Cancun is one of the most popular resorts in Mexico. Take a dip in the beautiful turquoise waters, sip tequila on the balcony of a luxury resort hotel or soak up the Maya culture – there is always something to do in Cancun. Or, you could spend two weeks doing absolutely nothing. If you have yet to experience the wonders of Cancun in Quintana Roo, Mexico, read on for a few reasons why Cancun should be your next vacation destination.
1. The Accommodation Choices
From holiday rentals Cancun to a wealth of luxury resort hotels, you will be spoilt for choice when booking accommodation. The resort is famous for its all-inclusive hotels, but don’t assume that these are your only option. For a more luxurious vibe, check out some of the high-end rentals in the area. Instead of jostling for space around the hotel pool, you can swim in a private pool, cook meals at your leisure, and enjoy the extra room in a well-appointed luxury beachfront villa.
2. The Climate
The sun always shines in Cancun. The peak travel season is between December and April when daytime temperatures are a very pleasant 24-26 degrees Celsius. Between June and November, it can be hot and humid, with temperatures around 28-30 degrees Celsius. Hurricanes are always a possibility, too. But if you can stand the heat, or plan on spending as much time in the water as possible, prices are lower.
3. The Nightlife
Cancun has some of the hottest nightlife in Mexico. The resort is famous for its party scene and revelers travel here from all over the world to dance until dawn. If you love to party, you can visit a different club or bar every night. Make new friends, dance your socks off, and drink as much as you want – often for free.
Popular nightspots in Cancun include:
- Coco Bongo has top DJs, tribute acts, acrobats, and Fiesta nights.
- The City has nine bars over three floors. All the top DJs come here to perform sets. It’s a popular nightspot during Spring Break.
- Señor Frogs is famous for its foam parties, house, and hip-hop music. Bop ‘til you drop!
- Mandela Beach Club hosts outdoor dance music pool parties where bikinis are obligatory.
4. The Food
You won’t be disappointed with the food in Cancun. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tasty tacos served at beach shacks, there is something to suit all culinary tastes. Naturally, you can expect a lot of Yucatecan-themed dishes, such as slow-roasted pork and fried tortillas, but make sure you sample the local seafood. Many restaurants also serve Mayan inspired dishes and ingredients often draw upon classic Caribbean spices and flavors. But whatever you do, don’t stick like glue to the hotel’s buffet – head out to the local restaurants and give your taste buds a treat.
5. The Shopping Malls
It wouldn’t be a vacation if you didn’t spend at least one day doing a spot of shopping. The good news is that Cancun is retail heaven, with numerous upscale shopping malls and designer boutiques. La Isla Shopping Village and Kukulcan Plaza are two of the most popular – and busiest – malls. If it’s souvenirs rather than a new designer swimsuit you are after, head over to the Coral Negro Flea Market. There are also plenty of smaller stores selling local arts and crafts in the Hotel Zone. Look out for locally made tequila, silverware, and sombreros. You can’t leave without a Cancun tee-shirt!
6. The Scuba Diving
Cancun is one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations. From underwater reefs to cenotes, Cancun has it all. Whether you are an experienced diver or are hoping to take some lessons, you will love the underwater attractions off the coast of Cancun. You can dive off-shore at some sites, but other attractions are only accessible by boat. The best time to go scuba diving in Cancun is between May and November, but the waters are warm all year.
Must-visit watery attractions include:
- El Museo Subaquàtico de Arte (MUSA) – an underwater contemporary art museum featuring sculptures by leading artists.
- Isla Mujeres – come here between June and September to see the wonderful whale sharks.
- Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum is the most famous cenote (underwater cave) in the area. It’s accessible to divers of all abilities.
7. The Culture
Cancun is famous for its Mayan culture. If you want to learn more about the elusive Mayans, head to the Museo Maya de Cancún, which has more than 400 fascinating Mayan artifacts on display in its permanent collections. The San Miguelito archaeological site is also a fascinating place to explore. You will probably want to visit the ruins at El Ray, too, which are not as impressive as Chichén Itzá, but nevertheless, they are still worthy of a day trip, especially if you have already visited the museum.
8. The Beaches
Cancun has some of the best beaches on the Yucatán Peninsula. Miles upon miles of powdery sand lapped by warm Caribbean waters make Cancun a beach lover’s dream destination.
If you want to spend your time soaking up the sun, head to Playa Delfines. The views are magnificent and there are plenty of food and drink vendors. Playa Chac Mool is great for families, as the waters are safe for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. You can hire equipment from one of the beach rental companies. Playa Forum is right in the heart of the main hotel areas, so it can get crowded, but it also has all the amenities you could possibly need.
If you have time, head over to Playa del Carmen too. It isn’t too far from Cancun, but it has a very different vibe. Think hippy town rather than a high-end resort.
9. The Home from Home Vibe
The great thing about Cancun is that it is very westernized. The local people are friendly and love to welcome tourists. Even though you are in a different country, it will feel like a home from home. In fact, you won’t want to go home!
Have you been to Cancun? Tell us more!
