Cancún
Cancún
Cancún's white sandy beaches and warm, crystal waters make it a paradise for all beach and water sports enthusiasts. Add a vibrant nightlife and the closeness to the breathtaking Mayan ruins and you have Mexico's most popular tourist hot spot. Caring for four million tourists yearly, it's hard to understand this beautiful resort was a sleepy fishing village just a few decades ago. Its colourful buzz and ancient traditions co-existing with ultra-modern developments enchant everyone, from backpackers to luxury travellers.Hitta resa
Most hotels in the Hotel Zone are located directly on Cancún's beautiful beach. The Hotel Zone itself is divided into kilometer long sections which make it easy to navigate. The heart of the area is undoubtedly Cancún's famous buzzing party zone (km 8) where the bars and night clubs draw both young and old crowds until early morning hours. The party also attracts performing and visiting celebrities so you'll never know who you might be rubbing shoulders with.
Is swimming with dolphins a dream to you? Then you have come to the right place. Make it a reality at Dolphinaris Cancún, go swimming with the animals, become a trainer for a day or take a day to follow the daily routines in a dolphin’s life.
A visit to Cancún is not complete without a trip to the famous Mayan ruins. Many of them have not yet been excavated and are waiting to be explored. Chichen Itzá, one of the new seven wonders of the world, is an absolute must. Whilst you are there, don’t miss out on the stunning light show that transports you back in time in a spectacular atmosphere. Equally stunning is Cobá, currently the only ruin that can still be climbed, offering a breathtaking view over the jungle and Tulúm, with its spectacular backdrop of the clear turquoise water of the ocean.
These magnificent cenotes (sinkholes) are unique to the Yucatán peninsula and many still remain undiscovered and unexplored to this day. Witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the large clusters of stalactites and stalagmites being mirrored in the crystal clear cool waters is a unique experience. Every cenote has its own particular beauty and putting on a swimsuit and snorkel the pool is an absolutely unforgettable experience. Some tour operators also offer cave diving excursions for very experienced divers.
A 20-minute boat ride from Cancún lies the small island of Isla Mujeres with its laid back Caribbean ambiance, tiny streets lined with stalls and street cafés in pastel colored houses. Golf carts and mopeds dominate the streets. Although only 5 miles long and half a mile wide, the island offers everything from a beautiful palm fringed white beach on the north coast to a dramatic rocky shoreline on the eastern side. Visit the turtle farm, try one of the local fish restaurants on the beach or visit Garrafón Park at the south of the island with its spectacular view over Cancún's skyline. A must for nature and wildlife lovers is a tour to Isla Contoy, a nature reserve only inhabited by a few biologists and restricted to 200 visitors per day.
If you are looking for a great family day out don’t forget to visit the eco-parks of Xel Há or Xcarét. With shows and adventures set in stunning lush tropical vegetation with exotic wildlife, these parks offer a truly wonderful entertaining, educational and fun day out for young and old alike. For the slightly more energetic and adventurous, try one of the exciting eco-tours which will make you feel like a true explorer.
The lively, friendly atmosphere of Parque de las Palapas is worth a visit, especially in the weekend evenings. Watch a local performance or just observe and soak in the atmosphere, browse around the artisan stalls or visit one of the bars and cafés dotted all around the park. Just across the adjacent car park, next to the church, you find the so-called ‘Hippie Park’ offering hand-made jewelry, lamps and tie-dyed clothing.
One of the newest developments in Cancún, Puerto Cancún is a mixture of residential, commercial and tourist area. Featuring a large marina, golf course, waterside promenade with a luxurious outdoor shopping complex and cafes, it will be another impressive landmark of Cancún.
Most hotels in the Hotel Zone are located directly on Cancún's beautiful beach. The Hotel Zone itself is divided into kilometer long sections which make it easy to navigate. The heart of the area is undoubtedly Cancún's famous buzzing party zone (km 8) where the bars and night clubs draw both young and old crowds until early morning hours. The party also attracts performing and visiting celebrities so you'll never know who you might be rubbing shoulders with.
