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A Complete Guide to Cancun

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Cancun offers a world full of adventure, culture, vibrant nightlife, and sandy beaches. Prepare to explore stunning Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine, turquoise waters, lively nightlife, and everything else you desire. We'll guide you to the best restaurants, must-visit attractions, budget-friendly hotels, and picturesque beaches. So grab your sunscreen, lace up your shoes, gather your favorite friends, and discover the best Cancun sightseeing like a local.

Where is Cancun?

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Cancun is located on the Caribbean Sea along the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, just a two-hour flight from Miami and Houston. It sits next to the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, known as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Visitors can enjoy state-of-the-art resorts, snorkeling, and diving sessions, and beaches that look straight out of movies. Cancun is a dream come true for every island lover!

Best Time To Visit

A Complete Guide to Cancun

The months of April, May, November, and December are the ideal times to visit Cancun, especially late November to early December when the weather is nice and few tourists make traveling super convenient.

If big crowds don’t really bother you, and you are more focused on economical traveling and good weather, December through April has the best weather, cheaper airfare, and hotel rates can be obtained by making reservations at least 3 months in advance. Prices are also at their lowest for budget tourists in late spring, summer, and fall. But be aware! Cancun's summers are tough and muggy, and the fall brings a lot of rainstorms.

Moreover, the rainy season lasts from May to October. June to November is full of hurricanes, with August to October having the highest probability of storms. We would recommend you to go during the dry season, which runs from December to April, and offers milder, more comfortable temperatures and makes traveling easy.

Must Things to do Before Visiting Cancun:

  • The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency of Cancun, with an exchange rate of approximately 19 MXN to $1 USD. Avoid exchanging money at hotels and airports, as they often offer poor rates. For better deals, visit banks or currency exchange shops in the commercial plazas of the Zona Hotelera.
  • Cancun International Airport serves as the primary airport for international travelers. So, make sure to arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel ahead of your arrival.
  • Like in the US, electrical outlets in Cancun use two flat parallel pins. To make sure your devices can be charged without any problems, foreign visitors should pack a universal travel adaptor.
  • Study the Visa regulations for your country beforehand, since Mexico has different Visa policies for different nations. Although many tourists are allowed entry without a visa, it is best to confirm with the Mexican consulate or embassy in your country before booking your tickets.

For a safer and more convenient experience in Cancun, consider purchasing a Mexican SIM card. A local SIM allows you to stay connected, share vacation photos on social media, navigate the city with online maps, and stay in touch with loved ones. However, if you prefer to unplug and fully unwind, that’s always an option too!

How to Get Around in Cancun

A Complete Guide to Cancun

In Cancun, taxis are a common and convenient way to travel, offering direct service from the airport to your lodging. The fare to Centro or the Hotel Zone typically ranges from $40 to $50, with prices regulated based on the time of day. However, if you're on a tight budget, booking an airport shuttle in advance is a more cost-effective option.

Taxis are also one of the most efficient means of transportation within Cancun. A one-way trip between the Hotel Zone and Centro usually costs between $10 and $15, while fares within these areas range from $4 to $7. For added convenience, hotels can arrange taxis for guests. Taxis are also available for trips to Tulum or Playa del Carmen, but they can be expensive. To avoid overcharges or scams, always confirm the fare in advance.

Another means of travel in Cancun is renting a car, which is a great way to have more freedom, particularly if you want to travel outside of the city. With daily rates as low as $15, rental automobiles are the best budget-friendly option. Just make sure to inquire about parking availability at the place you are staying. You can easily reach cenotes, ruins, and other sights because of the well-maintained roads that connect popular landmarks like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Lastly, buses are the most economical mode of transportation and are popular as well. Although many buses have air conditioning, they are the least pleasant and slowest form of transportation. Public buses frequently travel to the city from Cancun International Airport, and there are also plenty of buses from Tulum and Playa del Carmen. To know the precise pickup and drop-off locations, make sure to take information from your hotel.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose in Cancun, you’ll get benefits. While rental cars offer the most freedom for traveling outside of Cancun, taxis are excellent for short journeys within the city. Although they take longer, buses are the most economical alternative. You can get the most out of your trip by selecting the best form of transportation that suits your needs!

Best Things to do in Cancun

A Complete Guide to Cancun

ancun is a hub of entertainment, and it's safe to say that the options for fun things to do in Cancun are limitless. Whether you like exploring the town, love shopping, beautiful beaches, outdoor adventure, and all the fun things your mind can think of, Cancun has it all!! So without wasting any time let's dive deeper into what this city has to offer.

