Top Cancun Cultural Tours

The Yucatan Peninsula offers visitors a treasure trove of history, from the pre-Columbian archeological sites of the Maya civilization, to 16th century towns settled by the Spanish. Experience this history firsthand with a full-day tour from Cancun or the Riviera Maya. See the ancient Maya site Chichen Itza (admission not included) the pyramid of Kukulcan, and explore the architecture in Valladolid. After a busy day exploring, refresh yourself in the waters of the Saamal, and enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

Take a day away from the beaches and bars of Cancún and see a different side to the Riviera Maya. This guided tour takes you to see the pyramid temples and other monuments of Chichén Itzá and the colonial city of Valladolid, and includes the opportunity to swim in an underground cenote.

Combine an in-depth tour of Tulum’s archaeological ruins with a refreshing dip in a cenote, or Mayan swimming pool, during this two-for-one tour. Departing from Cancun, you’ll enjoy a guided visit to the ancient, temple-filled Mayan site, with admission tickets and priority access included, followed by a swim in the region’s lagoon-like underground networks of water.

There's no need to go to the expense of car hire when you book this affordable tour that hits two Tulum highlights in a day—the beachfront archaeological site and a cenote in the jungle. Start with a guided visit to the archaeological site, backed by the turquoise Caribbean, then snorkel and swim in the Xunaan-Ha Cenote (conservation fee applies). Add pickup and drop-off direct from your hotel for maximum ease.

Travelers to the Yucatan Peninsula typically favor lounging on the beach, but with the rich Maya history in the region, savvy travelers should prioritize a visit to the ancient ruins. On this daylong adventure, explore the standout Maya ruins in Tulum and Coba, climb an ancient pyramid, and learn about Maya culture from your guide. To round out your tour, take a dip in a traditional swimming hole, known as a cenote, and recharge with an included buffet lunch.

Journey to Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula to visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza on this full-day tour and experience this incredible archeological site with a local guide. Arrive first thing in the morning to take amazing photos of the archeological site, walk along El Castillo and the Pyramid of Kukulcan and learn how this pre-Columbian city played an important role in the Mayan Civilization. Take a panoramic tour through the colonial town of Valladolid, stop at a cenote for a refreshing swim and enjoy a typical buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

This full-day tour from Cancun packs a sightseeing punch—see Valladolid, a 16th-century colonial city, visit the ancient Maya civilization of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO Site, and have a chance to participate in an ancient Mayan purification ritual of Temazcal guided by a real shaman. In the archaeological zone, admire the Kukulkan pyramid and the Temple of Warriors. A guide explains the cultural importance of the landmarks you stroll past. Spend leisurely time relaxing in the peaceful cenote of Ik-Kil. With round-trip hotel transport, this is a hassle-free experience you don’t want to miss.

Visit two of the biggest draws in the Yucatan on this tour to the Tulum Archaeological Site and Cenote Chen Há and Mariposa from Cancun. Not only do you get a guided tour of the massive archaeological site—a lot to cover on your own—but you get to make the most of your time in the area by visiting the beautiful cenote. You can swim there, too, if you pay a fee upon arrival.

Your admission ticket lets you enter the archaeological site first so you can explore in cooler temperatures without the crowds. Enjoy a buffet lunch, and swim in a cenote. Experience one of the New Seven Wonders of the World with this early access tour of Chichen Itza.

This small-group tour combines two impressive archeological sites of the Yucatán Peninsula: Coba and Tulum. Let a guide accompany you around the ruins and explain their significance. This day trip from Playa del Carmen includes hotel transport, beverages and a buffet lunch, plus a swim in Cho Ha Cenote.

Swap the beach for a fix of culture and history on this tour to the Tulum and Coba archaeological zones. Explore clifftop Maya ruins, climb the tallest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, and swim in a jungle cenote. Opt to rent a bike or hire a bicitaxi and ride between the pyramids.

Combine a jungle zipline course, off-road ATV experience, and a cenote swim on a small-group adventure tour from Cancun to Extreme Adventure Eco Park. Take on a fun, family-friendly challenge in a scenic destination, with round-trip hotel transfer, refreshments, and all activities included.

