Cancun: The Ideal Travel Guide
Where is Cancun
Cancun is the capital of the department of Quintana Roo. Travelers come to Cancun to relax in luxurious resorts or to party— the famous Springbreak and Coco Bongo.
The most famous area is the Hotel Zone (shaped like a 7), but there are also many resorts in the north (Playa Mujeres) and south (Cancún Maya).
In addition to partying in Punta Cancun and basking in the sun, be sure to visit nearby destinations like Puerto Morelos or Isla Mujeres and go swimming with the whale sharks.
Keep in mind that Cancun is not ideally located to explore the other highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula (out of the way and jammed).
Where to stay in Cancun
In addition to my extended stay in Cancun, I spent hundreds of hours analyzing traveler reviews and forums (Reddit, TripAdvisor) to analyze Cancun accommodations.
First, I invite you to read our massive guide about the best areas in Cancun. You’ll get a clear analysis of the best districts:
- Hotel Zone
- Downtown
- Costa/Playa Mujeres
- Puerto Juarez / Puerto Cancun
- Isla Mujeres
- Puerto Morelos
You will also find comprehensive articles on how to find a place to live that suits your budget and needs:
- Best party resorts in Cancun.
- Best 5-star all-inclusive resorts in Cancun.
- Best overwater bungalows around Cancun.
- Best Cancun hotels.
- Best resorts with water park in Cancun.
- Best beach hotels in Cancun.
- Best all-inclusive family resorts in Cancun.
- Best adult-only resorts in Cancun
What to do in Cancun
The city of Cancun is not very exciting to visit (even if there are some cool places like the Mayan Museum or the Parque de las Palapas). However, excursions and day trips are not to be missed.
Here are the ones I tried:
- Best cenote tours from Cancun.
- Best whale shark tours from Cancun.
- Best Isla Mujeres day trips from Cancun.
- Best Mayan ruins tours from Cancun
- Pick your favorite Cancun beaches
Guides to visit the closest cenotes from Cancun
- A list of the best cenotes near Cancun (Decide which ones you want to visit).
- A detailed guide to visiting Cenote Boca del Puma.
- A detailed guide to visiting Cenote Zapote.
- A detailed guide to visiting Cenote Siete Bocas.
Decide when to visit Cancun
If many travelers are disappointed by Cancun, it is mainly because they were misinformed. It is essential to know the seasons (do you know about the hurricane season?), the best beaches, the months of Seaweed, the high season, the things to do, and so on.
First, learn when it’s the best time to go to Cancun. And if you want a more in-depth analysis, I explain the weather situation for each month:
- How is Cancun in January?
- How is Cancun in February?
- How is Cancun in March?
- How is Cancun in April
- How is Cancun in May?
- How is Cancun in June?
- How is Cancun in July and August?
- How is Cancun in September?
- How is Cancun in October & November?
- How is Cancun in December?
Build the perfect Cancun Itinerary
How long should you stay in Cancun? Can you include another stop in your trip? Where to go with your family? Your lover? There are many factors to consider when planning your trip. I wrote a mega guide to help create the perfect itinerary for Cancun.
Where to go after Cancun
It’s easy to travel to the different cities nearby Cancun: