As two Playa del Carmen locals, Cancun Mexico is just an hour up the coast, yet for some reason, we hadn’t visited this little slice of paradise in over three years.
With tourism in the region booming since 2020, we were curious to see how Cancun had changed—and we were pleasantly surprised.
In this ultimate guide to four perfect days in Cancun Mexico, we’re sharing our full itinerary, along with local secrets to help you make the most of your trip to The Mexican Caribbean.
What is Cancun known for?
Cancun has been one of the top tourist destinations for over a decade, thanks to its stunning bright blue Caribbean waters, lively party scene, and easy access from Canada and the United States.
It’s also a popular Spring Break spot since it’s (somewhat) more affordable than many other Caribbean islands.
Located in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s east coast, Cancun is the most visited destination in the region, attracting both local and international travelers with its endless activities and year-round summer vibes.
Where is Cancun Mexico?
When people see photos of Cancun’s bright blue waters and powdery white sand beaches, they often assume it’s just another Caribbean island. And in a way, they’re not wrong—Mexico’s east coast is part of the Caribbean, and Cancun’s Hotel Zone is technically an island.
However, you don’t need a plane or ferry to get there. Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico’s east coast and is easily accessible from most international airports, via Cancun International Airport.
Many people, including locals, mistakenly believe Cancun is part of the Riviera Maya. In reality, the Riviera Maya begins just south of Cancun and includes Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Which Airport you should arrive at for Cancun Mexico?
To get to Cancun Mexico, you’ll need to fly into one of two airports in Quintana Roo.
The most convenient option is Cancun International Airport (CUN), just a 20-minute drive from the Hotel Zone. If you’re wondering how to get to your hotel from the airport, here are your options:
1️⃣ ADO Bus (cheapest): The ADO bus is reliable, clean, and always on time. However, it drops you off in downtown Cancun, making it less convenient if you’re staying in the Hotel Zone.
2️⃣ Shared Shuttle: A good balance between budget and comfort, but be sure to book in advance to avoid scams. The only downside is waiting for other passengers to arrive.
3️⃣ Private Shuttle (best option): Ideal for larger groups or those who prefer a hassle-free experience. It’s safe, air-conditioned, and takes you straight to your hotel.
4️⃣ Rental Car: If you plan to stay in the Hotel Zone, you won’t need a car. But if you’re exploring beyond Cancun (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, etc.), renting a car is worth considering.
🚗 Looking for an affordable rental? Here are the best options!
5️⃣ Ride Share (Uber, InDrive; DiDi): In Cancun Mexico, you can use Uber, DiDi, and InDrive—popular ride-sharing apps. We recommend downloading them before your trip to avoid any issues upon arrival in Mexico. Of the three, we prefer InDrive since it usually offers the lowest fares and lets you negotiate the price, unlike Uber. Just keep in mind that InDrive requires cash payments.
6️⃣ Taxis (not recommended): As soon as you exit the airport, taxi drivers will likely approach you, but their prices are often overpriced. Many taxis are also in poor condition, sometimes lacking seatbelts. With so many better transportation options available, there’s really no need to take a taxi.
In 2024, Tulum International Airport (TQO) opened to help ease congestion at Cancun Mexico Airport. While you can fly into Tulum and travel to Cancun from there, it’s a 2.5-hour drive. However, for domestic travelers, flights into Tulum are sometimes more affordable than those into Cancun.
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What is the best time to visit Cancun Mexico
Since Cancun is part of the Mexican Caribbean, you can expect sunshine almost year-round. However, before choosing your travel dates, it’s important to consider two key factors: hurricane season and peak tourist season.
1️⃣ Peak Season: December – March
If you’re planning a trip between December and March, be prepared for Cancun’s busiest time of the year. Hotels, restaurants, and tours will be packed, and you’ll encounter some of the highest room rates of the year. But if crowds and higher prices don’t bother you, this is an incredible time to visit—pleasant temperatures and low humidity make for ideal weather.
