When we think about travelling to Cancún (Mexico), we imagine spending our holidays in an all-inclusive resort enjoying beaches with white sand and turquoise waters. Without a doubt, this can be the main reason of more than one traveller to cross the Ocean and spend some days at this Mexican corner.
But what if I tell you that you can discover some of the Mayan cities of Yucatán and Quintana Roo while staying in Cancún? Because the truth is that if you are in Cancún it would be a pity to go back home without having seen some of the most important Mayan venues in the Caribbean.
The way to reach those places from Cancún that I am going to tell you can be adapted to your needs. You can rent a car and do the trips on your own or rent a taxi or a car with driver if you don’t feel like driving. There are several car rental agencies in Cancún’s hotel area such as Royal Rent Car, one of the most highly valued by clients.
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Another way to discover these places is to join some organized trip, either on the hotel you are staying at or through any travel agency. And why not, you can also reach some of these places by public bus from Cancún. You just have to inform yourself and look out for the departure and arrival timetable of those buses.
Tulum
Tulum is just 130 km south of Cancún. It is one of the most attractive settlements that you can imagine. Its main building, known as the Castle, rises above a rocky cliff that has a beautiful beach of white sand under it.

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Who can resist taking a swim while enjoying the views of the Mayan ruins? There is no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful and singular beaches of the Caribbean Sea.
Cobá
We keep on discovering ancient Mayan cities. But, in this case, it’s an archaeological site surrounded by jungle.
It does not receive as much tourists as other Mayan cities like Yucatán or Quintana Roo, and that is why it keeps an air of mystery with its buildings surrounded by tall vegetation. Despite the difficulty, you cannot miss climbing its main pyramid. The views from the top are definitely worth the effort.
Chichen Itza
This is, undoubtedly, the most known Mayan city in Yucatán. Travellers from all around the world go there to discover this ancient civilization. Even though Chichen Itza has become an exclusively touristic place for many people and you cannot climb its beautiful pyramid, touring this ancient city is definitely a privilege. You cannot miss the ball court, the stone sculptures nor the impressive Temple of the Warriors.
Valladolid
This is not the most beautiful colonial city in Mexico, but it is an opportunity for the traveller to get to know a city founded by the Spaniards in which there are still some colonial buildings. You cannot leave without visiting the Francisco Cantón Rosado main park. There you can find the cathedral of San Servacio and the Municipal Palace. The Centro Artesanal Zaci (Handcraft center Zaci) and the Bazar Municipal are both worth a visit because they are located in ancient colonial houses.
Xkekén
Do you know what a cenote is? They are water reserves inside true limestone caves, fascinating spaces for swimming and scuba-diving. One of those cenotes is Xkekén.
Located near Valladolid, Xkekén is a quite touristic place that has been adapted so that swimming inside it is safe. Its deep turquoise are crystal clear waters and its majestic stalactites are stunning.
After having discovered all of this, are you really going to stay laying on the beach in Cancún?
Where to change money in Mexico
Global Exchange México (Globo Cambio) has a network of 26 foreign exchange branches in 9 cities of the country, located at airports and hotels in places such as Mexico D.F., Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara. In Cancún, you can find us at four hotels (Hotel Presidente Cancún, The Westin Resort & Spa, Hotel Krystal Cancún and Hotel Grand Punta Cancún).
You can change up to 29 foreign currencies in our branches, open 24/7 in most cases. You can see the services offered in our website.
If you are going to travel to Mexico and you want to change your currency to Mexican pesos before arriving, visit Global Exchange. With 260 branches at 21 countries, we are your best ally when managing foreign exchange transactions.
And if you are already there and you plan on changing money upon your arrival (or your coming back home), we will make it easier with a 15% on the margin applied to your change at any of the Mexican branches. To benefit from the discount, show this coupon at the branch and start your trip off on the right foot.