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

By Nicole Muto

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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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.
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Why visit Cancun in December?

If the cold dark days of December get you down, look no further than the Mexican beach resort of Cancun. Situated in the country’s subtropical south, on the eastern edge of the Yucatan Peninsula, its days hit a heady 28°C just as other destinations in the northern hemisphere are preparing for snow and ice. Even before the arrival of the festive season, Cancun in December has a lot to say for itself. Some of the coolest temperatures and humidity levels of the year make it a great time to explore the treasures of the Maya, whilst the limited rainfall helps ensure great water visibility. But these are just a couple of reasons to book your trip to Cancun in December right now. For the rest, just keep reading! Discover the world of the Maya Although not the first month in Cancun’s peak period, the start of December remains comparatively quiet, with lower visitor numbers than other months in the dry season. If you’re keen to explore the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza without the crowds, now’s the time to do it. Humidity levels are on the lower side too, making it a little easier to discover the wealth of ruins and admire the sheer might of El Castillo pyramid. It’s a structure you’ve probably already seen even if you don’t realize it because it’s such a landmark for the Riviera Maya region. However, to see – and climb – the tallest step pyramid ever constructed by the Maya, you’ll need to head to the abandoned city of Coba. Almost lost to the jungle, its pyramid rises an impressive 42 meters high. Its steps sit at such an angle that many who accept the challenge of climbing to the top do so with the help of a rope before descending again on their backsides. Experience the best of the Caribbean Sea If climbing Coba’s pyramid gets you hot under the collar, the site has another attraction right up your street – a cenote or sinkhole. Just one of tens of thousands that dot the landscape of the Yucatan, and entirely natural in origin, these cave-like chambers are filled with cooling water from underground streams. That at Coba is known as Tankach Ha, or ‘deep water’, and has a depth at some points of 35 meters, although its two wooden platforms welcome swimmers and feet-dippers of all abilities. Snorkel in open water and you’ll lose the freshness Tankach Ha and other cenotes are famous for, but you’ll gain a brightly-colored underwater world teeming with darting tropical fish, anchored by hard and soft corals and visited by sharks, rays and turtles. The location of the largest reef system this side of the international date line, there are plenty of spots to choose between, including Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres. One of the most unusual places to explore with snorkel, scuba gear or glass-bottomed boat is the ‘gallery’ of Cancun’s Underwater Museum at Paraiso Nizuc at the southern end of the hotel zone. Part art installation and part coral conservation effort, the museum’s gallery contains 33 concrete sculptures by Mexican and international artists placed between two and four meters down as a new place for the region’s species to inhabit. Take in the festive vibes On the streets of Cancun the coming of the festive season doesn’t go unnoticed. In this majority catholic nation, it remains a significant religious celebration, with churches richly decorated from the start of December. Festivities heighten further with the multi-day Las Posadas celebration on December 16, commemorating the journey the Holy Family had to make from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. Candlelit processions take to the streets, symbolizing the search for somewhere to stay, whilst nativity scenes and decorations pop up throughout the city. Even before this, there’s the national holiday of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12, with events including marching band parades. Christmas Day itself is quickly followed by the Day of the Holy Innocents (Dia de los Santos Inocentes) on December 28. A Mexican version of April Fool’s Day, expect plenty of practical jokes! Celebrations come thick and fast, with New Year’s Eve just three days later. As you might expect, fireworks erupt over the hotel zone on the stroke of midnight, whilst elsewhere many of the bars and clubs that have made the main strip famous across the world host special countdowns. Go wild Cancun in December has still more attractions awaiting your attention should you be able to drag yourself away from the gorgeous beaches for a couple of hours. If the sights and sounds of the region’s jungle have intrigued you, there are plenty of ways to explore its canopy cover. One of the most fun has to be at Extreme Adventure Park, where you can take an ATV down jungle tracks before sweeping through the trees attached to a zipline. There’s a similar zip-lining experience to be had at Selvatica Park, which has no fewer than ten zip-line courses, including their zip-line roller coaster and one that hangs so low over the water you’re sure to get wet. For more water-based rides, there’s Wet n’ Wild, one of three worlds at Ventura Park amusement park. Among other rides, you can plunge into the water with a dead drop, enjoy a splash down on an inner tube or float along the lazy river. Alternatively, you could try your hands (or should that be feet?) at another sort of adventure, the Cancun marathon. The 42 kilometer mental and physical challenge starts out at the south of the hotel zone and winds its way to downtown Cancun before doubling back towards Punta Nizuc. Relish Cancun in December With average daily temperatures of 28°C, Cancun in December sees some of its chilliest temperatures of the year – a lovely problem to have! Humidity levels are also low by the standards of the year, making the month a good choice even without taking seasonal celebrations into account. Be sure to make the absolute most of your time by exploring with Go City. We work hard to give you incredible discounts on attraction admission for many of Cancun’s top things to do and see. Plus, with Go City there’s no need to plan your days way ahead of time – so if the weather’s just too good for that museum visit, you won’t find yourself trapped indoors!
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A woman floats in the shallows in Cancun
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Should I visit Cancun in June?

