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all about Cancún

Reasons to visit Cancún

Cancún is one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Mexico and there are many reasons to visit this tropical land mark. From the amazing weather to adrenaline-fuelled water sports and endless white sandy beaches, it caters to all who visit. Whether you’re topping up your tan, relaxing on the beach - cocktail in hand, or simply chilling by the pool it’s perfect in Cancún and definitely a place for swimsuits.

  • We Love Cancún for

  • Coastal Walks
  • Deep Sea Fishing
  • Diving
  • Incredible Food
  • Golf
  • Diverse Wildlife
  •  
  • Surfing
  • Horse-Riding
  • World-famous nightlife
  • White Sandy Beaches
  • Mayan Ruins
  • Water Sports
  • Whale Sharks and Sea Turtles

 

When to go to Cancún

Cancún’s high season runs from the end of November to the first week in March. This means Christmas, Easter and spring break are the busiest travel times and hotels are at their most expensive. June—when families take summer vacation—is also a very busy time.

The last weeks of January, May and July are great times to visit as hotels will be cheaper, and you'll have the beaches almost to yourself.

Weather in Cancún

The year-round climate in Cancún is generally sunny and balmy. Daily average temperatures in Cancún range from 23°C to 29°C. Peak temperatures usually occur in June (average 29°C) and July (average 29°C).

Like most tropical destinations, hurricanes are possible in the summer and autumn seasons. Spring and winter bring pleasant conditions, with bright days and average highs at 23° to 24°C. An occasional cold front can bring chilly winds to the region - cool enough for a light sweater or jacket.

Planning your holiday

Family reunions and holidays to Cancún

Have an amazing holiday with all the family in Cancún. When considering a trip to Mexico, many travellers choose to stay in an all-inclusive tourist resort. Cancún is a popular haunt for Canadian, US and UK/European travellers – so it is packed with entertainment.

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Places to stay in Cancún

Cancún has first rate tourist infrastructure and services. The city is young, as are most of its permanent and temporary residents. Most resorts, hotels, and condominiums are in the Hotel Zone, which is a long strip of island known for its vibrant atmosphere and it’s the area where it all comes together for most visitors.
The surrounding areas host vast lagoons and hundreds of  waterfront restaurants, marinas, shopping malls, a few islands and inlets, a couple of golf courses and the fantastic sunsets you'll see during your Cancún vacation.

Cancún for weddings, anniversaries and special occasions

Planning your wedding can be hard work, when all you want is to relax and have a great time with your loved one. Cancún is one of the most popular wedding destinations with over 46,000 weddings annually. 

Cancún for family holidays

For an unforgettable holiday in the sun, chose Cancún for your family holiday. The north-facing beaches of Cancún offer the perfect places for a family day on the beach. The soft, white sands and crystal-clear sea, will ensure a great day out.
Some of the top attractions include the turtle farm on Isla Mujeres (The Isle of Women) and the national marine park (El Garrafon). Another great place to take the kids is the Wet 'n' Wild water park, where you can play on rides and swim with dolphins and sea lions.

Cancún for couples

Cancún excels at the adult only all-inclusive hotel model, and couples are spoiled for choice, whether they’re after romantic seclusion or all-night parties. 

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Beach holidays in Cancún

There is plenty of choice when it comes to sandy beaches and good places for snorkelling or water sports in Cancún.

Cultural and educational holidays in Cancún

Situated along the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancún is one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Mexico. It was once a wild jungle filled with exotic fruit trees, shrubs, medicinal plants, orchids and other types of flowers.
 

Getting to Cancún

Cancún is served quite well from the UK with a host of chartered and scheduled flights – both direct and in-direct – landing at Cancún International Airport.

Virgin Atlantic and British Airways both operate three flights per week to Cancún. It takes approximately 10 hours to get there and around 9 coming back. Both Thomsons and Condor operate charters from Gatwick once a week and Thomas Cook once a week out of Manchester.

Virgin Atlantic, under their code share agreement with Delta Airlines, operate a daily flight via Atlanta to Cancún, as does BA via Miami with its code share partner American Airlines.

Getting around

Once you arrive in Cancún  you can take the bus to get around the city. Remember to bring small change in pesos, as American/foreign coins are not accepted and larger bills are hard for conductors to change.

Buses run around the clock service, so if you miss one, don’t worry, another will be along within a few minutes. The buses that run in the hotel zone are mainly R1 and R2, either one will take you back and forth between downtown and the hotel zone.

We also recommend hiring a car, but only if you plan to move around a lot as parking is limited in the hotel zone. Car rental makes it easier to see the main sights and we offer some great rates here.

Things to do and see in Cancún

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is a spectacular must-see UNESCO World Heritage site. There are several guided full-day tours that allow you to stop for a swim in a nearby cenote (Ik Kil or Hubiku) before the certified guide leads you through the ancient capital of the Maya Empire, considered the most important archaeological zone of the Yucatán. 