Visit Downtown Cancun

A Complete Guide to Cancun

How about a more local experience outside of the beaches and resorts? Downtown Cancun is a place worth visiting because of the mouthwatering street cuisine, vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping, and peaceful green areas. Here you'll find more natives than visitors, so better to take a stroll down and take in the atmosphere. Parque Las Palapas is a great place to unwind or shop at Mercado 28 or Malecon Americas Shopping Center. Also, don't miss the freshly made tacos, particularly the local staple tacos al pastor, if you're in the mood for real Mexican delights. Even though its beaches might not be picture-perfect, Downtown Cancun offers a genuine cultural experience and is one of the best places to eat in Cancun, which is full of sights, sounds, and a local Mexican vibe.

Plan A Beach Day

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Beautiful soft sand beaches with breathtaking views and crystal clear blue waters can be found around the Hotel Zone. Although most resorts feature private beach sections, you can still visit many beach locations to find your best one. The most well-liked public beach is Playa Delfines, which has excellent swimming water, sunbathing, and the famous "Cancun" sign for pictures. Meanwhile, Playa Chac Mool Beach is a more sedate choice for calmer waters. Although many resorts clean their beaches every day, seaweed can build up between the months of April and August, so make sure to avoid it by staying at hotels with pools or by traveling to Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, where the beaches are largely unaffected.

Enjoy a Day Trip to Chichen Itza

A Complete Guide to Cancun

If you are a big fan of ancient ruins, start with the best at Cancun! Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin with a wide collection of artifacts, monuments, and temples. The location is almost 2 hours away from Cancun, so many tourists like to enjoy long drives to the site, and if you have time, a dive into a Cenote is like a cherry on top. Visitors can also rent a car or a tour bus if they are not in the mood to drive themselves. Just keep in mind that such tours do not come with an entry fee.

 

Take a Tour of Isla Mujeres

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Dive into the beautiful nature of Cancun at Isla Mujeres, a lively island only a 30-minute ferry ride away. Isla Mujeres features gorgeous rocky coastlines, stunning beaches, and vibrant architecture that is ideal for long walks. Driving golf carts, playing in the water park resorts, and visiting a sea turtle sanctuary are just a few of the many things visitors can enjoy on the island. To conclude, Isla Mujeres offers a delightful getaway with stunning views and countless activities.

Swim in Beautiful Cenote

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Nearly 7,000 cenotes made by natural sinkholes created by collapsing limestone can be found on the Yucatán Peninsula of Cancun. They are perfect for diving and snorkeling activities as they have beautiful stalactites, underwater caverns, and stalagmites. The turquoise waters of cenotes are filled with fish, and life jackets are included with the entry price, and lighting and snorkeling equipment can be rented. Some of the popular cenotes accessible to the public are Ik Kil near Chichen Itza and Gran Cenote near Tulum.

Best Places to Eat in Cancun

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Mexican food is famous for its rich flavors and popularity worldwide, so it's essential to try some of the top restaurants in Cancun while visiting. So whether you have a small budget or you are looking forward to 5-star dining, Cancun has all the dining options waiting for you to discover.

El Rinconcito de Puebla

A Complete Guide to Cancun

El Rinconcito de Puebla is a reasonably priced restaurant in Cancun with the best local cuisine and first-rate service. The restaurant menu includes pasta and burgers alongside classic Mexican fare like chilaquiles. The 2-for-1 beer deal is a cherry on top and adds even more attraction to the tacos and nachos, which are must-try. This restaurant is a fantastic option for a filling lunch without going over budget.

Address: Tulipanes 32, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Mu Burger House

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Craving burgers? No worries! Mu Burger House is your ultimate place to visit. The menu is varied and also offers menu options outside of burgers. The food here is loved by locals, especially their tasty lentil burger, a vegan's favorite, so there's something for everyone. The restaurant has a great ambience and a friendly staff which adds more to the experience. This restaurant offers a fulfilling eating experience in Cancun, regardless of your preference for a traditional dinner or something different.

Address: Nichupte, SM 51 MZ 51 LOTE 11, 77533 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

Marakame Brunch Buffet

A Complete Guide to Cancun

Visit Marakame Brunch Buffet in Cancun's Hotel Zone and enjoy a pleasant eating experience in a garden with a bohemian ambiance. A traditional Mexican breakfast, mimosas, artisanal bread, coffee, and orange juice are available to guests for about $20 USD. French toast, huevos rancheros, omelets, and chilaquiles are among the popular food items on the à la carte menu. Marakame is a fantastic place for a leisurely brunch in Cancun because of its laid-back vibe and varied menu, so don’t forget to check it out after exploring all the Cancun tourist attractions.

Address: Av. Xpujil Sur Supermanzana 19, 77505 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico

 

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  • Alex Dormer

    Alex is a successful travel blogger; he gives great tips to travel enthusiasts regarding how they can save money on their vacations. He's been to 40 + countries, and he mainly focuses on how to cut down costs during travel. 

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