As the gateway to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, famous for their picturesque white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular resort destinations.
If you search for tours to Cancun, you’ll most likely come across tour bundles with stays at an all inclusive resort.
However, there’s much more to Cancun than just eating and drinking at an all inclusive resort. If that’s all you do in Cancun, you’ll be missing out on all the wonderful sceneries and fun activities that Cancun has to offer.
So that you’ll have an unforgettable time in your vacation to Cancun, I’ve written out everything you’ll need to know in this complete guide to Cancun!
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links – which means, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through a link.
Table of Contents
Getting to Cancun
Cancun has the second busiest airport in all of Mexico. You’ll be flying into the Cancun International Airport (CUN).
Since Cancun is a super popular vacation spot for US travelers, you’ll easily find tons of cheap flights from the US. If you book early, round trip flights to Cancun can be as cheap as $150!
Entering Mexico
US travelers used to automatically get 180 days visas for their entry into Mexico. That is no longer the case.
Based on your travel itinerary and what you fill in the entry immigration form (also known as the Tourist Card, FMM), Mexico customs officers will give a certain amount of days for your VISA. This can be 7 days, 30 days, etc.. up to 180 days.
The customs officer will write the days you’re allowed to stay in Mexico on the Tourist Card. You MUST keep this form until you exit Mexico. If you lose the Tourist Card, you’ll need to pay a fee when exiting Mexico.
Before leaving for Mexico, fill and print out the Tourist Card here. It saves you the hassle of finding an empty form and filling it out while standing in the customs line.
Cheapest Airport Transport
The cheapest way to get to downtown Cancun is by taking the ADO aeropuerto bus. It only cost 98 pesos (~5 USD) one way.
After you reach the ADO station in downtown Cancun, you can switch to the local buses (R-1 or R-2) to continue on to the hotel zone.
If you’re traveling in a group, getting a taxi or private transfer might be a better deal.
Getting around Cancun
Best App for Public Transportation around Cancun
Moovit.
A public bus ride in Cancun costs only 12 pesos (~0.5 usd). You can easily find the bus route you need by using Moovit. There’s even a feature where it alerts you to get off your bus as the bus gets close to your stop.

Ridesharing in Cancun
Uber & DiDi
In Cancun, Uber is cheaper than DiDi.
Taxi in Cancun
Taxis in Cancun are priced based on zones. Within downtown Cancun, an average ride is around 30 pesos.
Always negotiate your price before getting into the taxi.
Here’s a site that’s helpful for getting estimates on taxi fare.
Where to Stay in Downtown Cancun
I recommend staying in the El Centro area, close to the ADO bus station and Avenida Tulum. There’ll always be people walking around, plus it’s easy access to public buses.
Hotel Suggestions
Aldeazul (Near Mercado 28, although not as close to the ADO as the other options on this list, I really enjoyed my stay here. Being able to soak in the sunlight on a private balcony while working/reading, doesn’t that just sound amazing?
Plus, it’s super close to Mercado 28, so you’ll have no problem lugging back all those souvenirs you won’t be able to say no to.)
Things to Do in Cancun
So what to do in Cancun? Lucky for you, you’ll have a wide range of activities waiting for you once you arrive in Cancun. Explore the ancient Mayan ruins, swim like a fish in the crystal clear waters, feast on Mexican cuisine, or have fun in one of the Xcaret theme parks!
Museo Maya de Cancún & Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito
Located in the Hotel Zone, the Mayan Museum of Cancun is a small museum exhibiting Mayan artifacts. Included in the entrance ticket is the Zona Arqueológica de San Miguelito, a Mayan archeological site that’s accessible through the museum.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am-6pm
Entrance fee: 80 pesos (Accepts only Mexican pesos or card for payment.)
Luggage storage available.
Zona Arqueológica de El Rey
Before you head to the Mayan Museum and San Miguelito ruins, take a quick detour to Zona Arqueológica de El Rey. It is considered one of the most important archeological sites in Cancun. From temples to palaces to burial grounds, there are 47 Mayan stone structures of varying functions on site.
There’s no shade at the site, so go early to avoid the midday sun. Don’t forget to say hi to all the sunbathing iguanas!
It’s temporary closed
MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum
With over 500 underwater sculptures, the Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA) started as an effort to protect the local coral reefs by diverting the divers’ attention.
There are many ways to enjoy the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum. You can ride on a glass bottom boat, snorkel, or dive to get a closer look.
Check out this highly rated snorkeling tour to MUSA, great for first-timers!
Interactive Aquarium Cancún
Remember the last time you’re in an aquarium? Do you ever think to yourself “it’ll be awesome if I can touch them too“? Your wish is about to come true in Cancun’s interactive aquarium.
Touch a starfish or sea urchin. Have your feet tickled and serviced at the fish spa. Enjoy your time with the dolphins.
There’s even an Aquarium Trek experience where you can walk underwater and interact with the fishes. You can enjoy this underwater experience even if you don’t know how to swim.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 9am-8pm
Xoximilco
Hop on a colorful gondola and enjoy a night filled with Mexican culture and traditions. Have fun at the carnival games and dance along to the music.
Xoximilco is a Mexican culture theme park under the Xcaret Group, replicating the experiences of the original floating gardens of Xochimilco in Mexico City.
You can book your tickets with roundtrip transportation here!
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7pm-11pm
Since Xoximilco is in the middle of the jungle, you’ll be enjoying the night along with mosquitos. Use biodegradable insect repellent and cover up so you won’t become mosquito food.
Parque de las Palapas
Parque de las Palapas is a local park near the ADO bus station in downtown Cancun. Come during the evenings and join the locals as this place turns into a busy amusement park with tons of delicious street food and souvenir stalls.
This is where I go to get my fill of esquites and churros! I listed my food recommendations for Parque de las Palapas below.
Cash only.
Isla Mujeres
Take a break from Cancun and head over to Isla Mujeres for a day trip. The ferry to Isla Mujeres takes about 15 minutes.
One of the best activities to do on Isla Mujeres is to rent a golf cart and explore the island. You can drive around Isla Mujeres and check out the Shell House, Crayola House, and the Ruins of Ixchel Temple.
If you’re interested in the street art in Isla Mujeres, consider this street art tour around Isla Mujeres in a golf cart!
Go on a diving or snorkeling tour and check out the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum. If you’re here during May to September, go snorkeling with whale sharks for one of a kind experience!
Water Activities: Snorkel, Scuba Diving
As one of the top tropical vacation spots, you won’t be lacking to find water activities in Cancun.
You can sunbathe on Cancun’s many white sand beaches: Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas, Playa Forum, Playa Chac Mool.
Cruise the Caribbean on a catamaran or admire the ocean life while snorkeling or diving into Cancun’s clear waters.
For first time divers, you can check out this scuba diving tour targeted toward beginners.

