Things and activities to do in Cancún, Mexico

Cancún is alive with the rhythms of the Caribbean as well as the famous Mariachi sounds that, for many, is the sound of Mexico. There are plenty of venues in the city where you can watch live music and take part in the dancing.

The Grand Mambo Cafe in Plaza Hong Kong is renowned for its talented bands performing almost every night. It is also the best place to explore Caribbean dances such as Merengue and Salsa, so bring your happy feet. Near your Club Med Cancún resort you will find The Congo where the lively music leads to a - you guessed it - long Conga line of customers heading out into the streets every night. November sees the arrival of the Cancún Jazz Festival. Throughout the city you will enjoy some of the best jazz around from smoky tones to cutting edge improv featuring some of the world’s leading artists.

If you want a slice of authentic Mariachi then maybe the best thing to do is simply wander the streets as roving bands can be playing anywhere at any time. For more guaranteed Mariachi music head downtown to La Parrilla, close to the Musician’s Quarter where delicious food is accompanied by players at the top of their game. They may even take requests!

As a major family holiday destination, Cancún is set up to entertain families with both small children and more grown up teenagers. The beaches in Mexico are kid friendly and are exciting and glorious enough to keep everyone interested for however long you decide to spend in Mexico. For a more human-made form of entertainment, Cancún has a number of parks where you can enjoy fun on water slides and other aqua attractions. Ventura Park is the largest and also includes other exciting things for kids such as zip lines and rollercoasters. Al Ritmo is smaller but equally as fun.

Do your little ones love animals? Then why not head to Isla Mujeres, a short boat ride away from your Club Med resort. Not only are the watersports and beaches truly magnificent, but there is an amazing Turtle Farm where the kids can get up close to these delightful creatures. Hire a golf cart to traverse this small but perfectly formed little island. In the evening, book them in for an pirate cruise where you can enjoy a meal on an authentic galleon whilst living out some swashbuckling adventures.

Cancún is a place for time travel. As well as the historical interest of the city itself, full of amazing stories, there is the Mayan culture that still makes its mark on the land. Chichen Itzá is the obvious trip to take if you want to see the classical pyramids and mysterious stoneworks of this ancient culture. It is one well trodden tourist site that genuinely lives up to the hype.

However, there are plenty more choices. The El Rey ruins are an abandoned city in an old Cancún fishing village. The site is tiny but gives a real sense of place and time, seemingly frozen in aspic since being abandoned in the 1500s. Tulum offers the best preserved relics in the area and also the widest choice of souvenirs to take home. If you want the biggest pyramid then Cobo is the place to visit. You will want to climb to the top of the pyramid where you will be surrounded by scurrying lizards and adventurous vines. For an overview of the entire history of the region, and to see some of the amazing artefacts that have been discovered over the years, don't forget to visit the The Mayan Museum of Cancún.

Want something a little different from the ruins? How about the Museum of Tequila. Learn about how this fiery treat is made, its origins and of course a little tasting at the end of your tour. History comes in a glass as well as at the top of a pyramid.

It is hardly worth stating that Cancún is a place for those who love exploring under the water. It claims to be one of the premier snorkelling spots in the world with countless options available amidst clear, amazing sea, stunning coral and a variety of remarkable creatures.

Make sure one of your dives takes place in the Underwater Museum. Located a short boat ride away at Isla Mujeres, almost 500 sculptures have been submerged into the sea bed to provide visitors with an experience that mixes art and adventure. It also functions as a habitat for marine life so it is environmentally conscious as well. If you don't want to get into the water then glass bottom boat tours make the site accessible to all and can offer a great experience for families as well as the committed snorkeler.

Swimming with dolphins is a lifeline dream for many and Cancún is a place where this dream can come true. Delphinus Punta Cancún allows you to take to the water and have a one-to-one experience with these friendly, fascinating creatures. Magical memories are created as you swim and play together without the risks that can come from disturbing creatures in the wild. You will also learn a little more about dolphins and their habitat from your guides before you take your swim.