Mexico · City Guide
Cancun
Cancún is Mexico's most visited beach destination, a purpose-built resort city on the Yucatán Peninsula combining beautiful Caribbean beaches along the famous Hotel Zone, outstanding water sports, access to the extraordinary Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum, world class diving on the Mesoamerican Reef and the natural wonders of cenotes and mangrove lagoons. Beyond the Hotel Zone, downtown Cancún has an authentic Mexican character that provides a genuine cultural counterpoint.
Elect's take
"Cancún delivers exactly what most visitors seek — reliable sunshine, beautiful Caribbean water, excellent resort facilities and outstanding access to both the natural wonders and ancient heritage of the Yucatán. The access to Chichén Itzá and the cenotes elevates it beyond a pure beach destination."
The Hotel Zone beach, particularly the northern stretch, provides some of the finest Caribbean swimming available in Mexico with beautifully calm turquoise water and excellent facilities. Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is approximately 2.5 hours west and provides an extraordinary Mayan archaeological experience. The cenotes of the Yucatán, natural sinkholes of crystal clear turquoise water unique to this limestone peninsula, provide outstanding swimming and snorkelling experiences within an hour of Cancún. Isla Mujeres, accessible by ferry, is a beautiful small island with excellent snorkelling and a relaxed atmosphere. The Mesoamerican Reef system provides world class diving.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Hotel Zone Beaches
Beautiful Caribbean beaches with calm turquoise water along the Cancún Hotel Zone.
Chichén Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, approximately 2.5 hours west.
Cenotes
Extraordinary natural sinkholes of crystal clear turquoise water unique to the Yucatán.
Mesoamerican Reef
World class diving on the second largest coral reef system in the world.
Isla Mujeres
A beautiful small island with excellent snorkelling accessible by short ferry.
Downtown Cancún
An authentic Mexican neighbourhood providing a genuine cultural contrast to the Hotel Zone.
