Essential Travel Tips for Your Cancún Adventure
If my frequent travels to Cancún have taught me anything, it’s that paradise will throw you a curveball from time to time.
Among the setbacks, I’ve experienced a costly car break-in, brazen price gouging, and a debilitating bout of sickness with dengue fever, an ordeal that still makes my joints ache just thinking about it. However, every time I found myself in need of help, the good folks in Cancún have stepped up big-time, and that’s no small thing.
While some first-time visitors never leave the touristy, high-gloss hotel zone—which I understand, as the stunning resort offers pillow-soft Caribbean beaches—you’ll kick yourself later if you overlook the Centro, a bustling downtown.
This is where you can mingle with locals in the neighborhood cantinas and barter at traditional markets. Visit one atmospheric taco joint, and you’ll be glad you made the effort.
1. Stay Alert but Don’t Let the Clickbait Headlines Spook You
Despite all the grim news about Mexico’s drug-related violence, Cancún and the wider Yucatán Peninsula are generally considered safe. Granted, you should never treat the crime problem lightly. However, drug gangs rarely target tourists, especially if you avoid illicit activities.
That said, it’s important to keep a close watch on your drink in bars and nightclubs. There have been reports of some tourists getting their drinks spiked with so-called date rape drugs. Moreover, you should avoid withdrawing money from ATMs at night and never carry large amounts of cash.
2. Monitor Hurricane Season and Seaweed Surges
Cancún’s hurricane season runs from June to November, and over the years, the city has seen powerful storms cause devastating damage. Always check the latest weather forecast before you board a plane.
Moreover, keep a close eye on sargassum seaweed surges (sargazo in Spanish), which can turn Cancún’s turquoise waters brown. These blooms leave mounds of smelly, decomposing macroalgae carpeted across otherwise white sands, making swimming and sunbathing downright unpleasant.
If it happens during your visit, consider doing less beach time and splash around in hotel pools and cenotes (freshwater sinkholes) instead. The invasive surges occur intermittently, usually from March to August, but they can be unpredictable. Therefore, monitoring local updates is advisable.
3. Tip Generously and Haggle Respectfully
Keep in mind that many Cancún service workers (namely restaurant and hotel employees) depend on tips to supplement meager wages. In restaurants, leave a 15% gratuity if the service is not already included.
Remember to check the bill carefully, though—some unscrupulous establishments have been known to tack on a “service fee” in the hope that customers unknowingly leave an additional tip. For airport and hotel porters, tip about M$25 a bag, while for tour guides, give an extra 10–20% of the cost of the outing to show your appreciation.
4. Pack Wisely: ID, Bug Spray, and Casual Clothing
To rent a car, you’ll need to show a passport, driver’s license, and credit card. Mexican law requires you to have liability coverage, known in Spanish as daños a terceros.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes and the sun, pack biodegradable insect repellent, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable clothing. Loose-fitting clothes that dry quickly will serve you well for water activities and rainy days.
5. Explore the Surrounding Countryside
While there are plenty of things to do in the hotel zone and downtown Cancún, it’s beneficial to take a trip to see a different side of the Yucatán Peninsula. Seven to ten days should give you ample time to tour Cancún and beyond.
Venture south to check out ancient ruins, jungle-set swimming holes, and small fishing towns along the Riviera Maya. Alternatively, nearby islands provide blissful nature escapes for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
6. Carry Cash and Bring a Credit and/or Debit Card
While most places in Cancún accept major credit cards, it’s always useful to carry some cash, especially in smaller towns and islands. MAny hotels and some restaurants accept USD, but expect unfavorable currency exchange rates.
The ubiquitous ATMs dispense Mexican pesos, but international transaction fees often apply. Consequently, carrying a debit or credit card that avoids these fees can save you money.
7. Embrace Cancún’s Culinary Scene
While all-inclusive resorts offer a comfortable environment, they might limit your culinary experiences. For authentic flavors, step outside your resort walls to experience Cancún’s diverse food scene. Try local street food but proceed with caution.
8. Ride-Share Services and Transportation Options
Ride-share services like Uber operate in Cancún, but due to ongoing disputes, riders may face harassment. If you decide to use Uber, do so with caution. For affordable transportation from the airport, look for the red ADO bus, which runs frequently to downtown Cancún’s bus terminal.
9. Avoid Drinking Tap Water and Exercise Caution with Street Food
Cancún’s tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled or purified water is your best bet to stay hydrated. Eating street food can be a tantalizing risk, but approach it with care to avoid stomach issues during your stay.
