Cancun Travel Guide
Your Ultimate Guide to Cancun Mexico
Cancun TRAVEL GUIDE CONTENTS
Location | Getting There | Where to Stay | Things to Do | Cancun Tours | Cancun Safety | Blogs | FAQ
Cancun Mexico: At a Glance
Cancun is one of the three most visited Mexico travel destinations, along with Mexico City and Cabo San Lucas.
Located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you’re in the heart of the Mayan Empire, surrounded by ancient ruins and swimmable cenotes (jungle pools).
There’s also the world famous Cancun beaches, which sit right on the turquoise Caribbean Sea!
Cancun Mexico Travel: What Know Before You Go
✈️ Airport: Cancun International Airport (code: CUN)
⏰ Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)
💰 Currency: Mexican Peso
🗣 Language: Spanish, though English is common in Cancun, and you may even hear some indigenous languages like Maya
🎫 Mexico Visa: The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Cancun — this includes Americans, Canadians, Japanese and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
🔌 Electricity Socket: You’ll mostly find Type A (two-prong) and Type B (three-prong) — the same as used in the United States. For visitors from other countries, you’ll need this universal travel adaptor.
📲 Mexico SIM Card: Wondering, Do I need a SIM card for Mexico? The answer is yes, every traveler will want a one for the reasons explained in this article all about the best Mexico SIM cards.
🚙 Car Rentals: The Mexico rental car process can be a bit daunting, and many people are apprehensive to drive in a foreign country. I get it! Check out this guide to Renting a Car in Cancun for info on the process.
What’s the best time to visit Cancun Mexico?
For the best weather: November to March are the ideal months to travel to Cancun. This is, of course, the high season or busy season in Cancun, so expect higher price tags and larger crowds.
Cancun Shoulder Season: March to May is the shoulder season in Cancun — a magical time when the weather is still nice, and the prices are still low.
For the best value: May to September will get you the most bang for your buck! However, know these months can be rainy, hot, humid and buggy.
🦟 Surrounded by the Mayan jungle, mosquitoes an issue in Cancun, especially in the summers, so don’t forget to pack this eco-friendly bug spray.
⛈️ Note: June 1 to November 30 is the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is susceptible, though direct-hit hurricanes in Cancun are rare.
Where is Cancun Mexico located?
Cancun is in southeastern Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is about one hour north of Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, and about two hours north of Tulum.
Cancun Map
What state is Cancun Mexico in?
Cancun is in Quintana Roo state. This is one of the three states that makes up the Yucatan Peninsula — along with Yucatan state and Campeche state.
Besides visiting Cancun, you’ll find other great things to do in Quintana Roo state in these cities: Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Holbox Island, Bacalar Lagoon, Puerto Morelos and Akumal.
What’s the closest airport to Cancun Mexico?
Cancun International Airport (code: CUN) is one the largest airports in Mexico, and you can find direct flights to Cancun from many places all over the world.
It is located about 30 minutes from both the Cancun Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone on Cancun Beach) and Downtown Cancun.
What’s the best way to get to your Cancun hotel?
The safest, most-stress free, easiest and best way to get from Cancun Airport to your hotel in Cancun is via private shuttle. ↳ Reserve your shuttle now!
The private shuttle is the fastest way to get from Cancun Airport to your hotel, with door-to-door service. I recommend booking with Cancun Airport Transportation, especially if this is your first trip to Cancun.
Renting a car in Cancun at the airport is another option. However, if you just want to lay on the best beaches in Cancun, drink in hand 🍹, soaking up the sun — skip the rental car and book the Cancun airport shuttle instead.
Where to Stay in Cancun Mexico
There are only two neighborhoods in Cancun — Cancun Beach, where you’ll find the Zona Hotelera, or Cancun Hotel Zone, and Downtown Cancun.
As one of the top Mexico resort cities, most visitors opt to stay at a Cancun all-inclusive resort on the beach, but you can save some money by staying in downtown.
Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone)
The Cancun hotel zone, located along the beach, is where most visitors want to stay in Cancun.
