Packing Essentials for Cancun
Clothing
- Beachwear: Multiple swimsuits (they may not dry quickly in the humidity)
- Light, breathable clothing: Cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics
- Cover-ups: For walking through hotel lobbies or restaurants
- One light sweater or jacket: Air conditioning can be strong indoors
- Comfortable walking shoes: For exploring ruins or downtown
- Flip-flops/sandals: For the beach and casual outings
- One "nice" outfit: For upscale restaurants or nightclubs
- Rain jacket or small umbrella: Especially during rainy season
Sun Protection
- Reef-safe sunscreen: Mexico has banned non-biodegradable sunscreens to protect coral reefs
- Hat with wide brim: Essential for sun protection
- Sunglasses: Preferably polarized for better visibility near water
- Rash guard/swim shirt: For extended time in the water
Health and Safety Items
- Insect repellent: Particularly important during rainy season
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel: For sunburn relief
- Basic first-aid kit: Including pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, and bandages
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes: Convenient for day trips
- Prescription medications: In original containers with labels
- Reusable water bottle: Many resorts have filtered water stations
Tech
- Waterproof phone case: For beach photos and protection
- Kindle, Kobo, iPad: For a moment of reading
- Power adapter: Mexico uses Type A and B plugs (same as the US and Canada)
- Dry bag: For boat trips or water activities
- Spanish phrasebook app: While many in tourism speak English, basic Spanish is appreciated
Getting Around Cancun
Navegando por la Zona Hotelera
The Hotel Zone is a 22.5-kilometer stretch shaped like the number "7," with hotels for every style and budget, numbered from 1 at the northern end to over 70 at the southern end. Key distances include:
- Airport to Hotel Zone entrance: 20 minutes (traffic dependent)
- North to South of Hotel Zone: 30 minutes by bus or car
- Downtown to Hotel Zone: 15-20 minutes
Public Transportation
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R1 and R2 Buses: The most economical way to travel within Cancun
- Cost: 12 pesos (approximately $0.60 USD)
- Run 24/7 every 5-10 minutes during the day
- R1 runs between downtown and Hotel Zone
- R2 runs through the Hotel Zone and to some shopping areas
- Simply flag the bus down at designated stops
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Taxis: Convenient but more expensive
- No meters; negotiate fare before entering
- Hotel Zone to downtown: 250-300 pesos ($12-15 USD)
- Within Hotel Zone: 150-200 pesos ($7-10 USD)
- Hotels often have rate sheets for common destinations
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Ride-sharing: Uber operates in Cancun but has faced legal challenges
- May be difficult to get pickups at some hotels and the airport
- Generally cheaper than taxis
- DiDi (similar to Uber) is also available and often more reliable
Rental Cars
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore beyond Cancun, but consider:
- Pros: Convenience for visiting cenotes, ruins, and less accessible beaches
- Cons: Aggressive driving culture, limited parking, potential for police stops
- Cost: $30-50 USD per day plus mandatory insurance
- Parking: Most hotels charge $10-20 USD per day
Driving Tips: Stay on main roads, avoid driving at night, keep your license and insurance documents accessible, and consider using offline maps like Google Maps or Maps.me.
Map of Cancun's Key Areas
Hotel Zone Highlights
- North Hotel Zone (Km 1-9): Calmer beaches, family-friendly resorts, closer to downtown
- Middle Hotel Zone (Km 10-15): Heart of the action, major nightclubs, shopping centers
- South Hotel Zone (Km 16-20): More secluded, some of the best beaches, luxury resorts
- Punta Nizuc (Beyond Km 20): Exclusive area with luxury resorts and nature preserves
Downtown Cancun (El Centro)
- Market 28: Traditional Mexican market for souvenirs
- Avenida Tulum: Main downtown avenue with shops and restaurants
- Parque Las Palapas: Local gathering spot with food stalls and events
- Plaza Las Américas: Modern shopping mall with cinema
Key Distances
- Airport to Hotel Zone: 20 km (25-30 minutes)
- Airport to Downtown: 16 km (20 minutes)
- Downtown to Hotel Zone: 7.5 km (15 minutes)
- Cancun to Playa del Carmen: 68 km (1 hour)
- Cancun to Tulum: 131 km (1.5-2 hours)
- Cancun to Chichen Itza: 197 km (2.5 hours)
Safety and Local Customs
Safety Considerations
Cancun is generally safe for tourists, especially in the Hotel Zone and downtown areas. However:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly at night
- Use hotel safes for valuables and passports
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark
- Use only official taxis or pre-arranged transportation
- Be cautious with alcohol consumption, especially at beach clubs and nightclubs
Water and Food Safety
- Drink bottled water, even for brushing teeth in most areas
- Most resorts have filtered water systems, but verify with your hotel
- Street food can be safe and delicious if you follow these guidelines:
- Choose busy stalls with high turnover
- Ensure food is cooked thoroughly and served hot
- Look for vendors using gloves and maintaining clean areas
Local Customs and Etiquette
Tipping: Expected in the service industry
- Restaurants: 15-20% (check if service charge is already included)
- Hotel housekeeping: $2-5 USD per day
- Tour guides: 10-15% of tour cost
- Bellhops: $1-2 USD per bag
Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated:
- "Hola" (Hello)
- "Gracias" (Thank you)
- "Por favor" (Please)
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much does it cost?)
