Chichen Itza is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and ranks among Mexico's star attractions. This Mayan city features on many Cancún tours and is a great place to travel back in time. Hidden deep in the jungle, Chichen Itza will make you feel like a pioneer of old.

The main draw is the iconic pyramid, El Castillo. At 30 meters tall, this temple has kept watch over the city for centuries. It dominates the complex and will be the main focus of your photographs. 

During your visit to Chichen Itza, you'll also see the Temple of the Warriors, the Observatory and one of the world's first ball courts. As you wander around the atmospheric ruins, your guide will let you into secrets of the past with tales about those who once lived here. 

Many Cancún tours to Chichen Itza also swing by the historical town of Valladolid for a bit of contrast. The colonial architecture will blow you away while the nearby cenotes are perfect for a refreshing swim.

For a slice of island life, take a trip to Isla Mujeres, which is a short ferry ride from Cancún. This tropical paradise is all about sandy beaches and turquoise water – relaxation is the name of the game here. 

Most people come to Isla Mujeres for some beach time, and there are plenty of places with sun loungers and bars to enjoy. Some of the best snorkeling tours in Cancún are based on the island too. You can swim over the world's second-largest coral reef system which is home to exotic fish, turtles and even manatees.

Other popular haunts include the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, which offers up everything from scenic views to crocodiles. You can also explore the Underwater Museum and the Dolphin Discovery Center, or cycle around the island on a bike excursion. 

For a luxurious experience, book one of the private Cancún tours that sail around the island by catamaran. You'll stop at secluded beaches and spend as long as you want in each location.

If the Yucatán Peninsula is known for one thing, it's the mysterious cenotes that punctuate the jungle. The Mayans believed that these pools were gateways to the underworld. Pilgrimages and human sacrifices were associated with the cenotes, which have long been seen as sacred places. 

Today, these natural sinkholes have a more modern function – as a swimming spot for visitors. There are thousands of cenotes in Yucatán, occurring where limestone bedrock has collapsed to reveal the water below.

Located near Chichen Itza, the Ik-Kil Cenote is one of the most visited in the region. Turquoise water fills this giant subterranean cavern, and light cascades down from the hole in the roof to create an ethereal underworld. Viewing platforms make for great photo vantage points and the cool waters are idyllic on a hot day. 

Other popular cenotes visited on Cancún tours include Cenote Azul, which has a cliff jump, and Cenote Las Mojarras, which has a zip line. Many cenotes also have shallower areas for families to safely enjoy.  

Alongside Cancún, Tulum is another favorite destination on the Yucatán Peninsula. Famed for its ocean-facing archaeological site, Tulum boasts some of Mexico's best coastal views. You can take a day trip to Tulum from Cancún to discover the place for yourself. 

The Mayan ruins at Tulum perch on the cliffs above the Caribbean Sea. The setting is as magnificent as the complex itself, with enough photo backdrops to keep you busy for hours. You'll see the El Castillo watchtower as well as the Temple of the Frescoes as you wander around this ancient port city.

After your guided tour, head down to the white sand beach below the ruins and enjoy a bit of downtime. You can relax on the shore or take to the sea for swimming and snorkeling. Remember to pack sunscreen and a towel.

Some day trips to Tulum also include a stop for cenote swimming in the jungle surrounding the archaeological site. Cenote Mariposa is a popular choice for a dip in an otherworldly cave. 

Scuba diving in Cancún is a joy for all ability levels, with courses for beginners and deeper dives for experts. The clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystems make Cancún one of the world's top diving locations.

If it's your first time, there are day-long lessons that teach you the basics. You'll begin in the pool to gain confidence, before moving to the sea for some shallow water dives. Certification courses are also available, for those who want to further develop their skills.

Experienced divers can enjoy night dives, cenote dives and wreck dives. If you're fully qualified, you can explore the C-58 and C-55 minesweepers, which are among the deepest dives in Mexico. There are also multi-day trips from Cancún by boat to some of the region's top diving sites. 

One of the more usual Cancún tours for divers takes in the Underwater Museum. This unique installation is home to 500 sculptures, which are easily visible in the clear water. You don't need certification to be able to dive here.

