Mexico | Cancún

Cancún Travel Guide: Sun, Sand, and Adventure in the Heart of Mexico

So, what is there to do here? Cancún's beaches are ideal for jet skiing and parasailing. If you wish to venture beyond Cancun, the city's leading guided tours provide day trips to idyllic destinations such as Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. There are several after-hours entertainment available, including acrobatic dance shows at Coco Bongo Cancún. This area is also close to one of Mexico's most well-known sites: Chichén Itzá, a huge Mayan archaeological site and one of the world's new Seven Wonders.

Best months to visit

Cancún's peak season lasts from December to April. Despite the larger crowds, you'll enjoy near-perfect weather and some of the lowest airline and accommodation rates for a winter beach vacation. Just try to avoid traveling between mid-March and early April, when spring breakers swarm on the Yucatán's beaches. Discounts are available in late spring, summer, and fall. However, summers in Cancún are hot and storms are common in the fall.

How To Save Money in Cancun

Use the buses. They are dependable and abundant, and they cost less than a $1 to ride.

Go all-inclusive. Cancún boasts numerous all-inclusive resorts. Some of the better packages include all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, gym access, and even a gratuity.

Avoid buying pricey souvenirs. Souvenirs will be sold along the beaches and outside historical places. If you do not want to overpay, politely decline and buy your keepsakes elsewhere.

Culture and Customs

Cancún's prominence among college-age vacationers leads to a more informal dress requirement, including in eateries. When you're not at the pool or beach, you should cover up your swimwear, although you'll see plenty of individuals dressed for the beach on Boulevard Kukulcán. Cancún's nightlife is more calm and welcoming than other destinations.

What To Eat

Cancún offers nearly as many restaurants as hotels, making it easy for visitors to locate delicious meals. If you booked an all-inclusive, your meals and drinks will most certainly be included in the accommodation charge, leaving you with little incentive to eat off the resort grounds. If you become tired of the endless buffet, there are plenty of other eateries to try.

If you're looking for seafood, you can't go wrong with a lobster lunch at Lorenzillo's or the surf and turf at Puerto Madero, both of which are highly recommended for special occasions. Benazuza, an adults-only restaurant serving small, colorful plates in The Pyramid at Grand Oasis hotel, has impressed both diners and critics with its "techno-emotional" cuisine.

Safety

Cancún has not experienced the same level of drug violence as other parts of Mexico. While crime against visitors is unusually uncommon, the US State Department encourages vigilant caution. Your primary safety worry in Cancún is likely to be in the water. Be cautious of rough waves and only swim when accompanied by a lifeguard. Green beach flags denote safe seas, whereas yellow and red flags indicate more caution. Swimming is not permitted where a black flag is shown. Drinking water might also pose health risks. Water in the Hotel Zone (particularly at your resort) is generally safe to drink in any form because it has been treated.

Getting Around Cancun

Buses are the most convenient mode of transportation in Cancún, with frequent stops along Boulevard Kukulcán and downtown. One-way prices in Cancún are affordable at 12 Mexican pesos (about 60 cents), making taxi rides appear expensive. For transportation to and from Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is less than 15 miles from the Hotel Zone and 10 miles from downtown, it's recommended to spend more money. In fact, you may reserve your cab online and save money by making early arrangements. There are vehicle rental kiosks at the airport, however driving yourself is not suggested because the tiny roads and fast traffic can be scary.