It has all the best hotels in Cancun and all the large Cancun all inclusive resorts the town is known for. Check them out by clicking below ⤵
Mexico Overwater Bungalows near Cancun
Did you know Mexico has the closest overwater bungalows to the U.S.?
That’s right, the calm crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea are ideal for over the water bungalows in Mexico, like the Palafitos El Dorado Maroma Beach, and these others ⤵
Downtown Cancun
Cancun Centro, or Downtown Cancun, has a more locals’ feel. This is a great area to stay to save some money while traveling to Cancun.
Two of the best hotels in Cancun Downtown are Hotel Blue Star Cancun and Sheraton Cancun Centro.
Best Cancun Hostels
Traveling to Cancun on a budget? The Selina chain has two of the best hostels in Cancun — the Selina Downtown Cancun and Selina Cancun Beach.
For the ultimate of budget travel, opt for the Cancun capsule hotel, the Yellow Capsule Experience.
Best Things to Do in Cancun Mexico
There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do in Cancun, one of the best places to vacation in Mexico.
The majority of them involve being in, on, or near the Caribbean Sea — though there’s a lot to see in the Yucatan jungle surrounding Cancun as well. Click on any image below to learn more ⤵
Best Cancun Tours
Tours in Cancun are a great way to see the town and its surrounding areas — and unless you’re planning to rent a car in Cancun, this is the best way to get around because taxi fees add up quickly!
💡 Note: If you do want to have a car in Cancun, make sure to check out this guide to Renting a Car in Cancun.
Below, you’ll find the most popular and best tours in Cancun and the surrounding areas — including Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, Isla Mujeres island, Tulum and the Tulum Ruins, and more.
Is Cancun safe for travelers?
According to experts, you are statistically quite safe while visiting Mexico. In fact, the Yucatan Peninsula — where Cancun is located — is one of the safest parts in Mexico. That’s not to say bad things don’t happen in Cancun; they do.
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small… When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.
—Carlos Barron, FBI Veteran (source: Forbes)
As with traveling anywhere, follow general travel safety like not walking home alone at night, watching your alcohol consumption and staying aware of yourself and surroundings.
For an added safety measure, pack these travel safety items, dress in a way so your Mexico outfits blend in with the locals, and buy a Mexico SIM card.
Some less-obvious things you’ll want to watch out for in Cancun are dehydration, sunburns, mosquitoes and hangovers! Located in a tropical beachy jungle, Cancun is hot year-round, and the mosquitoes are quite bad in the summers.
Speaking of summer, this is the Atlantic Hurricane Season, and located right on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun is susceptible.
What’s the best travel insurance for Cancun (and Mexico)?
This is a question I get a lot as a Mexico travel writer and Mexico expat. To determine which Mexico travel insurance is best for you, consider factors like the policy’s total cost, your deductible, the coverage you need, your medical benefits, etc.
🏆 In general, I only ever recommend two companies to purchase Mexico travel insurance from:
- SafetyWing — For general travelers and digital nomads in Mexico.
- Travel Insurance Master — Mexico travel insurance search tool, for those who want to compare policies.
- 👉 Click on any of the links above to get a FREE quote on your policy!
Cancun Travel Blogs: Learn more about Cancun Mexico 🇲🇽
Cancun Travel: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drink the water in Cancun Mexico?
No — Unfiltered Mexico tap water is not safe for human consumption.
However, you will need to keep drinking water and to stay extra hydrated, as Mexico is quite close to the Equator. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
So what can you do?
- If you’re renting a home with a kitchen, you can boil the water before drinking it.
- You can keep buying bottled water — Though this gets expensive, and is horrible for the planet!
- Use the Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle. This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico, and is good for the planet ♻️ Get 15% OFF with code SOLO15!
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals and more.
I personally own one, as you can drink Mexico water from any source (even the tap), and be completely safe.
What’s the Cancun weather like?
Cancun has a tropical climate — meaning you can expect warm and hot temperatures year-round, and heavy rains throughout the summer.
In the summers, temperatures hover around 95°F (35°C), though can feel hotter because of the humidity. For the best weather in Cancun, visit between November to March.
Is Cancun expensive?
