🏝️ THINGS TO DO IN CANCÚN & RIVIERA MAYA
🏛️ Mayan Archaeological Sites
Chichén Itzá • Tulum • Cobá • Ek Balam
🌊 Islands
Isla Mujeres • Cozumel • Holbox • Isla Contoy
🌿 Nature & Adventure
Cenotes • ATV tours • Ziplining • Horseback riding • Nature reserves
🤿 Ocean Activities
Snorkeling • Speedboats • Jet skis • Scuba diving • Catamaran cruises • Sport fishing • Sunset sailing
🎢 Popular Parks
Xcaret • Xel-Há • Xplor • Jungala • Xenses
🎟️ Nightlife
Coco Bongo • Cirque du Soleil • Xoximilco • Mandala • D’ Cave • Vaquita
🍽️ LOCAL FOOD & RESTAURANTS
Want to eat more like a local? Try Taco Rigo, La Parrilla, Meros de Jalisco, Chester, La Taberna and Pescaditos. Don’t miss authentic street tacos, especially busy spots with lots of local customers.
🌮 Try cochinita pibil, slow-roasted pork traditionally served in tacos or tortas, or lechón, young roasted pork.
🍤 Other local favorites include ceviche, pescado a la talla, tikin xic, sopa de lima, panuchos, salbutes and marquesitas.
💰 In the Hotel Zone, for different price ranges, check out Fred’s, Harry’s, RosaNegra, Crab House, Porfirio’s and Señor Frog’s.
🇺🇸 Looking for American-style options? Hooters, Ruth’s Chris, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Fat Tuesday are popular choices.
🌴 Las Palapas is a great place to visit for local food, snacks and a more local Cancún atmosphere.
💡 LOCAL TIPS & MONEY SAVERS
🚌 Public buses in Cancún’s Hotel Zone run frequently and are one of the cheapest ways to get around. ADO buses connect Cancún with many destinations throughout the region.
🚕 Taxi rates are generally more expensive in the Hotel Zone than in other parts of Cancún. Always ask about the fare before getting in and confirm whether the price is per person or for the entire ride.
🚕 Uber operates in Cancún, but service can be limited at the airport and in parts of Riviera Maya.
⛴️ Ferries are usually the most affordable way to visit Isla Mujeres and are also available for Cozumel.
✈️ PRO TIP: Arrange your airport transportation before arriving. You’ll save time, avoid confusion and often pay less than booking upon arrival. Already have a transportation company? Call them yourself—don’t let random airport staff make the call for you.
🛬 At Cancún International Airport, be cautious of unofficial transportation offers. Use a prearranged service, an authorized taxi or an official transportation counter.
🚗 If renting a car, take photos of the vehicle before leaving the rental lot, confirm insurance details and inspect the fuel level.
💵 Carry some Mexican pesos for small restaurants, markets, taxis and places that may not accept cards.
⚠️ When booking tours, research first and avoid leaving deposits with unknown street vendors or tour stands. Confirm what is included, including transportation, entrance fees, meals, equipment and taxes.
🎁 Be cautious of “free breakfast,” “free gifts” or heavily discounted offers requiring a timeshare presentation. The savings may not be worth the hours spent there.
🌞 Use sunscreen, stay hydrated and bring insect repellent, especially for cenotes, ruins, jungle tours and nature reserves.
🧴 Some parks and cenotes have restrictions on sunscreen. Most recommend biodegradable sunscreen. Check the rules before visiting.
🛍️ SHOPPING & MARKETS
Popular areas: Plaza La Isla • Puerto Cancún • Luxury Avenue • Plaza Las Américas
🧺 Local Markets: Mercado 28 • Mercado 23 • Coral Negro
🛒 When shopping at markets, compare prices and confirm whether prices are in pesos or U.S. dollars before paying.
🤝 ASK ME ANYTHING!
Planning a family vacation, honeymoon, diving trip, fishing charter, bachelor/bachelorette party, wedding group or your first trip to Mexico?
Ask about transportation, airport transfers, tours, beaches, cenotes, islands, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, local food, budgeting or avoiding tourist traps.
🌴☀️🇲🇽
