9 Cancun Hidden Gems: A Guide to Local Spots and Activities Beyond the Beach
Cancun is often heralded for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, but this vibrant city has far more to offer.
I have lived in Cancun since 2010 and I have seen a lot of chances over the years, some good and some bad but what doesn’t change besides the allure of its coastal charms, is the variety of cultural, historical, and natural wonders that most travelers don’t know about.
In this post, I will share Cancun hidden gems that you can add to your bucket list for your next Cancun trip.
Whether you are traveling solo or with friends and family this post will help you plan your next trip to Cancun and visit the most interesting off-the-grid places.
After reading this post you will know how to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Mayan heritage, and enjoy a medley of activities that extend far beyond the typical beach day.
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Cancun Hidden Gems: Discover the best Cancun off the grid places and activities
Looking for Cancun Hidden Gems? You are in the right place. I live in Cancun and in this post, I will share all the most interesting off-the-grid places and activities in Cancun.
While Cancun is renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city is also speckled with lesser-known treasures that promise an authentic experience off the beaten track.
From bustling local markets to serene kayak excursions, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of Cancun away from the tourist crowds.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
1. Explore the Local Markets
Discover the colorful sights and sounds of Cancun’s local markets where you can find everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. Mercado 28 is a local favorite, offering a maze of vendors where you can haggle over unique Mayan artifacts or sample local delicacies.
However, if you want to shop where locals do you must stop by Mercado 23, a bit further away from the Mercado 28 but at a walking distance. You will find, fresh fruits and vegetables, but also local shops and art, including an esoteric one with books magic tools, and candles for rituals.
Authentic tortillas, spice, cheeses, meat, and other shops of all sorts.
It’s always quite crowded so pay attention to pick-pocketers. This money belt can come in handy!
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How to get there
If you are coming from the Hotel Zone, you can hop on bus R1 or R2.
R1 line one will take you to either Km 0 of Avenida Kukulcan or you can get off at Puerto Cancun in front of Avenida Uxmal and then walk from there (see Google Maps).
If you take R2 you could get off past the Ceviche roundabout and then walk from there. Ask the driver if he goes to Avenida Yaxchilan and you could stay on the bus until he turns. ( See Google Maps ).
As an alternative way you can get a taxi from your hotel or you can rent a car. There are parking spots close to both markets. Make sure you lock the car and you don’t leave any valuables on sight. Driving in Cancun is quite safe. In my opinion is one of the safest way to move around Cancun.
Check out my articles about Driving in Cancun and Is renting a Car in Cancun worth it?
Cancun markets Map
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
2. Visit the Lesser Known Archaeological Sites of Cancun
While the ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum get most of the attention, Cancun is home to a few smaller, less crowded archaeological sites.
El Rey
Among the archeological sites in Cancun, El Rey Archaeological Area, is the most accessible one, situated in the Hotel Zone, right in front of the popular Playa Delfines. It is a quiet spot where you can admire ancient Mayan structures amidst iguanas sunbathing on the rocks.
It was a coastal trading post and port during the Late Postclassic period of Mayan civilization. The site features several structures, including plazas, temples, and residential areas, spread out over an area of approximately 10 acres.
- Entry Fee: As of my last update, the entry fee for El Rey was around 80 Mexican pesos (about $4 USD) per person.
- Opening hours: 8 am – 4.30 pm
- How to get there: You can access El Rey by Bus R1 and R2, by taxi or by car. If you have your car, there is no parking available, but you can park by Playa Delfines if you can find space. It’s free but you should leave a tip to the local staff that will tell you where to park.
El Meco
El Meco is located just north of Cancún’s city center, approximately 5 miles away in Puerto Juarez. It was an important ceremonial center and port for the ancient Maya. The site features a large pyramid called El Castillo and overall covers an area of approximately 5 acres.
- Entry Fee: The entry fee for El Meco is 45 Mexican pesos (about USD 2) per person. Prices may vary, so it’s advisable to check current rates before visiting.
- Opening hours: 8 am – 4.00 pm
- How to get there: I wouldn’t rely on local transportation in this case, as it’s quite far off. I would
San Miguelito
San Miguelito is another Mayan archaeological site located within the Hotel Zone of Cancún. It is smaller in size compared to El Rey but still offers insight into Mayan history and culture.