Pirate Show
Have a wild night at sea on a pirate boat! Enjoy the spectacular battle between pirates as you feast on your dinner and drink to your heart’s content.
Here are two companies that offers pirate boat tours:
Jolly Roger Pirate Night Show and Dinner in Cancun
Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun
Swim in the Cenotes
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is known for their spectacular cenotes. These natural sinkholes are the perfect playgrounds for swimmers, snorkelers, and cave divers.
For thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline-packed day, check out this cenote tour with rappelling, zip-lining, and snorkeling in an underground cave!
Go on a Day Trip in Yucatan
If you’re using Cancun as a base, there are multiple day trip options. You can easily hop into a collectivo for a quick ride to Playa del Carmen or Tulum for a day trip.
If you prefer tours, here are some day tours from Cancun:
- Xcaret
- Xel Ha
- Tulum Ruins and Dos Ojos Cenote
- Chichen Itza: As one of the 7 wonders in the world, you cannot miss Chichen Itza when you’re in Mexico.
Souvenir Shopping at Mercado 28

From leather goods to Tequila, you can find some unique souvenirs at Mercado 28 to bring home from Mexico. Add your bargaining skills to the fun and see what you can walk away with. At some shops, you can even get 10 small souvenirs (key chains, magnets, etc) for just 100 pesos.
If you’re looking for a restroom, head to Cordobes Tequila Store and hand them 5 pesos.
Shopping in Cancun
If Mercado 28 is not enough to fulfill your shopping needs, no worries! Cancun is probably what I consider a shopping paradise. There’s no end to shopping malls, markets and souvenir shops, so you can shop until your wallet is empty.
- Mercado 28 (downtown)
- Las Plazas Outlet Cancun (downtown)
- Mercado 23 (downtown)
- Plaza Las Americas (downtown)
- La Isla Cancun Shopping Village (Hotel Zone)

Where to Eat in Downtown Cancun
Now that you’ve fun sightseeing and shopping, where should you go eat in downtown Cancun? I got you. Here’s my list of great restaurants to try in Cancun!
Parque de las Palapas
If you’re looking for cheap local meals, Parque de las Palapas is the place to go. You’ll find delicious meals ranging from 20 pesos to 200 pesos.
Highly recommend restaurants in Parque de las Palapas:
Cocina Economica Junior
Their food is not only cheap and delicious, its large portion comes with a free drink, soup, and tortilla. Depending on what you’re getting, it costs 60 to 80 pesos.
Empanadas de Don Luis
Probably the busiest vendor on the block. Their empanadas are some of the best I’ve ever eaten, tinga de res being my favorite!
The empanadas here are plate size, so if you have a small stomach like me, one is enough. 25 pesos each.
Fruit juice shop
Selling only juices, this little shop is located right next to Empanadas de Don Luis. The fruit juices from this shop are so tasty and refreshing that it almost becomes a daily habit for me to purchase one per day.
Personal favorites are Chaya y Pina (chaya & pineapple) and Fresa y Limon (strawberry & lemon). 25 pesos each.
Churros y Papas (available at night only)
The best churros ever. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 50 pesos for a bag of this delicious goodness.
There’s a lot of churros y papas stands so search for the one that says “Las originales de las palapas”. If you’re unsure, it’s the vendor that’s giving out free samples of churros.

