Cancun holidays need not be about anything more than blissful relaxation, but there's an archaeological museum near the Centro de Convenciones in the Zona Hotelera where you can find a collection of Mayan artefacts. Holidays in Cancun are also popular for water sports.
Local guides are more than happy to show tourists the places of interest in the area such as the Mayan temple at Chichén Itzá. As an alternative to the glitzier hotel areas, downtown Cancun is a very affordable place to seek out some nice colloquial bars and restaurants.