Cancun Landmarks and Monuments

(Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

Cancun's skyline is far from dominated by tall, high-rise landmarks and buildings, and instead features just a few resort hotels at around 20 storeys tall, such as the Cancun Resort and Spa, the Hotel Riu Cancun, and the Punta Cancun West Tower. For visitors, more important local landmarks and significant monuments include a number of Mayan remains, the Centro Ceremonial Kohunlich, and the Plaza de Toros, Cancun's bullring where regular weekly bullfights are held.

The Puerta del Cielo, Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen and the Iglesia de Cristo Rey are amongst the most prominent religious landmarks in Cancun. Each of these three churches offer many original features and hold frequent services.

Mayan Ruins

Address: Cancun, Mexico, MX
There are two main different groups of Mayan remains within Cancun's Hotel District (Zona Hotelera) and these landmarks are definitely worth adding to your itinerary. The Zona Arqueológica El Rey can be found on the western side of the Boulevard Kukulcán and features a small temple, complete with ceremonial platforms. A further set of Mayan ruins are located at the Yamil Lu'um site, a pleasant spot situated alongside the beachfront and close to the Sheraton hotel.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Centro Ceremonial Kohunlich

Address: Carretera Cancun Chetumal, Cancun, 77500, Mexico, MX
The Centro Ceremonial Kohunlich is a historic Mayan ceremonial centre and dates back more than 1,000 years. The most prominent landmark here is the ruined Sun Temple, where you can still see that ancient stone wall carvings, which offer a glimpse into the lives of this ancient civilisation.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Plaza de Toros / Bullfighting Ring

Address: Carretera Cancun Mérida, Cancun, 77500, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 998 884 8372
Traditional bullfighting (corrida de toros) has long been a popular tourist attraction in Cancun and bullfights regularly take place at the city's imposing Plaza de Toros bullring, with brave matadors known for their colourful costumes, and bright gold and pink capes. Located in the very heart of Cancun, the Plaza de Toros is an imposing building and features bullfights each Wednesday afternoon, with tickets being available from the Plaza's ticket office on the actual day of the bullfight. Mexican bullfighting is not for everyone, since the bull does not have a happy ending. However, it usually attracts a large crowd.
Open hours: Wednesday - from 15:30
Admission: charge, concessions

Puerta del Cielo (Heaven's Gate Church)

Address: Calle Crisantemos 15, Cancun, 77550, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 998 884 2862
The old Presbyterian church can be found in Cancun city centre and holds main services each Sunday. Although the architecture is fairly understated, the Puerta del Cielo is a much loved landmark and popular with the locals.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen

Address: Avenida de los Talleres, Cancun, 77509, Mexico, MX
The Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen is a particularly special landmark in Cancun and dedicated to the region's patron saint, the Virgen del Carmen. Featuring a well-maintained interior and frequent services, the church interior is particularly impressive, being filled with historical interest and ornate carvings.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Iglesia de Cristo Rey (Church of Christ the King)

Address: Margaritas 15 Esquina Tulipanes Supermanzana 22, Cancun, 77509, Mexico, MX
Cancun's Iglesia de Cristo Rey is a beautiful central church, known for its eye-catching facade and historical features. The church itself is much used by the local community and regular services take place here, where visitors are always made to feel welcome.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free