Have you been thinking about a sunny holiday throughout the winter? How about an easily accessible destination, with guaranteed sunshine and clear waters? On top of that, add some history and amazing food. Enough clues? Here is a getaway in Cancun, your next dream vacation.
Table of Contents
Let me answer all your questions about your getaway in Cancun.
Why visit Cancun, Mexico?
I can think of a few reasons, so take your peak: enjoy the white sandy beaches and the clear, warm water, explore the Mayan heritage of the area, hit the nightclubs and bars, or simply lounge under your umbrella and recharge your batteries.
Where is Cancun?
Cancun is a long stretch of sand along the Caribbean on the northeastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in the south of Mexico. It’s divided between Cancun City and the resort area, known as Zona Hotelera in Spanish, a large area completely dedicated to tourist services.
How to get to Cancun, Mexico?
The international airport is well-connected to most major airports in the US and Canada. You can also fly directly from a few airports in Europe, like Madrid or Amsterdam.
If you’re already in Mexico, you can take the 180 highway to Cancun. Beware though: it’s a long drive from virtually wherever you are coming from (it’s 1600 km away from Mexico City, for instance). A car might be very convenient to explore the Yucatan Peninsula once you get there, but the drive across the country might be exhausting.
When to visit Cancun?
The weather in Cancun is warm year-round, with the hottest time in May (an average maximum of 33 C) and the coolest in January (with an average maximum of 27 C).
December to March is the most sought-after season in Cancun, as the weather is pleasant, with little to no rain, and many tourists are coming to enjoy the sun and escape winter at home. That being said, the water is relatively cold during this season, and the prices are higher during the peak season.
April to June are less crowded, with a few exceptions during the spring break and the week before Easter. The chance of rain increases, but that can be just a short shower and higher humidity.
July to October are hot, and the chances of rain are higher than the rest of the year. The sea is warm, so you can enjoy your time in the ocean if you don’t mind the seaweed that appears at this time. This is also the hurricane season, with its peak between September and October. Though hurricanes rarely hit the Yucatan, it’s best to keep an eye on the weather forecasts if you plan a trip during these months.
I’ve left November out as it’s slightly different. The chances of rain decrease, the crowds aren’t there yet, prices are still affordable, and the water isn’t too cold. If you already dream of summer, a trip to Cancun in November might just be the dream vacation you need to fuel up for the winter ahead.
What? The best things to do in Cancun
Depending on your preferences for holiday activities, you can do a lot in Cancun. If I were to choose the most popular things to do in Cancun, they would have to be the ones below.
Enjoy the beach
Cancun is a long stretch of white sand, 22 kilometers of it. There is no vacation long enough to try every single beach in Cancun, but you’re welcome to try.
Explore the ocean
The ocean offers so many things to do in this area. Besides swimming, you can snorkel in the reef, scuba diving, or try stand-up paddling (SUP). One of the most interesting things to do in Cancun is to snorkel at MUSA, an underwater sculptures museum that is becoming part of the coral reef’s ecosystem. The museum is similar to Museo Atlantico, another artificial reef and one of the most amazing things to do in Lanzarote.
Party in Cancun
Cancun is well-known for its exciting nightlife. The party starts in the early afternoon and goes on until the early hours of the morning. Many of these nightclubs are aligned on Kukulkan Avenue in Zona Hotelera.
Discover the Mayan Heritage
The Yucatan Peninsula is full of archaeological sites showing the remains of the Mayan civilization. Without leaving Cancun, you can visit the San Miguelito Ruins and the Museo Maya. You get the chance to be introduced to the Maya culture and see artifacts from Chichén Itzá or Tulum.
Speaking of which, book a day trip and head to Chichén Itzá to see for yourself the impressive ruins of this lost city. It’s the largest Mayan archaeological site, and you’ll find very well-preserved stone structures and the El Castillo stepped pyramid.
If you have the time, the Tulum archaeological site should also be on your itinerary. Just, don’t forget your swimsuit for this one, as Tulum also has some amazing beaches.
Float in a cenote
Cenotes are sinkholes that appear where the limestone roof of a cave collapsed. They are fueled by the Yucatan Peninsula underground river system. You can swim in some of these cenotes and you’ll feel refreshed on a hot day. They even have organized tours visiting multiple cenotes in a day trip.
Practical Advice to Visiting Cancun
Where to stay in Cancun
As a first-time visitor to Cancun, it’s best to stay in Zona Hotelera and take advantage of the 20+ kilometers stretch of white sand it’s built on. The accommodations options range from all-inclusive luxury resorts to boutique hotels and budget options.
I selected one of the resorts offering the best of Cancun: Royal Sands Cancun: where luxury meets paradise. You will find the complete experience of Mexican hospitality and complete relaxation at the Royal Sands. Apart from the comfortable rooms and stunning views, you will find the best Mexican cuisine, fresh seafood, and perfectly cooked steaks in the on-premises restaurants.
The beach facilities, pools, and SPA area will allow you to relax and take home memories (and Insta-worthy photos) of your dream vacation in Cancun.
Visitax
As a tourist visiting Cancun, you need to pay a tax, called Visitax. You can pay for it online, and it will be automatically associated with your passport, so you won’t need to print or save it.
Packing for your Getaway in Cancun
Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunglasses, and sunscreen when packing for Cancun. However the most important is to bring your passport and valid credit card. Shopping options are everywhere so if you forget something on your packing list for the beach, you will probably enjoy a little time browsing through the shops in Cancun.
On a more serious note, here is how to plan your stress-free getaway in Cancun, Mexico.