Cancun trips and vacations

Think of Cancun and spring breaks might come to mind. But while the city has rightly earned its party stripes, trips to Cancun offer far more than just tequila shots. Here on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, expect powdery white beaches, coral reefs and ancient Mayan ruins. This is a city of sun and surf, where good times roll as thick and fast as the turquoise Caribbean waves.

Cancun vacation highlights

Cancun
Cancun

Caribbean Sea

A vacation to Cancun means electric blue waters that invite countless ways to enjoy nature and wildlife in this spot near the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Swim with whale sharks from late May to September, explore sacred ‘cenotes’ (underground pools) and snorkel around the Cancun Underwater Museum. Alternatively, stake a spot on the city’s ivory beaches and take it easy with a dip in the Caribbean Sea.

Isla Mujeres

This tiny paradise is a short ferry ride from Cancun. It’s said to be home to the Mayan goddess Ixchel. The island’s Playa Norte’s shallow aquamarine waters make this area one of the best spots to swim. Rent a golf cart to explore, zip-line over the sea and refuel with catches of the day at Isla Mujeres’ seafood shacks.

Mayan treasures

Take a break from the beach and dive into Cancun’s Mayan history with a visit to the Museo Maya de Cancun. Or marvel at the unbeatable Caribbean sunrise from the Ixchel Ruins on Isla Mujeres. Tulum and Chichen Itza are popular day trips during Cancun vacations for Mayan culture, the latter being one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Cancun: Know before you go

Language

Spanish

Currency

Mexican peso ($)

Time zone

UTC-5 (EST)

High season

December – April

Low season

September – November

Find the best time to go to Cancun

Weather in Cancun

March — May: Warm weather and clear skies make spring perfect for beach days. But expect spring break crowds and prices.

June – August: Rain arrives in June, along with higher humidity. Temperatures climb into the 90s°F. This is a good time for seasonal events like whale shark migration. Keep a close eye on weather alerts, as this is also the start of hurricane season.

September – November: Wet weather and threats of a hurricane continue into fall. But you’ll also have long stretches of sunshine and thinner crowds.

December – February: High season begins as the skies clear and the sun shines through. Days are warm, and nights are cooled by mild sea breezes. The water is at its clearest — perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Events in Cancun

Carnaval (February to March): Cancun’s streets come alive with days of music, food stalls and special events like the crowning of a king and queen. The event ends with a high-energy parade of performers and decorated floats.

Mexican Independence Day (September): This multiday celebration of Mexico’s independence from the Spanish Empire starts with the ceremonial Cry of Independence at the city’s Municipal Palace. Highlights include drone light shows, ballet performances, comedyroutinesand more.

Riviera Maya Jazz Festival (November): This beachfront festival features top jazz artists, plus musicians from other genres. Past performers include Herbie Hancock and Smokey Robinson. When the music stops, enjoy pool parties and post-concert events.

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The best neighborhoods in Cancun

Hotel Zone

A long strip of sand with countless hotels and exclusive resorts, the Hotel Zone is one of the most popular places to stay in Cancun. Upscale restaurants, dance clubs and gorgeous beaches await. As does the Mayan outpost El Rey — an archaeological site featuring a fascinating collection of ruins and friendly iguanas.

Good for: Beaches, luxury resorts, nightlife

Downtown Cancun

Buzzing with open-air markets, street food stands and colorful murals, Downtown is one of the best neighborhoods in Cancun for an affordable stay. Hit the shops at Plaza Las Americas mall, catch live music at Avenida Yaxchilan’s bars and stroll through lush Kabah Park with its freewheeling spider monkeys and small Casa Maya museum.

Good for: Affordable hotels, markets, parks

Puerto Juarez

With its peaceful beaches, local seafood restaurants and boat-filled marinas, Puerto Juarez is where to stay in Cancun if you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the bustling Hotel Zone. It’s also a great base for day trips to the beautiful Isla Mujeres, with UltraMar ferries leaving from Gran Puerto every half hour.

Good for: Seafood restaurants, beaches, marina

Things to do in Cancun

Cancun
Cancun

Beaches

All beaches in Cancun are public, promising turquoise waters and sugary sands. Do as the locals do and make a beeline for Playa Delfines or escape the crowds at the more secluded Playa San Miguelito. Families love Playa Langosta for its shallow waters, while spring breakers flock to Playa Gaviota Azul’s curved bay. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed a slice of paradise.