The site features several structures, including temples, platforms, and it’s located inside the Cancun Maya Museum showcasing artifacts found at the site and in the surroundings, besides interesting information on the Mayan Culture.
- Entry Fee: The entry fee for San Miguelito is typically included in the ticket price for the Cancún Mayan Museum, which also grants access to El Rey. As of my last update, the combined ticket price was around 80 Mexican pesos (about $4 USD) per person.
- How to Get There: San Miguelito is conveniently located within the Hotel Zone of Cancún, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in the area. It can be reached by taxi, rental car, or public transportation (R1 R2 Bus line in the hotel Zone).
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
3. Take a Local Food Tour
One of Cancun’s highlights is the variety of amazing restaurants of all sorts, from fine dining to cheap eateries. While the restaurants of the hotel zone mainly offer international cuisine, you can still try authentic local food in some of the off-the-grid eating spots in Cancun Downtown.
Joining a local food tour is the best way to have a taste of them all so that can pick the one you like the most and go back for a full dining experience.
That’s what I did. I joined This tour to see what they were offering and even if I was a local I discovered great hidden eateries in Cancun where I wouldn’t have never stopped on my own.
The tour offers a blend of street food experiences and local restaurants, letting you taste dishes like cochinita pibil or other local specialties.
You will also stop by some amazing murals that have been commissioned to local artists to embellish a distressed area.
Here is my favorite food tour in Cancun
I took this tour out of curiosity and had the time of my life. I tried unique and delicious local street food and local Mexican restaurants that I had never noticed before! It’s a full immersion into Mexican cuisine in Cancun.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
4. Kayak in the Lagoon Nichupté
The Nichupte lagoon is one of my favorite places in Cancun that is most of the time overlooked. Yes, there are crocodiles in Cancun and it’s the most dangerous predator in the area, even more dangerous than sharks.
Having said that, there are a few interesting things that you can do on the Nichupte’ lagoon, that are safe and crocodile-proofed serene.
My favorite one is kayaking through the mangroves in the Nichupte Lagoon and witnessing the diverse wildlife, from exotic birds to crocodiles, if they show up, in their natural habitat.
If you are interested in bird watching, I recommend joining the early morning tour when there are more birds around and less noise from the motorboats.
The Best Kayaking tour in Cancun
I took this tour with Andres from Go Kayaking and I had a blast. The group is small so he can look after everybody. We do an itinerary that it’s favored by the current in the open water and through the mangrove canals. You can admire the peaceful surroundings and the Cancun skyline views, besides spot birds and other local species.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
5. Visit the Lesser Known Beach of Isla Blanca
Isla Blanca is a spectacular wild beach north of Cancun in the district of Playa Mujeres. It’s a quiet, pristine beach away from the main tourist area. Its powdery white sands and clear waters make for a perfect secluded getaway.
It’s especially loved by kite surfers for the ideal conditions both for learning on the lagoon side and practicing on both sides.
Despite the name, it’s not an island, just a stretch of beach at the very end of the Mexican Caribbean Coast.
To get there you will need a car, I doubt that a taxi want to take you there as most of it is on a dirt road with lots of potholes and I am not sure about public transportation.
It’s about 50-minute drive from the Hotel Zone, depending on where is your starting point, of course.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
6. Have Dinner at La Habichuela Autentic Mexican Restaurant
La Habichuela is one of the oldest and most authentic restaurants in Cancun. Located in Parque las Palapas, this charming restaurant set in a lush garden offers traditional Mexican dishes with a gourmet twist and it is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere.
It’s recommended to make a reservation and choose the garden area, much prettier.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
7. Take a Walk at the Malecon Tajamar at Sunset or at Sunrise
The Malecon is an area in downtown Cancun right in front of the Nichupte’ lagoon, where locals gather at sunrise for exercise and at sunset either for the same reason or just to hang out with friends after a day of work. Also because during the rest of the day, it’s really hot and there is no shade.
The Malecon Tajamar in Cancun is actually one of the few areas in Cancun, that is not a mall, where you can take a stroll surrounded by nice views and mangroves.