- "La cuenta, por favor" (The bill, please)
Bargaining: Expected at markets but not in established stores or restaurants. Start at about 60-70% of the initial asking price.
Things to Avoid in Cancun
Common Tourist Mistakes
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Exchanging money at the airport: Rates are typically unfavorable. Use ATMs at banks or major shopping centers instead.
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Falling for timeshare presentations: These can consume valuable vacation time. The "free" gifts rarely justify the 3-4 hours spent.
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Ignoring beach flag warnings: Red flags mean dangerous conditions - respect them for your safety.
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Touching or standing on coral reefs: This damages fragile ecosystems and can result in fines.
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Assuming everyone accepts US dollars: While widely accepted, you'll often get a poor exchange rate. Use pesos for better value.
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Drinking tap water: Stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.
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Forgetting sunscreen: The Caribbean sun is intense, even on cloudy days.
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Limiting yourself to the Hotel Zone: Some of Cancun's best experiences are downtown or in surrounding areas.
Environmental Considerations
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Traditional sunscreens harm coral reefs
- Avoid single-use plastics: Many businesses are reducing plastic use
- Never touch marine life or coral: Observe from a respectful distance
- Respect protected areas: Follow all rules in nature reserves and archaeological sites
Cancun Travel Checklist
Before You Go
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity beyond your trip)
- Travel insurance (including medical coverage)
- Accommodation reservations
- Airport transfer arrangements
- Inform your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks
- Download offline maps and translation apps
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance)
- Check CDC recommendations for Mexico
- Research activities and make advance reservations for popular tours
Upon Arrival
- Exchange some money to pesos (enough for immediate needs)
- Purchase a local SIM card if needed (available at the airport)
- Confirm hotel's address and phone number
- Set up a safe word/meeting point if traveling with others
- Locate nearest pharmacy and medical facilities
- Identify ATMs near your accommodation
Daily Essentials
- Sunscreen (apply every 2 hours)
- Insect repellent (especially at dawn/dusk)
- Bottled water
- Small amount of cash
- Hotel address card (in case you get lost)
- Phone with emergency contacts
Best Beaches in Cancun
Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, ideal for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the sun. Very close to the Interactive Aquarium Cancun, you can visit Playa Caracol, a quiet option with soft sand and shallow waters, perfect for the whole family. Another great option is Playa Delfines, with its stunning ocean views and the famous "CANCUN" sign, perfect for photos.
Cancun Nightlife
When night falls, the Hotel Zone comes alive with its famous party scene. In the area between kilometers 9 and 10, you'll find iconic Cancun clubs like Coco Bongo, Mandala, and The City, known for their music, lights, and unique shows. To make your nightlife unforgettable (and safe).
Making the Most of Your Cancun Experience
Cancun offers an incredible blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and modern amenities that make it one of the world's premier vacation destinations. By planning ahead and following the tips in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to navigate from the moment you land at the airport to exploring the best beaches, restaurants, and attractions the Mexican Caribbean has to offer.
Remember that while the Hotel Zone provides the postcard-perfect beach experience, some of Cancun's most authentic and memorable moments happen when you venture beyond the tourist bubble—whether that's enjoying street tacos in downtown, exploring ancient ruins, swimming in secluded cenotes, or connecting with the warm local culture.
Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, nightlife, or cultural immersion, Cancun welcomes you with open arms and endless possibilities. ¡Buen viaje!
