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|Updated on December,1,2024|

Cancun is a year-round destination that’s always in style. On my first visit, I instantly fell in love with its crystal-clear turquoise water—it’s truly breathtaking! The warmth of the locals adds to the charm. Mexicans are incredibly friendly, always smiling, and welcoming. Isn’t that reason enough to love Mexico?

 

Cancun is a place where you will find everything based on your interests. Be it snorkeling, excursions, para-gliding, swimming with dolphins, getting a suntan on beautiful beaches, or something else.

 

Planning a trip to Cancun and do not know where to start? Do not worry! I’ve created this ultimate Cancun travel guide post to help you see this city more, prepare yourself for any upcoming obstacles, and plan your trip accordingly.

 

Ultimate Cancun Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Tips

5 Things to Know Before Going to Cancun

1. Tourist Card: If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll need a tourist card. You can fill it out online or receive it on the airplane. Make sure to keep it with you throughout your stay—it’s important for your entry and exit.
2. Safety: Cancun is generally a safe destination, but like any popular tourist spot, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings.
3. SIM Cards: You probably won’t need to buy a local SIM card, as most international phone plans will work in Cancun.
4. Where to Stay: Book a hotel near downtown or in the hotel zone. This will make it easier to use public transport and explore the area on foot.
5. Transport: Taxis can be expensive, so it’s better to use the bus. The ADO buses are the most popular and affordable way to get around.

How to Get Around Cancun

Transport in Cancun is very tricky. There is no way to check directions by public transport on Google Maps as it only shows directions by car, walking, and bicycle, which is very inconvenient.

 

I always had to ask the front desk guys at my hotel how to get to any place, as there was no other way to do that.

 

The good thing about public transport is that it is very cheap. One ride costs 10-12 pesos (which is less than $1), the price is always different, but this one is the most common.

 

Taxis in Cancun are costly unless you travel short distances.

 

For example, if you want to take a taxi from the airport to the city (a little farther from downtown), it can take 600 pesos (~$35). Traveling backward is half-price. I heard a city taxi could cost 2 to 4 pesos, but I had never experienced that. On the other hand, if I took a cab from my hotel to the hotel zone, I had to pay 200 pesos (~$12), to the airport 300 pesos (~$18), etc. It wasn’t cheap at all.

 

So I tried to stick to public transport whenever I could.

 

Riding the bus is very fun. But, be prepared for bus drivers to drive like crazy. So, make sure you hold on to a handle or a pole, so you do not fall. Also, you might notice that they start opening the door before the actual stop.

How to get to Cancun From the Airport

There are a few options:

1. Take the ADO bus to the city center and get a transfer from there to the final destination (98 pesos or $5)
2. Take a taxi (which obviously will be more expensive)

8 Best Things to Do and See in Cancun

Here you can find the best things to do in Cancun based on your interests

1. Go Snorkeling in Cancun

Snorkeling in Cancun was the first thing on my list. As a first-time snorkeler, I booked a snorkeling tour hoping to see turtles in the crystal-clear waters. While I didn’t spot any turtles, my experience was still amazing. The vibrant underwater life and beautiful coral reefs made it a memorable adventure. If you’re looking for the best snorkeling tours in Cancun, this is definitely worth trying!

 

2. Take a Ferry and to Isla Mujeres

The ferry is the best way to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun. While there are several ferry terminals, Puerto Juarez is the most popular, just a short drive from Downtown Cancun. Ferries depart every 30 minutes from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm, with hourly departures after that. The journey takes about 15 minutes.

If you sit on the top deck (in the open air), be sure to bring a jacket and remove your hat, as the wind can be chilly.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a lively street full of shops and beautiful beaches. I spent most of my time relaxing on the beach and exploring nearby sights. If walking isn’t your thing, consider renting a golf cart for up to $50 per day to get around the island comfortably.

 

How to Pay For a Ferry Ticket and What it Costs

1. You can pay at the ferry terminal in Puerto Juarez with either U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. They also accept credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have cash on hand just in case.
2. The round ferry trip ticket will cost you about ~$33 (depending on the exchange rate).

 

3. Explore Tulum, Mexico

Thinking about day trips from Cancun? Tulum is a must-visit! This beautiful destination is packed with stunning sights. Ideally, you’ll want to spend a full day in Tulum to explore all it has to offer, but if you’re short on time (like I was), a day tour is a great option. For just ~$45, you can take a guided tour, though keep in mind it might not be enough time to see everything. Despite that, it was an amazing experience and worth the visit.

4. Discover Chichen Itza

I didn’t get to visit on my short trip, but Chichen Itza is a must-see. Its ancient ruins and history make it a top destination, so make sure to add it to your Cancun itinerary.

 

Check out the best Chichen Itza 2024-2025 tours here.

5. Walk Around Downtown Cancun

Take some time to explore Downtown Cancun for a more local experience. Here, you can enjoy vibrant markets, delicious street food, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a great way to see a different side of the city, away from the tourist spots.

