea is as warm as a bath, the beaches less crowded than at other times of year, plus there’s the chance for turtle and whale shark encounters. Forget any worries about August being hurricane season – it’s highly unlikely you’ll be negatively affected – and explore with Go City. We give you incredible discounts on admission to a huge array of attractions in Cancun whilst giving you the flexibility to pick and choose what you want to do each day of your vacation.
Ian Packham
Coco Bongo Beach Party
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Cancun After Coco Bongo: Top Things to Do Nearby

Before and after Coco Bongo, these Cancun attractions deliver serious fun.

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