Identified for its beautiful all-inclusive resorts, crystal clear water, and standing as a well-liked Spring Break spot, Cancun is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Mexico’s Quintana Roo area. However regardless of its repute for being a ‘Gringo’ playground, Cancun has way more to it than simply luxurious accommodations and seashore golf equipment (though granted, it does each of these very nicely!).
Delve slightly deeper past the floor and you will find unbelievable nature, unequalled delicacies, and among the greatest seashores in Mexico. Because of its proximity to unbelievable locations comparable to Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Isla Holbox, Cancun can even function the jumping-off level for visiting extra of Mexico.
I truly took an entire highway journey throughout the peninsular to Merida after visiting Tulum, Playa and Cancun and it was the perfect of each worlds, seashores, historical past and tradition.
In the event you’re desirous about visiting this energetic metropolis in Quintana Roo however aren’t certain the place to remain – the entire Downtown Cancun vs the Cancun Resort Zone is a typical dilemma that I initially had too. I’ve received you coated in my information to the place to remain in Cancun, together with my picks for the perfect Cancun accommodations.
The most effective neighborhoods to remain in Cancun
Resort Zone – Cancun’s beating coronary heart of tourism, the Resort Zone is residence to luxurious all-inclusive resorts and unbeatable seashores. If a stress-free high-end trip is your factor, select one of many many Cancun Accommodations throughout the Resort Zone.
Puerto Cancun & Puerto Juarez – Identified for the Marina Puerto Purchasing Mall and the attractive Cancun port, this upmarket space is ideal for procuring. The close by Puerto Juarez offers a soothing different to the Cancun Resort Zone, with out sacrificing the tourist-friendly facilities.
Downtown Cancun – Keen on seeing a extra genuine facet to Cancun? Head to the downtown space, the place road tacos and backpacker hostels mix to create an environment extra laid-back than something you’d discover within the Resort Zone.
Isla Blanca – This quiet a part of city is characterised by stunning seashores and a blissful escape from the crowds. It is Cancun’s best-kept secret – move it on or do not, it is your selection!
Isla Mujeres – The final word spot for having fun with island life simply off the coast of Cancun, this idyllic island boasts unbelievable seashores, Instagrammable brunch spots, and a laid-back tempo of life. Time to disconnect the Wi-Fi and easily be.
Punta Nizuc – Residence to among the greatest nature you will discover in Quintana Roo, this spot is good for snorkeling, scuba diving, and easily having fun with that laid-back seashore way of life.
Puerto Morelos – Situated only a brief drive from town of Cancun, Puerto Morelos is an genuine Mexican fishing village tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the primary strip.
1. The place to remain in Cancun for first-time guests: Cancun Resort Zone
Cancun is famed for its Resort Zone, the place high-end all-inclusive resorts meet quirky boutique accommodations, unfold out alongside a skinny strip of land that faces the seashore. Punta Cancun is situated on the tip of the Resort Zone and is nightlife central.
That is the Cancun that guests image – stepping out onto their boutique resort balcony to look over their out of doors swimming pool or the clear turquoise waters and white sand of the Caribbean Sea.
In the event you’re searching for solar, sand, sea, and luxurious, staying within the Resort Zone is a no brainer. It is also the place the place first-time guests ought to keep and the perfect jumping-off level for exploring extra of Cancun.
In addition to absorbing the solar, the Resort Zone is the right spot for consuming, ingesting, and procuring. This part of Cancun was primarily constructed with vacationers in thoughts, so it is received every part you would need throughout the six-mile strip, from haute delicacies to memento retailers.
The one draw back to the Resort Zone is that it’s totally tourist-centric and definitely not as genuine as different elements of Mexico, and even different elements of Cancun.
It’s fairly an Americanized a part of city, however in the event you’re searching for luxurious lodging and proximity to the seashore, there’s nowhere higher to remain.
One of many advantages of its recognition with vacationers additionally implies that the Resort Zone has a tourist-friendly infrastructure. For probably the most half, restaurant employees communicate English and the accommodations are well-equipped to take care of vacationers from everywhere in the world.
When it comes to procuring, you are near each the Marina Puerto Cancun Mall and La Isla Purchasing Village to get pleasure from some retail remedy.
Issues to do within the Cancun Resort Zone
The Cancun Resort Zone is legendary for its seashores and seashore golf equipment, so hiring a seashore sunbed for the day whereas pleasant waiters deliver you cocktails and snacks is rarely a foul thought.
