Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cancun?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cancun?
Most people spend at least 4 or as many as 7 days in Cancun during their visit. The tropical city offers amazing highlights such as scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the nightlife scene, and the famous sights and museums.
Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches and wild party scene. Years ago the city created a name for itself as a spring break destination, but today you'll find families, honeymooners, and vacationers all enjoying the setting.
Do you have one or two weeks to visit Cancun? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one week enough time in Cancun?
One week is more than enough time to see the activities and enjoy the beach in Cancun. Many visitors prefer to spend four to seven days here, so more time would allow you to experience scuba diving and snorkeling, the beaches, the nightlife scene, and the famous sights and museums at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take a day trip if you're looking to explore further around the area.
How to spend a week in Cancun
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Cancun is world-class, and is one of the main reasons why so many visitors come here. Spend a day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Two Tanks Scuba Diving for Beginners in Cancun ($170)
- 2 Tanks Scuba Diving in Punta Cancun Reefs for Certified Divers ($150)
- Coba Guided Tour Plus Sea Turtle Snorkeling Adventure and Beachside Lunch ($179)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Social Pub Crawl in Cancun ($38)
Cancun is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
The beautiful beaches await you in Cancun, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Jet Ski Rental in Cancun ($70)
- Kayak adventure through Laguna Nichupté in Cancun ($42)
- Mandala Beach Night Cancun - Golden Personal Pass ($60)
Cancun is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Clearboat in Cancun + Refreshments !! ($65)
- Combos: ATV Speedboat or ATV Waverunner or ATV Parasailing with Transportation ($150)
- Mayan Jungle Tour: Speed boat, Snorkel & Snack ($59)
The public transit in Cancun is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Cancun, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
A few tour suggestions include:
- For certified Divers Experience the Under Water Museum and the Manchones Reef ($86)
- Experience Snorkeling The Under Water Museum and the Manchones Reef ($57)
- Experience Scuba Diving Under Water Museum and Reef for beginners ($86)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Cooking Show & Tequila Tasting ($85)
- Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour ($78)
- Tasty Mexican Cooking Class with Feast in Riviera Maya ($152)
Known for it's hiking, Cancun sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Nichupte Lagoon Wildlife Tour ($89)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Shopping in Cancun is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
A few tour suggestions include:
- TACO TOUR CANCUN - City Tour, Tacos, Tequila, Cerveza & Shopping ($69)
- 4 in 1: Mayan Tour to Coba, Tulum, Cenote, Shopping and Lunch from Cancun ($79)
- Cancun City Sightseeing and Shopping Tour On a Double Decker Bus ($45)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
After you've explored most of Cancun, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Ek Balam Ruins and Cenote Maya Park Day Trip from Playa del Carmen ($159)
- Tulum Day Trip Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim ($59)
- Tulum & Cenote Day Trip ($39)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
With plenty of hiking trails and viewpoints around Cancun, you'll need another day to experience the gorgeous hiking trails that you haven't seen yet. Either head out in a different direction, or pick up where you left off before.
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Cancun?
Two weeks is more than enough time to enjoy the beach and other activities in Cancun. You can move at your own pace and relax at your hotel and on the beach. You could also use Cancun as a base for exploring the nearby destinations. You'll find some great day trips in the region worth doing.
Cancun, Mexico
How to spend 2 weeks in Cancun
With 2 weeks in Cancun, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the city has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time snorkeling or scuba diving, relaxing on the beach, hiking, and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this city looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Ek Balam Ruins and Cenote Maya Park Day Trip from Playa del Carmen ($159)
- Tulum Day Trip Mayan Ruins With Cenote Swim ($59)
- Tulum & Cenote Day Trip ($39)
- Xplor Park Priority Access Day Trip with Lunch and Transportation ($176)
- Xcaret Park Day Trip with Priority Access and Cultural Night Show ($154)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Cancun, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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