The crown jewel of the Yucatan region, worldwide known for the stunning white sand beaches where the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea meet each other on the coast. Cancun draws more than millions of tourists each year, and that is not for any reason. You will never get bored in Cancún, since it offers the perfect combination of natural beauty, ancient heritage, exciting adventures and a vibrant culture mixed with modern luxury.
Therefore, by not any surprise, Cancun is one of the prime spots to visit in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean. Are you curious about what Cancun has to offer? Read our guide for more information on all these wonderful events that you can enjoy during your stay.
The crown jewel of the Yucatan region, worldwide known for the stunning white sand beaches where the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea meet each other on the coast. Cancun draws more than millions of tourists each year, and that is not for any reason.
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Cancun is located on the northeastern coast of Mexico (add map of geographic location). This amazing location is part of the larger Riviera Maya, which includes Tulum, Playa del Carmen and the Island of Cozumel. Did you know that the great Mesoamerican coral reef is located in Cancun as well, which counts as the second largest coral reef in the world.
Curious what time it is in Cancun? This beautiful city operates with Eastern Standard Time (-05.00).
(December To February)
This is the peak season of Cancun. During winter Cancun offers ideal weather conditions, where the sun is shining at its brightest without humidity what makes up for perfect beach days. However, expect crowded spots and higher prices.
(March To May)
This is an amazing time to visit Cancun, since it is not as crowded in comparison with the winter, the weather is pleasant, with less humidity.
(June To August)
During summer the temperatures will be rising. Resulting in hot and humid weather, ideal if you love to do watersports or other water activities. Keep in my, during summer the hurricane season starts, so keep an eye on weather updates.
(September To November)
The weather may be hotter and there is a little bit more chance of rain, it also offers better discounts and less crowded beaches and activities. Hurricane season provides unpredictable weather. However, do not hesitate to visit Cancún since hotels are well-equipped and have clear protocols in place to ensure the safety of their guests during such natural events.
Cancun offers a wide range of activities and excursions for all travelers. Go and get to know the history of Cancun by visiting the beautiful Mayan Ruins, go on underwater adventures, experience the livelihood of downtown Cancun, visit the most stunning cenotes, the most incredible beaches you will ever see in your life and much more.
There is no way of getting around in Cancun without visiting the famous white sands beaches with breathtaking turquoise water since. There are enough choices for everyone since this region provides 17 kilometers of coastline. Read about the most famous beaches below.
Cancun
Starting off with Playa Delfines, the most popular and beautiful public beach. The perfect place to get a nice tan and enjoy a relaxing ambiance. However, the water can get a little choppy therefore it is not ideal for small children.
Cancun
Continuing with Playa Tortugas a beach where there is something for everybody, it is family friendly due to calm waters what makes it ideal for swimming, there are several bars and restaurant where you can sit back and enjoy a margarita or go for a jet ski ride.
Cancun
Chac Mool is generally the first choice for locals looking to have a day out in the stunning Hotel Zone because it’s generally much quieter than the others. It has the same white sands, amazing waters, and central location as Playa Forum, but there are no loungers or umbrellas. This is the ultimate casual beach day in Cancun. Probably one of the best beaches in Cancun for backpackers and those wishing to get the feel of “real Mexico” at the beach.
Cancun
If you visit Tulum for a day trip, remember your swimsuit and towels! The beach directly below the ruins is stunning and the waters are beautifully clear. In fact, this particular beach is regarded as one of the most idyllic in the Riviera Maya. Leaving the comfort of Mousai Cancun for a day in Tulum is the perfect way to learn about the Mayan Empire, spend some time with your family, and soak up some sun in a historic paradise. Tulum is undoubtedly an attraction that should be top on your “must see” list!
I already hear you thinking what are cenotes? Cenotes are natural sinkholes or giant cave systems that collapse on themselves and are filled with natural underground spring water or rainwater. These cenotes were sacred to the Mayan world, believing these were the entrance to the underworld. Nowadays, these magnificent forces of nature are visited due to the amazing fauna for snorkeling/diving experiences or just admiring the natural beauty of it.
Valladolid
Cenote Zaci is very accessible since it is in the middle of the center of Valladolid –– where there are many activities that you can do, such as diving. It is a semi-open cenote that benefits from having a lot of natural light due to the fact that several parts of the ceiling of the cave have partially collapsed, which has a large swimming pool suitable for all kinds of activities.
Inside this cenote, you can find a great variety of fauna such as bats, lizards, fish of all colors, and other animals. You can also marvel at the imposing stalactites of the cave, as well as the exuberant vegetation (exclusive to Zaci).
Tulum
Cenote Dos Ojos is one of the most famous ones, near Cancun. It is famous due to its stunning underwater caves. After swimming relax and dry off in the hammocks. This cenote is one of the most accessible cave diving destinations.
Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Cancun. It is ideal if you want to go snorkeling as you will find many friendly fish and turtles. After swimming, there are ample spaces to dry off and relax in the hammocks perched by the water. The cenote is one of the most accessible cave diving destinations.
Playa del Carmen
The cenote, which is famous for not having a roof. Cenote Azul, due to this opening it receives an incredible amount of sunlight, which creates a stunning turquoise color. The combination of deep and shallow water makes it perfect for all visitors. It is possible to jump from the cliffs if you seek to get some adrenaline or explore the magnificent jungle. There are several restaurants nearby, so if you are hungry do not hesitate to go there.
