Cancun (Mexico): Mexican pleasure, with a glass of margarita in hand

Make no mistake, the list of attractions in Cancun and the surrounding area is far from ending with the beaches, but must be added to it a bunch of magnificent remains of the Mayan civilization, beautiful nature and delicious culinary offerings. These are also the reasons that every year convince groups of Americans who choose Mexico for their vacation. Cancun has also earned the title of the Las Vegas of Mexico, also for its unforgettable Spring Break parties. The largest city of the Yucatan can offer much more than this, but young people who want to have fun too often forget about the real attractions that Cancun and its surroundings hide.

When to Cancun?

The best time to visit Cancun is from December to April, when clusters of tourists flock to this small town by the Caribbean Sea, fed up with the winter gloom of their hometowns. At that time, you can also find cheap plane tickets and beautiful weather. Try to avoid Cancun in the spring, as it is filled with fun-loving American youth. In the summer, Cancun is sweltering with unbearable heat, and in the fall there is a high probability of storms.

What to see in Cancun?

Cancun is divided into two areas, the first is the city center or Ciudad Cancun, and another tourist center known by the name Hotelera zone. The latter is bursting with resorts and wild nightlife, and several kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches stretch out in front of the hotels. It is one of the biggest among them Playa Delfines, which also features the iconic Cancun sign. In addition to this, you can also visit Playa Tortugas, which is perfect for the little ones, and Chach Mool Beach is perfect for divers.

If you get tired of the cluster of tourists that reigns in the hotel zone, then head to the city center, where you will taste the local culture and excellent Mexican cuisine. Explore the colorful alleys and get to know the city that grew up near the remains of the Mayan civilization. Driving out of the city, you will be greeted by picturesque nature, especially known for the natural pools formed in limestone caves. According to some information, it is on ti Riviera Maya more than a thousand such caves, and in the vast majority you can also swim, dive or snorkel.

The turquoise Caribbean Sea also invites you to dive and snorkel. It also has an underwater museum MUSA with 500 sculptures made from materials that promote coral reef growth. Among the underwater sculptures, you can observe giant palms, images of locals, as well as a Volkswagen Beetle, all surrounded by colorful underwater inhabitants.

If you visit Canun, it's worth taking a drive to the nearby attractions, which are probably the most famous Chichen Itza. The Mayan city, which today belongs to the UNESCO world heritage and the greatest wonders of the world. The oldest of the pyramids was built in the 5th century, but the most impressive is undoubtedly El Castillo with nine terraces that symbolize hope and heaven.

How to explore Cancun?

If you decide to stay in Cancun, the well-connected network of buses that will take you around the city center and the surrounding area will come in handy. A one-way ticket costs about 60 cents or 12 Mexican pesos. You will still have to call a taxi for transportation from the airport, but the journey will not be very long, since the airport is located a good 15 minutes from the city. It is also possible to rent a car at the airport, which some agencies strongly advise against, due to the narrow roads and fast traffic. I can say from my own experience that you will need some time to get used to the Mexican roads, but they are far from dilapidated or in poor condition. But some ingenuity, attention and patience will be required. A car is a great way to discover nearby cities and attractions.

How much is a plane ticket to Cancun?

You can fly from Vienna to Cancun for as little as 318 euros with British Airways. It is necessary to change the airport in London, so check all the conditions for entering Great Britain in advance. If changing airports is unnecessary for you, then choose flights from Munich, which start at 324 euros. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.

Covid-19 restrictions in Mexico

Mexico is open to tourists, so you don't need negative PCR results or quarantine to enter. You only need to fill in a questionnaire about your health status, which is used to screen out passengers with symptoms of Covid-19. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.

Accommodation in Cancun

In the city center:

Casa Crater

The accommodation is located 13 kilometers from the Cancun airport, not far from the city center. Guests praise the cleanliness and hospitality, and the comfortably furnished rooms have everything you need after a full day exploring Cancun. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a kitchenette.

In the luxury hotel zone:

Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina

The luxury hotel is one of the more budget-friendly in the Hotel Zone. It is located close to the Marina Town Center, which offers an abundance of shops, restaurants and even a VIP cinema. There is a marina right in front of the hotel, and within the hotel, guests can also use a large outdoor pool and a fitness center. The golf course is also only a few meters away from the hotel complex.