Cancun, Mexico: Open For Travel Or Not?

Cancun, Mexico, is a beloved tourist destination for many, especially those looking for a warm-weather getaway or a spring break trip. It is known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, nightlife, and rich cultural history. The city is currently open for travel and has implemented safety measures to ensure the well-being of its visitors.

Cancun boasts luxurious all-inclusive resorts, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and vibrant local culture. It is a great destination for families, offering a wide range of kid-friendly activities and tours. The area referred to as the hotel zone includes the arch of white sand beaches, away from downtown Cancun, and is a safe area for tourists to enjoy.

When travelling to Cancun, it is important to note the travel requirements, including having a valid passport and obtaining a Tourist Card, also known as the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM). This card is valid for up to 180 days and must be stamped by an immigration official upon entry and exit. Additionally, there are no longer any COVID-19 test requirements for entering Mexico, but proof of a negative test may be required when returning to certain countries, such as the US and Canada.

Overall, Cancun is a safe place to visit, with lower crime rates than many top-populated cities in the United States. However, it is always important to take general safety precautions, such as avoiding walking on empty streets at night and not flashing expensive items or large amounts of cash.

With its stunning beaches, exciting excursions, and delicious cuisine, Cancun is a fantastic choice for those seeking a fun-filled and memorable tropical vacation.

Cancun's Hotel Zone

Cancun is divided into two areas: Downtown Cancun, also known as Ciudad Cancun, and Cancun Island, also known as the Hotel Zone or "Zona Hotelera" in Spanish. The Hotel Zone is the primary tourist area, known for its resorts, catamarans, wild nightlife, and beaches. It's a 15-mile strip of sand shaped like the number seven.

The Hotel Zone is densely populated with nearly 100 hotels, shopping malls, beaches, and restaurants. It's a popular destination for vacationers, offering a range of activities and entertainment options. The area is considered very safe for families and visitors from other countries, as Mexico has implemented robust security measures to ensure traveller safety.

• Casa Tortugas Boutique Hotel: A beautiful family-run boutique hotel located within a 2-minute walking distance from Playa Tortugas beach and the Ferry to Isla Mujeres.
• Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina: Located in Puerto Cancun, just 10 minutes from Downtown Cancun. It is next to the Marina Town Center, the largest shopping centre in the area.
• La Villa du Golf à Cancun Hotel Boutique: A small and calm boutique hotel with an outdoor pool and free parking. All rooms have different styles, free wifi service, air conditioning, and a private bathroom.
• SINA SUITES CANCUN - Adults Only: A boutique hotel located at km 7.5 of the Hotel Zone, offering quiet and chill vibes.
• Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: This resort offers an outdoor pool, a children's pool, a convenience store, and a salon with massage services.
• Riu Caribe - All Inclusive: Located a few steps from Langosta, this resort provides accommodations with free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Cancun Hotel Zone: Located a 17-minute walk from Playa Punta Nizuc, this hotel offers 3-star accommodations with a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar.

For a more relaxing vacation, you may want to consider staying in a resort that is close to the Hotel Zone but far enough to avoid the public beaches. Two recommendations are Excellence Playa Mujeres and Excellence Riviera Cancun. These resorts offer tranquil environments and easy access to the attractions of the Hotel Zone.

Downtown Cancun

Street Art

Parque de 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. On weekend evenings, the park becomes a hot spot for local families to hang out and enjoy weekly events.

Markets

Malecón Tajamar

Malecón Tajamar has a delightful walkway along the Nichupte Lagoon with amazing views of the Hotel Zone skyline. The waterfront neighbourhood is one of Cancun's most beautiful areas and is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or outdoor yoga.

Taquerias

You can't leave downtown Cancun without hitting a taqueria or two. Enjoy authentic Mexican street food at local favourites like Taqueria Coapeñitos and La Parrilla. To skip the line and get insider tips, book a food tour.

Malecón Americas

Downtown's main mall is where you'll find most locals on any given weekend. Malecón Americas has a lovely and modern open-air atmosphere where you can grab an ice cream, browse beautiful department stores, and enjoy a meal at a variety of restaurants.

