How to plan a trip to Cancun Mexico?

Cancun offers a perfect combination of nature and activities for all tastes, making it a destination that everyone who visits will fall in love with. However, you will see that despite its tourist fame, all the leisure activities are often concentrated in the hotels, which are also in charge of organising the activities in the area. Our aim is to give you all the tools you need to plan an amazing trip to Cancun and discover all its wonders.

When it comes to organising your trip, you may have questions such as when to travel, where to stay, how to get there, how to get around the area or what activities are worth doing, among many others. In this post, as well as answering all these questions, you can read many travel tips based on our own experiences that will help you get the most out of your next holiday.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Cancun

The first thing to do before you travel to Mexico is to check the documentation you’ll need to present to gain access to the country, as this varies depending on your country of origin.

For citizens from Europe, the United States, Canada and some Latin American countries, no visa is required to enter Mexico. Just showing a passport valid for at least six months at the date of travel is enough to stay for up to 180 days. In addition, you may be asked to show your return ticket, hotel confirmation or an invitation, and proof of sufficient financial means for your stay.

By contrast, citizens from other countries must apply for a visa at the Mexican embassy or consulate of their country through an interview presence. They must complete and submit an application form together with the original passport and a copy of the personal details page, as well as a recent passport-size photograph with a white background and without glasses. All documents in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated into Spanish. The visa fee is $53 and is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. It is recommended to ensure that all documentation is complete before applying. The process generally takes around 10 days and for extended stays, health examinations may be required.

Regardless of your origin, it is mandatory to complete the Multiple Migration Form (FMM), available both online and at points of entry into Mexico. This form is essential for registering your entry and stay in the country, and you must keep it to present when leaving Mexico. If you are travelling by air, it will be handled for you directly at customs.

And two last tips! Remember to apply for an international license if you plan to drive, and use the Passporter App to keep all your documents organised and safe in case you lose your originals.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Cancun

Travelling to Cancun is usually recommended between December and April, when the weather is ideal for enjoying its paradisiacal beaches and crystal-clear waters without the heavy rains that are common in other months. However, we travelled in August, and although it rained torrentially on a couple of days, the showers lasted barely an hour, and as it was hot we dried out in no time. We still remember the streets of Playa del Carmen completely flooded. But it was amazing how in 2h everything was back to normal.

In March, Cancun becomes especially interesting with the Spring Break celebration, when young people come out on the streets and events and concerts are held on the beach. It’s a magical time, though prices can rise and so can the number of tourists.

3. Find out how to get to Cancun

Cancun is usually the strategic point to stay on trips to the Yucatan and Riviera Maya. So it’s very well connected internationally and has a large airport that receives flights from all over the world. Even so, there are other options for getting to the city depending on where you are:

• Airplane: Cancun has an international airport that receives direct flights from cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Latin America. Cancun International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Mexico. Through the Passporter App, you can compare prices and buy your tickets with Skyscanner so you can always have them with you.
• Bus: From Mexican cities such as Playa del Carmen and Chetumal, you can take an ADO bus to Cancun. These buses are comfortable and inexpensive.
• Car: if you prefer to drive, you can reach Cancún via Carretera Federal 180 from Yucatán or Carretera Federal 307 from Chetumal.

From Cancun airport, you can get to the city centre in a number of ways:

• Bus: the cheapest option is to take an ADO bus that will take you directly to the bus station in the centre in about 25 minutes for approximately 84 pesos (4 euros).
• Private transfer: this is the most common, especially if you’re staying at one of the resorts. Book it along with your stay. The price varies greatly depending on location and type of accommodation, but it’s worth it for the convenience.
• Taxi: This is a convenient option that will drop you off at your hotel in less than 20 minutes for around €40. However, we recommend negotiating the price before getting in the car.

To get around Cancún you can opt for buses, which cost between 12 and 15 pesos per trip, or taxis and Uber. In Mexico, it’s best to take Uber as the price is locked in from the start, with the taxi driver you’ll have to haggle.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Cancun

To have a unique experience in Cancun, finding the perfect accommodation is key. The city is known for its extensive hotel zone on the outskirts, where you’ll find huge, exclusive resorts with all kinds of amenities. However, if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can also stay in the city, where you’ll also find cheaper hotels. With the Passporter App you can start planning your trip to Cancun today and book your accommodation easily through Booking. It’s the best way to have all your accommodation information at your fingertips.

Here’s a list of the best areas to stay in Cancun:

• Hotel Zone: this is the most popular, ideal for those looking to be close to the best beaches, restaurants and clubs. This is where most of the luxury and all-inclusive hotels are located. Although the prices are higher, the comfort and access to amenities make up for the cost.
• Punta Cancun: is perfect for nightlife lovers, with easy access to clubs and bars. Prices are varied, offering both luxurious and more affordable options close to the fun.
• Downtown Cancun (Downtown Cancun): ideal for travellers who want a more local and cultural experience at more affordable prices. Here you’ll find Mercado 28 and other local points of interest.
• South of the Hotel Zone: offers a quieter, more family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for those seeking relaxation close to nature and fewer crowds. Prices may be higher, but they provide a more exclusive and peaceful environment.

