At the island's southern tip, the flat Caribbean postcard turns unexpectedly dramatic: limestone cliffs, crashing surf, a sculpture garden and the ruins of a Mayan temple. Punta Sur is the counterpoint to Playa Norte — and the reason to do the full island loop.
What's there
- The Ixchel temple — remains of a shrine to the Mayan goddess of the moon and fertility. Small, weathered, and moving once you know the story: the island itself is named for the female figures Spanish sailors found here.
- The cliff walk — a paved path along the edge, waves exploding below. The easternmost point of Mexico: stand here at dawn and you are the first person in the country to see the sun.
- The sculpture garden — colourful large-scale pieces by Mexican and international artists, very photogenic against the sea.
- The caracol viewpoint — 360° of Caribbean, with Cancún's skyline floating on the horizon.
When to go
Sunrise is the move if you can manage it — golf carts at dawn, empty paths, unreal light. Otherwise late afternoon, when the tour groups thin out and the heat drops. There is a small entrance fee; the cliff walk takes 30–45 unhurried minutes.
Make it a loop
Punta Sur is the natural far point of the golf-cart loop: south along the west coast, the temple and cliffs, then back up the wild east side. Add lunch by the sea and you have used exactly half a day well.
Sleeping in the centre makes both ends of the island easy — see our suites on the walking street, and ask the concierge to have a cart ready at dawn.
