Cancun is one of Mexico’s liveliest cities, situated on the Caribbean shoreline with beautiful beaches and an incredible array of watersports, excursions and cultural hotspots to enjoy. From lounging in the sand or dancing all night at clubs in the famous Hotel Zone (aka Zona Hotelera) to visiting the Maya civilization and tasting the spices and flavors of Mexico. Cancun has something to offer every curious traveler.
Whether you’re coming for the nightlife or a chance to slow down and enjoy the blissful oceanfront scenery, having a guide to Cancun is essential if you want to experience the best this vibrant city has to offer. Dive into our Cancun travel guide to discover the best time to visit, things to do, places to stay and less-visited spots nearby that are worth checking out.
How to Get Around Cancun
Getting around Cancun is simple, especially if you stick to the Hotel Zone — the main thoroughfare lined with hotels, restaurants, retail and entertainment. Avenida Kukulcan threads through the entire zone, so you can walk, ride a bus, call a ride-hailing service or take a ferry to visit nearby islands for the day.
Make a note of your hotel’s kilometer-marker number. You’ll find it easier to get back to your room after experiencing the city all day.
ADO Buses
This is the only form of transportation you’ll need to use to safely and quickly get around Cancun (besides walking). Cancun’s ADO buses are affordable and run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are a variety of routes through the tourist areas and places off the beaten path, connecting the airport, Hotel Zone, downtown and Avenida Tulum.
Buses run every five minutes. Fares vary, but usually less than a dollar. Learn more about ADO buses here.
Transportation Tip: Buses driving on the side of the road closest to the ocean go north, toward downtown Cancun. Those running on the lagoon side of the ride go south, toward the Hotel Zone.
Ride-sharing and Taxi Services
It’s easy to find taxis and ride-sharing services across Cancun to get wherever you need to go. This option is great if you don’t want to wait for multiple stops on buses or want to avoid crowds.
You can arrange taxis through vetted companies with fixed costs at your resort or the airport. Alternatively, you can book ride-share services, like Uber and Lyft, through the app to have a driver pick you up and transport you.
Prices for taxis and rideshare services vary. As anywhere else, longer distances mean higher fares, which can add up substantially in the resort areas.
Ultramar Ferry Service
The Ultramar ferry service transports passengers from Cancun to the nearby island of Isla Mujeres in about 30 minutes. There’s no better way to experience the beauty of Cancun’s Caribbean scenery than by ferry!
You can arrange a round-trip ferry ride from the Hotel Zone to Isla Mujeres. Board ferries from any of the three docks in Cancun: Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol, or El Embarcadero. You can find Ultramar ferry routes and schedules here.
Best Time to Visit Cancun
December through early March is the best time to visit Cancun overall. The winter months boast the best weather for Cancun beach trips and the liveliest atmosphere with lots of activities and events taking place.
What makes December, January, February and March so ideal for a trip to Cancun? With low humidity, minimal rainfall, and daily temperatures averaging a balmy 74-76°F, it’s the perfect time to hang out at the beach, go snorkeling or take an excursion to get to know the Maya civilization and see ruins.
It’s peak season, so tourists arrive in droves, but the influx often spurs competition between hotels, restaurants and tour organizers to offer deals to entice customers. By coming before the Spring Break season, you’ll find better prices and avoid the heaviest crowds. You’ll also skip the peak Cancun seaweed season when sargassum washes ashore!
Top 5 Things to Do in Cancun
The best excursions and things to do in Cancun can have you snorkeling in a secluded cove in the morning, shopping in downtown El Centro that afternoon and dancing to the beat of music thumping from lively nightclubs all night long. Here are the activities that you don’t want to miss while you’re in Cancun!
1. Visit Breathtaking Beaches
Cancun’s coastline features beautiful beaches — some with calm waters where sea turtles congregate and others where powerful waves create a surfer’s paradise. Stick to the top part of the “7” in the Hotel Zone for calmer waters and great snorkeling. The southern end of the Hotel Zone, bordering the Caribbean Sea, tends to see bigger waves and riptides.
Some of the best options are the lifeguarded Playa Chac Mool, people-watching at the buzzing Playa Delfines or lounging on Playa Langosta with food and drinks nearby.
2. Enjoy the Nightlife and Shopping
If you enjoy clubbing or just want to see why Cancun’s nightlife is so famous, you’re never far from entertainment here! The iconic Coco Bongo Beach Club, Mandala Beach Club and hot spots on Avenida Kukulcan are perfect to sample the different music and vibes of Cancun.
If clubs and bars aren’t your scene, consider booking a private Cancun shopping tour to experience the dazzling displays of hand-crafted souvenirs, unique gifts and colorful clothing you’ll find in Plaza Kukulcan, La Isla Shopping Village and Mercado Coral Negro.
3. Visit Adventure Parks
Cancun features tons of nearby adventure parks with everything from rides and water slides to ziplines and cliff jumping. Check out Ventura Park in the Hotel Zone for dolphin encounters, a zipline and a water park.
Make it a day trip and visit Xplor Park with transportation and lunch included near Playa del Carmen for jungle-themed adventures, underground rivers, rafting, and amphibious vehicle rides. Xcaret, also in Playa del Carmen, is one of the most popular adventure parks with cenotes and underground rivers, wildlife sanctuaries and speedboat rides.
4. Book an Excursion
Cancun’s location on the Gulf of America and Caribbean Sea, along with sacred cenotes and ruins from the Maya civilization, makes it the perfect jumping-off point for excursions and trips. Book snorkeling and parasailing excursions to Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol offer ideal conditions to spot colorful marine life and coral reefs.
Amp up the adventure with a scuba diving excursion, book a horseback riding adventure, or schedule a catamaran ride to nearby Isla Mujeres to experience everything the region has to offer.
5. Visit the Cancun Mayan Museum
The Cancun Mayan Museum, aka Museo Maya de Cancun, is a must-visit spot if you appreciate history and want to learn about the culture of Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula. Browse thousands of ancient artifacts from nearby archaeological sites, including a 12,500-year-old skeleton retrieved from a cenote.
Take the walking path around the museum to reach the San Miguelito ruins and enjoy the scenic views looking out over the Nichupté Lagoon.
Where to Stay in Cancun
Before traveling to Cancun, it’s a good idea to line up where you plan to stay. With so many places to stay in Cancun, stick with AAA Diamond properties, aka the best-reviewed accommodations that come with special benefits that make enjoying a Cancun vacation even easier.
For convenient access to most of the city’s attractions, consider staying in these areas:
- Downtown/El Centro: Proximity to attractions, food, and shopping
- Isla Mujeres: Luxurious accommodations and pristine beaches
- Costa Mujeres: Secluded beaches; great for couples
- Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera): Nightlife, beaches, and shopping
These are the best all-inclusive resorts and hotels in Cancun!
1. Waldorf Astoria Cancun
- Address: Carr Federal Libre 307 Cancun Tulum
- Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Best For: Relaxation, unmatched luxury and seclusion
Waldorf Astoria Cancun is the best of the best, offering all the amenities the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand is known for. Situated south of the Hotel Zone, the resort feels exclusive and private for travelers who want to experience a less-busy side of Cancun. Lavish rooms, incredible on-site dining and bar options and oceanfront views put it at the top of our list.
Every room has a private balcony and soaking tub, perfect for taking in the ocean views in seclusion. Go for a swim in the pool as you peer out over the Caribbean Sea, order room service or dine in any of the three top-rated restaurants, and revel in the luxurious amenities. AAA members get an exclusive 10% discount at the resort.
2. Secrets the Vine Cancun
- Address: Retorno del Rey 38, Zona Hotelera
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Wine lovers and couples seeking all-inclusive luxury
Secrets the Vine Cancun earned the Inspector’s Best of Wow Effect distinction and truly has the so-called "wow factor." This sprawling adults-only resort sits on the southern end of the Hotel Zone, offering seclusion and amenities like heated infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean, sophisticated lounges, on-site dining with Middle Eastern to authentic Mexican fare, a top-rated spa and poolside bars.
The resort's name comes from its extensive wine collection, featuring more than 4,000 wines and daily tastings that any wine connoisseur is welcome to enjoy. With surprisingly affordable rates for the level of luxury it offers, it’s one of the best places to stay in Cancun. AAA members save an extra 10%!
3. Kempinski Hotel Cancun
- Address: Retorno del Rey No. 36, Zona Hotelera
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best For: Affordable sophistication with private beach access
Kempinski Hotel Cancun is the best option for affordability with all the perks you’d expect and appreciate in the heart of Cancun’s Hotel Zone: a private beach, nine on-site restaurants and bars, a luxury spa and sauna, and plush guest rooms with endless ocean views.
Grab lunch at a poolside grill and bar, play tennis, book excursions and enjoy the spacious pool as you look out over the ocean. Take a cooking class or enjoy fine dining at The Culinary Center, and melt away stress at the sauna and spa after a busy day enjoying the city and the hotel’s long list of amenities.