2️⃣ Rainy & Hurricane Season: May – October
Cancun Mexico doesn’t offer many indoor activities, so visiting during the rainy season can be a letdown. The wet season runs from May to October, with August and September having the highest risk of hurricanes. Additionally, summer (June – September) is extremely hot and humid. However, if you don’t mind the heat, you might find great deals on accommodations during these months.
3️⃣ Best Time to Visit Cancun Mexico
As locals in the region, we love the period between November and February. There’s very little rain, plenty of sunshine, and—best of all—it’s much more comfortable than the sweltering summer months.
Can you use US Dollars in Cancun?
Since Cancun and the Riviera Maya welcome around 6 million American visitors each year, it’s no surprise that U.S. dollars are widely accepted. However, if you plan to use USD in Mexico, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Your change will be in pesos: While most businesses are happy to accept U.S. dollars, by law, they can only give change in Mexican pesos.
2️⃣ Exchange rates vary: The exchange rate typically hovers around 20:1 (20 pesos per U.S. dollar), but it fluctuates. Currency exchange offices generally offer a fair rate, but individual businesses set their own rates, which often aren’t in your favor.
3️⃣ Exchange and pay in pesos: To avoid unfavorable rates, we always recommend exchanging your money and paying in pesos when possible. In Quintana Roo, you’ll find plenty of currency exchange booths in tourist areas. Most allow you to exchange up to $300 USD per person per day, but you’ll need your passport to do so.
4️⃣ Cash is essential: Many businesses, especially smaller ones, don’t accept cards—American Express in particular. Always carry some cash to avoid any inconvenience. And if you plan on using the public transportation, it’s considered polite to pay with coins.
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How to move around Cancun Mexico?
Cancun Mexico is the largest city in Quintana Roo and is divided into two main areas: Cancun Town and The Hotel Zone. As a tourist, you’ll most likely stay in and explore The Hotel Zone. Fortunately, getting around is easy, with several transportation options available.
1️⃣ Public Buses run constantly up and down The Hotel Zone, mainly transporting hotel workers between Cancun Town and the tourist areas, but they’re also a great option for visitors. They’re very affordable at just MXN 12 (about 50 cents) per ride and run almost all day, from 5 AM to midnight.
There are two types of buses: the older red ones, which lack AC and can be a bit dirty, and the newer orange ones, which have air conditioning and are in better condition. To catch a bus, simply wait at any of the bus stops along The Hotel Zone or in town.
📸 Public Bus in Cancun Hotel Zone
📸 ADO Station in Cancun Town
2️⃣ Ride share apps: There are three rideshare apps available in Cancun Mexico: Uber, DiDi, and InDrive. We personally recommend InDrive because it usually offers the lowest fares. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay in cash, as cards are not accepted.
3️⃣ Taxis: We never recommend using the taxis in this region because they tend to over-charge.
4️⃣ Walking: The Hotel Zone is one long strip running parallel to the ocean, making it easy to explore on foot.
The sidewalks are wide and usually shaded by palm trees, so walking is comfortable and safe. Just keep in mind that drivers don’t usually stop for pedestrians, so be extra careful when crossing the road.
📍If you’re planning on doing day trips to other towns and cities in Quintana Roo, like Playa del Carmen or Tulum, there are other modes of transportation to consider.
1️⃣ ADO Bus: The ADO station is located within the town part of Cancun. Using the ADO bus to move from city to city is the most affordable option, and it’s pretty convenient considering that they’ve got buses running on a very regular basis.
2️⃣ Rental Car: If you’re planning on solo-exploring the region, a rental car will give you a ton of flexibility. However, driving in Mexico can be a beast of it’s own, so we’d only recommend this option if you’re a confident driver.
🌴 Planning a trip to Playa del Carmen? Read this next!
Where to Stay in Cancun Mexico?
Cancun Mexico is a large city divided into two main areas by a huge lagoon called Laguna Nichupté. On one side, you have Cancun Town, where most locals live, and on the other side, you have the Cancun Hotel Zone, home to over 120 hotels, top attractions, and the beach.
