It is precisely because Cancun is a purpose-built hospitality haven that it seems totally geared towards the whims of tourists. Unbeknown to many, a dream team of bankers, architects, archaeologists, statisticians, sociologists, lawyers, government agencies, and urban planners converged in the late 1960s to create a tropical paradise in an untouched, industry-free location with consistently pleasant weather to draw visitors from around the globe. Decades later, Cancun is the poster child of the Mexican all-inclusive holiday.

The iconic Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is a slender sandbar shaped like the number “7,” boasting butterscotch-soft sands that extend for 14 miles, gracefully curving along the Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. It is extremely beautiful and also deeply polarizing.

People love to hate Cancun but that doesn’t stop millions from jetting there to escape the quotidian. Tourism in Mexico has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers and Cancun International Airport (CUN) has the lion’s share of those passengers—5.46 million tourists flew there in the first half of this year alone.

Cancun is somewhat fairly pigeonholed as a tourist Disneyland but for every glow-in-the-dark Señor Frog’s plastic cup or tequila “museum” in the Hotel Zone, there is a low-lit cantina or passed-down-through-generations handicrafts store in Centro (also known as Downtown Cancun) where the people who keep the tourism machine alive reside. For the historians among us, Cancun has investigation-worthy Mayan ruins right within the city limits (El Meco, Yamil Lu’um, San Miguelito, and El Rey which is opposite Playa Delfines). For those wishing to explore further afield, eco-parks, island adventures, and even the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef await. The Cancun of today has appeal for a wide variety of groups beyond the beaches.

See: One of the thousands of cenotes scattered across the Yucatán Peninsula. Believed to be gateways to underworlds below, cenotes were created by the collapse of limestone caves, resulting in sinkholes with water as clear as blanco tequila. In these stalactite and stalagmite-having caverns, vines dangle, stairs descend, and they are a swimmer’s perfect jewel with some as close as 40 minutes from Cancun. Do your research and pick your cenotes wisely as some are uber-deep and best left to divers while others have major crowds and even lines of people waiting to take pictures (looking at you, Cenote Suytun). To escape the crowds, avoid “celebrity cenotes” like Cenote Dos Ojos near Tulum and Cenote Jardin del Eden near Puerto Aventuras. Instead, dip to your heart’s content at Cenote Yal-Kú when in Akumal or head out to Cenote Verde Lucero and Cenote Zapote at the Ruta de Cenotes near Puerto Morelos where 57 cenotes vie for your attention.

Touch: Powdery white sand at one of the city’s standout beaches. Even Cancun naysayers can’t fault the city’s dreamy beaches. This year, Cancun’s Hotel Zone boasts 47 Blue Flag-certified beaches that meet high standards for safety, environmental management, and cleanliness. Visit Playa Marlin, Playa Pez Volador, or Playa Chac Mool, which is easily accessible without any resorts blocking entry.

Smell: The inviting aroma of marquesitas being prepared in Parque de las Palapas. Marquesitas are crunchy rolled crêpes that are served as tubes. They are crispy like churros but filled with a blend of savory and sweet ingredients. The most common combination is Nutella and cheese—an unusual mix that isn’t as unappetizing as it sounds. While the savory-sweet combo might not appeal to everyone, the scent of that dough being spread on the piping hot griddle conjures one of the quintessential aromas of the Yucatán. Go to Parque de las Palapas in the evening to breathe it all in.

Hear: Live mariachi band serenades. Passionate, moving, and deep-throated. Mariachi music may have originated in the Mexican state of Jalisco but that’s not to stop you from enjoying it in Cancun. You can find singers in vibrant costumes performing heartfelt folkloric songs at restaurants like La Parilla Plaza la Isla, Aristeo, Mextreme, seafood joint Va Q Va, or at Porfirio’s while you sample their 100-strong tequila and mezcal collection. Mariachis are also part and parcel of the experience at Xoximilcho, a riveting floating fiesta aboard a colorful gondola-liketrajinera.

Taste: Tacos, tacos, tacos. Honestly, did you even come to Mexico if you didn’t have one? A great taco has the power to unite people from all social strata like no man’s business. Whether you wish to stick to plain old pastor (spit-grilled pork slices) and seafood (tacos de pescado) or push the boat out with cow’s brain (tacos de sesos) or eyeballs (tacos de ojos), there’s a hand-sized taco treat with your name on it in Cancun. Since tacos are their raison d’être, you can expect pure scrumptiousness at Taqueria Coapenitos, brightly painted Gory Tacos, and at Tacun, which feels festive with a ceiling of hanging piñatas. Oh-so-flavorful filings can also be found at Los Meros de Jalisco which, uniquely for Cancun, also has Guadalajara specialty carne en su jugo (“meat in its juices”) on the menu.