Cancun's beaches

Cancún's beaches are renowned for their beauty, with 13 miles of coastline featuring soft, white sand, teal-blue waters, and a cool breeze. The beaches are a major draw for tourists, who flock to the city as it is one of Mexico's most in-demand tourist hotspots.

The Hotel Zone, a 15-mile strip of sand shaped like the number seven, is the primary tourist area. It is lined with resorts, catamarans, nightlife, and beaches. Restaurants and bars line the only road, Kulkukan Boulevard, which runs from one side of the Hotel Zone to the other.

Some of the best beaches in Cancún include:

• Playa Delfines: One of the largest beaches, known for the iconic Cancún sign, and for being free of hotels and resorts. The currents are strong, so swimming is not advised.
• Playa Tortugas: Great for families with kids due to its small waves, but it can get crowded. There is an oceanfront restaurant and bar.
• Chac Mool Beach: Perfect for diving into the Caribbean waters and renting water sports equipment.
• Playa Forum: A mix of a vibrant atmosphere and a tropical retreat, located behind the popular nightclub Coco Bongo. It is filled with restaurants and bars.
• San Miguelito Beach: A relaxing beach with amazing views.
• Isla de Mujeres Cancún: A small island located off the coast, accessible by ferry from Puerto Juárez and Playa Tortugas in the Hotel Zone.
• Xcacel Beach: A beach in the north of Cancún with shallow waters.
• Playa Langosta: Another beach in the north of Cancún.
• Playa Caracol: A quiet and clean beach with calm waters, located in the Hotel Zone.
• Playa Las Perlas: Calm waters and plenty of beach chairs for lounging.

Overall, Cancún's beaches offer a range of experiences, from relaxing on the soft sand to enjoying water sports and dining at oceanfront restaurants. The city is a great destination for those seeking sun, sea, and fun!

Mayan ruins

Cancun is open for travel and is a safe place to visit. The Mexican government has implemented security measures to ensure traveller safety and to sustain tourism, as it is a major revenue source for Mexico.

There are four Mayan Ruins in Cancun: San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu'um. Here is some more information about them:

San Miguelito

San Miguelito is located at the Cancun Maya Museum and is home to some of the best Mayan artefacts and ruins in Cancun. It is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm and costs $80 pesos ($4) to enter, which includes entrance to the museum. There are four distinct areas and a large central structure to see.

El Meco

El Meco is a smaller site with 14 structures, including the main temple, El Castillo, a five-level pyramid that was used for religious rituals and worship. It is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm and costs $55 pesos ($2.50) to enter.

El Rey

El Rey is located in the Zona Hotelera (Cancun Hotel Zone) and is believed to be the burial site of a Mayan king. It has about 45 structures, the most important being Structure 2, where the original pyramid's base once sat. It is open daily from 8 am to 4:30 pm and costs $50 pesos ($2.50) to enter.

Yamil Lu'um

Yamil Lu'um, also known as Templo del Alacran (Temple of the Scorpion), is located on Cancun Beach between The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa and Grand Park Royal Cancun hotels. It is always open and free to enter.

Cancun's nightlife

Cancun is known for its nightlife, with the Hotel Zone being the primary tourist area. There are dozens of nightclubs and hundreds of bars to choose from.

Nightclubs

The nightclubs in Cancun are known for their unique entertainment offerings, with circus-type performances, bikini contests, mime artists, and bubble balloons. The "superclubs" such as Coco Bongo, Dady'O, and The City have a capacity for thousands and offer nightly entertainment. Expect to pay around $60 to $80 for open bar.

Bars

If you're looking for a more low-key evening, there are plenty of bars in Cancun to choose from, such as La Vaquita, Congo Bar, Senor Frogs, and Carlos N Charlie's. These bars usually close around 3 am and offer food during the day and evening. Open bar deals are often available for around $30 for 3 hours.

Tips for Going Out in Cancun

• Tipping upfront can help ensure good service from waiters.
• Be cautious of shot girls selling tequila or jello shots, as they can be persuasive and expensive.
• The alcohol served in clubs and bars is generally not great quality.
• Pay for each round of drinks as you go, and keep count to avoid being overcharged.
• Keep an eye on your drinks at all times, and don't accept drinks from strangers.
• Don't leave valuables unattended.

Frequently asked questions