Most tourists stay in the Hotel Zone because it’s where the best hotels, restaurants, and malls are, along with the beach. However, if you’re on a budget, you could consider staying in Cancun Town and commuting to the Hotel Zone for the beaches and attractions.
🌴 Cancun Hotel Mexico Zone
The Hotel Zone is packed with over 120 hotels, ranging from mid-range to ultra-luxury. Many of these hotels are all-inclusive, meaning food and drinks are included in the nightly rate. There are also regular hotels where you’ll pay separately for meals and drinks.
One thing to note is that not all beaches in the Hotel Zone are the same. Some hotels have the beautiful, bright blue ocean everyone comes here for, while others have beaches that aren’t great for swimming. After exploring the area and flying our drone, we found that the beaches on the top part of the “seven” shape of the Hotel Zone aren’t ideal.
We stayed at a hotel in this area, and the “beach” was actually a boat dock, making the water dirty and unsuitable for swimming. If you want those stunning ocean views, make sure your hotel is located on the longer portion of the “seven” shape.
The north end of the Hotel Zone has a lively party area that can get very loud, so if you’re looking for something more peaceful, we recommend avoiding this section.
We recently stayed at Aloft, a mid-range hotel in the Hotel Zone, and it was great for the price. Though not advertised as all-inclusive, we were surprised to find that they offered unlimited cocktails at their rooftop pool.
The property itself was a bit dated, but the lobby had been recently renovated, and we expect they’ll update the rooms eventually. We loved watching the sunset from the rooftop, which offers 360-degree views of the ocean and Laguna Nichupté.
📸 Aloft Cancun Hotel Zone
📸 Aloft Cancun Hotel Zone
We also tried a budget all-inclusive hotel for just $120 per night, but it was terrible. To be fair, the reviews were awful, and it was the cheapest all-inclusive we could find, so we knew it wouldn’t be great.
Still, the food was inedible, and the beach wasn’t swimmable. If you’re considering an all-inclusive stay, expect to spend at least $250 per night for a decent experience.
📸 All-Inclusive in the Hotel Zone
📸 All-Inclusive in the Hotel Zone
😴 Looking for the perfect place to stay? Use this interactive map to find your ideal hotel & location 👇
🏢 Cancun Mexico Town
Most accommodations here are city hotels and Airbnbs, which are great for budget travelers. Some people avoid staying in town, assuming it’s less safe than the Hotel Zone, but we’ve stayed in both hotels and Airbnbs without any issues. We even walked around at night and felt completely fine—just like the many locals going about their evening routines.
On our most recent trip, we stayed at Ibis, a city hotel, for about $40 per night. It was an incredible deal, especially after spending three times that on a disappointing all-inclusive. The room was modern and clean, and the location was super convenient—just a one-minute walk from 7-Eleven and Walmart and a five-minute walk from Plaza Las Américas.
Getting to the Hotel Zone from IBIS was easy, with InDrive fares ranging from $3 to $7, depending on the time of day. If staying in the Hotel Zone isn’t within your budget, Cancun Town is a solid alternative!
How to spend four perfect days in Cancun Mexico (Itinerary)
Day 1 - Beach Day
Most people visit Cancun Mexico for its beaches, and it’s not hard to understand why. The bright blue water and white powdery sand is a dream – that’s why we decided to spend our first full day in Cancun soaking up two of its best beaches!
1️⃣ Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach)
Playa Delfines, on the southern end of the Hotel Zone, is famous for having some of the brightest blue waters in Cancun Mexico. And as you can see from these stunning drone shots, it absolutely lives up to the hype!
One of the things we love about this beach is its size. Even when it’s busy, there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out. Plus, there are dozens of thatch-roof palapas available for free—just make sure to arrive early (before 10 AM) to grab one. We recently got a lightweight, travel-friendly beach cover, which has been great for shade and a bit of extra privacy.
One thing to keep in mind: the waves and currents here can be stronger than in other parts of the Hotel Zone. If you’re traveling with small children or less confident swimmers, this might not be the best beach for swimming.
After soaking up the sun, we took a quick two-minute walk down the road to check out the famous Cancun Letter Sign!
