Cancun is known around the world as a party-hard spring break destination, but if you look beyond the surface, you’ll find much more than nightlife to this Mexican hotspot. In addition to its world-class resorts and swanky seafood restaurants, Cancun is the perfect gateway to explore local wildlife.The surrounding region of Quintana Roo is filled with remarkable national parks. Rub elbows with giant whale sharks in Isla Holbox in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, or enjoy birdwatching in beautiful Isla Contoy.Feeling more cultural? Day trips to Chichen Itza are convenient, fun, and educational. Perhaps the most famous Mayan ruin in the world, Chichen Itza’s step pyramid and ancient stone carvings lie just a two-hour drive from Cancun.Of course, it’s not a visit to Cancun if you don’t spend at least one night enjoying the city’s legendary bars and nightclubs. Indulge your inner college kid for an evening and fill up on Mexico’s famous tequila and mezcal, or if you’d like something that goes down easier, stick to tropical cocktails. Then, dust off your dancing shoes to let loose at a rowdy disco or spice up your night at a salsa club downtown.