Must-See Spots in Cancun, Mexico: Where Nature Meets Ancient Civilization

Cancun, in Mexico's Yucatán peninsula, is a perfect tropical paradise, with its gorgeous beaches make it popular for water sports and also the hotels are hip and modern; add some fine dining, luxury shopping and amazing ancient Mayan history. This are the best places to visit that will make your vacation to Cancun it’s so much more than just perfect.

1. Chichen Itza: The History of the Infamous Mayan Pyramid

When you’re in Cancun, Chichén Itzá is hard to pass up, as it’s one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a word heritage site. At one time the seat of a mighty Maya polity and ceremonial center, it was the rival of Tikal (in what is now Guatemala), Palenque and other great cities of southern Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. At the center is El Castillo (The Castle); aka the Temple of Kukulcán. It's enormous, 30-metres tall for what is basically a big pile of stones designed around solar cycles and it puts on the most extraordinary show when there's a snake that can be observed descending the steps at spring or autumn equinox. Beyond the pyramid, amble through the Temple of the Warriors, past Great Ball Court and Caracol observatory where Maya astronomers monitored celestial movement. And for the more immersive experience, commission an independent local guide to share stories not on the main trail, like the acoustic marvel in the ball court: You can clap at its center and your sound will return as a bird call.

2. Isla Mujeres: A Tropical Escape

On the other side of town sits Isla Mujeres, a laid-back island with turquoise waters and pastel-painted streets that’s just 15 minutes by ferry from Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Rent a golf cart for an orientation: Watch baby sea turtles being released at the Turtle Sanctuary, and snorkel in Garrafón Natural Reef Park, where coral formations are alive with schools of tropical fish. For the adventurous, go to the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA). Underneath, and under the sea, is an extraordinary underwater museum with a growing collection of over 500 life-sized sculptures installed right on your visit. You don't have to scuba dive to see the artworks, glass-bottom boat tours are also available for non-divers.

3. Las Coloradas: The Pink Lake

A journey south of Cancun to Las Coloradas, lake-retirement grounds for flamingos along the Yucatán coast, stretching out in a counter-hued landscape. By virtue of salt-loving bacteria and algae that bloom so densely they stain the entire lake, and their Barbie pink color, together with the baby blue sky overhead, they're a fantastically dreamy spot for photographs. Time it for sunrise or sunset — the most vivid colors come out then — and dress in something that will stand out against the pinks. Sadly, there's no swimming but you can marvel at equally beautiful sights from those surrounding salt flats and flamingo-flocked lagoons.

4. Cancun's Beaches: Sun and Sand

Be sure to get some sun-drenched beach time along Cancun's beautiful world-famous beaches. Playa Delfines also is home to the pancake-flat “CANCUN” sign, and it's got a wide, sweeping panoramic view of the Caribbean so it's a very popular place for sunset photos. For somewhere more serene, head to Playa Marlin and Playa Tortugus where the water is tranquil and the sand is soft as a pillow. For action, take flight over the sea while parasailing or zoom across its surface on a Jet Ski, though you may also simply want to dive and snorkel: Its waters are so clear that they contain bold fish as well as sea turtles.

In a word, Cancun, Mexico is a place suitable and appropriate for everyone, no matter who you are, you can find a cozy corner for yourself to chill out.