Likewise, there’s loads of luxurious procuring within the space, so if these Mexican pesos you have exchanged are burning a gap in your pocket, you will undoubtedly discover locations to spend them.
A few of the Cancun Resort Zone’s accommodations are among the many greatest all-inclusive resorts on the planet, so having fun with a day by the pool with first-class delicacies is a plan that by no means fails.
There are many eateries within the Resort Zone, however in the event you’re on the lookout for that all-important genuine Mexican taco place, you will be extra prone to discover them with a brief taxi trip to the Cancun Downtown space. Ubers are nonetheless a difficult topic within the Resort Zone, so ask your resort to e-book you an official taxi, as a substitute.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in The Resort Zone
($$$) Grand Fiesta Americana
($$) Krystal Grand Cancun
Puerto Cancun is one in every of my favourite elements of Cancun, and in the event you like procuring it is a must-visit. Residence to one in every of Cancun’s greatest procuring malls – Marina Puerto Cancun – this space is residence to price range and luxurious procuring alike in addition to lots of the metropolis’s most upmarket bars and eateries.
Right here you will discover names like Zara & H&M in addition to extra upmarket shops comparable to Massimo Dutti. Plus there are many locations to eat and drink, providing Italian, Mexican, and Japanese delicacies, in addition to American classics comparable to buffalo wings.
Staying in Puerto Cancun is likely one of the most handy places, too, since you will get pleasure from proximity to each Downtown Cancun and the Cancun Resort Zone. However the perfect half must be the views out over the port.
The bars and eating places that line the port supply the chance to take a seat again, calm down, and take within the sights and sounds of Cancun – with a margarita in hand after all.
Situated simply two miles from Cancun middle is Puerto Jarez, one other vacation spot that is good for escaping the crowds. This port city is greatest identified for being the spot the place you get the ferry to Isla Mujeres, but it surely’s price visiting as its personal vacation spot.
It is the most effective locations in the entire Cancun space for consuming seafood and boasts a extra laid-back vibe than the Cancun Resort Zone or Downtown.
Issues to do in Puerto Cancun and Puerto Juarez
In the event you’re a devoted shopper, the perfect place to get bang in your buck is the Marina Puerto Cancun Mall. Stuffed with family title manufacturers like Zara and Pull&Bear in addition to upmarket shops and useful spots like pharmacies, the Marina is a superb place to walk round and do some window procuring or purchase an entire new wardrobe.
My favourite locations to eat right here embrace La Pizzara, a trendy pizza and pasta joint with views of the marina, and Hiromi, an upmarket Japanese restaurant serving genuine sushi and ramen.
If you end up sick of tacos, the eateries in Marina Puerto Cancun span a vary of cuisines, so you’ll be able to take a break from Mexican meals.
From Puerto Juarez simply barely additional up, you may get the ferry to Isla Mujeres or spend a day strolling across the native fishing village with laid-back vibes.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in Puerto Cancun and Puerto Juarez:
($$$) The Royal Cancun All Suites Resort
($) Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina
3. The place to remain in Cancun like a neighborhood: Downtown Cancun
Cancun is a tourist-heavy place and it makes no secret of that. From its tip tradition to the proliferation of English audio system, Cancun is extra ‘Americanized’ than different locations in Mexico.
Downtown Cancun, whereas not probably the most stunning a part of town, is certainly probably the most genuine. Right here you will discover the perfect meals and benefit from the expertise of residing like a neighborhood, whereas escaping the crowds related to the Resort Zone.
It is also a well-liked spot for backpackers and digital nomads hoping to see a extra genuine a part of Cancun whereas retaining proximity to the colourful nightlife.
Not like many European cities with their charming slender streets, Cancun’s middle is sprawling, with vast boulevards and neighborhoods unfold out throughout town. It may be useful to rent a automotive for getting round, however strolling and taxis can do the job simply as nicely.
Avenida Tulum is the primary road in Downtown Cancun. Down this lengthy boulevard, you will discover loads of retailers, bars, and eating places, and it is a nice spot to walk down to higher get to know town.
Avenue artwork is prevalent right here, so stroll down the streets to get a way of the locals’ creativity and take a stroll by way of Parque de las Palapas for some greenery and people-watching. Plus, you discover some nice road meals at native costs.
Downtown Cancun can be residence to loads of hostels, so in the event you’re eager to expertise a laid-back social gathering environment, head to a neighborhood hostel bar the place you’ll be able to rub shoulders with backpackers whereas practising your salsa strikes.