6. Wander on Mandala Beach and See the Beautiful Lighthouse

This less touristy spot was recommended by a local at my hotel and was a great discovery. Though a bit tricky to find, it’s well worth the visit. To reach the lighthouse, simply walk down the beach from the Coco Bongo area and turn left at the corner. You’ll also spot the Cancun sign along the way.

7. Try Authentic Mexican Food in Cancun

If you are already familiar with popular Mexican dishes, you won’t be surprised by the variety of choices they offer. From tacos al pastor and fresh ceviche to hearty tamales and sizzling fajitas, there’s something for every palate. Be sure to try local specialties like cochinita pibil (slow-cooked pork) or sopa de lima (lime soup) for a true taste of the Yucatán region.

8. Go to the Cenotes, Cancun, and Riviera Maya, and Swim in the Clearest Water

Cenotes are stunning, natural pools with clear water. There are many incredible cenotes in Cancun, and it is tough to say which are the best. However, you would like to visit them all if you have time.

 

Where to Stay in Cancun

Ideally, you would want to stay closer to downtown or the hotel zone, but here’s the catch: the prices in these areas can be quite high. While they offer convenience and easy access to attractions, you’ll likely pay a premium for the location. If you’re looking to save some money, consider exploring accommodations a bit farther from the main tourist areas—just be prepared for a slightly longer commute.

 

I stayed in the Cumbres area (between the airport and the downtown area) in the new capsule hotel, The Yellow Capsule in Cancun, Mexico. The room was nice, but it was a little farther from the city, so there was not much to do around, and it was not a very convenient location for public transport, but it had everything I needed for a few nights (places to eat and stores).

Cancun Top Tips

Money-Saving Tips in Cancun

• The first and most important tip is to get pesos. Despite the high convertible rates at the airport, I would exchange a decent amount there. There are a few reasons for that:
• You might stay where finding a bank or an ATM is difficult. Also, some ATMs only exchange money but do not let you withdraw, so in that case, it is not helpful at all if you have no cash.
• Many places like stores, ticket kiosks, and restaurants take cards, but you will need cash to pay for a taxi, public transport, deposits, and local taxes in the hotel, etc.
• Also, some ATMs charge a hefty fee if you want to get some $’s from your foreign bank. So to avoid that, I would get a good amount of exchanged money once rather than paying multiple fees.

Smart Transport Tips for Cancun

• Use ADO buses for cost-effective travel instead of taxis
• As bus drivers can pass the bus stops without stopping, ensure you wave to them once you see them coming.
• If you do not know where to get off, tell your driver to notify you when your stop is, as they do not announce it at all.

Cancun Travel Guide: Top Tips for Your Trip

• I suggest learning a few phrases in Spanish as not everybody speaks English. And you will have some situations where it will be tough to understand each other if you do not know Spanish.
• Book a hostel/hotel close to downtown or the hotel zone for easy access to public transport and attractions.
• Don’t walk by yourself at night. Cancun is a pretty safe place to be alone, but I would avoid walking at night.
• Plan your trip accordingly. If you are going to tour the sights (ex., Tulum, Chichen, etc.), it will take up the whole day.
• Before buying your tour for the original price, google the discount codes or promotions.
• Don’t be afraid to bargain.
• Be prepared for hot and humid weather. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen.
•  Go to the theater to watch a movie as it is very cheap (Premium theater: 85 pesos or about $5; regular theater: 30 pesos or $2-4). *Ask for the English version. I was lucky enough and watched the new Wonder Woman while I was there.

Essential Packing List for Cancun

1. Flip flops
2. Swimsuits
3. Ideally, if it fits, pack a beach towel. In that case, you won’t have to buy it there.
4. Sunscreen
5. A hat
6. Sunglasses
7. Beach tote
8. A travel mug

Check out my post about How to pack light

Cancun Trip Budget: What to Expect

Travel to Cancun can be very affordable if you fly during the right season and on the right day. During peak seasons, such as Spring Break, flights and accommodations in Cancun can be quite pricey, but they become much more affordable during the off-season

I spent around $350 for four days of hotel accommodation, round-trip tickets to Cancun (at the end of December), and tours.

 

Having trouble finding cheap tickets? Check out my article on How to find cheap flights.

 

Final Thoughts

My first time in Cancun was absolutely amazing. I fell in love with the clear turquoise water and was captivated by the kindness and warmth of the people I met. Everyone was so friendly and helpful, and I truly cherished the opportunity to immerse myself in their vibrant culture.

 

I recommend spending at least 5-7 days in Cancun to truly experience everything it offers. I only had four days, and while I managed to pack in a lot, it still felt too short. I’m already planning to come back.

 

I hope my Ultimate Cancun Travel Guide and Top Tips post was helpful to you. Thanks for reading, and I hope your travel to Cancun, Mexico will be the most memorable.

 

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