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Picture of Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Travel Guide for
Cancún

Mexico

Tropical, hot, humid, rainy season May-Oct

Introduction

Cancún, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is famous for its white-sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. Originally a sleepy fishing village, Cancún blossomed into a top tourist destination while preserving glimpses of ancient Mayan heritage through nearby ruins and traditions.

In early March, Cancún boasts warm temperatures averaging 25–29°C (77–84°F) and little rain, making it perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Families can explore eco-parks like Xcaret, take guided snorkeling trips, or visit the interactive Cancun Aquarium without breaking the bank.

The local culture is lively and friendly, with colorful markets and tasty street food. You’ll find plenty of kid-friendly resorts, fun day trips, and a relaxing vibe—ideal for a memorable family getaway.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleFamily friendly

Dates02-11 March 2026

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationApartment or house, resort, villa

Interests and Activities:

family activitiesoutdoor adventuresgastronomy

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Picture of Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Key Facts

Location

Quintana Roo, Yucatán Peninsula

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

911,060

Language

Spanish, English, Maya

Electricity

120V, 60Hz, types A/B

Time zone

UTCEST (UTC-5)

Country code

+52

Internet access

Widespread, fast 4G/5G, low to medium cost

Climate

Tropical, hot, humid, rainy season May-Oct

See More Mexico Facts

Language:

Spanish

  • hello

    hola (oh-lah)
  • goodbye

    adiós (ah-dee-ohs)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    ¿cuánto cuesta esto? (kwan-to kwehs-tah es-to)
  • please

    por favor (por fah-vor)
  • thank you

    gracias (grah-see-ahs)
  • excuse me

    perdón (pehr-dohn)

Map

Logistics

The easiest way to reach Cancún is by flying into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is well-connected to major cities in North America and Europe. Airport transfers, taxis, and pre-booked shuttles provide convenient options for families heading to hotel zones or resorts. Direct long-distance buses from other Mexican cities, such as ADO buses, offer a comfortable, budget-friendly choice, while rental cars are ideal for families planning to explore nearby attractions. Trains do not operate to Cancún, and ferries are available only for reaching nearby islands like Isla Mujeres or Cozumel.

In early March, weather is generally warm and pleasant, with minimal disruption to travel. For a smooth trip, book airport transfers in advance and allow extra time if flying during spring break, a popular travel period.

Weather

Cancún enjoys a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The dry season runs from November to April, bringing plenty of sunshine, mild breezes, and little rain—perfect for family activities and exploring the outdoors. Summers (May to October) are hotter and wetter, with occasional heavy showers and hurricane risk.

From March 2 to March 11, visitors can expect pleasant, warm days averaging 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F) and low rainfall. Extreme weather events like hurricanes are very unlikely this time of year, so it’s an excellent season for beach days, snorkeling, eco-park adventures, and savoring Cancún’s flavorful gastronomy at outdoor restaurants.

Food & Drink

Cancún’s cuisine highlights fresh seafood, tacos al pastor, cochinita pibil, and ceviche. Don’t miss out on local specialties like marquesitas (crunchy crepes) and aguas frescas (fruit drinks). For a quick bite, sample street food at Parque Las Palapas or Mercado 28.

Family-friendly restaurants like El Fish Fritanga, La Parrilla, and Mocambo offer authentic Mexican flavors at reasonable prices. Healthy and vegetarian options are available at places like Natura and 100% Natural. Tipping 10–15% is customary at most restaurants, so check your bill to see if it’s included.

Tap water isn’t recommended—stick to bottled drinks. Many restaurants cater to food allergies but always inform staff about dietary restrictions. Enjoy exploring Cancún’s tasty, diverse, and friendly food scene!

A picture of Tacos

Tacos

Tacos are a beloved Mexican street food, consisting of a soft corn tortilla filled with various ingredients such...

A picture of Tamales

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of masa dough filled with savory or sweet fillings, wrapped in...

A picture of Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada is a festive Mexican dish featuring poblano peppers stuffed with a complex mixture of ground...

A picture of Pozole

Pozole

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork), and seasoned with a variety of...

A picture of Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano is a rich, savory-sweet sauce made from a blend of chilies, chocolate, nuts, and other ingredients....

Accommodation

Stay in Cancún’s Hotel Zone for beachfront apartment resorts, spacious villas, and family-friendly all-inclusives like Emporio Cancun and The Royal Sands. These properties often feature kids’ clubs, pools, and kitchenettes. For local flair, look into family apartments or homes in the quieter Puerto Morelos area or Downtown Cancún.

