Are you thinking about visiting Cancun, Mexico? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Cancun worth visiting?
Cancun is worth visiting for four to seven days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. 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.
Cancun, Mexico
Reasons to Visit Cancun
Nightlife
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.
Resorts
You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
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.
Beaches
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.
Museums
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.
Food
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.
Hiking
There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Shopping
While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cancun might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Cancun here or see if Cancun is expensive here.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Cancun
Lots of Tourists
Cancun sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.
Related
What is Cancun most famous for?
Cancun is most famous for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. People visit this impressive city for its great nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. It's also known for museums. And many travelers come for the food, hiking, and shopping, as well. It is often described as adventurous, wild, party-hard, tropical, and active.
How touristy is Cancun? Is it a popular city to visit?
Cancun is a very touristy city that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 1st Life Experience Scuba Diving in Cancun FREE photos/videos: $50
- Kayaking Tour in Cancun: $45
- Kayak Tour at Sunset in Cancun: $45
- LDS Tour to Coba Ruins + Cenote: $165
- Private Evening Taco and Beer Tour with Transportation Included: $237
- Tacos Y Marquesitas Tour Cancún: $55
- Private City Tour Tulum: $139
- Party Bus Tour in Cancun: $56
How long should I spend in Cancun?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cancun is at least four or as many as seven days. Since Cancun has a variety of activities such as resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cancun?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cancun?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cancun?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.