Cancun, So Much To Do Here

Cancun is the number one place visited by Americans in Mexico; maybe even worldwide. It’s easy to get to from the U.S. and there is tons to do or not to do depending on who you are and what you want to do. From lounging on the beach, whale watching, visiting a cenote to visiting the Mayan ruins, you will find plenty to do.

Here’s some information you need to know before you go.

Where Is Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is located on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. It is west of Cuba and southwest of the state of Florida.

Is Cancun safe

This is a question you will get asked a lot. On my visit in February 2023, there was high police presence at the airport as well as along the hotel zone. I think this was due to incidents that happen from time to time.

Like any destination, always be vigilant and ensure that you have company when you go out. And if you’re traveling solo, be conscious of your surroundings and be careful.

What Country Is Cancun In?

Cancun is located in the country of Mexico.

Home Airline

Volaris, Viva Aerobus are the main airlines here, but they are are not based here. Magnicharters is a charter airline that’s based here.

Airport Information

The main airport is the Cancun International Airport (CUN).

Two alternate airports are Cozumel International Airport (CZM) and Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO) in Tulum.

However the Cozumel airport is on an island accessible by a ferry. Take the ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. Then you take a van from Playa del Carmen to the Cancun area.

Scheduled Service Airlines Serving The Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Aerolineas Argentinas (AR), Aeromexico-SkyTeam (AM), Aerus (ZV), Air Canada-Star Alliance (AC), Air Caraibes (TX), Air Europa-SkyTeam (UX), Air France-SkyTeam (AF), Air Transat (TS), Alaska Airlines-oneworld (AS), American Airlines-oneworld (AA), Arajet (DM), Avelo Airlines (XP), Avianca (AV), British Airways-oneworld (BA), Condor (DE), Conviasa (V0), Copa Airlines (CM), Copa Airlines Colombia Operated by AERO REPUBLICA AS WINGO (P5), Delta Air Lines-SkyTeam (DL), EW Discover GmbH (4Y), Edelweiss Air (WK), Euroairlines (Q4), Evelop Airlines S.L. (E9), Flair Airlines (F8), Frontier Airlines (F9), Gol Transportes Aereos (G3),

JetBlue Airways (B6), Jetairfly (TB), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines-SkyTeam (KL), LATAM (LA), N3, Neos Air (NO), Sky Airline (H2), Southwest Airlines (WN), Spirit Airlines (NK), Sun Country Airlines (SY), Sunwing Airlines (WG), TAP Portugal-Star Alliance (TP), TOM, TUI Netherlands (OR), Tropic Air (9N), Turkish Airlines-Star Alliance (TK), United Airlines-Star Alliance (UA), Virgin Atlantic Airways-SkyTeam (VS), VivaAerobus (VB), Volaris (Y4), Volaris Costa Rica (Q6), WestJet (WS), World2Fly (2W).

Airport To The City of Cancun

There are shuttle buses and rideshare available just outside the arrival areas.

Airport Hotels

There is a Hilton Garden Inn at the airport. You can book a hotel using the map below:

 

Scheduled Service Airlines Serving The Cozumel International Airport (CZM)

Aeromexico (AM), Aerus (ZV), Air Canada-Star Alliance (AC), Air Transat (TS), American Airlines-oneworld (AA), Delta Air Lines (DL), Sun Country Airlines (SY), United Airlines-Star Alliance (UA), VivaAerobus (VB), Volaris (Y4), WestJet (WS).

Airport To The City of Cancun

Take a taxi to the ferry port, then take the ferry to Playa del Carmen, then a van or train up to Cancun.

Airport Hotels

There are no hotels at the airport. You can book a hotel using the map below:

 

Scheduled Service Airlines Serving Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport (TQO)

Aeromexico (AM), Air Canada (AC), Air Transat (TS), American Airlines (AA), Avianca (AV), Copa Airlines (CM), Delta Air Lines (DL), EW Discover GmbH (4Y), JetBlue Airways (B6), Sunwing Airlines (WG), United Airlines (Star Alliance) (UA), VivaAerobus (VB), Volaris (Y4), WestJet (WS), XN

Airport To The City of Cancun

You can take the Maya Train to Tulum and also to Cancun.

Airport Hotels

There are no hotels at the airport. You can book a hotel using the map below:

 

Trains Serving Cancun

You can take the Maya Train to the city of Cancun from other parts of the Yucatan Penninsula area.