When comparing Cancun to other beach towns in Mexico, yes, Cancun is on the expensive side.
However, budget Cancun travel is possible by saving money here and there — like staying in Downtown Cancun, eating street tacos, and taking public transportation instead of taxis.
Is Cancun worth visiting?
Yes — Cancun is a unique Mexico destination that so many types of travelers will want to check out.
If you understand what you’re signing up for, high price tags by Mexico standards and lots of other tourists, and you don’t mind those things, you’ll enjoy your Cancun trip.
For travelers looking to lay on a beautiful Caribbean beach, visit the Mayan Ruins near Cancun, take a lot of Instagram worthy photos, and swim in the cenotes, then Cancun is for you.
Now, if you aren’t a fan of crowds, skip Cancun and opt for nearby Puerto Morelos instead.
How many days do I need in Cancun Mexico?
If you just want to explore Cancun itself, you’ll want three full days.
However, if you want to explore the surrounding areas in Yucatan on some Cancun day trips, you’ll want at least five full days; but of course: The longer the better!
🗣 Mexico Language
Mexico Fun Fact: There’s actually no official language of Mexico!
Spanish is the most widely-spoken, so some mistakenly say Spanish is the official language of Mexico. However, the government actually recognizes 68 national languages, including the Nahuatl Aztec language, and the Maya language.
💰 Mexico Currency
Mexican Peso — Exchange rates vary, but have hovered around $18-21 pesos to $1 USD for about the last decade. You will find some places that take U.S. dollars, but usually at an unfavorable rate, so stick to using pesos in Mexico.
☀️ Mexico Weather
Mexico is a big country — the 7th largest on Earth, in fact! It’s hard to generalize the weather in Mexico, because it will vary greatly by where you’re traveling.
In general, temperatures are mostly mild everywhere all year long, though summers on the coast are hot and humid, and winters in Central and Northern Mexico are on the colder side. Throughout the whole country, the rainy season runs from (about) April through September.
✈️ Mexico Busy Season & Slow Season
• Mexico Busy Season: The busy season in Mexico runs October to March, as this is the dry season and you’ll get the best weather. December is the busiest month for tourism in Mexico.
• Mexico Slow Season: If you don’t mind some rain, you’ll often find the best travel deal during the Mexico slow season of April to September. Do keep in mind that June 1-November 1 is Hurricane Season, and Mexico beaches are all susceptible.
• Mexico Shoulder Season: The shoulder season is that magical time when prices are still low and the weather is good. The Mexico shoulder season is from about mid-October to November and January to early-April.
🧳 Download your FREE Mexico Packing Checklist here!
Check out this Ultimate Packing List for Mexico — so you know what to pack and what NOT to pack for Mexico! This article offers advice on packing for Mexico cities, and packing for a Mexico beach vacation.
Beyond what Mexico outfits and clothing you’ll want to bring, here are a few extra things to consider:
• Filterable Water Bottle: Mexico is close to the Equator, so you’ll need to stay extra hydrated. In fact, dehydration is one of the most common ways people get sick in Mexico.
A filterable, refillable water bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.
The Water-To-Go Bottle has a built-in, three-stage filtration system that removes 99.9999% of all water-borne contaminants. These include bacteria, microplastics, viruses, heavy metals and chemicals.
• Mexico SIM Card: Want to be able to use your phone in Mexico?! Of course you do! Pick up a TELCEL Mexico SIM card before your trip, and swap it out on the plane while you’re waiting to exit, so you have phone and data service the second you arrive in Mexico.
• Anti-Hangover Meds: Planning to party hardy?! Make sure you’re not wasting any of your precious travel time with a hangover. Liquid I.V. has about 70,000 reviews on Amazon, and is considered the best defense against a hangover.
• Sun Hat: No matter if you’re headed to the beach or a city, you’ll want to wear a hat to shield yourself from the strong Mexican sun. This cute sun hat is the perfect stylish and practical accessory for your Mexico vacation.
• Sunscreen: As you’ll want to reapply a few times throughout the day, a light, Mineral-Based Sunscreen is ideal.
