Things to do in Cancun, Quintana Roo: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

January 23, 2022 Madelene Haan

Sunny Cancun has much more to offer than its party-town reputation might suggest. Plenty of gorgeous, drama-free family resorts cater to folks who want to experience the tropical Yucatan climate. There are significant Mayan ruins here, such as El Rey and the Yamil Lu’um, a crumbling tower of pale gray stone. Learn more about this ancient civilization at the Museo Maya de Cancun. For a literal taste of Mexico, take a tour of the Museo Sensorial del Tequila.
Restaurants in Cancun

1. Private Tour of Chichen Itza, Coba and Tulum with Lunch and Cenote Swim

OlMar Travel Mexico
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

See three of the Yucatan's most popular archaeological sites in one day during this private tour with a driver and guide. During the 12-hour adventure, visit the ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum. Cool off by swimming in a 'cenote'; a naturally formed underground pool, and refuel with a buffet lunch. Chauffeur-style transport for your private party is included.

Inclusions: Lunch, Professional certificated private guide services, Private tour only for your group, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Rent of the pedicabs in Coba, Sweet snack, soft drinks, water & 2 cans of beer/per person, Transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Beverages during the lunch, Tips

Reviewed By chrisfC1829YL

Wow!!! So much happened in this trip that it's hard to summarize. First off...take more cash than you think you need. You'll visit several places that don't have credit cards as an option. And then remember to tip your house at the end. We felt so bad that we only had $1 dollar left to give them because they were so amazing!! So nice and polite and knowledgeable. This was a very long excursion (12.5 hours) that was incredible and we're so glad we took the time to do it. We learn s so much from the guide and the places themselves.

2. Cancun Sightseeing City Pass Tour

Smart Cancun by Oasis, Av Tulum 4, capilla ecumenica, 4, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Cancun City Pass
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

1 Day Cancun City Pass gives you access to 2 Sightseeing attractions in Cancun at a great price. With this pass, you have included the Cancun City Tour and shopping. To add more sightseeing to your day you can choose an extra attraction to visit at no extra cost. During the Cancun City Tour, you will discover the city highlights and historical places in the City. It is the best sightseeing and shopping tour covering the downtown, and hotel zone. For the second attraction that is part of your pass, you can choose from: 1.Scenic Tower Cancun: bird-eye views of Cancun from the tallest observation point. 2. Interactive Aquarium Cancun, a great family attraction to meet aquatic friends. 3. Cancun Ferris Wheel, Ride the 2nd tallest Ferris Wheel in Mexico. You will receive a Cancun City Pass by email. Just download it to your phone and scan it to check-in at the attractions. The Pass gets activated with the first check-in. Once activated is valid for 24 hours.

Inclusions: Cancun City Tour and Shopping , Entrance ticket to 1 extra attraction (3 options to choose from)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Personal Expenses

Reviewed By R8763QOlilianm

Traveling with the entire family was made easy thanks to Cancun City Pass. Everybody got to do what they want and end up happy. We especially enjoy that you take it on your phone and no need to carry everybody's tickets around. For our family, we save a great deal of money. Was great for keeping everybody active. We certainly will get it again next time in Cancun.

3. LDS Tour to Chichen Itza Mayan ruins (Minimum 4 people)

Alma's LDS Tours
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5.0 based on 43 reviews

Our LDS tours are designed to bring the Book of Mormon to life. Our tour guides will not only provide an in-depth and detailed discussion of the history and symbolism of the ruins but most importantly, explain how they correlate to passages and teachings from the scriptures. Learn about the latest theories and research that place Mesoamerica as the top candidate for the setting of the Book of Mormon.

Inclusions: Delicious Yucatan cuisine buffet: Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan pulled pork). Yucatecan grilled chicken, beef fajitas, rice, beans, salad, and 1 soda included. (breakfast not included), Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Cenote Swimming Activity, Professional LDS Guide , Parking Fees

Exclusions: Video Camera fee at Chichen Itza, Gratuities, Lockers and Life vests

Reviewed By markbG875VX

My wife and I actually did all 4 tours, Chichen Itza, Tolum, Coba, and Ek Balam. By far, our excursion or tour of Ek Balam was the best. It was great to be able to climb the ruins which was not allowed at any of the other 3 sites. Mario was our guide on 2 of our 4 tours and he is outstanding. Other than the long rides to the ruins each day, we have no complaints. We loved the LDS flavor that the tour guides provided. For those who have been through the temple, the Ek Balam experience was incredible. Thank you making our excursions so memorable.