2️⃣ The Cancun Letter Sign
With the gorgeous backdrop of Playa Delphines, this is the most iconic spot to get that perfect vacation picture! There are always tons of people lined up for their photo, and most of the time you can just ask someone in line to take your photo.
Conveniently, the public bus stops right in front of the sign, so once you’re done, you can just hop on the bus and make your way to the more southern part of the Hotel Zone.
3️⃣ The Surfing Burro (Lunch)
We had been to this laid-back roadside spot once before with friends, but the service was so slow (we waited an hour for a burrito) that we swore we’d never go back. However, we were really craving a burrito and decided to give it another shot.
This restaurant is a local favorite, known for its build-your-own burritos and super relaxed atmosphere. We shared a shrimp burrito with a side of fries, and both portions were huge—the food was absolutely delicious!
If you’re looking for fresh, tasty food at a great price, we’d definitely recommend this place. We paid around $22 for a big shared lunch and two non-alcoholic drinks, which is a deal for a meal in the Hotel Zone!
4️⃣ Playa Chac Mool
This is one of the most popular beaches in Cancun and is conveniently located near The Surfing Burro. The entrance might not be obvious since it’s blocked off with a chain, but you can simply walk past it.
Even though Playa Chac Mool is just 10 minutes up the coast from Playa Delfines, it feels completely different. The waves and currents are much gentler, making it a great spot for swimming. Plus, the beach is lined with high-rise buildings, giving it a more urban vibe.
This beach is perfect for families or anyone who wants to enjoy the water without worrying about big waves. We especially love coming here after 3 PM, when the tall buildings provide the perfect amount of shade.
P.S. If you’re up for a different vibe, you can check out Playa Forum, the next beach over. Just keep in mind that it’s right in front of the party zone, so it’s much louder and tends to attract a party crowd!
Day 2 - Adventure Day
1️⃣ Mangrove Tour
As mentioned, Cancun Mexico is divided into two main areas by a massive lagoon called Laguna Nichupté. Lined with lush mangroves, the lagoon is home to hundreds of crocodiles—so swimming here is definitely not an option!
However, you can explore this stunning part of Cancun by speedboat, and we highly recommend it. The tour we took included a traditional Mayan performance and plenty of photo opportunities.
After a quick safety briefing, we hopped into our shared speedboat, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. It gave us a completely unique perspective of Cancun that you just can’t get anywhere else.
We zipped through the mangroves before heading into the open ocean, where we anchored and jumped into the crystal-clear water for some snorkeling. We spotted colorful tropical fish, coral, and even the famous MUSA Underwater Museum.
After the tour, we returned to the dock, where a fresh local snack and a refreshing glass of Hibbiscus juice were waiting for us.
This experience was amazing value for money, and if you’re looking for a fun adventure in Cancun, we’d highly recommend it!
👇 This is the tour we took
2️⃣ Plaza la Isla (Lunch)
The Hotel Zone has a few upscale malls, but we chose to visit Plaza La Isla for lunch because we wanted a spot with a view of the lagoon. This mall has plenty of well-known stores like Zara, Sunglass Hut, and Victoria’s Secret, along with a wide selection of restaurants and cafés, ranging from mid-range to high-end.
We ended up at La Parrilla, mainly for its great view of Laguna Nichupté and its traditional Mexican food. We each ordered a (huge) portion of tacos al pastor, and they did not disappoint!
After lunch, we took some photos at the Cancun letter sign, then grabbed an iced coffee at Starbucks before heading back to our hotel in Cancun Town to relax for the rest of the afternoon.
3️⃣ Parque Las Palapas
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and authentic Mexican dinner, we highly recommend Parque Las Palapas. It’s best to visit at night when the park comes alive with food stands, music, and a great local atmosphere.
On this trip, we went for lunch instead. While it was still a great spot for an affordable meal (just $5 for both of us!), it wasn’t nearly as lively, and none of the street stands were open yet. So, if you want the full experience, we’d suggest going in the evening!