Mercado 23
Restaurante La Tabasquena
Good breakfast combo until 12pm. You can also order their meal of the day (written on the whiteboard) for around 85 pesos.
Tacos de la Yaxchilan
Come here at night for some great tacos. Tacos de la Yaxchilan is an extremely busy taco stand, so expect to wait a bit for your food. Don’t forget to fill up on the toppings to make your food extra special. My favorite meat choice is the suadero.
Mr. Pampas Cancun
If you ever want to try a Brazilian steakhouse without forking over all your money, this is the place. As of Jan 2022, it’s 405 pesos for ladies and 425 for guys. Which means for roughly $20 USD, you get all you can eat meat and salad bar!
Sahara
Authentic Lebanese food with a hookah side business. From what I’ve seen, hookah customers are seated outside, so head inside if you’re here for the food. I recommend getting Hommos bi lahme for an appetizer.
La Parrilla Cancún
A local’s recommendation for great food and entertainment. It’s a Mexican restaurant with live music performances. Go for the experience.
Woking Dead
Asian fusion with build your own bowl options. The menu listed a few standard bowls, but I recommend ditching those and creating your own. Also try the baos.
Food Delivery Services
You can order food online using uberEats and Didi
Cancun Travel Tips and FAQ
Is Cancun safe?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Cancun. It’s also safe to leave the resort grounds to explore Cancun.
I’ve been constantly told by others that it’s only safe to stay at a resort and do excursions in tour groups. Cancun is so much more than just the resorts. Personally, I don’t find myself worrying about safety issues when I’m staying in Cancun.
Media tends to blow things out of proportion. While Mexico has drug cartel problems, tourists are usually not targeted, so don’t worry too much (unless you’re doing sketchy stuff). Just keep in mind these safety travel tips and you’ll be fine.
What areas should you avoid in Cancun?
While Cancun is safe to travel, there are some areas and neighborhoods that pop up in my research as places to avoid. However, most of these areas are on the outskirts of Cancun, far far away from tourist sites. As long as you keep to the tourist areas, you’ll be fine. Of course, no matter where you are, safety levels will drop at night, so avoid staying out too late.
What is the best time of year to go to Cancun?
The best time to go to Cancun is from December to April, when the weather in Cancun averages 75°F. Rates will hike during the peak season as tourists from winter destinations fly here to avoid the cold. Book your trip outside of March, which is when college students are on their spring breaks.
To avoid the crowds, you can visit Cancun during the shoulder seasons from April to May or November to mid-December.
From May to September, it’s hot, muggy, and raining in Cancun. Sounds horrible, doesn’t it? But hold on. Before you cross those months off of your planning list, here’s the good news. From May to September, it’s whale shark season, meaning you can go swimming with whale sharks! July and August are the peak time to go for whale sharks.
What currency to use in Cancun? Exchange rates
Easiest way to convert pesos to USD, just divide by 20. It is approx. 20 Mexican pesos to 1 USD.
The best currency to use in Cancun is Mexican pesos for the best exchange rates. Some shops accept US dollars and list their prices in both Mexican pesos and USD, however, their USD exchange rates are horrible. You’ll be able to swipe your card at most restaurants, but bring Mexican pesos for street food.
The best place to get Mexican pesos with a good exchange rate is through ATMs. Use bank-affiliated ATMs and don’t use the standalone ATMs on the street to avoid tampering issues.
I find ATM fees at the Citibanamex ATMs to have the lowest rates, around 30 pesos.
Where to Find COVID Testing in Cancun

Depending on your hotel or Airbnb, they might have their own in-house doctors and covid tests.
In most tourist hotspots, such as in front of Playa Tortugas & ADO station, there will be temporary setups for COVID testing. The cost is 500 pesos or $30 USD for an Antigen test and around 1600 pesos or $90 USD for PCR.
The cheapest place I’ve found for an antigen covid test in Cancun is Salud Digna, on Avenue Tulum. It cost 260 pesos for the antigen test and 950 pesos for the PCR test. It’s a bit of a hassle to get the covid test here because they only speak Spanish and you must make an online appointment beforehand.
Always have a photo ID or passport to verify your identity.
There’s covid testing at the airport, but only use that as your last resort.
What to Pack for Cancun
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7 comments
Excellent! I liked that you included Covid testing info. Thanks!
This is on my list of places to visit. Thanks for all the useful information
I’m glad it’s helpful!
My friends and I were just talking about Cancun today. Perfect timing!
These are really great tips! We’ve only ever entered trough a cruise ship, so lots of new info for me!
What a thorough guide! We’re going to Cancun this fall. I’m so excited!
Have fun!