Family friendly things to do

Cancun is known for being a party playground, but it’s just as fun for the whole family. Get close to nature while snorkeling at Isla Mujeres or hit the water rides at Ventura Park. With pirate ship excursions and more water sports opportunities than you can shake a snorkel at, the family-friendly activities in Cancun are second to none.

Shopping

You’ll find no shortage of great shopping in Cancun. Practice your haggling skills at Mercado 28 or explore La Isla’s waterways while browsing its high-end boutiques. Want to give the folks back home a taste of your holiday to Cancun? The grocery stores in town have surprisingly good selections of tequila and mezcal, Mexico’s native spirits.

Take in the culture

Look beyond the beaches and cocktails and you’ll find plenty of culture and museums in Cancun. Discover Mayan ruins, visit the Museum of Mexican Folk Art near Xcaret and step into the city’s colorful history with a street art tour. To really punch up your night, watch a ‘lucha libre’ (professional wrestling) match at Luchatitlan or Plaza de Toros.

Nightlife

Cancun really gets going after dark. Punta Cancun is the party epicenter, with raucous reggaeton bars, all-night beach parties and stadium-sized clubs like Coco Bongo. Or for nightlife in Cancun that isn’t an extreme sport, head to the Hotel Zone’s swanky cocktail lounges and mingle with the locals in Downtown Cancun’s live music joints.

Places to eat

With the Caribbean Sea on its doorstep and the Yucatan, Tabasco and Chiapas regions influencing its cuisine, Cancun’s food scene is a patchwork of irresistible flavors. Sample street food in Parque Las Palapas and feast on fresh lobster at the iconic Lorenzillo's. The restaurants in Cancun’s downtown and Hotel Zone are as diverse as they are tempting, offering everything from traditional taquerias to fine dining.

Plan your trip to Cancun

Budget

For a cheap trip to Cancun, consider traveling in the fall — the crowds are lighter, and there are more deals on hotels and attractions. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 200 Mexican pesos ($). A domestic beer costs about $55, and a cappuccino is a little over $70. Expect cab rides to start at around $257.

Day trips from Cancun

Explore Rio Secreto, an underground cave system with a flowing river, just an hour from the city. Guided tours take you into the depths of the caves and past stunning formations. For a cultural trip, visit Valladolid, a charming town with cobblestone streets and colonial mansions, about two hours away.

Getting around Cancun

Unless you really know what you’re doing, it’s best not to drive in Cancun. Traffic can be severe, and there’s usually limited parking. Walk around Downtown and the Hotel Zone, or take affordable buses. Taxis are available, but you should always agree on a price beforehand. For a stress-free arrival, it’s best to pre-book your airport transfer through your hotel.

FAQs about Cancun vacations

January brings the coolest weather. Set off on your Cancun vacation then and you can anticipate lows of 68ºF.
We recommend at least three days for a trip to Cancun and more if you plan on taking day trips.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 90ºF, August is the warmest month in Cancun.
Cancun has gotten some negative media attention in the past, but it’s generally a safe tourist destination. As in all big cities though, common sense is advised for a trouble-free trip to Cancun. Stick to the main tourist areas, don’t flash your valuables in public and avoid using ATMs at night.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveler or a more relaxed explorer, the cost of your city break in Cancun will depend on the kind of experiences you're after. Be sure to factor in everything from meals to entry fees, in addition to your Cancun flights and hotels.
With an average rainfall of 7.9 inches, June is the rainiest month to go on a Cancun vacation. When the drizzle sets in, venture indoors and enjoy the city's art exhibits, cafes, shopping centers and more.
You'll hear Spanish spoken most often around here. Familiarize yourself with some local words and phrases during your city break in Cancun and you'll easily fit in.
The Mexican peso (MXN) is what you'll be using for everyday expenses and outings during your trip to Cancun.
While August to November might offer some of the best deals to Cancun, this period coincides with hurricane season. We recommend visiting between December and April for near-perfect weather and a lively party scene for spring break.
With tons of things to do in Cancun, this lively city will have you hooked from the start. Get your sightseeing underway at must-visit attractions like Playa Delfines and El Rey Ruins.

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