What to know before you go to Cancun

Cancun is perfect for having an afternoon on the beaches while seeing the sunset or swimming in the turquoise clear waters. Thanks to beautiful beaches, sands, malls, Hotel Zone, and its surrounding destinations, Cancun is the preferred of travelers. What to know before you go to Cancun? 

How much does it cost to go to Cancun?

To enjoy your travel in Cancun, creating a budget before is recommended. The cost of traveling depends on the number of travelers, duration of the stay, accommodation, and the prices of the places you want to visit. However, you should consider the currency exchange from dollars (USD) to pesos (MXN) because some places in Cancun don’t accept dollars.

Don’t Forget your ID

Once you have booked your flights to Cancun, don’t forget to bring your passports and documents, because you’ll need them. Foreigners need a valid passport to enter Mexico, including Cancun, because without it you won’t be able to cross the border or board international flights. 

Your ID will also be necessary to check in to your hotel including activities and tours in Cancun. Some companies make a register with your complete name as a security measure. 

In case of an emergency or an incident such as lost luggage, health problems, or need for consular assistance, your identification and travel documents will be essential to receive proper assistance.

Your ID is essential to rent a car, bicycle, snorkel gear, transportation, etc.  

What is the best season to go to Cancun?

What is the best season to go to Cancun? - What to know before you go to Cancun

Cancun boasts warm weather all year, with average temperatures around 25°C. However, knowing that Cancun has rainy seasons, potential hurricanes, and off-peak seasons is essential.

The dry season in Cancun runs from December to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to October, during which there’s a higher likelihood of rain and a 75% increased probability of hurricanes.

The months between December and April are the best, as the average temperature is around 29°C and rainfall is infrequent. In conclusion, the best months to go to Cancun are from December to April. 

When is the peak season in Cancun?

What else should I know before going to Cancun? The peak season in Cancun runs from the end of November to the first week of March. During these months, costs tend to be higher due to the peak season. However, it’s worth noting that this period typically offers the best weather. 

How to get to Cancun Downtown and Hotel Zone from Cancun Airport?

Cancun Airport Transportation - What to know before you go to Cancun

Cancun has many options to get to Cancun Downtown and Hotel Zone from Cancun Airport. It’s easier to get to your destination. For this reason, here are some options for you:

  • Private Transportation:

Private transportation is ideal for visitors who want a better and more comfortable experience. With private transportation, you won’t have to worry about arriving on time to your hotel destination or your visit to some archaeological site or the Riviera Maya surroundings. 

In addition, there are many advantages to booking a private transfer from Cancun Airport. Your transport won’t be shared with other people who are not part of your party, you won’t be waiting for a long time, and you’ll be able to reach your destination as soon as possible.

  • Bus ADO: 

The Bus ADO is a quick option if you want to get to downtown Cancun, therefore its rates aren’t very high. These buses are shared and accommodate approximately 45 passengers.

  • Car Rental:

A car rental is ideal for visitors who prefer to explore the city at their own pace. With a car rental, you’ll not only be able to get to downtown Cancun, but you can also explore all the nooks and crannies. 

Several car rental companies offer a wide range of options for all budgets.

  • Taxis:

Taxis are a different alternative that is easier to find them at Cancun Airport. However, Taxis tend to be more expensive than other transportation options, and can also be shared with other people who arrive at Cancun Airport. 

Accommodation Options 

Acommodation Options - What to know before you go to Cancun

Cancun is a paradise that boasts a wide range of activities to do and places to discover. For travelers and visitors, Cancun has Hotels, Airbnb’s, Hostels, and Condos for all budgets, depending on what the visitors are looking for. 

Cancun Hotels 

In Cancun, there are a lot of hotels that offer basic accommodations only for your stay, or Cancun All-inclusive Resorts at the Hotel Zone with the most luxurious resorts. However, in downtown Cancun, there are also nice, cheap, and good hotels that allow to transfer easily to other parts of the city. 

Staying in a Cancun Hotel can have several advantages such as:

  • 24-hrs service.
  • Rooms will always be clean, and you won’t have to worry about that.
  • Comfort.
  • You’ll probably want to go out for some nightlife. You won’t worry about arriving too late at your hotel thanks to its 24-hour attention. 
  • Some hotels include breakfast in your room. 
  • Entertainment and leisure activities.

Airbnb in Cancun

In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, there is a wide range of Airbnb’s for all budgets in different locations in downtown or Hotel Zone. 

Staying at Airbnb can have several advantages  such as:

  • Airbnb rentals use to be cheap thanks to its affordable fees. 
  • Variety of accommodations and costs.
  • You’ll feel at home, so you’ll have more freedom.

Hostel in Cancun 

Hostels in Cancun are a perfect option if you are arriving at Cancun Airport with a group of friends or family.

The advantage of hostels is that they are located in the downtown and Hotel Zone. These are comfortable and affordable and some have pools and terraces to spend a relaxing time with your party.

Staying at a Hostel in Cancun can have several advantages such as:

  • It’s cheaper than a hotel.
  • Hostels are usually located near downtown for easy transfers to other parts of the city.
  • Staying at a hostel allows visitors to meet people from other cities or countries.

Other tips and recommendations before going to Cancun

  • Bring some change either in dollars or in pesos, for payments you may do at the airport or for tipping.
  • Book a Private Cancun Airport Transportation. Sometimes it can be a kind of a hassle to get thru all the guys at the airport, so booking this ahead can give you a nice time.
  • Learn some Spanish. This is not a must since everybody speaks English in Cancun, but it would be really nice for locals to hear you trying to speak english, that says a lot about a person.
  • Use sunscreen. Either you bring it with you or buy it once in Cancun, but don’t forget to use it, this is a must, even when there are clouds out there.
  • What to wear. Well, it’s Cancun, you have a beach and more beaches, so you could wear only your bathing suit. But you could probably bring some linen pants to go shopping or have dinner at a nice restaurant.
  • Drinking age. In Cancun and all of Mexico, the allowed drinking age is 18, so any American will be happy to come when he is 18 and start drinking.
  • Go Snorkeling. At least once. Cancun and the surrounding area are known for its marine and water life, so this is something you have to do. You could check out the Cancun Tours page for of the specific Cancun Snorkeling page.
  • Go Partying. Yes, Cancun is all about vacationing, and partying is one of the most on a vacation. Cancun has lots of really nice nightclubs in the Hotel Zone strip that you should visit, you can visit the Cancun Nightlife page.
  • Drink lots of Water. Be sure you keep yourself hydrated (Not only with beer) because you’ll be in the sun and going around for sure, so always have a bottle of water with you.
  • If you are staying in downtown Cancun or the Cancun Hotel Zone you must use the bus. Is not that it is the latest in tech or anything, however it has a really good service and runs very smoothly and it is really cheap.
  • Try Tequila or Mezcal even better. These two drinks are typical drinks made in Mexico, Tequila you’ve heard of it for sure and Mezcal is a trendy liqueur made from the same plant as the tequila but with a different taste.
  • Try Real Mexican food. Even at the hotels, they’ll have real Mexican food so try some of the delicious plates of Mexico, or what is the case of coming down and eating only Italian?
  • Go have dinner or lunch at a local restaurant. Even though you might come to a Cancun All Inclusive Resort you would like to try some of the local Mexican and Non-Mexican restaurants in downtown Cancun or Playa del Carmen, these restaurants are really good and quite an experience. You can look at the different restaurants at: Cancun Restaurants.
  • Go shopping. Cancun has lots of really nice malls for shopping, depending on what you want to buy, there are different malls for everyone.