You may additionally discover loads of tour operators operating excursions to close by historic spots, comparable to Chichen Itza, one of many 7 new wonders of the world that’s nicely well worth the go to.
Issues to do in Downtown Cancun
Downtown Cancun is residence to loads of road artwork, so merely strolling across the metropolis middle and taking on the street artwork is solely superior. You might be a part of an official road artwork tour, too, comparable to this tour by Viator. This manner you will get to see all of the hidden spots.
In the event you’re staying within the middle, you completely have to attempt some tacos, particularly road tacos (in case your abdomen can deal with them). A beloved native spot is Gory Tacos, however in the event you’re staying in Downtown Cancun you mainly can not help however come throughout tacos, so you will discover them in all places.
The close by Dubai Palace On line casino will maintain even beginner gamblers entertained, and the Plaza Las Americas Mall is nice for procuring because it’s the biggest procuring middle within the metropolis.
From Cancun, you’ll be able to simply organise a day journey to Chichen Itza, which I extremely advocate. In case you have a bit extra time, you can even hire a automotive and drive your self.
The freeway between Cancun and Merida is protected to drive and this manner you’ll keep within the close by city of Valladolid for instance and stand up additional early to reach at Chichen Itza earlier than the bus crowds. That is how I did it and it was the perfect.
Lastly, simply. strolling down the primary Cancun streets comparable to Avenida Tulum lets you soak within the environment. I additionally appreciated visiting Mercado 28, a bustling conventional Mexican market the place you’ll be able to store for souvenirs and snack on genuine delicacies from the area.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in Downtown Cancun
($$$) Suites Malecon Cancun
($$) Villa Sofia
4. The place to remain in Cancun for seashore getaways: Isla Blanca
This hidden gem lies only a brief 20km drive north from the middle of Cancun’s Resort Zone and it is nicely price your time if white sand seashores are your factor.
Residence to pure magnificence that is way more untouched than the remainder of Cancun, Isla Blanca is quiet whereas nonetheless having facilities match for vacationers.
Not like central Cancun, you will not discover visitors and all-inclusive accommodations, nor nightclubs that draw within the Spring Break crowd. As an alternative, this peninsula is residence to some seashore golf equipment, however primarily its unparalleled magnificence. Arguably, I might go so far as saying, it is Cancun’s best-kept secret.
Granted, you will not discover the perfect all-inclusive resorts right here, however the brilliant blue water and chilled-out vibes will greater than make-up for it. There are a handful of resorts right here, most include a non-public seashore and a few are adults-only.
In the event you’re on the lookout for pleasure, perhaps skip Isla Blanca, however for sheer pure magnificence and a chill seashore trip, it merely can’t be crushed. Alternatively, keep right here and make your manner into Cancun middle by evening to absorb a few of that well-known nightlife.
Issues to do in Isla Blanca
Isla Blanca is the right spot for a day spent on the seashore. Attempt your self on some kitesurfing or go snorkeling.
When it comes to issues to do, Isla Blanca is extra for sitting again and absorbing the solar or dabbling in some water sports activities and fewer about well-known sights or partying.
Isla Blanca has a lagoon on one facet and the ocean on the opposite. It is uncrowded and likewise an awesome spot to watch the sundown.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in Isla Blanca
($$$) Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa
($$) Secrets and techniques Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres
($$) Punta Blanca Seaside Home
5. The place to remain in Cancun for island life: Isla Mujeres
Arguably, probably the most unparalleled pure magnificence and the perfect laid-back seashore vibes in Mexico can truly be discovered on its islands alongside the Riviera Maya, an space stretching alongside the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Isla Mujeres (translating to Girls Island in English) is only a stone’s throw from Cancun, but provides a totally totally different vibe for vacationers who wish to combine issues up from an all-inclusive resort.
Blessed with pristine seashores, white sand and turquoise water, Isla Mujeres is a laid-back island that gives aid from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.
I completely beloved Isla Mujeres. I’ve received some actually good reminiscences from right here. It is the place the place you sip smoothies, take browsing classes, and revel in afternoon siestas on the seashore, earlier than settling down to look at an unequalled sundown with dinner.
There’s nightlife and loads of locations to seize a margarita, but it surely’s not residence to lots of the mega-clubs that Cancun is thought for. Isla Mujeres is the right spot for laid-back vacationers.
It is not sleepy, however it’s relaxed, and you will not discover many crowds or hustle and bustle. To get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun it is only a brief ferry trip. You may have to get to the Puerto Juarez ferry docks, which you are able to do by automotive, taxi, or shuttle bus, with the final choice most likely being the most affordable and the perfect.
