Cancún★★
Cancún is Mexico's tourism heavyweight: over 30,000 hotel rooms, 7 million visitors per year, and a 22 km long hotel zone on a narrow strip of land between lagoon and Caribbean. It is loud, commercial, and full of spring-breakers — but also an excellent starting point for the Riviera Maya.
Hotel Zone vs. Downtown
- Zona Hotelera: The L-shaped sandbank with all-inclusive resorts, clubs (Coco Bongo!), shopping centers, and turquoise dream beaches. Playa Delfines is the most beautiful public beach.
- El Centro (Downtown): The "real" Cancún, where the locals live. Cheap hostels, authentic food, Mercado 28 for souvenirs. Much cheaper than the hotel zone.
Worthwhile in Cancún
- MUSA (Museo Subacuático de Arte): An underwater sculpture museum with over 500 sculptures on the seabed. Accessible by snorkeling or diving. Unique. Boat from 900 MXN.
- Isla Mujeres: Ferry (20 min, 300 MXN round trip) to the relaxed island with Playa Norte — one of Mexico's most beautiful beaches.
- Playa Delfines: Public beach with the famous "CANCÚN" letters. Big waves, no sunbed sellers.
💡 Tipp
Cancún is a good starting point, but not a place to linger. 1–2 nights are enough. Further south, it becomes more beautiful, authentic, and affordable.
