Spectacular views of the beaches and perfect turquoise waters of one of Mexico’s most popular vacation destinations await at the Escenica Tower (Scenic Tower). Rising to a height of 262 feet (80 meters) above Cancún’s Hotel Zone, this is the highest point of the Riviera Maya region. The Escenica Tower is an attraction enjoyed by all ages and provides excellent photo opportunities from early morning until sunset.
The tower is unusual in that you step inside a cabin on ground level and it then spins slowly as it travels to the top. The cabin can accommodate up to 60 passengers and the entire ride from top to bottom takes about 15 minutes. During the ride you’ll get a brief history lesson about the region and will be told about some of the most prominent landmarks to look for.
On clear and sunny days the views stretch for miles along the Mexican Caribbean. Spot islands such as nearby Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, to the south. Gaze over the clustered buildings of downtown Cancún and see the green vegetation of Yum Balam Ecological Reserve. Admire the gorgeous white sand of the Hotel Zone’s string of beaches.
Early evening is a good time to visit the tower, when you can see the changing appearance of Cancún. Watch the sun drift down behind the rooftops and then witness as the bright lights of all-inclusive hotels illuminate the coastline.
The tower stands adjacent to the Embarcadero Pier at Km 4.5 of Avenida Kukulkan. Parking is available for a fee. Public buses travel often from downtown Cancún. Tell the driver that you want to get off at the tower. Playa Tortugas and Playa Langosta are two public beaches located less than 10 minutes away by foot.
Escenica Tower is open daily and there’s an admission fee. Children aged 4 and under can ride free of charge. Children aged 5 to 11 pay half price.