CANCUN – Always a Good Idea

It may not be your typical place to spend the fall, but if you are a summer person at heart, Cancun might be the right place to add some summer to your fall! The rain season in Mexico usually starts in May and ends in September so, during fall, you can make the most of the gorgeous beaches and the sweet life in Cancun.

A lot of people say that Cancun is very expensive and not so authentic. All these comments can make you a bit skeptical before you visit the famous Mexican city, but actually, Cancun is a great city that can be authentic as well! It is a place where you can find activities for any budget, whether you are a budget traveler or a luxury traveler.

Hotel Zone

Known as Zona Hotelera in Spanish, the Hotel Zone is home to many all-inclusive resorts, shopping malls, nightclubs, and pristine beaches. Entry to many of the beaches is free, so budget travelers do not need to be intimidated by the expensive side of the famous city.

Downtown Cancun

This area is where most of the locals live. It is entirely  different from the hotel zone. This is the best place to get Mexican food and see the local side of Cancun, which people don’t often talk about. Take a tour of Market 28 for the Mexican market experience, find a nice place to get tacos made by locals, and visit El Meco Mayan ruins to take in all the culture the city has to offer! 

Everyone should spend some time in both downtown Cancun and the hotel zone for the whole Cancun experience. They are completely different, but this contrast is one of the things that makes Cancun special.

Best beaches in Cancun

Cancun definitely has some of the best beaches in all of Mexico. In the Hotel Zone, Playa Gaviota Azul, Playa Delfines, and Playa Chac Mol are the white-sand beaches not to be missed. The best of which is located a ferry ride away from Cancun in Playa Norte, on Isla Mujeres. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and the world! The clear water, white sand, and island vibes of Isla Mujeres are well-worth the ferry ride from Cancun. Accommodation options are limited so a day trip would be a great option when visiting Isla Mujeres.

What to do in Cancun

Besides visiting the beaches, downtown markets,and taking a day trip to Isla Mujeres, there are many other activities in Cancun.. For example, just like other cities in Mexico, there are some great cenotes in Cancun. A cenote is a natural pit formed after the collapse of limestone. Found mainly in the Yucatan Peninsula,, the cenotes at one time served as a water source for the Mayan people. Some of the well-known cenotes close to Cancun are Cenote La Noria, Cenote Azul,and Dzitnup Cenote Xkeken. About thirty minutes drive away from Cancun, there is also Ruta de Cenotes (Cenotes Route) near the city of Puerto Morelos. 

The Underwater Museum (MUSA) is a great place to visit for those who like snorkelling as you can see over 500 sculptures. It is also a non-profit organization that aims to promote coral life.

For adventure lovers, there are some great theme parks close to Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo. Xplor Water Park is the world’s most visited zipline park. There are also water slides, and Xcaret Park, which consists of natural and cultural attractions. 

Cancun is also famous for its nightlife. The most well-known night clubs include Coco Bongo, Mandala Beach Club and Dady O. It is better to get a ticket in advance as these places often have long lines.

Day trips from Cancun

If you are in Cancun for an extended period, you may consider visiting some other places as well. In addition to Isla Mujeres, which is a must-visit when in Cancun, there is also another island called Isla Contoy. It is accessible from Isla Mujeres, and it is currently protected by the Mexican government as a natural park.

Some other popular day trips from Cancun are Chichen Itza, one of the new seven wonders of the world, Tulum, known for its beaches and its archaeological site, Valladolid, a cute city in the state of Yucatan, and Playa del Carmen, which offers city and beach attractions.

Bacalar is also a great place to visit, although further away, it offers views of the tropical ecosystem  and its famous Lake of Seven Colours.

Article written by Yaren Fadiloglulari. More from Yaren on her blog: buginourbag.com