I love the mornings because you can catch the sunrise over the lagoon. Sunsets are nice too because you will admire the sun setting behind the tall buildings of Plaza Las America and the sky sometimes lights up with the many shades of orange pink read and yellow. It’s a kind of show-off some days.
After an evening stroll at the Malecon Tajamar, you can always go to the Plaza Las Americas Mall and do some window shopping or get something to eat in their food mall.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
8. Dive or snorkel at the MUSA (Underwater Museum)
If you love being in the water, you cannot miss the Cancun Underwater Museum, MUSA.
MUSA, as it’s known locally, is an underwater museum that you can only visit either by snorkeling or diving. It boasts over 500 sculptures nestled on the sandy ocean floor in shallow waters.
This unique attraction draws underwater enthusiasts worldwide, offering an unparalleled experience.
The idea for MUSA originated in 2005 when marine park director Jaime Gonzalez Cano sought to protect coral reefs from damage caused by tourism. With artist Jason Taylor’s expertise, the project blossomed, featuring contributions from numerous artists.
Since opening in 2010, MUSA’s mission has been to conserve coral reefs and foster new growth—a testament to the power of art and conservation.
Tours usually include multiple sites and leave either from Isla Mujeres or from Cancun.
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This top-rated tour on VIATOR will take you snorkeling in some of the best spots in the Caribbean waters right off the coast of Cancun, including a shipwreck and the underwater museum MUSA
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
9. Visit Isla Contoy
Not so much of a Cancun hidden gem, as it has become quite popular, I wanted to include Isla Contoy because it’s one of the few preserved islands where tourism didn’t have much of an impact, yet.
Joining one of the tours to Contoy Island is one of the best things to do in Cancun that you should add to your travel itinerary.
Isla Contoy, a small natural reserve northeast of Cancun, hosts over 150 bird species and various marine life.
Visits are limited to 200 people per day, with tours being the only way to access the island. The government controls access to preserve its flora and fauna, with no overnight stays, hotels, or restaurants available.
Tours depart from Cancun or Isla Mujeres, lasting around 8 hours and including breakfast and lunch. Activities include beach relaxation, guided hikes, and visits to a visitor’s center and small museum. Tours may also stop at Isla Mujeres.
Accessible only by boat, the journey from Cancun takes less than an hour. Various tour operators offer similar itineraries, some including a stop at Isla Mujeres, while others are exclusive to Isla Contoy.
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✔️ Arrival at Parque Nacional Isla Contoy where you will enjoy a walk in the park with a local guide to spot the many bird species, swim in the crystal clear water and enjoy a delicious lunch
✔️ Quick stop in Isla Mujeres where you can enjoy 1 hour of free time to see the colorful streets and beautiful beaches, to buy a delicious ice-cream or souvenir
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
Cancun Hidden Gems: Frequently Asked Questions
Before diving into the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Cancun, get your most pressing questions answered to make the most of your visit beyond the beaches.
Which restaurants offer an authentic culinary experience in Cancun?
Is Cancun Mexico safe?
Can I drink water in Cancun
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What’s the best way to move around in Cancun?
Taxi are ok but don’t have a good reputation in Cancun as they don’t have the meter and so they tend to rip you off. Make sure you ask the price and maybe have it put into writing specifying in what currency. The least safe way to move around in Cancun is by bike or motorbikes, so please avoid those ones.
CANCUN HIDDEN GEMS
Cancun Hidden Gems: Final thoughts
After enjoying the spectacular Cancun beaches or relaxing in your beautiful all-inclusive Cancun resort, make sure you head out and explore Cancun hidden gems, from the mystic ruins of the nearby Maya archaeological sites to the modern allure of the Museo Maya Cancun, where local history comes vividly to life or joining a water activity, you will have the full Cancun experience.
Before you go
- 7 Most Romantic Cancun Activities for Couples
- The Only 3 Overwater Bungalows Near Cancun for the Ultimate Luxury Experience
- 3 Reasons Why Spring is a Great Time To Visit Cancun
- 10 Things You Should Avoid When Traveling to Cancun [Tips from a Local]
- These 5 Beaches in Cancun are the Safest for Swimmers