Is swimming with dolphins a dream to you? Then you have come to the right place. Make it a reality at Dolphinaris Cancún, go swimming with the animals, become a trainer for a day or take a day to follow the daily routines in a dolphin’s life.
This is a dining experience within an old tequila distillery offering a truly Mexican atmosphere. The perfect place to sample excellent traditional Mexican seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. Visit the tequila museum within the restaurant and try some of Mexico’s finest tequilas.
This restaurant has a friendly Italian style ambiance and a view of the lagoon. La Dolce Vita offers a good range of meat and fish dishes. The staff is attentive and helpful and will be happy to help you choose the perfect dish and wine.
La Parilla is a Mexican style restaurant, popular with locals and tourists alike. It has a large selection of Mexican seafood and meat dishes accompanied by Mariachis and skillful waiters.
La Palapa Belga is an insider's tip with great European cuisine in a palapa style restaurant overlooking the lagoon and Hotel Zone. Specialties include mussels served in a cooking pot.
La Troje has great food, fast service and a nice ambiance. Popular with locals and an insider tip for tourists, the restaurant is famous for its salads and filled pancakes.
Du Mexique is an intimate restaurant with only seven available tables. This is truly a hidden gem amongst the crowded restaurants and a place where you will relish in the exquisite menu.
Wazaaabi Sushi House is one of the best sushi restaurants in town. Neither the appetizer, main course nor the dessert will disappoint you. This is a place which you will, most definitely, re-visit.
Blue Gecko Cantina can easily be missed if you are just walking down the street. But this restaurant serves some of the best tacos in town. Come for lunch or dinner and relax with a Jalapeño Margarita in your hand.
This is a dining experience within an old tequila distillery offering a truly Mexican atmosphere. The perfect place to sample excellent traditional Mexican seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. Visit the tequila museum within the restaurant and try some of Mexico’s finest tequilas.
This restaurant has a friendly Italian style ambiance and a view of the lagoon. La Dolce Vita offers a good range of meat and fish dishes. The staff is attentive and helpful and will be happy to help you choose the perfect dish and wine.
For the slightly more adventurous, Cancún City offers all shopping amenities imaginable, from street vendors selling chewing gum and well-equipped supermarkets to luxury shopping plazas with bowling alleys, cinemas, amusement arcades and much more. The three major Plazas are Plaza Las Americas, El Paseo and Gran Plaza, all of which can be easily reached by taxi from Avenida Tulúm.
La Isla Shopping Village features shady alleys and pretty canals, showcasing a wide array of shops, restaurants, and attractions of any sort along with a cinema. Take a stroll down the quaint streets, browse at shops renowned worldwide or grab a bite to eat, La Isla is a pleasant shopper´s paradise.
Kukulcan Plaza is renowned for its assortment of luxury shops and international names. Along with eateries, you will find shops like Forever 21, Hugo Boss and Burberry, including souvenir shops and local brands.
Mercado 28 is the perfect destination to browse at the colorful stalls and get a glimpse of Mexican souvenirs and handicrafts. Vendors tend to be pushy but, with good haggling skills, you can find a comprehensive variety of products at reasonable prices, including pottery, clothes and knickknacks.
With its touch of luxury shopping, Cancún turns into a most coveted holiday resort. Luxury Avenue, as the name suggests, offers an ample variety of upscale boutiques, jewelries and art venues where the trendiest and fashionable items can be found.
Plaza Las Americas has a diverse assortment of shops, restaurants and cafeterias. Connected to another big shopping mall, the whole complex features international and national brands as well as a casino, a pharmacy and department stores.
Forum By The Sea is located nearby the major Cancún attractions, lining up close to the Hard Rock Cafe, the happening Coco Bongo and the Rainforest Cafe. It is a draw for tourists as it showcases a great assortment of souvenirs and Mexican handicrafts.
Las Plazas Outlet is partly outdoor and indoor shopping mall that treats their guests with shops and eateries of any sort. Browse at the store windows, get the latest trends or just stroll around, Las Plazas Outlet is the ultimate shopping destination.