Explore coral reefs, ancient history, and nature in the Riviera Maya on an combination tour that features some of the best of Yucatan in a single day. Snorkel through the coral reef in the Caribbean Sea, visit the Tulum archeological site, and swim in a cenote, then explore a limestone cave and take a jungle walk. This tour includes entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and door-to-door transport from hotels in Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

Tulum, cenotes, and the terrific snorkeling site of Yal Ku Lagoon make this day tour from Playa del Carmen one you must book. Walk through the ruins of Tulum, a bluff-top city overlooking the Caribbean Sea, and one of the last places inhabited by the Maya people. Discover cenotes and explore a lagoon teeming with marine life—the perfect spot for snorkeling. This guided day of culture, history, and adventure includes lunch and hotel transport.

See two of the most important Mayan remains in the Yucatan in just a day, plus Playa del Carmen and a cenote, without the stress of self-driving. Start at the waterfront ruins of Tulum; explore Coba, with its towering Nohoch Mul pyramid; soak in the cool waters of Cenote Zacil-Ha; and shop Playa del Carmen's Fifth Avenue. As well as transfers, your day includes a Mexican buffet lunch.

Combine a guided tour of the Mayan ruins at Tulum with a visit to the Casa Tortuga Cenote with this excursion. You'll start at Tulum, where you'll learn all about ancient Mayan culture from a professional expert. You’ll then head to Casa Tortuga Cenote, where you'll get the chance to go for a swim or even rent snorkeling equipment.

Travel through the Mayan jungle on this action-packed all-day guided tour. Hop on your own ATV (or ride along with a driver) and head to a cenote, an underwater pool, where you can take a refreshing dip. Then fly above the treetops on a ziplining course. A local Mayan lunch is included. Only those 18 years old and above are permitted to drive their own ATV.

Escape for the day to Xcaret, Mexico's ecological and archeology park located in Riviera Maya. On this full-day trip from Cancun to Xcaret, swim in a lagoon, snorkel in the clear aqua waters of the Caribbean, and discover a network of subterranean rivers. Watch for monkeys, birdlife, and butterflies as you stroll through the jungle at Xcaret and take tours of the ancient Mayan archaeological sites. After the sun sets, enjoy folkloric entertainment that highlights the ancient Mayan culture around Cancun, Mexico. This Xcaret outing includes pickup and drop-off at most hotels in Cancun.

Step into the world of swashbuckling pirates and Spanish galleons with tickets for 3-hour Captain Hook dinner cruise from Cancun. Sit down to a gourmet dinner and enjoy an evening of pirate tales, dancing, entertainment, then see a live-action battle at sea. This 3-hour dinner cruise includes access to an open bar, with air-conditioned indoor seating as well as an open-air dance floor and deck.

Experience the top adrenaline sports of the Riviera Maya on a trip that combines off-roading, ziplining, rappelling, and snorkeling in a cenote. This fast-paced half-day adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers who just have one day in Tulum and want to see as much as possible. Plus, wrap up the outing with the chance to take part in a traditional temazcal (sauna-like) ceremony—a cultural experience not included on most adventure tours.

Spend the day soaking up the sparkling Caribbean on this catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres from Cancun. Feel the gentle breeze as you sip drinks from an open bar. Hop into the water to snorkel at a reef location teeming with vibrantly hued fish. Dock at a private beach club for a delicious buffet lunch and even more down time. Upon arrival at Isla Mujeres, enjoy free time to explore and shop. For added convenience, upgrade to include hotel transport from Cancun to the departing marina.

In a small group of like minded travelers, travel to the heart of historical Yucatan to see Chichen Itza, one of the wonders of the world. Swim in a nearby sacred cenote water hole, and explore the whole Chichen Itza site with a dedicated guide. Spend some time exploring on your own, and enjoy a typical lunch of local delicacies and produce.

During your time in Mexico, ensure you experience the white sands and turquoise waters of Isla Mujeres. On this full-day tour from Cancun, cruise to the beautiful island on a catamaran and snorkel in the protected waters of a marine park. Spend free time relaxing on the beach and feast on a lunch buffet accompanied by an open bar. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun are included. 

Parasail above Cancun's tropical coastline during this thrilling activity. Pull-on a safety harness and listen to a short safety briefing, then fly safely up to heights of 240 feet (80 meters). See the ribbon of Cancun's white sand beach stretched out below you and enjoy a panoramic view of Isla Mujeres, the hotel zone, and the turquoise Nichupté Lagoon.