Mexico is filled with a plethora of unique cities, towns, and villages that have their own individual spirit and stories. Many parts of this culturally rich country, and even richer food, were once the homes of numerous indigenous groups and pre-Columbian native tribes, the most notable of which was the Mayan Civilization. One such city, well known as a hub for travelers and tourists, is located in the state Quintana Roo and goes by the name Cancun (also sometimes referred to as Cancoon).
Famous for its beaches and cruises off the coast of the Caribbean sea, Cancun is the perfect destination for the photography fan, the hyper hiker and the history enthusiast. It offers numerous fun activities to get your adrenaline pumping, like snorkeling and scuba diving, beautiful locations to take in the sea breeze, and finally, a chance to view several monuments of ancients civilizations. These 35 pictures are sure to get you excited to see Cancun.
1. An aerial view of Cancun
(By dronepicr, Wikimedia Commons)
2. A bird's eye view of one of the many beaches of Cancun
(By dronepicr, Wikimedia Commons)
3. Cancun’s Plaza Caracol
(By Николай Максимович, Wikimedia Commons)
4. Sources of shade found all across the beach
(By Alfonzo Buscemi, Wikimedia Commons)
5. Most resorts grant easy access to the beach
(By Mauro I. Barea G., Wikimedia Commons)
6. For sports fans, Cancun houses the Andrés Quintana Roo soccer stadium
(By Mauro I. Barea G, Wikimedia Commons)
7. And the baseball stadium, Estadio de Béisbol Beto Ávila
(By MX1810, Wikimedia Commons)
8. The ferry port in Puerto Juárez which will take you to the ferry to Isla Mujeres
(By Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons)
9. The Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) lies where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico
(By Šarūnas Burdulis, Wikimedia Commons)
10. This fun-filled island is only 4 miles long
(By Kleidy Yomara Cruz Ordoñes, Wikimedia Commons)
11. The island offers scenic views atop a lighthouse and plenty of paths to walk
(By Manfredwinslow, Wikimedia Commons)
12. While parts of the coast of this island are rocky, the shores near resorts like Plaza Norte are perfect for sunbathing
(By dronepicr, Wikimedia Commons)
13. A central square in Cancun
(By Régis Lachaume, Wikimedia Commons)
14. Many hotels in this city have significant Mayan ruins located within their premises, like the El Rey (Las Ruinas del Rey) archeological site in Hotel Zone
(Wikimedia Commons)
15. Also known as El Rey Zona Arqueologica in Cancun
(By Xe3osc, Wikimedia Commons)
16. The El Meco Archeological site is located approximately 5 miles away from downtown Cancun
(By Mauro I. Barea G., Wikimedia Commons)
17. The Castle (El Castillo), in the El Meca Archeological site (Zona Arquológica El Meco)
(By HJPD, Wikimedia Commons)
18. Tulum is a site located in the Riviera Maya tourist district just south of Cancun
(By Popo le Chien, Wikimedia Commons)
19. The Archeological Zone of Yamil Lu’um (Zona Arqueológica Yamil Lu'um), also known as the Temple of Scorpions (templo del Alacrán)
(By Mauro I. Barea G., Wikimedia Commons)
20. The shopping complex in La Isla, Cancun, comes complete with an artificial body of water flowing through the village
(By Eduardo P, Wikimedia Commons)
21. In the neighboring state of Yucatan, you can also find the Mayan archeological zone, Chichén Itzá, home to numerous temples and other historical treasures
(By Pavel Vorobiev, Wikimedia Commons)
22. Which is where the Temple of the Warriors and the Thousand Columns near the Chac Mool is located
(By Noyolcont, Wikimedia Commons)
23. Right opposite the Castle (El Castillo) of Chichén Itzá
(By Claude Belair, Wikimedia Commons)
24. And nearby El Caracol (The Snail of Chichén Itzá)
(By Noyolcont, Wikimedia Commons)
25. The most famous and absolutely must-see destination is the Pyramid, better known as The Temple of Kukulkan in the archeological zone of Chichén Itzá
(By Cocojorgefalcon, Wikimedia Commons)
26. You can even see the grounds on which the Mayans played their ball game
(By Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)
27. And the famous Skulls of Chichén Itzá (Calaveras de Chichen Itzá)
(By Coconoflavor, Wikimedia Commons)
28. Nearby Cancun, you can also find the ancient Mayan city of Coba, on which a painting complex (Muuch'il Boonilo ob) like this still stands
(By O.Mustafin, Wikimedia Commons)
29. Along with the remains of the Pyramid Structure known as La Iglesia
(By Gautier Poupeau, Wikimedia Commons)
30. Similar pyramid-like structures are also found in the nearby archeological site of Muyil
(By Pierre-Selim Huard, Wikimedia Commons)
31. Xcaret is another site home to many ancient Mayan structures
(By jc_castaneda, Wikimedia Commons)
32. It is also the grounds for the privately-owned theme park, Xcaret Park, which holds many ruins and entertaining shows
(By Linjye, Wikimedia Commons)
33. Kohunlich is a 21-acre archeological zone filled with numerous paths amongst the massive ruins
(By Victorgrigas, Wikimedia Commons)
34. And finally, you absolutely must visit the gorgeous temple-pyramids of Chacchoben
(By Oliver Echeverría, Flickr)
35. So get ready for eye-opening discoveries and fantastic photographs in the beautiful city of Cancun!
(By Dronepicr, Wikimedia Commons)