Sadly, taxis in Cancun are extremely overpriced, however the Uber state of affairs is slightly legally murky, so Uber drivers can get attacked and will ask you to take a seat within the entrance seat or meet at a distinct pick-up level to keep away from detection.
Taking the shuttle bus avoids the issues related to each taxis and Ubers, though after I visited Cancun, it did appear to be the Uber state of affairs was bettering.
You also needs to purpose to choose up pesos earlier than arriving in Isla Mujeres, as there are few ATMs and there could be poor connection on the island for paying by card. When you arrive, set your self up at one of many many seashore golf equipment or bask in some water sports activities. In the event you go to in the fitting season, you’ll be able to even swim with whale sharks!
Issues to do in Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is not residence to tons of sights, however you will nonetheless discover lots to do, from making an attempt your hand at watersports to easily spending a day enjoyable by the seashore.
The preferred and my favourite was Playa Norte. Right here you’ll be able to hire a seashore mattress for the day and get an countless provide of tacos and Mexican beer delivered to you till the solar units.
From the seashore, stroll down Avenida Hidalgo, which is the primary road for pedestrians to walk, store, and dine. It is received a energetic environment. I like to recommend the meals at Lola Valentina, they’ve plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free choices too. In any other case, you will discover loads of bars packed within the quite slender road.
To see some epic pure magnificence, go to Punta Sur Park on the southern tip of the island. We rented a golf cart – it is the very best and most eco-friendly option to get round and makes up for half of the expertise of the island. To get across the whole island, you will solely take about 30-45 minutes, it’s totally compact.
In the event you’re desirous about diving or snorkeling there are many alternatives at Isla Mujeres – e-book your self a tour to MUSA (Underwater Museum of Artwork), an underwater sculpture park.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in Isla Mujeres
($$$) Resort Belo Isla Mujeres
($$$) Izla Beachfront Resort
($$) Bahia Tolok
6. The place to remain in Cancun for nature: Punta Nizuc
Punta Nizuc is the realm on the southernmost tip of the Resort Zone in Cancun, Mexico.
In addition to high-end accommodations, Cancun (and its surrounding area, Quintana Roo) is residence to among the most stunning nature in Mexico, and there are few higher spots to scope it out than Punta Nizuc.
Whereas only a brief drive away from the primary Cancun Downtown and the Resort Zone, it feels far faraway from the hustle and bustle, which makes for an ideal family-friendly trip.
The distinguished seashore right here is famed for its coral reef, making it the right spot to spend the day swimming or snorkeling.
If biodiversity is your factor, Punta Nizuc has it in abundance, with greater than 230 species of seagrass and algae, in addition to loads of sea-dwelling creatures to maintain any scuba diver busy.
Issues to do in Punta Nizuc
This space is greatest identified for its pure magnificence, so one of the best ways to method it’s to soak it up with water-based actions, comparable to exploring the well-known coral reef by diving or snorkeling.
There are many scrumptious steak and seafood eating places lining the shore, so you’ll be able to sit and have a glass of wine with dinner and watch the sundown over this stunning seashore neighborhood.
Discover historical Mayan ruins on the El Rey Archaeological Zone, which is comparatively near Punta Nizuc.
In the event you’re as much as enterprise a bit inland, you’ll be able to uncover among the cenotes the Riviera Maya is so well-known for. These pure sinkholes are crammed with recent water, offering a singular and refreshing swimming expertise.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in Punta Nizuc
($$$) Nizuc Resort & Spa
($$$) The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun
($$) Residence Inn by Marriott
7. The place to remain close to Cancun with out the crowds: Puerto Morelos
Like the thought of Cancun however not the inflated costs or crowds of vacationers? Contemplate Puerto Morelos.
Shut sufficient which you could nonetheless soar in a automotive and get to the seashores and malls of Cancun, however far sufficient that you simply’re away from the hustle and bustle of Cancun and in your personal little paradise.
Situated halfway between Playa del Carmen and Cancun, this hidden gem is an genuine Mexican fishing village that boasts among the greatest seafood you will attempt in Quintana Roo.
Whereas Puerto Morelos might not be crammed with quite a few sights, you’ll be able to eat and drink your manner by way of scrumptious fish tacos and tequila whereas having fun with the scenic view of the crystal-clear waters alongside Puerto Morelos Seaside.
In the event you stroll alongside Puerto Morelos’ most important seashore, you will discover the leaning lighthouse, or El Faro Inclinado because the locals comprehend it.
