Cancún travel guide
Cancún is the gateway to Mexico's Caribbean coast: the hotel zone beaches, Isla Mujeres, the Riviera Maya towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum, and Mayan sites and cenotes inland.
Best time to visit Cancún
December to April is the dry season and the most popular time to visit.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from about August to October. Sargassum seaweed can affect beaches, mostly between spring and late summer; it varies by year and beach.
Getting to Cancún
Cancún International Airport (CUN) has direct flights from across North America and Europe. ADO buses run from the airport to downtown Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
ADO buses
Comfortable long-distance buses connect Cancún with Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid and Mérida.
Colectivos and taxis
Shared minivans (colectivos) run along the coast highway; agree on taxi fares before you set off.
Ferries
Ferries go from Cancún to Isla Mujeres and from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
Top things to do in Cancún
1. Chichén Itzá
The great Mayan city and its El Castillo pyramid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 2.5 hours' drive away. Arrive early.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›2. Cenotes
Swim in natural sinkholes around Valladolid and Tulum, many with clear freshwater pools.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›3. Isla Mujeres
A small island a short ferry ride away, with calm beaches such as Playa Norte.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›4. Tulum ruins
A walled Mayan site on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›Practical tips
- Quintana Roo state charges visitors a tourist fee (Visitax), payable online. Check the official site for current rules.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; it is required at many cenotes and marine parks.
- Paying in pesos is usually better value than paying in US dollars.
Cancún travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Cancún?
December to April for dry weather. Hurricane season is June to November, and seaweed is most common between spring and late summer.
How do you get from Cancún airport to Tulum?
ADO buses run directly from the airport to Tulum in about two hours; shuttles and taxis are faster but more expensive.
Can you visit Chichén Itzá from Cancún in a day?
Yes. It is about 2.5 hours each way by car or tour bus, often combined with a cenote and Valladolid.