4. Visit Chichén Itzá with our Complete Tour and visit a real Cenote and Valladolid

Cancun and Chichen Itza Experiences
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a full day tour that starts with the pick up at your hotel located in Cancún or Riviera Maya, then we will take you to Chichén Itzá where you will visit the most important ancient Mayan city of South America, Here we will give you a guided tour with professional explanation about the ruins and the history of this place, in every step we will discover the different archaeological buildings of this city, a very good opportunity to take great pictures visiting a Wonder World, after this point we will take you to discover the magical town of Valladolid, a place that is recognized for the beauty of its streets and the friendliness of its people, one of the most important cities in the region for being the center of commerce in the Yucatan Peninsula. You will also enjoy the experience of swimming in a Real Mayan Cenote, a natural wonder that only exist in this area. All this with a team of professional people who will give you an excellent service and the best of the experiences.

Inclusions: Mexican Buffet, Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick Up and Droop Off, Certified Guides, Tickets for the archeological site of Chichén Itzá, Tickets for the Cenote Experience, Visit to Valladolid Magic town

Exclusions: Souvenirs , Photos

Reviewed By Stephanie G

We used Parque Maya Cancun and it was the best time!! Peter started by taking us through a Mayan ritual where we were purified and entertained. Lots of laughs. Then we were taken to our boat where we followed Capt Flash through the mangroves and the marina. Boats were easy to drive and functional. After boat ride, we were given a lunch and served by a great waiter, Gustova. Location in the heart of the hotel zone. Highly recommend.

5. Magical BACALAR TOUR with Pontoon Boat ride. (Transportation + Breakfast + Food)

Top Travel Connection Tour Operator
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Bacalar is listed as one of the best magical towns for being a heavenly place. This magical place receives its name from the Mayan word bʼak halal, meaning "surrounded by reeds.” You can find small fishermen's houses. In this place, you will be able to appreciate the 7 different shades of blue, which is why it is called the Seven Colors Lagoon. In this wonderful place, it is possible to swim, snorkel, dive, and take quiet boat rides. In addition, the bastions of the Fort of San Felipe, from where you can get one of the best views of this natural lagoon wonder, you can imagine the stories of the pirates, while its temples and squares offer a provincial atmosphere. It is also considered the gateway to the underwater caves of the Blue Cenote and interesting Mayan archaeological areas covered by the jungle. Its waters are transparent and its white sand; where you can find fish, parrots, and scarlet macaws, as well as different cenotes and the site of the "abandoned ship"

Inclusions: Round trip transportation. Pick up from hotel., Entrance to Cenote Azul. (1 hour), Dish to choose from., Entrance to Cocalitos Natural Sanctuary (2 hours)., Pontoon ride 2 hours, visit to: Cenotes, Cocalitos, Isla Pájaros, Pirates Trail and Bacalar Lagoon., 45 minutes to swim in the Bacalar 7 Colors Lagoon., Panoramic tour of San Felipe Fort and Bacalar Lagoon. Take a picture in Bacalar letters., Dish to choose from.

Exclusions: Each person pays for their drinks at the restaurants., Life jacket at cenotes and cocalitos.

Reviewed By teisajordan

PLEASE DO IT. LIKE LITERALLY JUST DO IT. We went with a huge group! SO MUCH FUN!!! It was absolutely beautiful and it made our trip one to remember with out a doubt. Our tour guide was super sarcastic and chill. We also did the tequila tasting and bought a bottle of 100% pure agave Azul. BRING YOUR OWN BUGSPRAY. You’re gonna need it! They have tiny packets for sale but it only covers like one forearm lmao.

6. Chichen Itza Sunrise and Cenote Ik Kil from Cancun

Make Your Own Tour
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5.0 based on 143 reviews

Avoiding crowds and heat, this is the best way to see one of the new wonders. Your pictures well be amazing with not many people around the buildings, we are very flexibles and we are very good managers in the time, we can follow the itinerary or be flexible with this, and add another activities, like stop in one of the Cenotes, stop for lunch, or visit another archaeological site like Ek Balam, Coba or Tulum.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Private tour guide, seasonal fruit and eggs as you like.

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop

Reviewed By C138KRandrewc

Great tour, amazing food and amazing guide! Nefi was flexible with our plans and took us efficiently from place to place

7. Chichen Itza Deluxe from Cancun

Cancun Passion
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4.7 based on 158 reviews

See one of Mexico's most-visited archaeological sites during this full-day trip from Cancun. Travel by bus through the rustic countryside of the Yucatán Peninsula, enjoying an on-board breakfast en route to the Mayan ruins. Take a 2.5-hour guided tour of the monument, exploring prominent features like El Castillo and the Temple of Warriors. Sit down for a buffet lunch of traditional Mexican fare before swimming in a 'cenote' (an underground cave) and visiting the quaint Yucatán town of Valladolid.