For the slightly more adventurous, Cancún City offers all shopping amenities imaginable, from street vendors selling chewing gum and well-equipped supermarkets to luxury shopping plazas with bowling alleys, cinemas, amusement arcades and much more. The three major Plazas are Plaza Las Americas, El Paseo and Gran Plaza, all of which can be easily reached by taxi from Avenida Tulúm.
La Isla Shopping Village features shady alleys and pretty canals, showcasing a wide array of shops, restaurants, and attractions of any sort along with a cinema. Take a stroll down the quaint streets, browse at shops renowned worldwide or grab a bite to eat, La Isla is a pleasant shopper´s paradise.
Best Time To Visit
If you are looking to avoid holiday crowds and high prices, visit Cancún anytime from May to November, particularly in September and October. However, these two are also the rainiest months. If you prefer escaping the cold winter to relax in the sun, book your trip in December or January, the high season in Cancún.
Passport/Visa
Mexico can be visited visa-free for up to 180 days by citizens of all European countries, USA, New Zealand, Japan, South-America, South-Korea and more. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. All visitors who enter Mexico and travel farther than 20 kilometers and stay longer than 72 hours need to obtain the Forma Migratoria Múltiple which you can present at the checkpoints of the country.
Cancún Airport International
Cancún Airport International (CUN) is Latin America's 4th busiest airport. Located outside the city of Cancún at KM 22 of the Cancún-Chetumal highway, the approximate transfer times to Cancún’s City or Hotel Zone is 20-30 mins. Buses, shuttles, private transfers, VIP vehicles, and Limousines are available for pickup and every terminal has a designated taxi service available. A public modern air-conditioned bus service to Cancún’s central bus station is available outside Terminal 2.
Public Transport
Cancún’s central bus station is located at the corner of Avenidas Tulum and Uxmal, offering excellent and regular connections to most touristic destinations. A regular shuttle transfer to Playa del Carmen leaves every 15-30 minutes. The frequent local bus service between the Hotel Zone and downtown (R-1 or R-2 buses) is quite efficient and runs 24 hours. Buses stop on hand signal and would often leave before everyone is seated ; bus stops are marked with a blue and black sign with a picture of a bus. You can buy tickets on board but don't forget to check your change before taking your seat.
Taxi
Taxis are a common mode of transport in Cancún and Mexico. Despite warnings to agree on a price before getting in, one should know that all taxi drivers belong to a syndicate and there is an official fixed price list split into various zones that all taxi drivers must carry (also available in all hotels). Taxis in the Hotel Zone are more expensive than downtown and a standing taxi always costs slightly more than one flagged down from the curb. One alternative is the Cancun Cab that serves all over Cancún.
Post
The postal service in Mexico is very slow and often not very reliable. Sending anything of importance or value is usually safer by courier service. Cancún’s main post office is located in the city center where stamps or postcards can be found; mail boxes are red and easy to recognize.
Pharmacy
There are two types of pharmacies in Mexico, the regular Farmacia and the Farmacia Similares. The former sells well-known brand medications whilst the latter sells cheaper, not-branded medicines. Prescriptions are generally not required for anything and most medicines are widely available. You can find a Farmacia on almost every corner within Cancún's downtown, with several located in the Hotel Zone. Many Farmacias are open 24 hours and have also a delivery service for a small surcharge.
Telephone
Country code: +52 Area code for Cancún: 01998 Please note that not all international mobile phones will work in Mexico and it is therefore best to check with respective providers beforehand to ensure service.
Best Time To Visit
If you are looking to avoid holiday crowds and high prices, visit Cancún anytime from May to November, particularly in September and October. However, these two are also the rainiest months. If you prefer escaping the cold winter to relax in the sun, book your trip in December or January, the high season in Cancún.
Passport/Visa
Mexico can be visited visa-free for up to 180 days by citizens of all European countries, USA, New Zealand, Japan, South-America, South-Korea and more. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. All visitors who enter Mexico and travel farther than 20 kilometers and stay longer than 72 hours need to obtain the Forma Migratoria Múltiple which you can present at the checkpoints of the country.