Snorkelers and scuba divers will love this vacation spot, too, due to the favored Nationwide Reef Park of Puerto Morelos, which lies simply 400 meters away from the Puerto Morelos shore. You possibly can attain it with a ship after which discover the waters to your coronary heart’s content material.
Puerto Morelos boasts quite a few cenotes, pure sinkholes shaped by collapsed limestone and crammed with water, which could be found alongside the Ruta de los Cenotes.
For handy exploration of those cenotes, take into account renting a automotive if it aligns along with your price range and transportation preferences.
Issues to do in Puerto Morelos
There’s lots to maintain you busy on this Mexican port city that is only a stone’s throw from Cancun.
As with all of Quintana Roo, there’s a tremendous shoreline and seashores, so you’ll be able to go on a catamaran tour to discover extra of those crystal-clear waters.
The Puerto Morelos Reef Nationwide Park is a diver’s dream and the close by cenotes are good for going for a day dip.
However in the event you resolve you need slightly extra of the excessive life throughout your journey, you’ll be able to all the time go on a drive to Cancun to discover its seashores, procuring, and nightlife.
Finest space for:
Finest accommodations to remain in Puerto Cancun
($$$) The Fives Oceanfront
($$) Resort El Moro
($$) Rancho Sakol
($) Resort Amar Inn
The place to Keep in Cancun – Continuously Requested Questions
⭐ What a part of Cancun is hottest?
The preferred place to remain in Cancun is the Resort Zone. Residence to the most important collection of lodging in Cancun, all set in opposition to a white sand seashore inside 20 minutes of Cancun Worldwide Airport, most vacationers flock to the luxurious accommodations that line this strip of Cancun. Downtown Cancun is the place many of the locals stay and it is the go-to spot for backpackers searching for tacos similar to your madre makes them. In the meantime, Isla Mujeres is vastly well-liked for vacationers on the lookout for a slice of island residing.
✔️ What’s the most secure a part of Cancun to remain?
Nearly all of Cancun is reasonably protected. The Resort Zone might be the most secure a part of Cancun as there are extra vacationers round and respected accommodations and institutions. The commonest crimes in Cancun are pickpocketing and mugging, so attempt to not carry many valuables round with you. There have been studies of police asking for cash from vacationers, so go for taxis and public transport within the evenings as a substitute of strolling the streets and do not draw consideration to your self as being a vacationer. Studying some fundamental Spanish will get you far!
❓ Is Cancun or Tulum or Playa higher?
Cancun is good for luxurious resorts and energetic nightlife, Playa del Carmen provides a extra compact and walkable setting with vibrant nightlife, whereas Tulum has a laid-back, hipster vibe with a jungle setting and well-known cenotes for water actions. All three are near Chichen Itza, making them well-liked vacationer locations, and you may discover them over two weeks utilizing buses or personal transfers.
📍 Ought to I keep within the Cancun Resort Zone?
Cancun’s Resort Zone is undoubtedly the beating coronary heart of Cancun’s tourism trade and you may profit vastly from the facilities there, comparable to world-class resorts, luxurious procuring and turquoise blue waters framed by white sand seashores. In the event you’re available in the market for an genuine Mexican expertise, nevertheless, the Resort Zone may not be your neighborhood of selection. On this case, Downtown Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Puerto Morelos would be the greatest selections.
📅 What number of days do I want in Cancun?
In the event you plan on visiting Cancun merely to discover the sights and landmarks on supply, you will not want various days to see every part. However many vacationers plan a soothing seashore vacation, so you could wish to keep for every week or two. With locations like Puerto Morelos, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres all inside two hours of Cancun, exploring the realm for a few weeks is usually a nice choice.
The place to remain in Cancun – Last phrases
Cancun is a beach-filled paradise off the Caribbean Sea with among the greatest accommodations Quintana Roo has to supply. A stone’s throw from different inhabitants locations like Tulum and Isla Holbox, it is nicely price visiting this a part of Mexico for a singular mix of luxurious and authenticity.
If you wish to spend your days sipping margaritas and consuming tacos on white sand seashores, there’s merely no higher spot.
No matter your pursuits, there is a neighborhood for everybody. Luxurious lovers will flock to Puerto Cancun or the Resort Zone, whereas backpackers trying to find a extra genuine facet to Cancun will adore Downtown.
If you wish to be near the motion with out the crowds, head to Puerto Morelos or Punta Nizoc, whereas nature and island lovers ought to select Isla Mujeres or Isla Blanca as their vacation spot.
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