Cancun – Travel Guide
Cancun, a world-famous resort city on Mexico`s Yucatan Peninsula, is celebrated for its pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife. The city`s Hotel Zone is lined with luxury resorts, lively bars, and restaurants offering everything from gourmet dining to local Mexican cuisine. Visitors can explore nearby Mayan ruins like El Rey or take day trips to iconic sites such as Chichen Itza and Tulum. The surrounding waters are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports, especially around the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Cancun`s combination of natural beauty, cultural excursions, and entertainment makes it a top destination for travelers seeking adventure.
All about Cancun
Getting around Cancun
By Taxi
Getting around by taxi is one of the easiest ways to move around Cancun, but also one of the more expensive ways. Taxi prices are set by zone. It is worth noting that the pricing structure can be discriminatory: Local residents pay about half of what tourists pay, and prices for guests at higher-priced hotels are about double those for budget hotel guests, and these are all established by the taxi union. Rates should be posted outside your hotel, if you have a question, all drivers are required to have an official rate card in their taxis, however, it is typically in Spanish. The cost is per cab ride, not per person. Taxis can also be rented by the hour for travel around the city and Hotel Zone. You can also rent a taxi for an all-day tour and the taxi driver will act as a guide to show you around.
By Bus
Bus travel within Cancun is becoming increasingly popular. In town, almost everything lies within walking distance. Ruta 1 and Ruta 2 (HOTELES) city buses travel frequently from Puerto Juarez on the mainland to the beaches along Avenida Tulum (the main street) and all the way to Punta Nizuc at the far end of the Hotel Zone on Isla Cancun. Ruta 8 buses go to Puerto Juarez/Punta Sam for ferries to Isla Mujeres. They stop on the east side of Avenida Tulum. Buses run between 6 am and 10 pm daily. Buses also go up and down the main strip of the Hotel Zone day and night. Public buses have the fare painted on the front.
To get a bus, stick your hand out on the sidewalk anywhere along the bus routes (downtown) or at a bus stop (hotel zone) when you see a bus coming. Just hand the driver cash; they can make change. To get off the bus, hit the red button and the bus will stop within 15 seconds.
By Car or Scooter
Cancun has rental companies located at the airport, in the Hotel Zone, and Downtown. If you’d rather have your own car, there are many opportunities to rent one. Parking is widely available, although it can be expensive.
Driving in Cancun can be safe for tourists, but it is not really necessary to get a car unless you plan to go outside of the Hotel Zone.
Scooters used to be a popular way to get around Cancun, but they cost as much as renting a car and can be dangerous in the city’s congested traffic.
Cancun FAQ
Where in Mexico is Cancun located?
Cancun is located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the young state of Quintana Roo (founded in 1974). Cancun’s location is home to places like Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women, 30 minutes by boat), Playa del Carmen (one-hour driving), Cozumen (one hour from Playa del Carmen by boat), and Tulum (Two hours driving).
Cancun is separated into two areas: Ciudad Cancún (Cancún City) and Isla Cancún (Cancún Island). Ciudad Cancún, on the mainland, is the original downtown area, where most of the local population lives. It’s home to traditional restaurants, shops, and less expensive hotels, as well as pharmacies, dentists, automotive shops, banks, travel and airline agencies, and car-rental firms(all within an area about 9 square blocks).
Isla Cancún is a sandy strip 14 miles long, shaped like a 7. It’s home to the famed Zona Hotelera, or Hotel Zone (also called the Zona Turística, or Tourist Zone), connected to the mainland by the Playa Linda Bridge at the north end and the Punta Nizuc Bridge at the southern end.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
The Cancun International Airport offers plenty of transportation options. Most hotels offer transportation services for a fee. You can also book taxis, shuttles, and private transfers beforehand. One thing you cannot take in Cancun is Uber (at least for now). It exists, but because of tensions between the taxi companies and Uber, it is not recommended to use the ride-share app. Uber is not permitted to pick up at the airport.
How do I get around Cancun using public transportation?
Taxis are one of the easiest ways to get around in Cancun, however, this is also one of the most expensive. There are licensed taxi stands around town. Taxi rates are high in Cancun, but they’re based on distance, so you can easily confirm the price before accepting the ride.
The buses in Cancun are reliable and safe. There is a bus system that travels up and down the Hotel Zone and throughout Downtown. The most popular routes are the R1 and R2. Buses run every five minutes and are very reasonably priced.
If you’d rather have your own car, there are plenty of car rental companies to choose from, whether at the airport, in the Hotel Zone, or Downtown. Parking facilities are widely available, though they usually come at a cost.
Is Uber available in Cancun?
Uber can be difficult to use in Cancun due to hostility between taxi companies and the apps. It is much more acceptable to take a cab from a licensed taxi.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice.
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Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
Pesos are the national currency of Mexico and will be accepted everywhere. U.S. dollars are typically accepted throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone, but the further you venture into ‘real Mexico’ the more problems you may find in using USD for everyday purchases.