5. Where and what to eat in Cancun?

Cancun’s cuisine is a reflection of the cultural mix of the Mexican Caribbean, featuring local ingredients such as seafood, corn, tropical fruits and habanero peppers. Typical dishes offer a balance of traditional Mayan flavours and modern techniques, creating unique culinary experiences for all tastes. And while not all food is spicy, it’s best to ask first. In any case, we have no doubt that you’ll eat deliciously.

These are some of Cancun’s most typical dishes:

• Cochinita Pibil: pork marinated in achiote and orange juice, slow-cooked in banana leaf. It is also made with chicken and traditionally cooked underground.
• Tacos de Mariscos: tacos stuffed with shrimp or fresh fish, often garnished with mango or avocado sauce.
• Sopa de Lima: broth with chicken, lime and crispy tortillas.
• Fish Tikin Xic: fish marinated in achiote and grilled over coals, typically served with red cabbage salad.
• Salbutes: fried tortilla chips topped with turkey or chicken, tomato, lettuce, avocado and pickled onion.

In addition to these delicious dishes, the local drink par excellence is ‘Xtabentún’, a sweet liqueur made from aniseed and fermented honey from the xtabentun flower. It’s also very common to find homemade Mexican horchata (made from rice) in taquerias. It’s very good, but our recommendation is that you save the adventure for the last day 😉

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Cancun

Cancun is often the strategic place from which to discover the wonders of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you’re staying at one of the resorts in the tourist area, be aware that getting to the surrounding attractions is not so easy, but fortunately, the hotel itself offers all sorts of activities including transport and food. It’s a convenient way to explore the area, although it can also be more expensive than going it alone.

There’s plenty to do in Cancun, as we tell you in this post: Things to see and do in Cancun Mexico, but it’s best to spend at least a week there. Here are the must-sees so you can start preparing your itinerary today with the Passporter App:

• Playa Delfines: ideal for surfing and taking pictures with the iconic Cancun sign.
• El Rey Archaeological Site: explore these ancient Mayan ruins located directly in the hotel zone. Approximate entrance fee 55 MXN.
• Isla Mujeres: accessible by ferry, it’s perfect for a day of beach, snorkelling and golf-cart exploration. Ferry fare is around 300 MXN round trip
• Mercado 28: a local market where you can buy handicrafts and enjoy authentic Mexican food. Free access, varied prices
• Museo Maya de Cancún: offers a rich insight into Mayan civilisation and is located near the hotel zone. Admission approx. 70 MXN.
• Garrafon Natural Park: on Isla Mujeres, known for its snorkelling activities and beautiful views. Entrance fee around 90 MXN.
• Cenotes near Cancun: impressive flooded caves where you can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. Prices from 100 to 200 MXN
• Cancun Interactive Aquarium: is an educational experience where you can interact directly with marine life. General admission around 300 MXN.
• Parque de las Palapas: in public space in downtown Cancun where locals gather, ideal for sampling street food.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Cancun

Travelling to Cancun with friends is the best way to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches and lively nightlife of the area. However, coordinating everyone’s preferences can be tricky and present certain challenges, such as matching activities to everyone’s interests, schedules or budget.

The Passporter App facilitates this process by allowing everyone in the group to include the activities they are most interested in, ensuring that everyone has a say in the planning and no one misses out. You can create joint itineraries and share information in real time, helping to keep the group together and informed throughout the experience. You can also share photos of your trip and itinerary for other travellers to get inspiration. Here’s how to do it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Cancun

• The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
• The country’s official language is Spanish, but English is widely spoken.
• The plugs are type A and B, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. These plugs have two or three flat pins. The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz.
• Before you travel, do your research on Cancun. In addition to the most popular attractions, look for lesser-known activities that can give you a more authentic view of the country, such as popular fiestas or festivals.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date and always carry all other necessary travel documentation with you.
• If you’re not used to spicy food, you can ask restaurants to adjust the spiciness.
• Always remember to drink bottled water and avoid ice
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for long periods of time. A hat and sunglasses are also a must to protect yourself from the sun’s intense radiation.
• Although tourist areas are generally safe, it is always wise to take basic precautions such as not displaying valuables and keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Cancun is free and helps you get inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.
• Respect the environment. When visiting natural areas, always follow conservation rules to protect the environment around you.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer cards for Mexico with unlimited data.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to hire a car.
• Book your flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Cancun

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Cancun.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Cancun Mexico