Cancún

Mexico's premier Caribbean resort destination with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and world-class hotels. The main hub for accessing the Riviera Maya and a gateway to Mayan ruins, cenotes, and natural wonders.

Things to do

• Snorkel the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef — Explore the world's second-longest coral reef system teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations just offshore.
• Visit Chichen Itza — Explore one of the most iconic Mayan archaeological sites featuring the famous El Castillo pyramid and ancient temples about 2.5 hours west of Cancún.
• Swim in Cenote Dos Ojos — Dive or swim in crystalline freshwater sinkholes surrounded by jungle, sacred to the ancient Maya and located in the Riviera Maya.
• Beach hopping along Hotel Zone — Relax on powdery white-sand beaches with turquoise Caribbean waters and amenities, stretching for miles along Cancún's main tourist corridor.
• Explore Xcel Há eco-park — Experience a natural aquarium featuring underground rivers, cenotes, beaches, and Mayan ruins all in one protected ecological reserve south of Cancún.
• Visit Tulum ruins — Discover dramatically perched Mayan ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea, dating to the 13th century and offering stunning photo opportunities.

Food to try

• Cochinita Pibil — Slow-roasted marinated pork wrapped in banana leaves, a signature Yucatecan dish served with pickled red onions and warm tortillas.
• Ceviche — Fresh raw fish or seafood cured in lime juice and mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado, a refreshing coastal specialty.
• Huevos Motuleños — Fried eggs topped with ham, cheese, peas, and served on tortillas with banana slices and spicy red sauce, a traditional Yucatecan breakfast.
• Seafood at Puerto Juárez — Fresh grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp prepared simply at waterfront restaurants in the working fishing port north of Hotel Zone.
• Marquesitas — Crispy, thin crepes filled with Edam cheese and cajeta (caramel sauce), a popular street food snack found throughout Cancún.

Local customs & good to know

• Hurricane season awareness — July through November is Atlantic hurricane season; book travel insurance and stay informed of weather during these months.
• Spanish is primary language — While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish phrases shows respect and enhances interactions with locals outside the Hotel Zone.
• Dress code respect at cenotes — Many cenote sites and Mayan ruins require modest swimwear; avoid thong bikinis and swim trunks with large logos as a sign of respect.
• Tipping expectations — Tipping 15-20% at restaurants and 10-15 pesos per bag for hotel porters is customary and expected in service establishments.