4. NIZUC Resort & Spa
- Address: Blvd Kukulcan KM 21.26, Punta Nizuc
- Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Best For: Tranquility beyond the Hotel Zone
NIZUC Resort & Spa is located away from the buzz of the Hotel Zone on Punta Nizuc, offering a wealth of tranquility and peace for those who want to be more intentional about enjoying the city’s nightlife and tourist areas. With perks like a private dock, kayak trips, themed dinners at six on-site restaurants and a top-tier spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, NIZUC is one of the best Cancun resorts for those seeking calm in beautiful surroundings.
You’ll appreciate the range of flavors offered at the restaurants, from Mexican to Mediterranean, as well as overflowing buffets. With the Nichupté Lagoon nearby, you can kayak through mangroves and encounter wildlife while enjoying a more peaceful side of Cancun.
5. Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
- Address: Blvd Kukulcan KM 10, Zona Hotelera
- Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Best For: Adults seeking spa amenities and lavish rooms
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun offers an unexpected place to get away near the heart of downtown Cancun. The resort’s famous spa sets the tone for your stay, where relaxation and tranquility imbue every experience. From hot tubs in every room to multiple indoor and outdoor pools, Le Blanc is the best place to stay if you want to unwind in luxury with easy access to local attractions and shopping.
Get a world-class massage or spa treatment, choose from 13 restaurants on the resort property when it’s time for a meal, wander down to the secluded private beach to take in the views, or soak in your hot tub. With live music and entertainment scheduled daily, there’s always something going on at Le Blanc.
Where to Eat in Cancun
While there are a variety of things to do in Cancun, sampling the deliciously fresh flavors at restaurants around the city might end up being one of your favorite activities! Cancun cuisine relies on spices, techniques and ingredients that are traditional for the Yucatan Peninsula.
Today, you’ll find restaurants in the city serving a blend of authentic, fusion and international fare for top-notch dining experiences. These are five of the best restaurants in Cancun!
1. Le Chique
- Address: Entrada Bahia Petempich Mza 34 Lote 15-04 Sm 12
- Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Reservations: Required
Le Chique is one of Cancun’s finest restaurants, and if you’re in the mood to splurge on a memorable dinner that highlights the best of contemporary Mexican and fusion fare, get ready to book your reservation. Headed up by an award-winning Iron Chef, every appetizer, meal and dessert that comes out of the kitchen is bursting with flavor and prepared to perfection.
This isn’t a spot for a quick meal; it’s a dining experience, so allow around two hours for your dinner (which includes a variety of presentations). You’ll be able to taste the finest gourmet offerings that elevate and refine classical Mexican dishes with elements borrowed from around the globe.
2. Hacienda El Mortero
- Address: Blvd. Kukulcan Km. 9.5
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
For authentic Mexican food made with the freshest, seasonal ingredients, visit Hacienda El Mortero on your trip to Cancun. From the vibrant atmosphere and mariachis who visit each table to an extensive menu featuring classics like empanadas, tacos and spiced steaks to expertly prepared seafood, there’s something for every palate.
Enjoy the lively and colorful ambience as you explore the region’s most iconic dishes and flavors, ending your meal with a sumptuous dessert to cap off your experience at Hacienda El Mortero. Don’t forget to taste the margaritas!
3. Trattoria Limoncello
- Address: Kukulcán Km 10.5, Zona Hotelera
- Diamond-destination: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Trattoria Limoncello is in the heart of the Hotel Zone, serving sophisticated Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a posh setting. The intimate restaurant overlooks a bay with plush patio seating options and a rich menu that includes pasta and gnocchi dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and flavorful seafood options.
The restaurant makes pasta fresh daily—an added touch that elevates the menu for even simple dishes, like cacio e pepe, aka pasta with cheese and pepper. With an extensive list of house-made desserts to choose from, this is a restaurant that never fails to impress.
4. Le Basilic
- Address: Blvd Kukulcan KM 9.5 Lote 6, Zona Hotelera
- Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Reservations: Required
If you thought you’d be limited to Mexican fare in Cancun, a restaurant like Le Basilic will easily change your mind. Classical French cuisine is the basis of the menu here, offered in a fine-dining setting that is perfect for an upscale night out or any special occasion you might be celebrating during your Cancun travels.
A pianist will add to the sophisticated ambiance in the dining room, while you’re presented with six courses from the ever-changing prix fixe menu that features the freshest seasonal ingredients. It’s not just a meal; it’s an epicurean experience that is perfectly accompanied by the evening entertainment.
