As a frequent traveller, I have travelled across many continents and seen many beautiful places. However, Cancun, Mexico made a lasting impression, and I will always remember the city that captured my heart.
Why Cancun?
Before I tell you why I love Cancun, Mexico, let’s educate us a bit.
Where is Cancun?
Cancun is a city on the Caribbean Sea in south-eastern Mexico. It was built by the Mexican government on a site selected as a suitable place for a new tourist development and is an important renowned tourist destination in Mexico.
The weather in Cancun-
The climate in Cancun is tropical, with consistent hot and humid weather throughout the year. This means it is the perfect holiday destination at any time of the year.
Where should you stay in Cancun?
Most resorts and hotels are located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. If you want to spend your vacation with many other tourists, this is the place to stay. Cancun has a large range of 3-5 star hotels in the “hotel zone” and you can find the hotel that best suits your needs. Downtown Cancun, offers an alternative to all the glitz and hype of the Hotel zone with some great restaurants, bars, and shopping centres. Most residents live downtown.
Getting around the city-
There are a number of transport options for exploring the city. R1 and R2 buses run regularly between downtown and the hotel zone. This service is seamless and cost 12 pesos per trip. The quality of these buses ranges from older without air conditioning to new, air-conditioned coaches with TVs and WiFi.
Taxis are not metered in Cancun. Discuss the price of your trip in total before you begin your ride.
Here is why I love Cancun-
Cancun reminds me of Vegas! Yes, Vegas but without its insanity. 😊 A “born again” Vegas!
1. Landing Cancun Airport-
Arriving the city was easy. Nationals of countries for which there is a visa requirement are exempt from it if they have valid visas to the US, UK, Canada or the Schengen Area. I was travelling from the USA and had a valid US visa.
For more information on visa requirements for Mexico, please visit this link.
At Cancun International Airport, you may experience long queues and delays at immigration and customs; be patient and wait it out.
Taxis are available at the airport and operated by various companies. You can use the shared shuttle or take the ADO bus. I paid $11 for a shared taxi from the airport to the Hotel Zone.
2. The Beaches of Cancun-
Cancun is known for its lovely beaches. You can spend a day on the beach, relax, swim and get a full body massage on the beach overlooking the turquoise blue waters. I visited Playa Delfines Beach, Playa Marlin Beach and Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres.
Isla Mujeres is a local island with one of the best beaches I have seen. We took the catamaran from Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeres.
On the island, you can rent a golf cart for the day and explore the island. It cost about $45 a day. Hourly rates are also available.
3. A visit to one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
I booked a Day trip tour to Chichén Itza, Cenote Fantasma and the colonial town of Valladolid. I paid $45 for this service. It was initially offered at $65 but I got a good bargain.
Chichén Itzá:
So, people may tell you that no visit to Mexico is complete without a visit to Chichén Itzá. Go if you want the “feel good” experience of visiting a World Heritage site and taking photos to show your grandchildren. Don’t forget your sunscreens, hats, and umbrellas as there is no shade to protect you from the sun.
I went from caramel butterscotch to very dark chocolate in less than 24 hours.
Cenote Fantasma:
There are over 6000 different cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. These are underground caverns formed when limestone caves in, leaving a hole in the earth that leads to a pool of gorgeous turquoise-coloured water.
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Valladolid:
In the colonial town of Valladolid, we visited the Cathedral of San Servacio o Gervasio, one of the oldest churches in the Caribbean.
I had marquesitas at the square in front of the Cathedral.
Other Things you can do in Cancun, Mexico;
- Take the boat cruise. Sail from Cancun on a triple-decker catamaran for a day full of snorkelling, parasailing, jet-skiing, sightseeing, salsa dancing and shopping with friends you have not met yet.
- Spend a day at the Spa. Cancun is one of the premier spa destinations in the world with a choice of more than thirty Cancun Spa Resorts.
- For some shopping, explore La Isla Mall, Plaza Las Americas, Plaza Fiesta, Plaza Caracol, Plaza Forum by the Sea, Kukulcan Plaza and Market 28. Visit Parque Las Palapas: the city’s main park is a large plaza where you’ll find food carts, a small outdoor food court, local handicrafts and souvenirs, a playground, and a large stage.
- If you are a golfer, Cancun championship golf courses are every golfer’s dream. They meet the highest standards set by professional golf tournaments and experts golfers.
- Eat Mexican Food
Tips before you go:
- If you are traveling from the USA, book your ticket ahead of time to get the best deals. Flights are inexpensive if you book early. I use Skyscanner and Expedia.
- In Mexico, you win when you haggle. Locals are not very honest, especially with tourists. So if you are offered anything, make a counter-offer of 50% of the initial offer, then start from there and haggle your way up. Your Mama should have taught you this.
- Make sure you try Mexican food. Have stories to tell.
- If you are visiting Chichén Itzá, take an umbrella, a hat and sunglasses with you. Do not… i repeat, do not forget your sunscreen lotions. Thank me later.
Have you visited Cancun, Mexico before? What are your fondest travel memories of this Mexican Caribbean? Share your experience with us.
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Your pictures are amazing. I was in Cancun last year, and I regret not going out into town to explore. It was a photography gig and there was simply no time to get out of the resort.
Thank you, dear. You should always create time to explore the city even if it is for a day.
“…………… Do not… i repeat, do not ………..”😂😂😂😂😂 #emphasis #strongwarnings 😂
It’s instructive. Lol
Wow! i really enjoyed this post and i like your writing style, you carry audience along well. I enjoyed it but i am used to short reading. weldone
Thank you. I always try to keep it brief but I always run the risk of leaving relevant information out which is why I populate my articles with photos to bring in some ‘visual relief’. 🙂
Nonetheless, some articles are shorter than others. This one was intended as a guide and i’m glad you enjoyed the read.