Headed to the beach? Do your part to practice responsible tourism in Mexico by only using an eco-friendly reef safe sunscreen while swimming. You can even ditch the sunscreen altogether and opt for a long sleeve swimsuit (AKA rash guard) instead.
• Bug Repellent: Mosquitoes are common throughout Mexico — especially on the beaches! REPEL Insect Repellent is an eco-friendly brand that’s DEET-free and plant based, with a pleasant lemon and eucalyptus scent. Don’t want to use a spray? Pick up some Mosquito Repellent Bracelets.
The vast majority of travelers do not need a visa for Mexico — this includes Americans, Canadians, and most Europeans. Head here to see if you need a Mexico travel visa.
🤔 What is the mexico FMM?
When you go through Customs & Immigration to enter the country, you’ll receive your Forma Migratoria Multiple, or FMM Tourist Card (sometimes listed as FMT). If you’re coming by plane or cruise ship, there is no charge; for those driving across the border, the FMM costs about $30USD.
In most circumstances, all visitors get a 180-day (six month) visa — so you can legally stay up to six months!
🚨 Have your FMM on you at all times
Keep in mind that though it’s called an FMM card, it’s actually just a small piece of paper. Keep your FMM on you at all times in your wallet, as this proves your legal status in Mexico. It’s rare, but if an officer stops you, they can ask to see your FMM.
🎫 Don’t lose your FMM!
You need to have your FMM on you at all times, as proof of your legal status in the country.
Be sure to keep track of your FMM, as you’ll have to give it back to an Immigration officer at the airport, cruise port, or land crossing when you’re leaving the country.
If you lose your FMM, there is a $600 peso ($30 USD) cost to replace it, and some paperwork you’ll need to fill out before you can leave the country.
If you’re flying home, plan to arrive at the airport about one hour earlier than you normally would to do the paperwork and pay the fine.
As this question doesn’t have a yes/no answer (I wish it did!), I do my best to answer it in depth in this article, Is Mexico Safe for Travelers Right Now? However, for the most part, Mexico is actually statistically quite safe for all travelers — including solo travelers.
Check my Solo Female Mexico Travel page for more info.
💃 Mexico solo travel guides
Mexico is a big country, and it has plenty of amazing solo female travel destinations — like the ones featured in this article, Mexico Solo Travel: 20 Safe Destinations for Female Travelers.
In it, you’ll get recommendations of places to visit in Mexico, from solo travelers who have actually been to them.
🎧 solo travel podcasts
• Ep. 34 | Planning your first Mexico solo trip
• Ep. 40 | Tips for safe solo travel in Mexico
• Ep. 53 | 30 Solo female travel tips, Pt. 1
To answer the question, Is it safe to drive in Mexico? — YES, it’s considered safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico.
As the country is quite large, road trips are a great way to see a lot in a little time, and especially popular in the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California Peninsula.
The one caveat to Mexico driving safety is that you’ll be in a foreign country, unfamiliar with their laws and customs. Head here for a complete guide to Renting A Car in Mexico: Everything You Need to Know, where you’ll also get 10 useful Mexico driving tips!
🚙💨 Looking for the best Mexico car rental company? Discover Cars works with both local Mexican companies and international companies to get you the best rates. Not only do I recommend them — I also use them!
As a general rule, you’ll want to know at least a few words of Spanish when visiting anywhere in Mexico. This is both a sign of respect, and will also help you have a better, smoother trip.
If you stick to the more touristic places in Mexico, you should be fine with basic Spanish. For those planning to venture off the beaten path, be advised most people in pueblos (small towns) speak little to no English.
🗣 Here are some options:
- Brush up on your Spanish: Use a language-learning program like Rocket Spanish, so you’re confident, and conversational, before your trip.
- Download the Google Translate App: For this to work at all times, you’ll need a Mexico SIM card with data — as the app won’t work when you’re off-WiFi.
- Travel with a Mexico phrasebook: This Lonely Planet Spanish Phrasebook is an Amazon best seller, and a great non-digital language assistant!
- Save this infographic an image on your phone. This way, you have access to these common words, phrases and questions, even when you’re off-WiFi.
