Cancun is often regarded as the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. This beautiful destination offers stunning white-sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant nightlife scene that attracts millions of visitors every year. Cancun is divided into two main areas: the local downtown area, El Centro, and Zona Hotelera, a long coastal stretch with high-rise resorts, nightclubs, shops, and dining options.
Regrettably, most tourists never leave the popular Hotel Zone. This is unfortunate because there are plenty of exciting things to do both in and around Cancun. In this travel guide, we'll cover everything you need to know for your visit to Cancun, including where to stay, things to do, and the best day trips from Cancun, Mexico.
Cancun lies in the northeastern part of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. The easiest way to reach Cancun is by flying into Cancun International Airport and then taking either a shuttle service or an ADO public bus to the city center, which takes about 30 minutes. We typically book our flights using Skyscanner to find the best deals.
The best time to visit Cancun is between December and May. The weather is usually pleasant, with no extreme heat or cold. You can expect sunny days with low humidity. Keep in mind that this is also Cancun’s peak tourist season.
If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone and don’t plan to explore beyond it, English will be enough for communication. However, if you plan to venture out, learning a bit of Spanish—the official language of Mexico—can be helpful. The local currency is the Mexican peso.
Thanks to the large number of tourists and a strong police presence, Cancun is generally much safer than other parts of Mexico. However, it’s still important to use common sense and avoid activities like purchasing illegal drugs, as cartel violence can be an issue.
Cancun offers both budget and luxury accommodations. Finding a middle ground can be difficult, as most options in the Hotel Zone are on the pricier side, while accommodations in the downtown area are more affordable. Below are some recommended places to stay both in and around Cancun. Click the links to explore further.
Budget accommodations in Cancun include Jasmine House, Nomads Enigmatic Hotel, Hostel & Restaurant Bar, and Hotel Hacienda Cancun.
Mid-range accommodations in Cancun include Studios
Downtown Cancun (low to mid-range).
We personally enjoyed our stay at Viento Suites Cancún, which is rated as low to mid-range.
Adhara Hacienda Cancun (Upper mid-range)
The Quetzal (Upper mid-range)
In this section, we’ll highlight the best things to do in Cancun, including some hidden gems that will help you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.
Cancun Scenic Tower is the tallest viewpoint in the Riviera Maya. Visitors can take a ride up to 262 feet (80 meters) high. The rotating deck offers 360-degree views of the entire Hotel Zone and the gorgeous Caribbean coastline, making it a perfect spot for photos.
One of the most authentic experiences you can have in Cancun is exploring the downtown area. Downtown Cancun offers a taste of local life, with delicious street food, small shops, and beautiful parks. It’s where locals live, and prices are much more affordable compared to the Hotel Zone.
Here are some affordable restaurants we recommend:
La Habichuela
Sirena Morena (vegetarian)
Tacos de Poblano
La Fonda de Tulum at Burger
Next up is a truly refreshing and unique experience: swimming in nearby cenotes. The Yucatán Peninsula is famous for its cenotes, natural sinkholes with crystal-clear water, with about 6,000 scattered throughout the region. Close to Cancun, you’ll find cenotes like 7 Bocas, Verde Lucero, Las Mojarras, Zapote, La Noria, and Kin-Ha. If you rent a car, you can also visit popular cenotes like Suytun near Valladolid and Cenote Azul near Playa del Carmen.
The Hotel Zone is Cancun’s main tourist hub, with towering hotels, bars, shops, and restaurants. It stretches for about 15 miles (24 kilometers) along pristine white-sand beaches and the stunning blue Caribbean Sea. While it’s a popular area to stay, it’s also one of the most expensive. However, if you choose to stay here, make sure to visit the beautiful beaches of Playa Chacmool and Playa Delfines. The waves can be strong, but the water’s vibrant color is breathtaking!
Cancun is widely known as Mexico's party capital, and the nightlife here is electrifying. Most of the major nightclubs are located in the Hotel Zone, and they can get quite wild. Coco Bongo is perhaps the most famous club, featuring acrobatic shows, cover bands, and top DJs. Other popular venues include Señor Frogs, Mandala, and La Vaquita.
Playa Tortugas is our favorite beach in the Hotel Zone because it’s located in a quieter area. It has public access and offers a more local feel, with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. The water here is calm and perfect for swimming, with less wind compared to other spots. You can also rent jet skis or other water sports equipment here, and there are a few food stands and small restaurants, though most of them accept cash only.
