Cancun travel guide. Travel to Mexico’s famous Riviera Maya with this guide, landing in the popular beach town.
This is one of the most popular cities in Mexico, and travelers come from all over the world.
As a result, this guide includes everything from accommodation options to must-visit attractions, dining recommendations, and practical travel tips.
So, whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, you will find things like day trips, local cuisine, and notable festivals.
If you’re planning a trip to Cancun, you definitely want to take notes.
Cancun Tourism
In Cancun, you will be able to enjoy yourself surrounded by beaches with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.
Imagine yourself basking in the warm sun, sipping on refreshing cocktails, and indulging in yummy seafood by the shore.
Likewise, you will have plenty of opportunities for thrilling water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing.
Plus, you will get to explore the incredibly colorful coral reefs and marine life.
Meanwhile, you will also visit ancient Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and Tulum. This will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn fascinating history and architecture.
Of course, the lively nightlife scene includes clubs pulsating with music and energy until the early hours.
And for relaxation, luxurious Cancun resorts come with pampering spas and serene pools.
In other words, a Cancun travel is an unforgettable experience that can be tailored to your desires.
Before Going
Like any popular destination, there are a few things to know before heading to Cancun.
First of all, you will need a valid passport, and visa requirements depend on your nationality.
Americans, Canadians, British, European Union citizens, and Australians can travel for tourism in Mexico without a visa.
Meanwhile, the major airport serving this destination is Cancun International Airport (CUN).
The currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), and the exchange rate fluctuates but is typically around 20 MXN to 1 USD.
Of course, taxis are readily available at the airport, with fixed rates for various zones in the city.
Alternatively, ridesharing services like Uber operate in Cancun and offer a convenient and often cheaper option.
Public transportation, including buses, is also available to reach the city center, and it’s way cheaper than everything else.
Finally, regardless of how you choose to travel, the airport is about 15 minutes from the beach resorts.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Cancun is generally during the dry season. It would be from late November to April.
During the dry season, you’ll experience warm, sunny days with low humidity and minimal rainfall.
This is the perfect time for beach activities and outdoor exploration, with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-30 degrees Celsius).
The wet season, from May to October, brings higher temperatures, humidity, and occasional rain showers.
You should know that it’s still a viable time to visit as the rain usually doesn’t last long.
Of course, the best time to visit might be to coincide with fun periods, too. For example, major festivals in Cancun include Carnival.
Carnival is in February, and this is a fun festival that features colorful parades and lively celebrations.
Similarly, Mexican Independence Day is in September, and this is full of traditional performances.
During Spring Break, Summer, and Christmas break, Cancun experiences a surge in tourism, particularly from American families.
Expect crowded beaches, busy nightlife, and higher hotel prices during these peak seasons.
While the atmosphere is lively, it’s essential to book accommodations and activities well in advance to ensure availability.
So, figure out when to go on your Cancun travel.
Where to Stay
Unlike the country’s capital, Cancun is one of those “tourist” destinations, meaning the places to stay are super limited.
Tourist areas include the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera), where you’ll find a ton of beachfront resorts.
Likewise, this area is home to many restaurants and entertainment options.
Although it’s the busiest, I would say it’s good for short-term stays since it has easy access to the beach.
If you’re planning a longer stay, areas like La Isla and Punta Nizuc have a range of housing options.
You will find apartments and condominiums that are suited for extended visits.
Meanwhile, nearby towns like Playa del Carmen or Tulum have a more laid-back lifestyle and opportunities for local culture.
So, if you’re staying longer than a month, I would investigate those options for your Cancun travel.
Food in Cancun
Cancun is home to a diverse food scene that ranges from Mayan to mainstream Mexican and global.
Local cuisine is big on fresh seafood and ancient traditional flavors. Some specific local dishes to try include “ceviche.”
Ceviche is fresh seafood marinated in citrus juices with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.
This is an ancient dish that dates back 2,000 years and originated from what is now Peru.
Likewise, try “cochinita pibil.” This is a slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and annatto paste, typically served with tortillas and pickled onions.
Like this previous one, this is a popular dish with the Yucatec Mayan community.
As for national dishes, try “mole poblano,” a rich and complex sauce made with chocolate, chilies, and spices.
“Tamales” is another one to try, and this is a steamed corn dough filled with various ingredients.
Of course, it would be a pity not to try the tacos, too. You can try fun tacos like seafood ones!
Meanwhile, like local and national cuisine, Cancun also has a diverse selection of international dining options.
For example, you will find everything from Italian and Japanese to American and Middle Eastern cuisine.
So, whether you want sushi, pizza, or falafel, your Cancun travel can accommodate plenty.
Cancun Attractions
Some of the most visited tourist attractions in Cancun include the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
If you don’t know, this is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It has an impressive architecture and historical significance.
