Why Go to Cancun
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Cancun is the comeback kid of the Caribbean. Hurricane Wilma battered this slender, 7-shaped barrier island in 2005, flooding beaches and wrecking storefronts, and today it's back on top as one of the most popular getaways in the hemisphere. It's also one of the best values around, especially when you pair it with a cruise or an all-inclusive package.
The beaches are the main event, with powder-white sand and water in impossible shades of turquoise. Spend your days relaxing, or get your adrenaline going with jet skiing and parasailing. When you're ready to explore, hop over to Isla Mujeres or the bird sanctuary of Isla Contoy on a day trip. After dark, Cancun's nightlife is famous, and the acrobatic shows at Coco Bongo are an experience on their own. Golfers will find plenty of courses too.
Don't leave without a trip inland to Chichen Itza, the great Mayan city and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I'll match you with the right resort for your style, whether that's family-friendly, adults-only or right in the action, and set up the excursions so every day is easy.
BEST FOR
Beach lovers, families, couples and Riviera Maya explorers
BEST MONTHS
December–April
EXPLORE
The Hotel Zone stretches along beaches and lagoonfront resorts; downtown Cancún has local shops and dining; Puerto Juárez connects ferries to Isla Mujeres.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cancun
North America › Caribbean Coast & Yucatán › Mexico › Quintana Roo
Discover the standout sights and local character of Cancun.
Coastal & Harbor
Nightlife
Luxury
Ancient
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Pick two major sights in Cancun for the day, group nearby stops together and confirm timed-entry tickets before booking transportation.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Watch colored beach flags and strong surf; sun exposure is intense and shade can be limited.
Playa Delfines
Relax on a wide Caribbean beach at the southern end of Cancún’s Hotel Zone, known for its open shoreline and sea views.
Check museum opening days and whether access to the San Miguelito site is included.
Museo Maya de Cancún
Explore archaeological objects and regional Maya history at the Museo Maya de Cancún in the Hotel Zone.
Bring water and sun protection, and avoid touching or feeding wildlife.
El Rey Archaeological Zone
Walk among Maya ruins near the Hotel Zone, a compact archaeological site with stone structures and iguanas.
Verify your specific ferry terminal, return sailing and weather; island transport is separate.
Isla Mujeres
Visit a nearby Caribbean island with beaches, colorful streets and coastal viewpoints reached by passenger ferry.
Check beach and watercraft traffic conditions; parking may be limited.
Playa Tortugas
Enjoy a public beach in the Hotel Zone with nearby services and views of boats in the bay.
A secluded luxury resort at the southern end of Cancún’s Hotel Zone.
NIZUC Resort & Spa
Punta Nizuc / Hotel Zone
Beach
A refined oceanfront luxury resort in a quieter coastal location.
Waldorf Astoria Cancun
South of Hotel Zone
Beach
A family-friendly all-inclusive resort surrounded by beachfront on multiple sides.
Hyatt Ziva Cancun
Punta Cancún / Hotel Zone
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive luxury resort with a polished beachfront atmosphere.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
Hotel Zone
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
An upscale beachfront hotel convenient for resort dining and beach activities.
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Hotel Zone
Beach · Family
An adults-only all-inclusive with swim-up suites and Caribbean views.
Hyatt Zilara Cancun
Hotel Zone
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A huge family all-inclusive with water parks, kids' clubs and plenty of dining.
Moon Palace Cancun
South of the Hotel Zone
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
Elegant oceanfront luxury with lush grounds and multiple pools in the heart of the Hotel Zone.
Kempinski Hotel Cancun
Hotel Zone
Beach
An all-inclusive with sports and kids' clubs on a peninsula at the tip of the Hotel Zone.
Club Med Cancún
Punta Nizuc
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An all-inclusive with a central location and family-friendly pools at a good price.
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún
Hotel Zone
All-Inclusive · Family · Value · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cancun
High 84°F · Low 71°F · Rain 3.7 in
Day of the Dead celebrations, and the dry season returns.
Winter and early spring generally bring drier conditions and strong demand. Summer is hot and humid; Atlantic hurricane season lasts June through November.
Best Times to Visit Cancun
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Build time for dining into your Cancun itinerary. Look for independent neighborhood restaurants and regional specialties, check recent menus and opening hours, and reserve ahead for busy evenings.
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Rental Cars
A rental car is handy for day trips to cenotes and ruins along the Riviera Maya.
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ADO Buses & Tren Maya
Comfortable ADO buses and the new Tren Maya rail line connect Cancún with Playa del Carmen, Tulum and beyond.
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Ferries to Isla Mujeres
Passenger ferries from Puerto Juárez and the Hotel Zone reach Isla Mujeres in about 20 to 30 minutes.
03
Taxis
Taxis use set zone fares rather than meters and can be pricey in the Hotel Zone; confirm the fare before you ride.
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Hotel Zone Buses
R-1 and R-2 public buses run frequently along the Hotel Zone and into downtown, an easy and inexpensive way to get around.
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Flying In
Cancún International (CUN) is about 20 minutes from the Hotel Zone, with nonstop flights from across the U.S. Book a private or shared transfer in advance.
Most visitors fly into Cancún International and take a pre-booked transfer to the Hotel Zone. Local buses and taxis make it easy to get around, ferries reach Isla Mujeres, and ADO buses or the Tren Maya connect to the rest of the Riviera Maya.
Getting Around Cancun