Buses Serving The Island

Mexico actually has an excellent bus system. There are also local buses that run along the Cancun beach area.

Currency

The currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXP). ATMs are available at the airport. Credit cards are accepted.

Language

Spanish. English is also spoken.

Visa Information

No visa is required for U.S. citizens and you can stay up to 180 days. Plus your passport must be valid at the time of entry into Mexico. Other citizens should check with the Mexico consulate/embassy in your region for specifics. Alternatively, you can use the IATA Web site for visa/health requirements.

Things To Do In Cancun

Here are some things you can do while visiting Cancun, Mexico.

1. Explore the Hotel Zone Beaches
   Cancun’s Hotel Zone is famous for its stunning beaches like Playa Delfines and Playa Tortugas. Enjoy soft, white sands and turquoise waters perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or trying out water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Many resorts offer beachside services, so you can grab a tropical cocktail while lounging under the sun.

2. Visit Ancient Mayan Ruins
   If you’re a History buff, you will appreciate a visit to Mayan archaeological sites. Within Cancun itself, you can explore the ruins of El Rey, a small but fascinating site that gives you a glimpse into ancient Mayan culture. For a more immersive experience, consider day trips to Tulum or Chichen Itza – both offer a deeper dive into the rich history and architectural prowess of the Mayans, with guided tours available to explain the significance of each structure.

   

   Tulum, Mexico Shores

3. Dive into the Underwater Museum (MUSA)
   MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum, is a unique attraction featuring over 500 life-sized sculptures submerged in the ocean. You can explore these installations by snorkeling or diving. The blend of art and marine life creates a surreal underwater landscape that’s both thought-provoking and visually stunning.

4. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
   Cancun is a haven for underwater enthusiasts. The vibrant coral reefs around the Hotel Zone are teeming with colorful marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are numerous tour operators offering snorkeling excursions or scuba diving adventures. Some tours even combine a visit to MUSA with a reef exploration.

5. Cenote Adventures
   The Yucatán Peninsula is dotted with cenotes – natural sinkholes formed by collapsed limestone that reveal crystal-clear freshwater. Many cenotes near Cancun, such as Cenote Dos Ojos, offer fantastic spots for swimming, snorkeling, or even diving. The experience is both refreshing and unique, surrounded by natural rock formations and lush vegetation.

6. Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
   Just a short ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres offers a relaxed island vibe with less bustle than Cancun itself. Rent a golf cart to explore the island, relax on secluded beaches like Playa Norte, or visit the sea turtle sanctuary. The island is perfect for a day trip, combining local culture with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling or simply unwinding.

7. Experience Cancun’s Vibrant Nightlife
   When the sun goes down, Cancun comes alive with an energetic nightlife scene. Iconic clubs like Coco Bongo, The City, and Mandala offer a mix of live performances, themed parties, and top DJs. Whether you’re in the mood to dance until dawn or enjoy a more laid-back lounge atmosphere, there’s something for every taste. Make sure to check out some local bars too for a more authentic vibe.

8. Visit the Interactive Aquarium
   Located in the Hotel Zone, the Cancun Interactive Aquarium is a great spot for families or anyone curious about marine life. You can get up close with various aquatic species, feed sharks, or even swim with dolphins. It’s an engaging way to learn about the marine ecosystem in a hands-on environment.

9. Savor Local Cuisine
   Cancun isn’t just about beaches and ruins – it’s also a great place to indulge in Mexican culinary delights. Explore local restaurants and street food stalls to try dishes like cochinita pibil, fresh ceviche, and traditional tacos. Whether you’re dining in a high-end restaurant in the Hotel Zone or sampling local flavors in downtown Cancun, you’re in for a treat.

10. Adventure at Eco-Parks
    For a mix of adventure and nature, check out eco-parks such as Xcaret or Xel-Ha, located just outside Cancun. These parks offer a blend of activities including river rafting, snorkeling, exploring underground rivers, and even cultural shows that highlight Mayan traditions. They’re perfect for a day of fun, relaxation, and learning about the local environment and heritage.

You can also find more things from this article I wrote about my visit to the region.

 

 

Where To Stay

The hotel zone in Mexico is filled with great places to stay. Some are local properties and others are international chains. My first visit to Cancun, I stayed at the Fiesta Americana. But I’ve also stayed at other properties, some on the beach in the hotel zone and others a little further away.

You can check for other properties on the island using the map below.

 

 Now, it’s your turn. When will you visit? Or if you’ve visited before, let me know how was it?