Best Museums in Cancun
While the picturesque white sand beaches, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, exciting water sports and majestic Mayan ruins in Cancun are a must to explore, there’s something more worth considering – nine of its illustrious museums. Each museum takes visitors through a unique journey of discovery into the past and culture of Cancun. Although visiting these historical enclaves might not be at the top your list of top things do in Cancun when planning an escape to this popular destination, you can learn so much about it that would otherwise remain unknown!
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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a little sun, fun, and cocktails by the pool but why not add in some culture to your ideal vacation in the Mexican Caribbean? Millennials and families are seeking more engaging cultural experiences as part of their travel plans. Including an immersive experience with local customs is sure to make your next getaway even better!
The Yucatan Peninsula is renowned for its lengthy and illustrious history, offering adventurous travelers a range of museums and historical sites to explore. If you’ve imagined stuffy institutions with preservationists in white gloves or dry lectures delivered by tour guides, think again – Cancun and the Riviera Maya are home to unique experiences that require everything from snorkels to floor maps!
Whether you’re a millennial or traveling with family, cultural exploration should be top of mind when planning your next vacation. After all, there’s nothing like an immersive experience to bring out the best in any trip!
If you’re looking for an exciting adventure, why not explore the wondrous depths of MUSA’s 500 underwater sculptures? With a glass-bottom boat tour, snorkeling or even scuba diving, you can witness the beauty and serenity of its two main sites. Don’t forget to bring your waterproof camera so that you can capture all your incredible memories! Prices may differ depending on which type of experience is chosen; be sure to check out musamexico.org prior to embarking on this remarkable journey.
Prepare to be astonished when you explore this newly opened palace of optical illusions and whimsical delights – your Instagram account is sure to fill up with the most creative selfies ever! The museum features over 60 pieces of “pavement art” from renowned artist Kurt Wenner, where marvelously imaginative visuals emerge upon viewing them at the correct angle. Admission is $30 for adults and $25 for kids aged 5-12. Plus, don’t miss out on a 50% discount on Sundays!
When the San Miguelito archeological site was found, it was only natural for the Mexican government to build an awe-inspiring museum around it. The Mayan Museum spans almost 200 acres, this exceptional establishment offers a comprehensive exploration into Mayan civilization and its impact on pre-Columbian cultures. Come visit us Tuesday through Sunday between 9 AM to 6 PM; admission is just $3.50!
This place abounds with vibrant Mexican folklore, allowing you to understand and appreciate the wide-reaching regional styles from across Mexico. You can thank its talented artisans for this unique experience!
With an extensive selection of Day of the Dead-inspired dolls on display, this museum is a must-see for all visitors. There’sx enter, but make sure you bring some cash so you can take home something special as a keepsake – because trust us: you won’t want to leave without one! Open Monday through Friday from 9am until 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am until 7pm.
Tourists of all ages can take a journey back in time at the renowned Cancun Wax Museum. Here, you will be able to remember beloved characters that have left an impact on countless people across the world – from creatives and writers, to singers and politicians. There are over one hundred famous figures showcased throughout 23 different scenes spanning many genres such as cinema, sports, music television, politics children’s stories and horror within this museum located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone. The Cancun Wax Museum is sure to be one of your most memorable experiences while visiting beautiful Mexico!
Our art gallery features icons such as Albert Einstein, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Steve Jobs and the Holy Father Pope Francisco. There are also reigning royals like Queen Elizabeth II and Princes of England along with beloved musicians including The Beatles, Lionel Messi and Diego Armando Maradona. We further welcome cinematic stars from Marilyn Monroe to Robert Pattinson & Mr Bean! Last but not least we honor Ayrton Senna’s legacy with a replica of his Formula 1 car on display!
Ka’ Yok’ Planetarium and Observatory in Cancun features a mini science museum as well as its planetariums and observatory. From the telescope housed under the observatory, you can actually challenge your vision to stare straight at the sun without hurting your eyesight! Plus, it has an immersive 360-degree dome system that is sure to leave you captivated by what lies beyond Earth. The museum opens its doors to visitors every day of the week, except Thursdays when it offers an exclusive “astronomical evening” experience! During this event guests are granted unparalleled access to explore the stars and planets. Entry is just $3 with hours from 9am – 7pm Monday-Wednesday & Friday and 11am -7 pm on Saturdays. On Thursdays you can stay until 10 pm for a unique stargazing adventure that won’t be forgotten anytime soon!
Don’t be fooled by its modest size; this museum is full of artifacts from shipwrecks in the vicinity, making it a great place to take a break from all the activities Akumal has to offer. Plus, there’s no charge for admission – how can you resist?
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Take a step back in time and explore the fascinating aspects of Ice Age culture with an excursion to this unique museum. Located on top of an extensive system of underground rivers, it lies midway between Cancun and Tulum off the highway – offering plenty for your buck! In this museum you’ll find archaeological artifacts alongside fossilized remains from prehistoric animals – perfect for those interested in learning more about human civilization’s past. Plus, the scuba divers who unearth these wonders are also your tour guides – so you can be certain that everything you’ll learn is based on true facts. The museum opens its doors all week from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., with admission priced at just $2.50! Come and explore the underwater treasures today!
After undergoing a thorough transformation, this curated museum offers an incredibly insightful journey into Cozumel and its environment; revealing the historical events that occurred here when Spanish explorers first encountered native Mexican tribes. Delve deeper to discover how these indigenous people have evolved alongside their land and waters over time.
The museum offers a wide variety of activities throughout its four main halls and Mayan culture section, as well as fascinating temporary exhibits. Open from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 4 pm, adults can enter for only $4 while children under 8 get in at no cost!
When it comes to Mexico, one iconic drink that cannot be overlooked is tequila! Such a unique and beloved beverage has its own museum dedicated solely to its rich history and cultural significance. It’s not just about the taste either; traditional production methods for this special Mexican spirit are also firmly rooted in local culture.
The Tequila Sensory Museum provides an appreciation of the diverse tequilas that can be tasted and viewed. As it is only manufactured in certain parts of Mexico, a variety exists with varying flavors; however, you will immediately discern why Mexican tequila stands as the pinnacle at this one-of-a-kind museum. From educational exhibits to tastings of superb beverages, experience a brand new way to explore your love for agave spirits!
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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