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Captain Hook Dinner Cruise

Enjoy the Captain Hook dinner cruise in Cancún aboard an 18th-century replica of a Spanish galleon ship. This pirate-themed cruise is great for all ages. Be a part of the captivating pirate antics, play swashbuckling games and participate in a ship-to-ship battle. Dine on chicken, steak or lobster and enjoy an open bar whilst enjoying views of Nichupte Lagoon and the Mexican coastline.

Dolphinaris Cancún

In the serene southern end of the vibrant Cancún Hotel Zone, Dolphinaris sets the stage for a day surrounded by the world’s most splendid creatures! Swim with dolphins located next to the Amusement and Water Park: Ventura Park Cancun and the Wet’n Wild. 

Tulum and Cave Adventure

Have an unforgettable day on this private tour that combines the beauty of Tulum with an amazing adventure through the stunning underground rivers, caves and sinkholes located in the heart of the jungle.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres means Island of Women and is a small beautiful island located just a short 20-minute ferry ride away from Cancún. Step ashore and explore the Maritime Museum and discover the famous pirates, explorers and vessels which navigated the Mexican waters.

Underwater Statues Cancún

For a museum that is truly different, strap on a face mask and dive in! The underwater Museum tour offers a unique snorkel excursion which consists of hundreds of life-size eco sculptures, many of which are based on Yucatán locales beside Manchones reef area. Manchones is located between the coast of Cancún and Isla Mujeres and is now home to 455 of the statues. The sculptures change over time as sea life takes up residence and will one day be completely reclaimed by nature.

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Events & Holidays

Jan - Mayan Village Show, Epiphany
Feb - Inception Music Fest, Carnival, Lasser Sailing Show
Mar - Holy Week and Easter, Anniversary of the Founding of Cancún
Apr - Cinco de Mayo, Cancún Jazz Festival
May - Independence Day, Viva México en Cancún
Jul - Mayan New Year
Aug - La Fiesta de Playa, Labour Day Weekend
Sep - Viva México En Cancún
Oct - Dia de la Raza
Nov - Day of the Dead, International Film Festival
Dec - Christmas Day (Dia de Navidad)

Useful Cancún travel information

Language - Spanish is the official language.

Currency - Mexican peso (MXN; symbol Mex$)
Notes are in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos
Coins are in denominations of 1,2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos

US Dollars are widely accepted throughout Cancún.

Emergencies – Dial 066 for All Emergencies

Dial 060 for direct Police emergencies
Dial 068 for direct Fire emergencies
Dial 065 for direct medical emergencies

Local Customs – Generally, Cancún has a casual dress policy where swimsuits and sandals are the norm. Some areas however, may require guests to cover up, especially at certain resorts and restaurants at dinner time.

Tipping - A tip may generally vary between 15% - 20%.

Voltage - Mexico's electricity system is the same as that of the USA: 120 V; 60 Hz.

Time Difference - GMT -5 hours 

Country dialling code is +52

Departure tax - See our flight pages for details of the departure tax payable.

Security in Cancún - Mexico has a complex reputation when it comes to crime and their affiliation with the organised drug cartels - none of which is likely to intersect with tourist activities or destinations. The Mexican government makes a solid effort to protect its major tourist destinations – thus, while crime does occur as in any city, it is certainly not a prevalent aspect of Cancún culture and society.

Other Risks - Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

Travellers are also advised to bring prescription medicines sufficient for their length of stay. Medications do not have the same names in Mexico as in the US, or other parts of the world.  It’s a good idea to look up the Spanish names of medicines you may need.

If you are allergic to medications, it is a great idea to carry a list of the medications you can and, more importantly, CANNOT take.  If you suddenly become ill and have to be taken to the hospital, the doctors will need to know if you have any medical allergies.

Useful Links

Mexican Embassy London

16 St. George Street
Hanover Square
London W1S 1FD
United Kingdom

Tel: 0207 499 8586
www.mexico.embassyhomepage.com

Insider tips

Tequila Museum

Cancún

Mexican Firewater, or more commonly known –Tequila, is Mexico´s signature drink. Most encounters with this unique liquor involve a lick, sip, suck and the most screwed-up human facial expression.

Take a trip to the Tequila Herradura Sensory Museum in Cancún for an enlightening round of “sniff and slurp.”  During this hour and twenty-minute tour, you’ll be taken through the history of the Herradura tequila-making dynasty, how tequila is distilled (both old-school and new), and the appropriate tequila drinking etiquette.  

Destination Guides

“The Travel Shop was recommended to me and they have not let me down.  The service I continue to receive has been consistent, professional and always courteous.  As I lack flexibility with dates for my trips usually I find the extra effort made by staff have been above and beyond any expectations I could have for a travel agent and I have recommended clients to them based on the fantastic service. Jamie. Last contacted us Sep 14   ”

J Gomes - Read more