Non-touristy things to do around Cancun?

[Opice34]

Hello! FI and I are taking our folks down to Cancun this weekend so that they can see the venue and we can finalize some wedding decisions. (Menu, flowers, etc.)

 

We were thinking of spending one day in Chichen Itza, but as it's the high season, I'm thinking it will be way too touristy for us.

 

Are there any other cool towns that would be fun to wander around or stop for lunch? We are considering going to some of the Haciendas, but we're not sure if you can just stop in for lunch if you aren't staying there. Does anyone know? Are there any Haciendas you recommend?

 

Are there any other fun, more local areas that we should check out? We'd like to stay within 3 hours of Cancun.

 

Thanks in advance!!!

[rodent]

elizabeth medina posted some cool haciendas on the forum.

[Opice34]

Yeah, I saw that post, and she's actually my photographer (*yay!*), but I just wasn't sure if you can just pop in there for lunch or if you have to be a guest? I emailed her as well, so we'll see. I'm also wondering if there are any other cool, off the beaten path areas that we should check out as well.

 

Thanks!

[BeachBride82]

Take the El Embarcadero ferry to Isla Mujeres, rent a golf cart for $40 and tour the island (above-ground grave sites, ruins, villages, shopping) or pay the local fishermen (La Coopertiva) $25 to take you snorkelling for a few hours.

 

Visit the restaurant/museum La Distileria, where you can taste up to 150 different tequillas and have dinner--approx $16.

 

La Casita orphanage-spend the day helping teachers and visiting with the children.

 

Visit Isla Contoy--island just north of Isla Mujeres. Only 200 visitors are allowed daily. Before arriving on the island ask to snorkel in the Ixlache reef.

[Opice34]

Awesome ideas!!! Thank you!!!

[seasidebride]

I agree. Take the ferry to Isla Mujeres. That is where to honeymooned.

The island is amazing, fun, and just plain old gorgeous.

We rented a golf cart for a week and you need it to get around. Go to North Beach and rent a chair on the beach or just go the swing bar for a cocktail.

If you drive the island, stop at Villa le Bella. There is a sign out front that says "beer so cold it will make your teeth hurt." It is a B&B but anyone can stop for a cold beer or homemade pina colada.

There is a turle farm and dolphin cove.

It is great.

[212eric]

I will also agree that Isla Mujeres is a great place to spend the day, however here is something else to consider. You can take a ferry over with Dolphin Discovery and do a dolphin swim. I know, I know, this may be a bit touristy, but it was such a fantastic way to start the day. If you go early enough, not only will you avoid a good amount of the tourist crowds, but you'll also be left with a good amount of time to tour the island on own self guided day trip. Finally, my favorite restaurant on the island is located on Playa Lancheros. The specialty dish is a BBQ fish known as Tikkin-Xic (pronounced Teek-een-cheeck).

 

Have Fun Planning Your Time in Paradise,

212eric

[anaderoux]

We went to swin with whale sharks in an island called Holbox, it's something different and not many people know about that

[Opice34]

You guys are awesome!! Thank you thank you!! I love all of these ideas!

[Scott C]

I wouldnt discount Chichen Itza. That is an awesome place but the key is to go on your own and get there EARLY. The tours take all day to get to the ruins and then give you an hour before making you leave and go swim at another souvenir stop. Get up early enough to get there when they open and you will have the run of the place. Then you can decide to bail out when the tours get there in the afternoon.