If you're looking for rip-roaring family fun, then you're in luck. Cancún has a staggering range of theme parks to explore, all of which are nature-based to make the most of the gorgeous Mexican scenery. Swimming, zip lines and ATV tours are all on the cards.

For full-on jungle immersion, head to Xcaret where cenotes and beaches await. This ecotourism project on the Riviera Maya has over 50 attractions, including an aquarium, butterfly garden and entertainment shows. Meanwhile, at the natural water park of Xel-Ha, snorkeling and waterslides are the business. 

Up the action with a trip to Extreme Adventure Park or Xplor Adventure Park. At these popular spots, you can go zip lining in the jungle canopy and raft along underground rivers. If you're looking for adrenaline-inducing activities, these are the parks to visit. 

Cancún quad tours are another way to explore the forests of the Yucatán Peninsula. You'll zoom along jungle tracks, far from the crowds, stopping at cenotes to wash off all the mud!

Located up on the northern Yucatán coast, Las Coloradas is another popular destination on Cancún tours. This humble fishing village has become famous thanks to its mesmerizing pink lakes. It's a coveted spot for Instagrammers and nature lovers looking to see something a bit different. 

The pink color of the lakes comes from the large amounts of algae and salt in the water. During a guided tour you'll learn about the unique ecology of the lakes and the history of the surrounding region.

You can explore the village and walk along the salt flats, taking as many photos as you like. Discover how the salt mining industry has influenced the area and find out about the traditional harvesting methods still used today.

After you've had your fill of the pink lakes, you can continue your adventure at Rio Lagartos. Here, boat tours through the biosphere reserve are on offer, taking you deeper into this wild landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for flamingos and turtles – crocodiles are sometimes spotted too. 

Is swimming with whale sharks at the top of your bucket list? There are several places around the world where this is possible, but Cancún is one of the most reliable when it comes to sightings. 

These Cancún tours take place in the warm Caribbean waters where the whale sharks come to feed. The best time to go is between May and September as the whales are migratory and don't stay around all year. 

You'll head out to sea by boat, cruising along until you reach the open water where the whales hang out. Once the gentle marine giants have been spotted, you'll jump overboard and swim alongside them. There are usually multiple swimming opportunities on each trip, with the boat staying out for a couple of hours. 

For the ultimate whale shark experience, book a private tour with exclusive pickups and boat transfers. Your biologist guide will teach you about the local marine life before joining you in the water. It'll be just you and the whales.

Nichupte Lagoon attracts visitors from near and far to experience its blue waters, stunning scenery and thriving marine life. It's a popular stop on many Cancún tours and feels a world away from the bustle of the city. The lagoon is easy to reach as it sits between Cancún's "Hotel Zone" and the mainland.

On a guided tour around Nichupte Lagoon, you'll enjoy a range of adventurous activities suitable for all the family. Go snorkeling or scuba diving to discover colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Alternatively, rent a kayak or a glass bottom boat and paddle through the mangroves in search of adventure. 

During a boat tour on the lagoon, you'll be perfectly positioned to spot wildlife – birdwatching is particularly rewarding here. For added romance, head out for a sunset or dinner cruise for dreamy views and drinks.

Meanwhile, those looking for faster thrills can take a speedboat excursion to explore the secret coves and inlets of the lagoon. Hang on tight – you'll be reaching speeds of up to 35 knots!

Take to the saddle and channel your inner cowboy as you explore Cancún on horseback. You'll be riding along the rainforest trails, getting back to nature in the Yucatán jungles. No experience is necessary as instruction will be given – you'll be matched with a mount based on your ability. 

Most horse riding excursions take place along the Ruta de los Cenotes, which is one of the prettiest parts of the Mayan jungle. This hidden world is on the city's doorstep yet feels a million miles from civilization. 

As you delve deeper into the forests, learn about the diverse flora and fauna from your guide. The lush jungle is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including spider monkeys and coatis. 

Many horse riding tours in Cancún also take in other adventurous activities for a fun-packed day out. Stopping for a cool dip in one of the famous cenotes is particularly welcome after a hot ride. You can opt to include zip line experiences and ATV trips in your itinerary too.