Cancun and June go together so well they even rhyme. After the busy months of the first half of the year, Cancun in June is quieter, with some great flight and hotel deals to be had. However, this doesn’t mean that the city shuts up shop until December. Far from it. There’s still a wealth of attractions to delight and entertain, including the arrival of turtles and whale sharks along Cancun’s frankly wondrous Caribbean shores. To prove it, here’s our guide to what to do in Cancun in June! Beach hopping Cancun’s 22 kilometers of white sand beaches – extending along the hotel zone – are a major draw at any time of year. In June, there’s even more reason to soak up the sun from the likes of Playa Delfines or Playa Langosta. Mounting humidity levels can be kept at bay by sticking to the hotel zone’s thin band of land, separated from the higher temperatures of the mainland by Nichupte Lagoon. Looking refreshed with the arrival of the new season rains, you can see the jungle and many of its species, from birds to monkeys, at its most glorious. And from the controls of your very own speedboat too! But don’t worry – although June is one of the wettest months in the Cancun calendar, just a quarter of days experience the month’s afternoon showers. They won’t force you to cancel any plans. That’s particularly good news when both turtles and whale sharks are potential attractions during the month. Head across to Isla Mujeres by catamaran and you can encounter turtles both in the coral-laden shallows immediately offshore and on the beaches of Punta Sur as they return to the sands they hatched from to continue the circle of life. Whale sharks meanwhile arrive in Cancun’s waters from May, and stay until September, filling their days feasting on the plankton-rich waters. Swimming close to these animals – which at up to 18 meters long are the world’s largest fish – is one of the highlights of the year, yet alone the month. Staying fresh With sea temperatures matching those on land – 29°C – it’s no wonder such a plethora of life chooses to spend their time here beneath the waves. Just a short journey south of Cancun, the town of Puerto Morelos is the gateway to the Mesoamerican Reef. Also known as the Grand Mayan Reef, the ‘grand’ is well placed, it being second in size only to the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia. One way to ensure you see it at its best is by booking a dedicated snorkeling tour, where turtles are just one of 500 different species of fish and sea creatures you have the chance to lay your eyes on. No less impressive are the Yucatan Peninsula’s unique collection of natural limestone water-filled sinkholes, or cenotes. Fed by underwater rivers, these open and semi-open cave-like structures are some of the most dramatic places to cool off in the region, with the crystal-clear waters accompanying stunning jungle locations. Held sacred by the Maya, many are located close to other sites of interest, allowing visitors to combine a tour of the pyramid of Coba with time at a cenote for instance. Don’t stop at sundown Come sunset at around 7:30PM, temperatures only drop by 5 – 8°C, meaning your adventures don’t need to stop with the fall of night. In fact, crowd pleasers including Xcaret ecopark offer special night time admission, allowing visitors to see the evening spectacular as well as 50 other park attractions. If you’re keen to take the evening down the romantic route with a significant other, you can both delight in the sunsets or moonlight and stars on a boat cruise and multi-course dinner across Nichupte lagoon. But if it’s Cancun’s nightlife that attracted you to the destination in the first place, there’s little need to go any further than Congo Bar at the northern end of the hotel zone. It is almost unrivalled when it comes to the club scene, although The City Nightclub and Coco Bongo also have long lines forming for those without the luxury of VIP access. Enjoy June’s special events Irrespective of the heavy beats and live DJs, the busy schedule of events means both day and night feel like party time in Cancun in June. Dia de la Marina, or Navy Day, is celebrated on June 1. Look out for events including military parades, historic battle reenactments and fireworks taking place either in Cancun or in nearby coastal towns. Having started in May and stretching through to mid-June, the Festival de los Océanos (Ocean Festival) showcases all the seas around Cancun have to offer through a range of talks, concerts, children’s activities and culinary events. Movie screenings take the lead at the International FILMA festival, which features Spanish language and international movies and art house shorts. Keep a particular eye out for the atmospheric classic screenings that take place on the beach after nightfall. June is also Pride month around the world, celebrating the globe’s LGBTQ+ communities. Although there’s no Pride parade in Cancun, its Riviera Maya neighbors host a series of events. The gay clubs in the downtown area also make the most of the month. How to save in Cancun in June Ticking off the top things to do in Cancun is as easy in June as it is in March, April or May. Whilst the weather will be cloudier than during these months, and the rain a little heavier, there’s no reason to worry yourself about being trapped in a hotel room for days on end or having to hide beneath an umbrella for your entire stay. Instead, it’s still very possible to enjoy the huge range of outdoor attractions available in Cancun in June, and with lower visitor numbers too, reserving your museum visits for those occasional downpours. Whatever you’re planning for when you’re in this Mexican paradise, be sure to include Go City. Simply by having our app you can make incredible savings on a whole raft of Cancun attractions!
Ian Packham

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