Use Hotels.com to find a wide selection of apartments, villas, and family-style resorts—many offering special rates and free cancellation. Book well in advance if visiting in March, as spring break season can fill up popular spots quickly and drive up prices. Prioritize gated villas or condos for extra security and privacy, especially with kids.

Itinerary

Ease into your vacation with a relaxed introduction to Cancún’s beaches and atmosphere, setting the tone for family enjoyment and tropical discovery.

Stroll Along Malecón Tajamar

Take a gentle evening stroll along Malecón Tajamar, a scenic waterfront promenade. Spot native birds, admire sunset views of the lagoon, and enjoy an ice cream from local vendors. Perfect for families to stretch their legs and take in Cancún’s natural beauty on day one.

Tulum, Coba, Playa Del Carmen and Cenote Tour with Tickets

Tulum, Coba, Playa Del Carmen and Cenote Tour with Tickets

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Visit two of the most important Maya archaeological sites on this full-day tour: Coba and Tulum. Admire the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea while exploring the temples and pyramids of Tulum with a certified guide, then head to Coba to see the tallest pyramid Nohoch Muul—the tallest pyramid on the Yucatán Peninsula . In the afternoon, take a swim in a 'cenote' (underground cave), sit down for a traditional Mexican lunch, and explore the city of Playa del Carmen. Round-trip transport is included.

3.4 (335 reviews)

From $48 USD

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Experiences

Culture Week in Mexico
learning

Culture Week in Mexico

Minimum 1 week

Mexico

$855/week

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Volunteer Construction in Mexico
volunteering

Volunteer Construction in Mexico

Minimum 1 week

Mexico

$735/week

Learn More

Attractions

4.0 (14 reviews)
Horseback riding and ATV in the jungle. Zip line & cenote in Quintana Roo.

Horseback riding and ATV in the jungle. Zip line & cenote in Quintana Roo.

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to one of the most requested activities in the Mexican Caribbean, you will discover the amazing adventure that is waiting for you into the Mayan jungle with 4 activities that you will enjoy with all the family or friends. The incredible activities that you will enjoy are the horseback riding, ATV, Jungle flight in Zip lines and cenote swimming. These incredible activities will bring you the opportunity to live an amazing experience in the middle of the Mayan jungle. Fly over the trees like a bird while feeling the wind on your face, drive your own ATV through amazing trails, explore the jungle with your new horse friend and swim in a sacred cenote to recover all your energy. Book now and do not miss the opportunity to live this unique experience!

From $81 USD

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4.7 (169 reviews)
Cancun Extreme Zipline Canopy Tour

Cancun Extreme Zipline Canopy Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to a premier eco-adventure park in the lush jungles of Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Enjoy thrilling activities for an unforgettable experience. Choose from three exciting tour options tailored to your thrill level: Option 1: Extreme Canopy Tour 4 Activities, 4 Hours | Adults 12+, Children 3-11 Perfect for nature lovers and zipline enthusiasts: 10-Zipline Circuit Tarzania Aquazip Superflight. Swim in a Cenote Snack and Lunch Option 2: ATV + Zipline Canopy Tour 5 Activities, 4.5 Hours | Adults 16+, Children 8-15 Ideal for adventure seekers. Includes everything in the Extreme Canopy Tour, plus: 4x4 ATV Excursion Bungee Swing Option 3: Ultimate “All Extreme” Tour 7 Activities, 6.5 Hours | Adults 16+, Children 8-15 For the ultimate adventure lover. Includes everything from the Extreme Canopy Tour and ATV + Zipline Canopy Tour: 10-Zipline Circuit:. Tarzania Aquazip Superflight Swim in a Cenote Snack and Lunch 4x4 ATV Excursion Bungee Swing

From $109 USD

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4.9 (76 reviews)
Birdwatching Cancun

Birdwatching Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Near Cancun there are ideal locations for bird watching. On this private 6-hour tour, you'll immerse in the jungle alongside a birding expert as your guide. Hike to secluded spots to observe a wide variety of endemic and migratory bird species of the Yucatan Peninsula. shared transport is provided from Cancun or Puerto Morelos hotels.

