CancúnTravel Guide

Aptly named, Cancun’s Hotel Zone is a strip on which the vast majority of the luxury hotels are built, so if you have some extra cash at your disposal, this is definitely where you want to be. Of course, it’s important to note that the Hotel Zone is also “party central”, so be prepared to share your space with party-goers determined to live their best life at every possible opportunity. Eco-certified, five-star hotel Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is an all-inclusive resort with its own private beach, swim-up bars and an outdoor swimming pool. The Grand Hotel Cancún is another five-star sure-fire win, with a high-end spa, outdoor swimming pool, private terraces and private balconies.

Costa Mujeres, also known as Playa Mujeres, is an isolated gated community with a much quieter vibe, a variety of stunning beaches and offering direct connections to the nearby Isla Mujeres. Atelier Playa Mujeres is a five-star, all-inclusive resort with 593 suites, a golf course and sea views. If budget allows and you’d like to go all-out on luxury, book your stay at the Catalonia Grand Costa Mujeres, known for its private terrace suites, swim-up rooms and world-class restaurants.

On a budget? Head for downtown Cancun, packed with hotels and hostels with rates a fraction of the price of a stay in the upmarket areas. Motel Costa Express is a great pick for every type of traveller, from families to couples and corporate travellers alike. Santa Fe Studios and Suites promises a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor swimming pool, parking and free Wi-Fi.

Step away from the waves and take a refreshing dip in a cenote instead. A cenote is essentially a deep sinkhole that is formed when the ceiling of a limestone cave collapses – and there are thousands of them in Cancun. The magical blue waters entice for swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving. If you’re keen to take this particular activity to the max, you could consider booking a cenote tour to visit some of the most famous sinkholes in the region.

Hop aboard a ferry to the breath-takingly beautiful fishing village of Isla Mujeres, best known for its magnificent sunsets and surrounding coral reefs, ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. A visit here provides a welcome change from the loud, vibrant, party atmosphere that Cancun and its Hotel Zone are famous for.

Rent a golf cart or a bicycle to explore the island or lounge around on the powdery sand to your heart’s content. If you opt for the former, be sure to make a stop at eco-park, Punta Sur – 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of lagoon systems, coral reefs, exotic birds and crocodiles (!). Another must-see is MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art with its hundreds of sculptures beneath the ocean or find your Zen by doing yoga on the beach.

The Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is yet another spot to do some digging into Mayan culture. Hundreds of artifacts, ancient skeletons, art galleries and right next to the San Miguelito Ruins in the jungle, the Museo Maya is an absolute must-visit.

Step into the ancient Mayan way of life by taking part in a temazcal ceremony, designed to cleanse mind, body and soul. These ceremonies are traditionally led by a local shaman, but, in recent times, many of the luxury spas in Cancun have started incorporating them into their offering, so you needn’t look far to find an opportunity to embrace this unique experience.  
 
Typically, the ceremony unfolds inside a darkened, domed hut in which hot volcanic rocks have been placed in the centre. Water mixed with herbs like sage is carefully poured onto the rocks to create steam while the shaman chants and you slowly enter an immersive, meditative state. The sweat lodge is meant to represent the womb and emerging from it is symbolic of being reborn. But you’ll certainly feel refreshed, rejuvenated and at peace afterwards.  

The well-preserved ancient city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s crammed full of Mayan ruins and ancient buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 5th century. It’s located just a few hours from Cancun (a two-and-a-half-hour drive if you have your own wheels) and definitely worth the journey for the history buffs.

You’ll find loads of restaurants for fine wining and dining scattered throughout the Hotel Zone, as well as downtown, so deciding where to eat in Cancun can be tricky. Decisions, decisions! Our favourites include the long-standing La Habichuela, 15 minutes from the Hotel Zone and celebrated as an authentic tribute to Mayan culture. The menu features an array of fresh seafood and Mexican classics, including grilled jumbo lobster, deep-fried coconut shrimp and crunchy tortillas with guacamole. The Club Grill is another must, particularly for meat lovers. You’ll find it on-site at the Grand Hotel Cancun, where you can savour an artfully plated meal complemented by excellent wine to the sounds of live jazz piano music.

So much to tickle your taste buds, from steamed “basket” tacos stuffed with spicy chorizo and potato to cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted pork dish), considered by locals to be the Mexican street food item. You’ll also find esquites (cups filled with juicy corn removed from the cob), elotes (grilled corn-on-the-cob), handmade ice cream in a variety of mouth-watering flavours and, of course, tacos, tacos, tacos!

If upscale and sophisticated shopping centres are your thing, La Isla Shopping Village is sure to fit the bill. Found in the Hotel Zone, it ticks all of your shopping and entertainment boxes, boasting a mix of souvenir shops and boutiques. The open-air mall is also home to the Interactive Aquarium, a movie theatre and restaurants with a view. Another option to visit where you’re guaranteed to feel swipe-happy with your Travel Money Card in hand is Malecon Americas in downtown Cancun, bursting at the seams with all sorts of shops. It’s also connected to Plaza Las Americas, which was the original shopping destination for locals before the newer malls were built.

Mercado 28 is the most famous flea market in Cancun and offers access to a host of vendors selling their wares and creations. Stroll through the maze of stalls with your best poker face at the ready to strike a bargain on items that catch your eye. Mercado Coral Negro is another flea market worth a visit, full of trinkets and treasures from hand-painted pottery to hand-made jewellery.  

It’s easy to hitch a ride no matter where you are in Cancun. The city relies both on local taxi services and e-hailing apps, like Uber. If you’d prefer to use the former, ask your hotel or resort to schedule your lift on your behalf.

Planning on doing a fair bit of exploring? Then renting a car is definitely worth it. The roads in Cancun are generally well maintained and traffic isn’t a problem unless there’s been an accident or a big event going on.

Buses are the most affordable mode of transport for getting around in Cancun. They generally run every five minutes and follow two main routes across the Hotel Zone and the downtown areas, which pass by many popular shopping centres, attractions, beaches and hotels. There are the airport buses as well that travel between the airport and various bus stations. Book your tickets online though as they get full quickly.

Sightseeing on the Isla Mujeres involves hopping aboard a ferry, but fear not, there are plenty of them. You’ll also have three piers to choose from if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, namely Playa Tortugas, Playa Caracol and El Embarcadero, each running every half an hour.

Ask both the locals and the tourists what’s considered the “best” beach in Cancun and you’re almost guaranteed they’ll enthusiastically respond with “Playa Delfines”, the largest public beach in the city. It’s the only beach in the Hotel Zone without any nearby resorts or hotels marring the scenery, so it’s perfect for your vacation snaps. It’s also home to the iconic, colourful Cancun sign, located on the El Mirador lookout platform, perched on a hilltop overlooking the water.

Playa Chac Mool is a quieter beach in Cancun, taking you away from the loud music and festivities that can be found on some of the other beaches in the city. It’s your white-sand escape, ideal if you are the kind of traveller who wants to enjoy a typical beach vacation, including a variety of water sports.

Looking for somewhere more private to sun your skin and enjoy the sea? Then the secluded gated community of Costa Mujeres is where you want to be. Get there early to reserve your spot on a private beach, such as Isla Blanca.