Before Coming

If you are planning your trip to Cancun, know in advance what is the best time to travel to the Riviera Maya, what to pack, where your hotel reservation, what are the most recommended tours in the area, the best clubs, where to buy are and all you need to know before traveling.

1. What is the best time to travel to Cancun?

The weather in Cancun is warm throughout the year, with an average temperature of 25 degrees, but can easily exceed 30 degrees. The most important thing to consider is that there is a very marked seasonal rainfall occurs between June and October, September and October being the rainiest so it is recommended to avoid visiting Cancun at this time. Therefore, the best time to travel to Cancun is during the months of November to May.

2. What to wear in Cancun?

With the constant heat of the Riviera Maya, to travel to Cancun is advisable to wear loose clothing and light colored fabrics made of cotton or linen. For women, the most suitable for use in Cancun clothes are soleros. Men can wear shorts or shorts with a shirt or loose shirt. Anyway, what you are more’ll use your swimsuit (takes more than one!). Footwear, which is preferably open (sandals or flip-flops havaianas). At night also hot, so you should not worry about carrying coat.

3. What to bring on a trip to Cancun?

If you come from a country where the alternating current is 220 volts, traveling to Cancun considered a universal adapter pack with energy converter. Something very useful to carry (and applies to any trip you do) is a basic kit, with drugs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, disinfectant, etc. Do not fill your suitcase products you can buy easily there as sunscreen or insect repellents.

4. Is it better to stay in Cancun or Playa del Carmen?

Much depends on what you have in mind for this trip. In Cancun there are many shopping malls and department stores, excellent nightclubs, many restaurants … Anyway, it’s a great city and is 50 km closer to Chichen Itza. While Playa del Carmen is much quieter and closer to Tulum and Xcaret and Xel-Ha parks. If you’re in the mood for nightlife or shopping, traveling to Cancun is your best option. For those who prefer total relaxation or family travelers, Playa del Carmen is recommended. Anyway, you can consider staying in Cancun for a few days and other book in Playa del Carmen or some other destination of the Riviera Maya, and Cozumel, Puerto Aventuras, Tulum or Akumal.

5. Is it advisable to book an all inclusive?

When you think about staying in an all inclusive, you probably have the image of being lying by the pool with a cocktail in hand. You’re right! When booking an all inclusive in Cancun you can freely enjoy without extra charges pool, free drinks and meals throughout the day, entertainment and other activities. So if you plan excursions lasting most of the day, it is preferable that these days you stay in a modest hotel, otherwise you will be paying for a service that almost will not use. Did you know that you can get Despegar.com last minute deals with best price guarantee for all inclusives?

6. What are the must-see tours in Cancun?

It would be unforgivable to travel to Cancun and not knowing the impressive ruins of Chichen Itza in the jungle and 200 km. from the city. It is a tour that takes almost all day, but worth it. Another unforgettable trip in Cancun is to visit Tulum, Mayan ruins left on the coast, an hour and a half from Cancun, and 50 minutes going from Playa del Carmen. The beaches of Tulum are excellent. In the area several interesting theme parks there are also: Xel-Ha Park, is considered the world’s largest natural aquarium and is ideal for family and snorkel, the Secret River Park invites visitors to travel by underground rivers (not recommended to do with young children), and finally the Xcaret Park, which has Mayan ruins, cenotes, beaches and lagoons. Do not miss any cenote, they are really unique sites.
Tip: Consider booking excursions in advance, with our offers Tickets and Tours in Cancun.

7. How nightlife in Cancun?

The clubs in Cancun are known as “dens” and open from 10 pm. Many offer free entry with drinks all night for $ 50 approximately, which is highly recommended as they usually are good brands and ends advantage. The best clubs in Cancun are Coco Bongo, The City, Mandala, Bulldog and Dady ‘O, and it is best they are all very close to each other, on Boulevard Kukulcan Hotel Zone. The clubs close at dawn, so you have several hours to have fun in a big way.

8. It should be shopping in Cancun?

Emphatically yes. In addition to good prices and the VAT refund enjoyed by travelers, Cancun has many good shopping centers ranging from the traditional to more luxurious alternatives. The most popular shopping malls in Cancun are Plaza Las Americas (overlooking the Malecon), La Isla Shopping Village (open air) with more than 150 stores, the exclusive Kukulcan Plaza and Las Plazas Outlet for those looking for deals. We also recommend visiting the House of Mexican Folk Art located in El Embarcadero, the Black Coral Craft Market and the Market La Fiesta, to buy original and authentic crafts. In craft stalls you can bargain.

9. Is it advisable to travel to Cancun with children?

Of course! Traveling with children to Cancun is a very good idea because the infrastructure is excellent and is ready to welcome all travelers, something is considered one of the best destinations to visit family. All-inclusive hotels often have special services such as children’s clubs, with people responsible for caring for children and propose fun activities, wading pools or even care. In the city there are pharmacies and shops where you will find everything you need your family, from diapers to high factor sunscreen. In addition, the water of the Caribbean Sea has a temperature ideal for children and is very safe to have few waves.

10. Is it useful to rent a car in Cancun?

Rent a car in Cancun it is useful as long as they do trips to remote areas of the city. For example, if you plan to visit Chichen Itza, Tulum or any of the parks, you can rent a car for a few days and take the opportunity to do all the excursions that time period. It will be much more comfortable to do excursions by public transport or taxis, especially if traveling with children. Take advantage of offers of Despegar.com cars in Cancun and save money.

Immigration in arrivals in Mexico

Once this on Mexican soil has to pass through immigration, obviously. As a foreign citizen you will have to fill out a form like this:

Going through customs

When you come and go through customs to get your stamps, DO NOT follow the crowd in the long lines. There are four different customs lines and there is no format. Find an empty line. There is a lot of possibility that you will get a line that moves 10 times faster. Four lines ... no matter what, free for all.

After Passing By Customs

After you have passed immigration, chances are no one told you that you need to keep the bottom of the sealed form you filled.

Guess what? You will need it when you return home to get your boarding pass. In case you miss it, you will have to pay around $ 35 for it to be replaced. So, if you are a family of 5 you are looking at $ 175 ... Ouch!

It is very common to see that people who line up at the Cancun airport because they do not find or are lost the little piece of paper the way.

Bring Pesos

Although people tell you that all places accept US dollars, most of the time, they take it for less than they really are worth, they always bring some pesos if they want to pay the real price for things like Food, taxis and souvenirs Local people and their wallets will be grateful.