From $165 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Quintana Roo 5 hours Chocolate Maya Ceremony and Temazcal Maya Ritual Tour

Quintana Roo 5 hours Chocolate Maya Ceremony and Temazcal Maya Ritual Tour

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

The Chocolate Maya Ceremony A ritual that invites us to feel, to contact to ourselves, to trust and listen to what happens in that moment. A cocoa ceremony begins by coming into contact with cocoa, splitting it and feeling its aroma, feeling its texture... It is recommended to combine the ceremony with Temazcal – a purification ritual in the "house of hot stones"

From $650 USD

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4.3 (23 reviews)
Cancun City Sightseeing Tour

Cancun City Sightseeing Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour is the perfect choice for anyone looking for the best spots in Cancun! We start this activity with a visit at El Meco Ruins, this is one of the three ruins inside Cancun. Our guide will take us back in time in a guided tour in this site, El Meco is one of the best preserved and most important sites in the history of the Mayan Culture. Then we move on to Plaza 28 to enjoy the shopping experience with the best quality in souvenirs while having great prices There will be a chance to sightsee the downtown part of Cancun where local people typically hang around, walk to work or looking for entertainment We move on to the Hotel Zone, here there will be beautiful sights of the nature surrounding the area, the mangroves, the Nichupte Lagoon and the ocean view are perfect for the ride to our next stop Arriving at Plaza La Fiesta we'll have the chocolate and tequila tasting for free As the last stop, we finish at the most famous beach in Cancun, Playa Delfines!

From $77 USD

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4.9 (23 reviews)
From Holbox to Cancun Private Transportation

From Holbox to Cancun Private Transportation

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Let us treat you like you deserve, Holbox Adventure offers you land transportation services throughout the states of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, Mexico. Our vehicles have all the necessary permits and comply with the regulations required by the Mexican authorities, all of our vehicles are air conditioned, drivers have years of experience. All of our transfers from Holbox Island include Ferry tickets and transfer to your hotel in Holbox, on arrival a representative from Holbox Adventure will be waiting for you on the dock with our company taxi (golf cart),

From $240 USD

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4.8 (4 reviews)
Xoximilco party in Cancun

Xoximilco party in Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Come to Xoximilco to live an experience that’s full of the nuances that Mexico has for the party. Accompanied by traditions, customs and Mexican folklore in every corner, a very fun night from start to finish is waiting for you.

From $128 USD

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4.2 (9 reviews)
Turtle Snorkeling Adventure from Cancun

Turtle Snorkeling Adventure from Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a day of snorkeling on this adventure from Cancun! Snorkel in a crystal-clear cenote, where you’ll see spectacular limestone rock formations. Then, head to Akumal, a natural protected area, where you’ll snorkel with sea turtles. Your professional guide will be there to teach you about the ecosystem the sea turtles live in. This fun snorkeling adventure is perfect for the whole family!

From $139 USD

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5.0 (3 reviews)
Live the Cancun City Experience! Round Transportation from Cancun

Live the Cancun City Experience! Round Transportation from Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour is the perfect choice for anyone looking for the best spots in Cancun! We start this activity with a visit at El Meco Ruins, this is one of the three ruins inside Cancun. Our guide will take us back in time in a guided tour in this site, El Meco is one of the best preserved and most important sites in the history of the Mayan Culture. Then we move on to Plaza 28 to enjoy the shopping experience with the best quality in souvenirs while having great prices There will be a chance to sightsee the downtown part of Cancun where local people typically hang around, walk to work or looking for entertainment We move on to the Hotel Zone, here there will be beautiful sights of the nature surrounding the area, the mangroves, the Nichupte Lagoon and the ocean view are perfect for the ride to our next stop Arriving at Plaza La Fiesta we'll have the chocolate and tequila tasting for free As the last stop, we finish at the most famous beach in Cancun, Playa Delfines!

From $77 USD

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4.7 (4817 reviews)
Cancun ATV Jungle Adventure, Ziplines, Cenote and Tequila Tasting

Cancun ATV Jungle Adventure, Ziplines, Cenote and Tequila Tasting

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure deep in the heart of the Maya jungle. Feel the adrenaline as you drive an ATV through wild jungle trails, soar above the treetops on thrilling zip-lines, and cool off with a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear cenote. After a convenient pickup, leave the resort zone behind and head toward the lush Yucatán jungle. Your adventure takes place at an eco-adventure park located along the famous Ruta de los Cenotes, surrounded by nature and authentic jungle scenery. Enjoy an exciting ATV ride along muddy, dusty, and bumpy trails designed to maximize fun and adventure. Then, take flight on 3 exhilarating zip-lines before diving into a stunning freshwater cenote hidden within the jungle. To wrap up the experience, recharge with a traditional Mayan snack before heading back to your hotel or vacation rental—tired, happy, and full of unforgettable memories.

