A vacation to Mexico offers time to reconnect with yourselves and your loved ones, taking a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The coastal state of Quintana Roo, which includes the hugely popular tourist destinations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is a sanctuary for relaxation, surrounded by the true beauty of nature and the rich, historical culture of the Mayans. While we encourage you to invest time on unwinding during your vacation, holidays are also the prime time for a taste of adventure, and the Yucatan Peninsula offers this up in spades! We’ve cherry-picked our favorite activities for all the thrill-seeking individuals and adventurous families out there...

Take in the Mexican wildlife from a monkey’s perspective as you swing through the treetops on zip lines, human roller coasters, bungee swings and high-rope courses at the Selvatica Park! Later, come back down to the ground for an adrenaline-fueled (and mud-filled) ATV off-roading circuit through the jungle, ending with a cold dip in the on-site cenote. To find out more about enjoying a day trip to Selvatica while on vacation in Cancun, check out our blog here!

If you’re a family of happy hikers who love to take in the sights on foot, then a trip to the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is perfect for you! Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka'an is an enormous preserve with a widely varied ecosystem. Sian Ka'an’s Mayan name translates to ‘Origin of the Sky’, and this preserve acts as a protective landscape for some of the Yucatan’s most incredible flora and fauna. What’s more, the reserve spans a staggering 528,000 hectares, meaning there’s plenty of room for exploring! Enter from Punta Allen to investigate the marine side of the reserve where you’ll find amazing snorkeling spots amongst the coral reefs. You may even spot some wild dolphins, manatees and turtles! If you’d prefer a hiking route that takes you through the Mayan jungle, enter from Muyil, where you can trek through mangrove forests. On this side you will be seeing freshwater lagoons and ancient ruins, as well as the reserve’s huge population of wildlife – including a range of exotic birds! Don’t forget a pair of sensible walking shoes – and your camera!

As we’re sure you can imagine there’s no shortage of water sports to be enjoyed in this seaside state! Whether you’re paying a visit to the natural aquarium and water park of Xel-Ha, or you’re looking to try scuba-diving in the reefs surrounding Isla Mujeres, there’s something on offer for everyone! Check out our collection of top water activities that you can enjoy in and around Cancun here!

If you want to experience the breathtaking natural landscape of the Yucatan Peninsula in a really unforgettable way, why not try it on horseback? This is easy to do at Rancho Bonanza, ranked by Viator as the number one horseback riding activity in the whole of Mexico, located just south of Cancun! Suited for any ability rider, even beginners, you’ll embrace your inner cowgirl or cowboy as you’re carried on an exciting ride through the jungle and fruit orchards, catching sight of native wildlife, such as monkeys, iguanas and tropical birds on the way to two shimmering cenotes, where you’ll stop for a refreshing swim! Finish the tour by tasting a locally-made bubblegum as you head back to the ranch!

Whichever kind of adventure you’re chasing, there’s sure to be something in the Yucatan that tickles your fancy! After a day of excitement, return to your luxurious Cancun vacation rental for a tranquil evening before tomorrow’s activities! Click here to see our current special promotion vacation packages on offer right now in Cancun!