Then we will head to the Mayam museum. Surrounded by dense tropical forest, the contemporary Mayam Museum of Cancún is a welcome respite from the beach and buffet lines of the neighboring high-rise hotels. The sleek museum contains engaging exhibits on Mayan history and art, as well as one of the Yucatán's most important collections of Mayan artifacts, most of which were discovered at key archaeological sites in the region. Behind the museum, a jungle path winds through the trees to San Miguelito, a one-time thriving Maya community that is now a collection of crumbling stone temples, dwellings and pyramids. Together, the museum and the ruins are a powerful introduction to the ancient Maya civilization and a reminder of the people who once lived here.

Spend the day exploring the center on your own, or stop by on a tour that focuses on Cancun’s hottest shopping experiences. The mall is also home to attractions such as the Interactive Aquarium and Cancun Wax Museum, making it an ideal spot for the whole family.