This attraction is about a 5-hour trip (each way), so you will start super early for a long day.
You should also check out the famous “cenotes.” They are natural sinkholes filled with freshwater found in the Yucatan Peninsula.
They tend to have crystal-clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, and diving amid dazzling limestone formations.
Of course, the Hotel Zone’s pristine beaches, such as Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas, attract sun-seekers.
Similarly, Xcaret Park is really fun because it gives you a blend of ecological and cultural experiences.
It has activities like snorkeling, swimming in underground rivers, and traditional Mexican performances.
Meanwhile, Isla Mujeres is a charming island just off the coast, and it makes a great day trip.
Expect a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters.
Personally, I love the island food, especially the seafood, which always feels so fresh.
So, yeah, your Cancun travel is really about the beach, history, and food.
Day Trips from Cancun
From Cancun, you can go on various interesting day trips that give you diverse experiences.
For example, a short ferry ride takes you to Isla Mujeres. This is an island where you can enjoy serene beaches and colorful marine life.
Alternatively, you might go to Tulum. This is a destination to visit ancient Mayan ruins perched on cliffs.
Oh, the Tulum sites are followed by perfect beaches.
For a deeper dive into Mayan history, take a day trip to Chichen Itza. This is really a place to marvel at a unique culture.
Meanwhile, eco-parks like Xel-Ha and Xcaret are great. They give you opportunities to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and culture.
And in lush natural surroundings!
So, your Cancun travel can include these awesome day trips.
7-Day Cancun Itinerary
I believe 7 days is plenty to enjoy this destination. So, on your first few days in Cancun, start in the Hotel Zone’s pristine beaches.
For mornings, relax under the sun at Playa Delfines or take a dip in the turquoise waters of Playa Tortugas.
In the afternoons, try some local cuisine at a beachfront restaurant.
Wrap up the days with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, enjoying the ocean breeze and sunset views.
Also, visit Xcaret Park. Snorkel in underground rivers, swim with dolphins, and explore Mayan ruins.
On day four, go on a day trip to the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum. Visit the well-preserved architecture on the Caribbean Sea.
On day five, hop on a ferry to Isla Mujeres for a day of island exploration. Rent a bicycle to tour the island’s scenic spots.
For your sixth day, visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza. Admire the pyramid of Kukulkan.
Wrap up your Cancun adventure on day seven with some last-minute shopping in Downtown Cancun.
Browse the local markets for souvenirs like handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and ceramics.
If you can follow along this itinerary, your Cancun travel will be super memorable.
What to Avoid
Cancun area is very strange. It’s safe for tourism, but there are active cartels, and their violence sometimes spills into tourist territory.
So, you really do need to be wise to avoid certain pitfalls to ensure an enjoyable experience.
First of all, you really should make sure your government knows where you are at all times.
Also, do not stay in private places, and if you do, make sure they have security.
This is not a destination to compromise quality.
Your accommodation must have security.
Period.
Every day, before leaving the hotel, ask them about safety, and they will warn you if there is anything fishy going on.
Now, you also want to be cautious of street vendors. This is especially true for the ones selling counterfeit goods or engaging in aggressive sales tactics.
They will overcharge or scam unsuspecting tourists.
Limit your visits to unfamiliar areas, especially at night, to minimize the risk of theft or other crime.
Of course, you should avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or dangerous marine life.
You can avoid danger in the water by heeding warnings about safety.
Meanwhile, be very careful with who you associate with. Foreigners have been kidnapped in the recent past.
Finally, be mindful of excessive alcohol consumption and its potential consequences.
This includes impaired judgment and vulnerability to scams, theft, and even violent crimes.
So, to keep your Cancun travel safe, follow these guidelines.
Exit Cancun
Cancun airport has plenty of exit travel for you to consider, including to the rest of Mexico and beyond.
Just a short flight away, you can go to fun U.S. cities like Miami or New York. There are nonstop flights to both.
Likewise, there are flights for even more north to places like Toronto and Montreal.
These Canadian destinations are fun!
Alternatively, you could head south to explore Central and South America, with destinations like Guatemala, Costa Rica, or Peru.
If you want to keep a similar vibe, why not jump on a flight and head to Cartagena? That’s a great destination.
Finally, you could get really great deals for Europe and Asia since Cancun is a stopover (for all over Latin America).
Final thoughts
As you have seen throughout this guide, Cancun is a fun destination. Sun-kissed beaches, turquoise waters, and colorful culture are all waiting.
In this guide, we went through where to stay, what to eat, and what to do.
Plus, I covered important information like day trips, sample itineraries, and even other destinations to visit.
So, go ahead and plan a Cancun travel that will be a lot of fun.
Enjoy Cancun!
AJ Paris is a travel photographer based in New York. He is the editor of Caravanzers.
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