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

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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

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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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Friends check out the sights at Chichen Itza
Blog

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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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun
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Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun

Are you heading to Cancun on Labor Day weekend? Then you'll need to know what to do! Below, we detail the best things to do in the city and answer all your burning questions. Whichever you pick, you're bound to have a blast! Including: Is Cancun busy during Labor Day weekend? Is September a good time to go to Cancun, Mexico? Does it rain a lot in September in Cancun? Is it still sunny in Cancun in September? The best things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun Is Cancun busy during Labor Day weekend? On Labor Day weekend, countless souls travel across the border to party up, and ring in the end of summer. Taking place across the long weekend from September 1 - 4, Labor Day itself lands on the final Monday. It's your last hurrah before Thanksgiving, so make the most of it. You'll be in good company too, as plenty of people have the same idea. Is September a good time to go to Cancun, Mexico? Mexico is one of the most beautiful countries on the planet, and Cancun is arguably the touristic jewel in its crown. So, yes, it's always a good time to visit Cancun, and September is one of the months in our calendar. However... Does it rain a lot in September in Cancun? Did you know that September is Mexico's wettest month of the year? Yes, even the country that Breaking Bad bathed in warm, orange hues has rain. How much rain, you ask? Well, 9 inches over seven days throughout the month. So, while it may be the country's wettest month, it's hardly comparable to most of North America. Is it still sunny in Cancun in September? You'll be pleased to hear that, yes, you're still likely to have some sun over nearly every day in September. There's nearly a 30% chance you see nothing but sun and blue skies, but over 70% chance of some clouds blocking the perfect view. So, pack the sunnies, short shorts, and sunblock, but add a light waterproof or umbrella just to be safe. With all your burning questions out of the way, let's explore the best things to do in Cancun on Labor Day weekend! Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Congo Bar Cancun It wouldn't be Labor Day weekend without enough booze to forego operating heavy machinery. Yes, that was a poor attempt at a labor joke. While the joke may disappoint, Congo Bar Cancun certainly will not. Making bassy waves in the center of Cancun's party district, Congo Bar is always packed with revelers hoping to drink and dance the night away. They're joined by DJs playing hand-raising anthems, go-go dancers riling the crowd up, and a whole host of cocktails, beers, wines, and shots. From 9PM - 3.30AM, expect nothing but drunk conga lines, an assortment of party props, and drinks. Lots of drinks. Oh, and did we mention that with us, nearly every drink on the menu is part of the ticket? Not just one per head, but all your drinks throughout the night? There are plenty of bars open for business in Cancun on Labor Day weekend, but why settle for anything less than a night of free-flowing booze? You'd be silly not to, really. Are you silly? No, we thought not. Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Snorkeling Tour Immerse yourself in a captivating snorkeling expedition off Cancun's stunning shores. This adventure encompasses five unique sites: El Meco, part of the Great Mayan Reef, offers an up-close encounter with vibrant coral formations. At the second stop, embrace the enchanting presence of sea turtles in their natural habitat before switching gears at stop three for the MUSA underwater museum, where captivating exhibits blend art and nature. The pinnacle awaits at stop number four, where you'll explore a sunken shipwreck. Finally, marvel at the ethereal beauty of cenotes at your fifth and final stop. Ignite your spirit of discovery and relish intimate glimpses of the hidden marine world on this unforgettable journey. Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Chichén Itzá & Valladolid Experience Mexico's cultural riches with a comprehensive roundtrip tour of Chichén Itzá, the awe-inspiring Mayan marvel. Your journey begins with hotel pickup, leading you to the historic site. Then, you'll have two and a half hours to explore the enigmatic temples, delve into their history, and capture memorable photos. Following the pyramid's mystique, venture to Valladolid, where you'll have an hour and a half to meander through baroque cathedrals, Spanish colonial architecture, and charming pastel-colored edifices. If you want to balance out your weekend of partying with some culture and history, go explore some ancient wonders! Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Parasail Adventure If you don't suffer from vertigo, and the thought of sailing high above the seas tethered to a speedboat fills you with glee, then you'll love this parasailing adventure over the clear blue Cancun waters! Soar above Cancun's coastline for approximately 3 miles, treating your senses to mesmerizing beach vistas. Equipped with a walkie-talkie, you'll stay in touch with the crew, who'll adjust your altitude throughout your 10-minute thrill ride, so you always feel completely safe. See the Cancun coastline like never before, and relish the sensation of flight – a one-of-a-kind opportunity for unforgettable memories. Things to do on Labor Day Weekend in Cancun: Ventura Park And finally, if you don't mind braving the crowds for some white-knuckle fun, Ventura Park is a must-visit. Thrill-seekers can dive into the heart-pounding world of Aaahventura, a high-flying zip line that sweeps you above the treetops. But that's just one of the many pulse-pounding attractions at Ventura Park. There are a ton of rollercoasters, waterslides, and other entertainment to keep the blood pumping. And for those who savor a relaxed pace, worry not – we've got you covered too! Drift along the Lazy River, taking in the stunning surroundings at your leisure. Engage in a game of mini-golf, explore virtual reality adventures, or indulge in dolphin swimming for fellow animal enthusiasts. And those were our picks of the best things to do on Labor Day weekend in Cancun! If you're spending a few days around the holiday and want to know how to spend it, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of Cancun's hottest attractions for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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