Famed for its white-sand beaches, hot weather and even hotter nightlife, Cancun is a Caribbean paradise bursting with Mexican charm. Whatever your holiday preferences, Cancun is sure to tick all the boxes. From beach-perfect ‘flop and drop’ holidays to five-star pampering retreats and culture-rich exploration getaways, Cancun is a destination with it all. Think postcard-worthy beaches, ancient temple ruins and bars that will keep you dancing through to dawn. Are you ready to discover your Cancun?
BeachesIf you’re a self-professed beach bum and can’t get enough of simply heading to the beach and relaxing all day every day, then Cancun is possibly your holiday destination soulmate. Boasting over 22km of stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear (and warm) waters and more beach bars and restaurants than you can shake a stick at, Cancun is a beach lover’s dream. The sandy Cancun peninsular is known as the Hotel Zone and many beachfront hotels have private beaches here – but that doesn’t mean there are no public beaches. In fact, not only are there loads of public beaches here, but some are actually the best in the area. The peninsular is split into two sides, the north side and the Caribbean side, with quieter and shallow waters in the north side and a livelier atmosphere on the Caribbean side. The most northern beach on the strip is Playa Las Perlas or
Pearl Beach . Located at km marker 2.5 on the north side, this beach offers shallow and calm waters, plenty of facilities, lifeguards and a dedicated kid’s area – perfect for families. Heading slightly further south you’ll find Playa Tortugas or
Turtle Beach at km marker 6.5. This beach is very popular with locals and families. The waters are slightly choppier than before and the beach features lifeguards and toilets. You can also catch a ferry to Isla Murjeres from here. Finally, you can’t leave Cancun without a picture by the famous coloured letters, can you? Head to Playa Delfines on the Caribbean side, located at km marker 19.5 for that all-important Instagram pic!
Food & DrinkLocated in the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun’s delicious cuisine has its roots firmly in Mexico but is heavily influenced by European, Mayan, Middle Eastern and Caribbean cuisines. Indicative of the Mexican cuisine that’s loved the world over; you’ll typically find plenty of fresh tomatoes, avocados, corn, roasted meats and super-fresh seafood. Whilst the menu may look similar to the rest of the country, the Yucatan versions of these dishes may differ significantly. On top of the delicious ingredients already mentioned, the food in Cancun will typically include three other things; fiery habanero chilli, zesty Seville Oranges and locally grown achiote – a deep red/orange seed that can be eaten whole or ground into cooking. For a true taste of Cancun and the Quintana Roo area, head to the buzzing street food markets or vendors by the beach. You might not be getting a full sit-down meal but instead a ten-course tasting menu of the region as you wander from seller to seller. Popular street food snacks include chicken shawarma tacos, slow roasted pork buns or
torta de chchinita pibil, chicken tamales torteados cooked in banana leaves and delicious meat filled pastry dough pockets knows as empanadas. If you’re looking to try something different then go for kibis – ground beef or pork seasoned with spearmint, garlic and onion – which are sold by vendors up and down the beach. Those with a sweet tooth must try the local delicacy of marquesitas – a thin and crispy crepe rolled and stuffed with shredded cheese and a choice of super-sweet fillings.
CultureCancun is a culture vulture’s perfect holiday destination. From street parties and traditional Mexican fiestas to underwater museums and historic ruins, Cancun is steeped in culture and rich in history. Make sure to visit the Mayan ruins and learn about the people that built these stunning bits of architecture over a thousand years agoCancun’s cultural calendar is jam-packed with monthly events and celebrations that will really make you feel like a local. January sees the start of the cultural events with the Mayan Village Show held throughout the month. This showcases and celebrates the life and traditions of the Mayan people who once called this paradise home. Holy week is celebrated in April. As this is one of the biggest religious holidays in the area, make sure to make reservations wherever you go. Finally, Cancun celebrates Halloween or Day of the Dead like no other country. Locals will decorate houses and graves with flowers and candles to celebrate those they have lost – and of course, there’s a huge party.
NightlifeSynonymous with partying and dancing until dawn, Cancun comes alive at night. Feed your inner party animal and dance the night away at some of the best nightclubs on the planet. For a totally unique night out, club Coco Bongo is a must. Expect to see acrobats flying overhead, circus performers on stage and only the best songs from the 70’s to the 00’s and beyond. Looking for the extravagant and slightly OTT feel but you’d rather head out before 10pm? Then Señor Frogs is definitely for you. As whacky and colourful as you can imagine, this lively bar is a definite must-visit in Cancun. Finally, for those days when you just want to combine the best party atmosphere with the gorgeous Mexican sun then Mandala Beach Club is the pick for you. Think lively pool parties, fruity cocktails and the stunning white sand beaches of Cancun.
Important InformationFlight Time: 10.5hoursTime Difference: -6hoursCurrency: PesoOfficial Language: Spanish