The Quickie Guide to Cancun

Taxi: 40 minutes, price depends on destination, Uber is not currently available in Cancun.

Cost:$30-45 USD

Van: Shuttles leave continuously from the airport for door to door service.

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Cost:$12 USD per person

Bus: ADO Coach Bus service from Cancun airport to Cancun terminal — 25 minutes

Cost:$66 MXP – Discounts available online in advance.

A favorite among locals and visitors alike Las Quekas is quick, simple, tasty food. This is a good place to try quesadillas and the traditional sopas in a casual atmosphere.

Location: KM. 9,Boulevard Kukulkan, ZonaHotelera,77500 Cancún, Q.R.

Hours: Open 24 hours

In 2010, progressive artist Jason de Caires Taylor sank over 500 life-size sculptures at the bottom of the sea creating the world’s largest underwater museum. The Museum’s message is to convey the interaction between art and environmental science. The art is also intended to form an artificial reef system where corals can grow and sea life can colonize. There are several sites within the museum and one even has a sunken VW beetle.

Salon Manchones is located off shore from Isla Mujeres at eight meters depth and is best for divers, while other sites like Punta Nizuc have sculptures closer to the surface making them better for snorkelers.

Location: Museum Office – Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 15.3, Zona Hotelera,

Cost:$40 snorkeling, $60 for a 1 tank dive, $100 for beginner divers

Cenotes are collapsed limestone caves filled with water from underground rivers. The Yucatan is home to over 7,000 cenotes. Local favorites include Dos Ojos cenote, located 1 hour and 45 minutes south of Cancun and the Gran Cenote near the town of Tulum. IkKil cenote (pictured above) is just a few miles from Chichen Itza and is commonly combined for a great day trip. The Mayans believed the cenotes to be a gateway to the underworld and would often make sacrifices, including humans, into the cenotes. Exploring these unique geological features is a must when visiting Cancun.

Location: See map for Dos Ojos

Cost: Most cenotes are 100 MXP to visit

Just over an hour down the coast is the small town of Akumal. The town beach boasts a large population of sea turtles who call the warm turquoise waters of the bay at Akumal home. They lay their eggs in the soft sand and can almost always be found in the shallow waters in front of the beach. Rent snorkeling gear at the beach or arrange a tour from Cancun which includes a guide, gear rental, and transportation to and from Akumal.

Location: See Map

Cost: Gear rentals and optional guide

Arguably one of the most beautiful settings to see are the Tulum Ruins. Mayan temples were constructed here on the tall ragged cliffs over looking the Caribbean Sea. Take in the 700 year-old ruins with stunning blue water as the backdrop.

Cost: 64 MXP, Parking 100 MXP

Hours: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Less visited than both Tulum and Chichen Itza, Coba dates back to 600 A.D. Coba is a massive city and covers several miles; in case you don’t want to walk, pedicab drivers and bike rentals are available at the entrance to the archaeological site. One of the most impressive features within Coba is the massive watch tower. Also, don’t miss the tall pyramid which you are still allowed to climb, unlike at other sites.

Considered by most to be Mexico’s most impressive Mayan site, a visit to Chichen Itza is highly recommended for any Cancun itinerary. The main pyramid is a picturesque, tall and highly symmetrical stone structure.

Cost: 235 MXP, Parking 30 MXP

Hours:9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Include this charming Spanish Colonial town of Valladolid as an easy stop off on a day trip to Chichen Itza where you’ll get lost wandering through the colorful streets. This cute little town makes a great place to have lunch after a morning exploring the ruins.

One of the best ways to experience Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is by car, giving you the ultimate freedom to visit all the amazing sites at your own pace. Car rentals are also very affordable compared to other parts of the world.