What to see and do in Costa Mujeres – Cancun

Cancun is one of the most important tourist destinations in Latin America. It is recognized internationally for its spectacular white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Costa Mujeres also has plenty of areas where you can practice snorkeling and scuba diving or rent a boat or catamaran to explore the coastline. Lovers of adventure sports will enjoy the beauty of its natural parks, sacred cenotes and underground rivers. Another of Cancun’s major attractions is the richness of its historical past, with monumental vestiges of ancient Mayan cities. 

Holbox is a cozy little island in the north of the Mexican Caribbean, tucked in the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve, declared a Flora and Fauna Protection Area because of its extraordinary ecological value. Whale shark, Caribbean manatees, sea turtles and countless species of fish and invertebrates such as snails, jellyfish and octopuses all find refuge in its waters. It’s also an ideal place for watching birds such as pink flamingos, white pelicans, cormorants or herons. Its people are welcoming and cosmopolitan, something that can also be appreciated in its gastronomy, which mixes popular recipes with international flavors. The island is very committed to environmental conservation so there are hardly any cars. The best way to get around is by golf cart, motorcycle or bicycle. 

The catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres is the perfect experience for those travelers who want to enjoy a relaxing day in a little piece of paradise. This island is dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, symbol of fertility, water and the moon, and it is remarkable for its natural beauty, with white sand beaches, mangroves, inland lagoons and vestiges of ancient pre-Columbian civilizations. Its attractions include the Manchones reef, the Farito marine park, which is ideal for snorkeling, the crystal-clear waters of Playa Garrafón or the submerged sculptures of the MUSA (the Underwater Museum of Art).

The Ek Balam acropolis is one of the best preserved pre-Columbian architectural complexes, which has the greatest cultural value in the Yucatan Peninsula. As well as a natural environment of incomparable beauty, Ek Balam is fascinating with its majestic stone construction, such as the Sak Xok Nahh (the White House of Reading) or the hieroglyphic snakes. A few kilometers from the ruins is the spectacular Xcanche open-air cenote, which is ideal to end the day with a refreshing swim or trying out rappelling or zip lining. The park also has a restaurant where you can taste traditional cuisine.  

Adventure lovers mustn’t miss exploring the ancient underground galleries and crystalline waters of the Cuevas del Río Secreto. These incredible limestone passages lead to underground halls populated by stalactites and stalagmites of extraordinary beauty, formed millions of years ago. Its waters and more than a hundred hectares of virgin forest are home to a rich variety of animal and plant species. The experience can be completed with activities such as rappelling or bicycle tours. It’s a unique experience of connecting with nature, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. 

An essential stop is a visit to the Mayan Museum of Cancun. Designed by the famous Mexican architect Alberto García Lascurain, this avant-garde building, which blends in perfectly with the environment, preserves the country’s most important archaeological collection of Mayan culture, with pieces from the state of Quintana Roo and a selection of emblematic objects from Palenque, Chichén Itzá and Comalcalco, among others. The exhibition space is eight meters up and offers magnificent views of the jungle, the architectural complex of San Miguelito and the Nichupté Lagoon. The visit to the museum includes access to these archaeological zones, so the visitor can explore the past of this fascinating civilization.

It’s almost mandatory for you to experience the Costa Mujeres night-life and try the intense flavors of Mexico. The Punta Cancun area is perfect for nightlife, with modern venues and nightclubs where the party never ends. It also has a huge shopping and restaurant area, perfect for walking around in the evening and getting into the atmosphere of Cancun.