Inclusions: Beers and water bottle, Breakfast (bread, coffee, orange juice, fruit), Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Chichen itza entrance, Ikkil cenote entrance

Exclusions: Gratuities, State Tax of 28 usd per pax or its equivalent in pesos.

Reviewed By Paradise67153938191

I took the all day tour to Chichen Itza and a swim in a Cenote with Jaime and Manuel. Jaime is an amazing tour guide. Manuel’s customer service is the best! Manuel helped us with two challenges. He helped us get breakfast once we arrived at our first stop. He then helped us pay for the camera fee once we arrived at Chichen Itza. It’s so busy there and none of the employees were helping. Out of no where Manuel comes and takes us to the front of the line and in a matter of seconds we pay the fee and we’re back on track. Definitely recommend these two gentlemen.

8. Chichen Itza Combo Tour with Cenote Swim and Lunch from Cancun

USA Transfers
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4.7 based on 184 reviews

Visit Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological zone in Yucatan, the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire and voted one of the new "Seven Wonders of the World" due to its extraordinary architecture beauty and its geographical location. This tour includes a panoramic view of Valladolid, buffet lunch, and cenote swim. As a gift, download My Mayan Guide App and turn your smartphone into a private guide that will give you details and information turn-by-turn as you walk through the ruins.

Inclusions: Buffet lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, There is no charge to bring a camera into the ruins, but you must pay $50 pesos for video camera.

Reviewed By T2283UUma

Refugio was great!!! 2nd time using USA Transfers and still amazed with their level of service. Thank you!!!

9. Tulum, Coba, & Cenote: Full-Day Tour

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico Sat Mexico Tours Cancun & Riviera Maya
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4.6 based on 34 reviews

Walk through Tulum and Coba, the most impressive Mayan archaeological sites in the area. Swim in a natural sinkhole with turquoise waters. Learn about Mayan culture while visiting a real Mayan community. Highlights • Learn about Mayan history, archaeology, and culture • Explore the ancient Mayan cities of Tulum and Coba • Visit a Mayan community and enjoy a traditional lunch • Swim in clear waters of refreshing cenotes swimming hole

Inclusions: Roundtrip transportation in air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Certified guide, Visit to the Mayan community and swim in a cenote, 1 use of tricycle in Coba (optional), Lunch and traditional buffet

Exclusions: Tips (not mandatory)

Reviewed By Daydream18042868894

Chichen Itza was remarkable, and swimming in the Cenote was great! My husband, who does not swim, even got in. They supplied mandatory life jackets (for $2). And, our guide, Ruth, was absolutely outstanding, the best!!

10. Chichen Itza Sunrise with lunch,Tequila & optional Valladolid, Cenote & Pick up

Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico Amigo Tours
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4.6 based on 2,062 reviews

TOP 3 MEXICO TRIPADVISOR AWARDS 2020 WINNER Gain essential insights into Mexico’s past on a visit to Chichen Itza with a private archaeologist. Miss the crowds, heat (98°F) and humidity (65%), by visiting in the early morning, and see parts of the site that traditional tours don’t visit. With meeting point from Cancun, experience the majesty of the entire Chichen Itza site and receive personalized attention from your professionally certified guide. After the tour you will enjoy a lunch buffet. If you prefer, you can choose the Chichen Itzá DELUXE option with upgrade and visit the beautiful city of Valladolid and get the chance to swim in a Cenote. Make the most of your day with this full experience. We care about your safety and we guarantee a safe route by toll road to Chichen Itza

Inclusions: Professional guide, Round transportation from the meeting points (for VIP or DELUXE option, hotel pick is included), Air-conditioned vehicle, Toll Road, Buffet Lunch, 1 drink per person is included DELUXE option, CULTUR tax (453 MXN) is included in DELUXE option, Ticket to Chichen Itza, Tequila Tasting, 1 umbrella per reservation is included DELUXE option

Exclusions: Drinks (available to purchase. Only included in DELUXE option), All visitors to Chichen Itza need to pay a local tax of $453 mxn. Only credit card payment.

Reviewed By chrisfC1829YL

My wife and I enjoyed this trip immensely but to be honest, the snorkeling was good but not overly exciting. Plenty of fish to see but because there were about 10 boatloads of people all in the same spot, it got really chaotic and took a lot of the enjoyment out of it. Also, Isla Mujeres was not what I expected... so much to do!!! I highly recommend looking into activities ahead of time as you spend about 2 hours exploring the island.... which I didn't realize when I booked the trip. We stumbled upon renting a go cart (which is about $20 an hour) and drove around .... the best experience and highly recommend doing the same. We stumbled upon Punta Sur and LOVED it!! Pay the $3 a person to go out to the point. There are pathways down to the water and wind in and around the cliffs. Overall, this trip was amazing, the boat crew were fun and easy to interact with.

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