From $56 USD

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4.2 (102 reviews)
Cancun Jetski and Snorkel Adventure

Cancun Jetski and Snorkel Adventure

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

We are the first and original jungle tour in wave runner in Cancun. You will follow the tour guide in your jetski, you will drive the jetski in the lagoon side, the mangroves and later we go to the sea, where you would see the different colors of the Caribbean and later we would do snorkel (Free snorkel) at the meco reef for 30 minutes, at the end snorkeling its time to go back to the Marina. Our tour last 2 hours: 45 minutes to go. 30 minutes of snorkeling. 45 minutes to come back. Limited weight per jetskie 400 pounds. The clients have to pay 20 usd per person in cash at the Marina for the dock feed. Example: If you are two peoples in one jetski you have to book only for two peoples. If you want to drive only one jetski for you, you only have to book for one individual jetski. If you only book one person you would shared the jetski with the tour guide or someone else who book another jetski. Per schedule we can only take 10 peoples in 5 jetskis or 5 individual jetskis

From $75 USD

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4.0 (104 reviews)
Cancun Parasailing Adventure

Cancun Parasailing Adventure

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Did you ever want to go parasailing but were afraid to do it alone? Imagine the feeling of soaring high above the Cancun hotel zone and exploring all the sites from a bird's-eye perspective! On the Cancun Parasailing Adventure you can do just that - and not alone but with a friend! Comfortably seating up to two passengers, this experience allows you to sit back and take in all the sights from the Cancun skyline.

From $65 USD

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4.1 (7 reviews)
Catamaran Adventure in Cancun

Catamaran Adventure in Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Come to this magical adventure and meet people from all over the planet. Enjoy the breeze and Caribbean views on this wonderful trimaran in Cancun.

From $20 USD

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4.8 (951 reviews)
Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is a fantastic experience that only occurs from May to September. Swimming with the whale sharks is truly a memorable experience and the adventure of a lifetime! Our 32 ft. boat will offer you a smooth and gentle ride even in choppy waters Transportation, English speaking guide, snorkeling gear, light lunch, and drinks are included. Swimming with the whale sharks is a once in a lifetime experience! Our main goal is to find and swim with whale sharks, and our crew will do their best to achieve that, but remember the tour it’s in their natural habitat not in a park, They’re not trained or caged and you go to visit their home. You also don’t feed them so there’s no way to guarantee that we will find the whale sharks out there, even though we have a high success rate.

From $155 USD

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4.7 (3 reviews)
Half Day Guided Snorkeling Adventure Tour from Cancun

Half Day Guided Snorkeling Adventure Tour from Cancun

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

If you’re visiting the Riviera Maya, you can’t miss the opportunity to discover one of the richest places in submarine life! Live with us this magical aquatic adventure where you’ll travel to Puerto Morelos National Park to discover the largest coral barrier reef in the Americas in these two snorkel sessions at different reefs.

From $129 USD

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3.8 (5 reviews)
The most Intrepid Speedboat Adventure in Cancun Snorkel included

The most Intrepid Speedboat Adventure in Cancun Snorkel included

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Get ready for a thrilling aquatic adventure with our top-rated Jungle Tour in Cancun! Take the wheel of your speedboat and follow our certified guides through the breathtaking mangrove channels of the Nichupté Lagoon. Feel the rush as you cruise across the lagoon, surrounded by lush jungle and tropical scenery, on your way to the stunning Punta Nizuc Coral Reef. Once there, dive into the crystal-clear Caribbean waters for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Discover a vibrant underwater world filled with colorful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and a glimpse of the famous MUSA underwater sculptures — part of Mexico’s unique Underwater Museum of Art. Our fully certified, professional guides will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and fun experience. The speedboats are easy to drive, stable, and perfect for first-timers. Note: You must be 18 years or older to operate the speedboat. Join one of the most popular and exciting tours in Cancun.

From $55 USD

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4.6 (43 reviews)
Cancun Adventure: Reef Snorkeling & Parasailing Experience

Cancun Adventure: Reef Snorkeling & Parasailing Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the best of sea and sky in one unforgettable adventure! Start your day with a guided snorkeling tour in calm, shallow waters where you’ll swim among colorful tropical fish, spot sea turtles, and even glide near stingrays in a vibrant coral reef ecosystem. No experience? No problem! The reef area is beginner-friendly, with a maximum depth of just 9 feet and minimal currents — perfect for first-timers and families. Then, get ready for the thrill of a parasailing flight over Cancun's stunning coastline. Take off from a boat and soar above the turquoise Caribbean Sea, enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the beaches, hotel zone, and lagoon. It’s an exciting yet smooth ride that combines adrenaline with breathtaking scenery.

From $135 USD

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