Day 3 - Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
No trip to Cancun Mexico is complete without visiting the breathtaking island of Isla Mujeres. This little slice of paradise is home to some of the most stunning beaches—not just in Mexico, but in the world, according to TripAdvisor.
Getting there is easy! The ferry from Cancun takes just 25 minutes, and we always choose The Xcaret Ferry because it’s brand new and includes free access to the Scenic Tower—a great bonus! Just remember to hold onto your ferry passes, as you’ll need them to enter the tower later.
1️⃣ Mogagua
This is one of the most popular breakfast spots on the island, so we had to try it. The service was top-notch, and the food was great! It’s not the most budget-friendly option, but to be fair, Isla Mujeres is known for being a bit pricey.
⛵️ Book your ferry tickets here
2️⃣ Playa Norte
According to TripAdvisor, Playa Norte is the best beach in Mexico and one of the best in the world. Having visited multiple times, we can confirm—it’s absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear water. The only downside? The beach is lined with overpriced beach clubs and gets really crowded, especially on weekends. If you want a good spot, be sure to arrive early!
3️⃣ Exploring Downtown & Shopping
Isla Mujeres’ downtown area is colorful, vibrant, and super walkable. We stopped by a souvenir shop to pick up a Christmas ornament and were thrilled to see that most of the souvenirs were handmade and hand-painted by local artisans. A great place to find unique, authentic gifts!
🌴 Planning a trip to Isla Mujeres? Read this next!
4️⃣ Scenic Tower
Once you return to Isla Mujeres on The Xcaret Ferry, make sure to head to the ticket booth near the Scenic Tower, where you’ll present your ferry tickets. The ride up to the Scenic Tower takes about 20 minutes and offers the best 360-degree views of the Cancun Hotel Zone, the ocean, and Laguna Nichupté.
If you return to Cancun after sunset, we recommend saving your tickets for another day when the sun is still up. That way, you can enjoy the stunning views of the bright blue waters in the daylight!
5️⃣ Nightlife in Cancun Mexico
If you still have some energy left after your day on Isla Mujeres, make sure to check out the party zone to see what it’s all about. We’re not really into the big traditional clubs, but we’ve been to Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen before and have heard that the Cancun location is even bigger and better.
Day 4 - Shopping
1️⃣ Parque Kabah (Public Park)
We were very surprised at how beautiful and well-kept this public park was. If you’re looking for a spot within Cancun to enjoy the native Mayan jungle and spot a few ‘locals’, A.K.A coatis and humungous iguanas, this is a great place to visit. And, entrance is free!
2️⃣ Puerto Cancun
We’d been excited to visit the newest and hottest spot in town—Puerto Cancun, a luxury marina and shopping mall.
Unlike the more dated Plaza La Isla Mall, which you’ll visit on day two, this place is brand new and ultra-luxurious. It almost feels like you’ve been transported to a mini Miami.
Along the water’s edge, you’ll find upscale restaurants and some of the most exclusive real estate in Mexico. We enjoyed watching the yachts sail by while imagining what it would be like to live in one of the stunning residential buildings.
Before leaving, we stopped by Prana Cafe for a coffee. The cafe has a lovely patio in the middle of the walkway, and we enjoyed a delicious cappuccino with a sourdough pan-au-chocolat. It was the perfect way to end our four-day stay in Cancun!
Our honest thoughts on Cancun Mexico
Cancun often gets a bad reputation for being too crowded and not very authentic, with its westernized all-inclusives and burger-heavy restaurants. Honestly, if you’re looking for a true Mexican experience, Cancun might not be the place for you.
However, if you’re visiting Cancun to enjoy the stunning Mexican Caribbean beaches and have some fun, this is definitely the place to be.
As locals of Playa del Carmen, we love visiting Cancun Mexico every now and then because it has a completely different vibe from other towns along the Riviera Maya, plus some of the best beaches in the region. And it’s the only place in the entire state with luxury malls and restaurants, which we love.
We hope this guide to four perfect days in Cancun was helpful! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and feel free to share this article with a friend. 👇