Cenote Azul is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes driving from Cancun.
Playa del Carmen
The cenote is hidden in the jungle, but once you find it, you will observe a beautiful open space full of varied vegetation and animals, and colors. It is an excellent place to either swim or lie down while relaxing under the warm sun. It has a large outdoor pool, surrounded by luxuriant green vegetation.
Cenote Jardin del Edén is approximately 1 hour and 15 mins from Cancun.
Playa del Carmen
Cenote Cristalino is a beautiful cenote that is above ground; it has a half cave with shallow pools, which are perfect for exploring and swimming as the water is shallow.
The area is open and surrounded by a lush green jungle, making the cenote a beautiful place to spend quality time with your friends or family and chill while looking at the clouds. It has many activities that you can do, such as snorkeling, and paddling in the cold water. If you are feeling very adventurous, you can jump from the cliff into the deepest sections of the cenote and get your adrenaline pumping.
Puerto Morelos
Siete Bocas Cenote has seven small entrances to its labyrinth-shaped caverns that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. Siete Bocas has several activities that you can do, such as jumping off cliffs, swimming in the turquoise pools, having a picnic in the area, or exploring the caves. You can do whatever you want!
It is surrounded by a vast jungle, but the cenote is very quiet and full of shady spaces suitable for resting for a while.
Tulum
Gran Cenote is considered one of the best open-air cenotes near Cancun to visit. Famous for the vast, colorful surrounding jungle and crystal blue waters, it has many caves and caverns to discover.
The Gran Cenote is a very picturesque and beautiful place. It has two large areas for swimming, which are connected by a cave. The Gran Cenote has amenities like outside showers and private bathrooms, making it a top-notch destination for visitors to Tulum. It is always impeccable and clean.
Valladolid
The incredible Cenote Suytun is one of the most beautiful and best cenotes near Cancun to visit.
Cenote Suytun has a famous stone path that leads to a circular platform surrounded by its large blue pool. You will experience a unique and incredible moment when you see how the sun shines directly on the cenote. The cave is illuminated with rays of sunlight, causing them to flow through the roof of the cenote to the circular platform below, making this a totally magical moment.
Cenote Suytun is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from Cancun.
For underwater enthusiasts, these are the perfect activities to do during their stay in Cancun. For snorkeling and scuba diving, the great Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef in the world is the dream of every underwater fauna lover.
» Read moreAre you looking for an unique cultural experience? You are in luck, nearby Cancun there are many of the most amazing Mayan ruins located.
Cancun
One of the seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza. This breathtaking ruin is one of the most important Mayan archaeological sites and is one of the largest pyramids to be found.
This is approximately 2 hours from Cancun.
Tulum
It is one of the most famous destinations in the southeast of Mexico, offering beautiful archaeological ruins near the beach and various dining and entertainment options.
In addition there are various dining and entertainment options near this ruin so do not worry about getting bored.
Tulum
The Coba ruin is also an incredible place to visit, a real venture into the jungle to visit this beautiful ruin. An ancient Mayan city that features the tallest pyramid in the whole Yucatan peninsula region that you still can climb.
When visiting Cancun, it is not an option to not go to Cancun Centro. This is a necessity for the Cancun experience. For a small peak of the local culture, go and see Parque de las Palapas, this magical place comes to life at night with amazing concerts, dance performances and the craziest street artists who involves the crowd in the act.
» Read moreWhile being on vacation in Cancun, visiting Isla Mujeres is a must. Just a short ferry ride you arrive on this beautiful island, rent a golf cart to get around and explore this beautiful island, while exploring take a stop at playa Norte for an incredible beach experience.
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Among the beautiful nature and areas in Cancun there are some other reasons why Cancun is famous, that is for its nightlife. For all nightlife enthusiasts, Coco Bongo is the place to be. Already around for 30 years and that is not without any reason.
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Now, is time to taste the Mexican culture, be ready to get blown away by the amazing flavors of the Mexican restaurants. For example, at La Habichuela, an iconic restaurant in Cancun, with an amazing ambiance where they serve a mix of Caribbean and Mexican cuisine, this place will let your tastebuds dance. Do not forget to visit one of the highest rated Mexican grill restaurants, Restaurante Cüa, located in the hotel zone with a beautiful view on the Caribbean Sea. For more informations check out this link to see what restaurants suits best for you .
How to arriveRight now, Cancun is in the top 5 safest cities of Mexico, where a dedicated tourist police occurs in the hotel zone and most famous tourist attractions. It is also safe to travel solo to Cancun. Nevertheless, it is always essential to be aware of your surroundings and possessions, staying in well-lit places at night and only make use of authorized taxi and transportation services.
There are several options for how to go to Cancun due to its well-established tourist infrastructure what is designed to give millions of visitors a more seamless journey.
Since airport Cancun is one of the busiest airports in Mexico, the airport boasts numerous direct flights from major city across Europe, North America and Latin America. Upon arrival, there are multiple options for transportation possible to your hotel, for example shared shuttles, private transfers, taxis and car rentals.
» Read moreIf you are traveling domestically, the ADO bus provides a comfortable and reliable service from multiple major cities within Mexico. Of course, it is also possible to travel by car to Cancun due to the well-established infrastructure.
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Due to high amount of tourism, there are sufficient options to get around in Cancun.
Cancun offers a variety of beautiful lodgings. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels, and beyond. The most important factors to consider are location and amenities. For information on the various neighborhoods and wonderful hotel choices.