There are many exchange houses with varying exchange rates. Hotels may change money for guests, usually at a much higher exchange rate. Avoid changing money at the airport, especially at the first exchange booth you see, the rates are less favorable than those in town or others farther inside the airport. The easiest way to draw money is at an ATM machine, which will dispense money in pesos and charge a small transaction fee. ATMs also give the best exchange rate, even with the fee.
Most banks sit downtown along Avenida Tulum and are usually open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, although some are open later and even half the day on Saturday. Many have ATMs for after-hours cash withdrawals. In the Hotel Zone, you’ll find banks with ATMs in Kukulcán Plaza and the Caracol Plaza.
What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Cancun is from November to March. Expect hot days and cool evenings, with minimal rainfall. Rabinor recommends November, in particular, for the slightly cooler, drier weather and absence of winter cold fronts.
That said, you’ll find the best deals in Cancun over the rainy season, which begins in June. Hurricanes and tropical storms most likely occur from September to October, but this is when hotel and flight prices are at their lowest.
The summer months are best for diving and snorkeling, particularly if you want the chance to swim beside the elusive whale sharks. Keep in mind summer will mean much hotter temperatures coupled with high humidity.
Is Cancun safe for tourists? Are there parts of the city I should avoid?
Yes, Cancun is safe to visit. Car break-ins are the most frequent crime, usually around shopping centers in the Hotel Zone. Some bars and nightclubs in the outlying downtown areas (rarely ever visited by tourists) have drug deals and petty criminal activity. It is safest to travel in pairs or small groups and to always keep your wits about you. Do not walk alone at night.
Is there free wifi in Cancun?
Most hotels and restaurants have Internet access, and five-star hotels have business centers. All of Kukulcán Plaza, Bulevar Kukulcán Km 13, offers free Wi-Fi. Pick up a password at Customer Services, near the main entrance.
Is it safe to drink the tap water in Cancun?
Though the tap water in Cancun does meet the standards of safely, it is always a good idea to stick with bottled water. Head to the nearest supermarket and stock up on some bottled water.
I don`t speak Spanish. Will many people speak English?
Yes, many people in Cancun speak English, especially in the tourist sector. You’re likely to find that hotel and restaurant staff, as well as tourist attractions, speak English primarily. However, the official language of Cancun is Spanish. We suggest you get a good English-Spanish guide book, or app on your phone, and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the tipping etiquette in Cancun?
It’s up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20& (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
For Polie and Fire Departments dial tel. 060 or 066 to reach the police, fire station, or ambulance in an emergency. Cancun also has a fleet of tourist police to help travelers (Tel. (998) 855-2277.
Several private hospitals, comparable to those in the U.S., are located in El Centro. Galenia Hospital (www.hospitalgalenia.com) at Av. Tulum, SM 12, at Nizuc. is one of the city’s most modern and provides excellent care.Other hospitals: Hospitén Cancún (www.hospiten.com) at Av. Bonampak south of Av. Nichupté; and AmeriMed Hospital (www.amerimedcancun.com), at Av. Bonampak and Av. Nichupté (behind Las Americas mall). All are open 24 hours and staffed by English-speaking doctors and nurses. Note: Mexican hospitals do not accept medical insurance from other countries; buy travelers’ medical insurance if there’s a chance you will need a hospital. U.S. Air Ambulance service (www.usairambulance.net) is available around the clock.
In an emergency, the local Red Cross is open 24 hours on Avenida Yaxchilan between avenidas Xcaret and Labna, next to the Telmex building.
Top Attractions
Isla Mujeres
Known for beaches such as northern Playa Norte, resort hotels and for snorkeling and scuba diving on the surrounding coral reefs.
Interactive Aquarium Cancun
Many sea creatures are displayed at this aquarium offering unique interactive experiences & shows.
Delphinus Punta Cancun
Enjoy a unique experience and swim with dolphins at Hyatt Ziva, in Punta Cancun.
Ventura Park Cancun
It`s the perfect park for the entire family to enjoy a whole day`s worth of Cancun activities.
Unique Experiences
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4×1 Tour of Tulum, Coba, Cenote and Playa del Carmen: Discover the construction, history, and tradition within the walled Maya ruins in Tulum and climb the pyramid of Nohoch Mul in Coba before a guided tour. Unwind with a swim in a whimsical cenote.
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Cancun Local Experience: Taco and Beer Food Tour: Experience Cancun like a local with this tour. Discover the top four taco spots in Cancun and savor a delightful variety of tacos (5 pieces). Pair your meal with local beers and end with a sweet treat at a local park.
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Coba Guided Tour Plus Sea Turtle Snorkeling Adventure and Beachside Lunch: Nestled in the jungle, the atmospheric Mayan Ruins of Coba are home to the Yucatan Peninsulas tallest temple 138-foot (42-meter) Nohoch Mul.
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Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour from Cancun with Snorkel and Open Bar: This is the most complete tour to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran where we will take you from your hotel in Cancun to live an unforgettable experience, the turquoise blue of the Caribbean Sea will fascinate you.
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Moonlight Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour in Cancun: Watch the stars come out above the Caribbean on an unforgettable snorkel tour. Swim through sparkling, bioluminescent water and find swaying fans, coral reefs, and seagrass that shelters turtles, rays, crabs, and lobster.
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What to expect while traveling
