A resort town on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Home to Mayan ruins, vibrant nightlife, and excellent snorkeling spots.
Cancún is a Mexican resort city on the Caribbean coast. You can swim in turquoise waters, sunbathe on white sand beaches, and explore underwater reefs. At night, you'll find energetic clubs and bars in the Hotel Zone. For history, you can take day trips to nearby Mayan sites like Chichen Itza. Cancún's tropical climate makes it suitable for visitors year-round.
Beaches and Water Activities
Cancún has 14 miles of beaches along the Hotel Zone, a narrow island with white sand and clear waters. You can relax on the beach, try jet skiing, go parasailing, or snorkel to see fish and coral reefs. Playa Delfines and Playa Forum have calm waters for swimming. For fewer crowds, go to the beaches at the northern end of the Hotel Zone.
Mayan Ruins
Several Mayan archaeological sites are accessible from Cancún. Chichen Itza, about 120 miles west, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with the El Castillo pyramid and other well-preserved structures. Closer to Cancún, you can visit Tulum, a coastal site on cliffs above the Caribbean Sea. For a less crowded experience, go to Coba, where you can climb the 137-foot tall Nohoch Mul pyramid for views of the surrounding jungle.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The Hotel Zone has many bars and nightclubs open late into the night. Coco Bongo is known for its shows and acrobatic performances. For a calmer evening, you can listen to live music at smaller bars or take a sunset cruise on the lagoon. Many all-inclusive resorts have nightly entertainment with music, dance shows, and themed parties.
Cuisine and Restaurants
Cancún's food combines Mexican and international flavors. In downtown Cancún, you can try local dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and tikin xic (grilled fish in achiote sauce). The Hotel Zone has gourmet restaurants with ocean views. Fresh seafood is common, prepared in various styles. Try local specialties like ceviche and fish tacos. For a different dining experience, visit Xoximilco, a theme park that recreates Mexican floating gardens and serves dinner on colorful boat-like vessels.
Day Trips to Nearby Islands
You can take day trips to nearby islands from Cancún. Isla Mujeres is a 20-minute ferry ride away, with calm beaches and snorkeling spots. You can rent a golf cart to explore the island, visit the sea turtle sanctuary, or spend time on North Beach. Cozumel, known for diving and snorkeling, is about 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen (an hour's drive south of Cancún). On Cozumel, you can see colorful reefs, visit Mayan ruins, or enjoy the island's calm atmosphere.
