9 travel tips for your next trip to Cancun

Located by the shore of the Caribbean Sea on the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is one of the top spring break destinations in Mexico. It’s famous for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and blissful vibes.

If you’re planning your very first visit, we’ve got you covered. Here are some essential travel tips to have the best vacay in Cancun.

Even though Uber works in Cancun, it’s not actually legal. Drivers aren’t allowed to pick passengers up at Cancun International Airport. Conventional taxis are available, but prices may sometimes skew towards the high side.

We recommend that you pre-book your airport transfer from companies like USA Transfers. Some hotels in Cancun also provide airport shuttles, so don’t be shy to check with your chosen hotel.

Getting around Cancun is a breeze, thanks to the extensive public bus system that covers most of the main areas in the city.

Many buses in Cancun, especially the ones that ply the touristy Hotel Zone, run frequently throughout the day. They’re relatively affordable (12 pesos per ride) and can take you just about anywhere within the city.

Most of Cancun’s top resorts are located in the Hotel Zone where you’ll find the city’s most beautiful beaches. Many of these resorts are all-inclusive, meaning the room rate also covers daily meals, drinks, and more. While convenient, these resorts can sometimes be a little expensive.

What’s more, all hotels in Cancun have a daily resort fee that covers access to onsite amenities. The rate differs from hotel to hotel so you’ll want to keep that in mind when planning your budget.

If you're looking for more affordable options, consider staying in the downtown area, which has a more local vibe compared to the touristy Hotel Zone.

We know you’ll want to spend all your time on the beach but Cancun really has plenty of other things to offer.

Within the Hotel Zone, you can find museums such as Museo Maya de Cancun that offer you a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the area. There are also archaeological sites you can visit like the San Miguelito Ruins and the El Rey Ruins.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, sign up for a seaside parasailing tour that gives you an unforgettable view of Cancun from up high. You could also explore Nichupte Lagoon via speedboat and snorkel at Punta Nizuc’s lovely marine national park.

For something a little more relaxing, hop on a catamaran and sail to Isla Mujeres. Once there, take some time to explore the lovely town and shop for memorable souvenirs.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun, sign up for tours that take you beyond the city limits. One of the top day trip destinations from Cancun is the famous Chichen Itza.

There are multiple tours to Chichen Itza that you can book online, including this all-inclusive tour that also takes you to the Cenote Saamal where you can swim in the beautiful cave-like pool.

Looking for more? Sign up for an ATV tour that starts at Puerto Morelos through the dense jungle trails of the Yucatan Peninsula where you can hop on a thrilling zipline course.

Don’t miss the Tulum Ruins, one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites in the world. Discover the awe-inspiring ruins of Tulum before snorkeling among colorful reefs and fish at Mayan Beach with this 3-in-1 Discovery Tour.

We heard that the best food is usually found in Downtown Cancun. Parque Las Palapas, open every night, is especially popular. Think authentic Mexican food sold by passionate local cooks from rustic street carts. The lively vibe only adds to the excitement of eating here.

Downtown Cancun is also where you can find the best souvenirs in the city. Forget the typical airport or hotel souvenirs and get your friends and family some handmade crafts and gifts instead. Start your search at Mercado 28, a bustling flea market that sells both local street food and artisanal wares.

We all know that feeling of excitement when you first arrive at your vacation spot. However, if you're not used to tropical weather, we suggest giving your body some time to adjust to the humidity and heat in Cancun. Even more so if you're traveling from a different timezone.

Many hotels and restaurants in Cancun accept both the US Dollar and Mexican Pesos. However, not every establishment outside the tourist area in Cancun will accept the US Dollar or even credit cards. Get your pesos from a local ATM for the best conversion rates with the lowest service fees.

Another plus to keeping pesos on you is that it makes it easier to tip. Whether you’re ordering a drink at the bar or dining at a classy restaurant, be prepared to give your server some propinas (Spanish for tips) for their service.

The best time to visit Cancun is between December and April. Even though this is peak tourist season, the weather is near perfect.

In contrast, you’ll want to avoid planning your trip to Cancun, or Mexico in general, between August and November, during hurricane season. While you may find slightly lower prices during this time, you’ll more than likely spend most of your time taking shelter from the weather.

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