5. Harry's Cancun Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar
- Address: Blvd Kukulcan KM 14.5
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
This eatery is a must-visit in Cancun, thanks to its posh décor, impeccable service, nightly live music and international cuisine. In fact, Harry's Cancun Prime Steakhouse & Raw Bar is the best place to sample USDA Prime steak and a variety of Cancun’s delicious seafood. Whether you’re splurging on Alaskan king crab or sampling raw delicacies and appetizers, you’ll appreciate the expert preparation and quality ingredients here.
Cancun Photo Spots
While Cancun’s beaches are some of the most popular photo spots, there are a few special places to visit in this oceanfront city, where you can snap photos that perfectly capture the heart and soul of colorful Cancun. Make sure to visit each of these places to get incredible photos from your trip!
- The Cancun Sign: This iconic sign is positioned on the popular Playa Delfines (Dolphins Beach), which is the perfect spot to grab Instagram-worthy beach photos that capture the white sand and colorful essence of Cancun’s tropical paradise.
- El Rey Ruins: Right in the Hotel Zone, the El Rey Archaeological Zone (Zona Arqueologica El Rey) features the Maya civilization with nearly 50 complete structures you can visit and photograph during your trip.
- Plaza Bonita: Located on Avenida Xel-Ha beside Mercado 28, this market looks like an old Mexican village and is teeming with colorful crafts, traditional fabrics and clothing, and local artwork for excellent photos!
- Playa Chac Mool: Just beyond the Hotel Zone, this beach is a bit wilder and features clear waters, crashing waves and rugged rock formations that make it truly stunning to photograph.
- MUSA Underwater Museum: Snap pictures of over 500 underwater sculptures and displays while you snorkel or scuba dive at this unique underwater museum; talk about getting iconic shots!
Day Trips from Cancun
Cancun’s location on the Yucatan Peninsula makes it an ideal base for adventurous day trips and excursions. Going beyond Cancun and the Hotel Zone can be incredibly rewarding, from the Maya civilization and nearby islands to cenotes you can swim in.
1. Isla Mujeres | Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Distance: 30 minutes from Cancun
Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Cancun, beautiful Isla Mujeres is the ultimate day trip if you’re looking for exclusive beaches that feel insulated from the buzz of Cancun. Serene and more laid-back, Isla Mujeres is a favorite spot to grab a comfy beach chair and enjoy the sun and surf.
It’s free to hang out on the public beaches, but renting chairs, umbrellas and golf carts from the private beach clubs along shores like Playa Norte and Playa Lancheros comes with additional costs. Playa Norte is one of the best beaches on the island with soft, white sand, clear water, and a range of beachfront bars and restaurants.
2. Chichen Itza | Yucatan State, Mexico
- Distance: Just over 2 hours from Cancun
Chichen Itza, the most famous remnant of Mexico's Maya civilization, is easy to reach from Cancun and stunning to witness in person. With larger-than-life pyramids, temples, tombs and staircases, this is a fascinating day trip to take if you’re interested in local history and culture.
Tours are offered daily between 8 and 4:30, with full and express options available to fit your itinerary.
3. Cenote Siete Bocas, Puerto Morelos | Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Distance: 22 minutes from Cancun
Experience the natural side of Mexico by visiting and swimming in sacred cenotes, used by the pre-Columbian Mayan people for religious and cultural purposes with an underground ambience that fully immerses you in your trip to Mexico. Cenote Siete Bocas features seven swimming pools, some underground and some with access points where you can jump in or swim in shallow water.
You’ll need life jackets to swim in the cenotes here, and make sure to check out Cenote No. 3 if you want the thrill of jumping in! The cenotes are open daily until 5:30, and you’re welcome to bring your snorkeling equipment.
Visiting Cancun on a Budget
You don’t have to spend a lot to make a splash in Cancun! Here are some of our best budget travel tips to explore and enjoy Cancun without missing out — or overspending.
1. Take advantage of free activities, like hanging out on the pristine beaches, strolling downtown to see murals, or visiting Parque de las Palapas for low-cost street food in a beautiful green setting.
2. Go food shopping at local markets to save money on meals if your hotel or resort room features a kitchenette or full kitchen.
3. Take advantage of your AAA membership on vehicle discounts, tickets and hotels.
4. Consider traveling between May and August for lower rates on hotels and less-crowded conditions for flights, accommodations, activities and dining.
5. Hang onto your bus tickets for discounts at local stores and attractions.
Plan Your Cancun Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Cancun trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged Cancun trips or à la carte options.