Table of Contents
Are you going to the region of Quintana Roo and aren’t sure how to make the most of your trip or the very best places to visit? We don’t blame you. With over 19 thousand square miles, featuring major cities and islands like Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen, it can seem overwhelming to try and make the most of your adventure.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, you won’t regret stopping by any of these locations on your travels through the state of Quintana Roo.
Cancun Underwater Museum
Also known as MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum is a mix of a museum and a conservation project. Despite being a relatively new project started in 2009, it has quickly become a hit attraction for tourists everywhere.
This museum is perfect for even beginner divers, as it is located just about 30 feet below the surface. Though the museum is an artificial reef, it is also full of sculptures that are exciting and fun to explore.
However, if you aren’t a diver, don’t worry. It is also visible via a jungle tour, snorkeling, or a glass-bottom boat. Its versatility makes it one of the best things to do in Quintana Roo.
Xplor
If an outdoor adventure park sounds like the best place for you, you might want to give Xplor a try. This is an adventure park that you can explore with complete freedom. You can explore as many parts of the park as you want, as many times as you want.
Everything is included in the park, so there really is no limit or additional costs you have to pay. There are two zip line courses full of seven lines apiece. There are also two water vehicle courses that go over various jungle paths and through caverns.
If you want to try something new and luxurious, there is even a zip line course that involves you riding on a hammock. Waterslides, swimming pools, and even just areas to rest and relax are all available to you, so you can get the most out of the park.
Xel-Ha Park
If you feel like you were born to be on or in the water, Xel-Ha Park is another great option. Like Xplor, it is an all-inclusive park. But this time it is mostly a water park. This isn’t your normal water park though with plastic slides and wave pools.
This is a natural water park where you can go snorkeling, ride on waterslides, go diving, zip-lining, river floating, and bike riding. There are also places to explore like lighthouses, jungle paths, nurseries, and even playgrounds for children. Also included in the ticket is unlimited food and drinks so you don’t have to worry about shelling out extra money to get food or bringing your own. Everything is covered.
Tulum Ruins
If you want to get away from the parks and just do some peaceful exploring, you may want to check out the Tulum Archaeological Zone. Tulum was built late in the 6th century and is vastly different from the modern world of Cancun.
Despite being so old, the ruins are well preserved, and it has a beach right next to it. So when the midday heat gets the best of you, you can go for a swim before continuing your explanation. It is the only Mayan city built along a beach, so it offers a unique perspective even if you’ve gone through ruins before.
There are a lot of questions surrounding the ruins, such as why a large wall encompasses the buildings, when people last lived there, and what happened to the people of the city.
Parque Nacional Isla Contoy
Meaning Contoy Island National Park, the park is an island that has been protected from development for over 60 years, though it only became a national park in 1998. This is the island to visit if you enjoy birds as there are over 170 different species here and over 10,000 birds at some points of the year.