Chichen Itza is the most popular acheological site in the Yucatan and famous for its amazingly well-preserved ancient pyramids, so book tickets early. They also have a pok-a-tok court. If you have ever seen the DreamWork's masterpiece The Road to El Dorado, it's that game. It is located about 2.5 hours away from Cancun by car, or 3.5 hours by the new Tren Maya that takes a scenic pass through colonial towns along the way.

There is much to see in Tulum outside the ruins. A 2-hour drive from Cancun, it's home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, as well as beach clubs and yoga retreats, and it's small city is a cute place to shop and try the local food. Also if you've ever seen that white boho macrame aesthetic that is very popular on Instagram, it's Tulum.

Coba is 2 hours from Cancun by car, 30 miles directly inland of Tulum. It was one of the last sites you were allowed to hike a pyramid until COVID-19 ruined it. But Karen hiked them and says "it's a lot of steps". Fun fact, Karen and her family where one of the last to hike the grand pyramid of Chichen Itza before it closed in 2008 due to people trashing it. No respect at all.

Why is this site important? Because it's close! It's not as grand as the others, but it's only 4 miles north of Cancun, and about a 30 minute drive from the resort, a perfect option for those who want to see some ruins but don't want to commit to a longer drive.

If you want to get a feel of the local culture head to Downtown Cancun, the main residential area where you’ll find tasty street food, local shopping, and colorful street art. You'll find unique markets such as Mercado 28, a huge flea-market that boasts 600 vendors. There is also an active nightlife. You can find clubs such as Coco Bongo that boasts acrobats, cover bands and DJs, described as a mix between nightclub and Vegas show.

A novelty experience to try is Xoximilco, a floating Mexican party on a Mexican gondola enlivened by a witty host, a mariachi, and traditional Mexican food.

A cenote is a natural sinkhole or deep well that's filled with groundwater. Some of the best cenotes are located along the Ruta De Cenotes near the city of Puerto Morelos, about a 30-minute drive away from Cancun. While visiting multiple cenotes you can spend time swimming and relaxing in the pools. Some include cave systems that you can snorkel in (not for the faint of heart!).

Cancun is located close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest reef in the world. There are multiple tours offered that will take you to these sites and allow you to swim with the wild life, such as sea turtles. There are also theme parks such as Xel-Ha that offer on site snorkeling in addition to other attractions such as zip lining.