For the gourmand whose pantry is as colorfully cluttered as their passport is laden with stamps, Cancun shouldn’t be overlooked. There are resort kitchens helmed by Michelin-starred chefs as well as no-name, off-the-beaten-path carts serving award-worthy bites, and plenty in between. “It really has everything,” says Karen Garza, a private chef and sommelier in Cancun. Originally from Matamoros in the state of Tamaulipas, she has lived in Cancun for over a decade and urges foodies to embrace the city’s kaleidoscopic culinary identity beyond its touristy reputation. “You can find fresh and local ingredients, traditional Mayan cuisine, world-class restaurants, gastronomic events and festivals, seafood, regional dishes, international cuisine such as Italian, Greek, French, Japanese, and also cuts of meat; literally everything,” she says.

9 am – Fill up during a local-led street food tour.
Mexican cuisine was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and the folks at Cancun Food Tours are utterly proud of that fact. Join them bright and early on their educational Textures of Mexico Cancun Street Food Tour to sample a variety of local breakfast dishes in places where locals eat. Each tour has a maximum of 10 guests so you’ll have ample elbow room and space to tilt your head to sidestep any taco spillage.

1 pm – Pick up a pretty charcuterie box at Delibox Mexico.
When Karen Garza isn’t whipping up meals for visiting NFL players as a private chef, she runs Delibox Mexico where you can snag an elaborate charcuterie box serving two to 14 people. Certainly not the stereotypical Cancun purchase, these are fun for a beach picnic. Three times a year, Garza also hosts charcuterie board-making workshops and wine pairings in Spanish and English.

1:30 pm – Get a haul of hot sauces and spices at Chedraui Cancún Chac-Mool.
Sure, you can pick up your desired condiments, sauces, and spices at the resort gift shop or even at an open-air market. However, there’s something refreshing and honest about shopping where the prices are fixed and nobody is trying to goad you into purchasing more. Additionally, these products will be much more economical at Chedraui than at the aforementioned establishments.

3 pm – Feet-in-the-sand seafood and sunset at El Frish Fritanga.
This thatch-roofed Hotel Zone seafood joint is so well known for its hospitality that fishing excursioners bring their hauls there for cooking. The oysters are fresh, the vibes are on point, and there are delightful, string-lit views of the Nichupté Lagoon. Shoes optional.

8 pm – Energetic dinner at Ilios.
Liven up your culinary tour by making reservations at Ilios on a weekend (when it’s most pumping). This lagoon-front eatery helped fill the Greek food gap in Cancun with an elegant and extra cast of characters: DJs, sparklers, fire breathers, cocktails on fire, Greek goddesses, and belly dancers. Come for the plate breaking.

11 pm – Late-night tacos at La Cabañita.
If you’re still famished after your day of deliciousness, head to this locally-adored after-hours spot in Centro which only opens at 7 p.m. Tacos come in fours, not the standard pair.

MTV immortalized it as a spring break destination for college kids in the 2000s, but Cancun doesn’t discriminate by age, nationality, persuasion, or how you like to get your merrymaking fix. Life-of-the-party types, young professionals, retirees, wedding parties, and live music lovers come to Cancun to let loose and meet people from around the world.

Daphne Slaats, a Dutch teacher living in Cancun is a fan of the varied dusk-till-dawn party scene there. “I love the party boats, a fancy beach club after work, or amazing shows in big clubs at night,” she says. “When I feel more like a smaller, cozy place, I take the bus to the center for just 10 pesos (54 cents at the time of writing) and go salsa dancing at La Coyota.”

Some of Cancun’s drinking holes need no introduction like HRoof and The City (Latin America’s largest nightclub). But there are also tucked-away gems like Mu Burger House which deserves a special mention for its dedication to stocking hard-to-come-by bottles of Mexican craft beers and its creative takes on the carajillo cocktail (known to some as the Mexican espresso martini).

You can pretty much find a good time anywhere in Cancun, but Punta Cancun (also known as the Party Center or Plaza Party) is where the fiesta is at. It is situated in the North Hotel Zone at the intersection where the two parts of the “7” converge and it is a haven for both day drinkers and night hedonists.

10 am – Lively liquid breakfast at Mextreme.
This place is unapologetically loud, colorful, and full of life. The waitstaff, often doing magic tricks and balancing trays or multiple drinks on their heads, bring an element of showmanship to your meal. Start your day with Mextreme’s famed green chilaquiles—tortilla chips drenched in a vibrant salsa verde, topped with crema, cheese, and a fried egg. This plate is rumored to zap away hangovers.

12 pm – Water sports at Playa Chac Mool.
As one of the closest beaches to the Party Center—and some relatively inexpensive Hotel Zone hostels—there’s a playful, ready-for-anything energy on Playa Chac Mool. Surfers appreciate the strong tides and there are opportunities for sailing, parasailing, or hiring jet skis and banana boats.

3 pm – Pose and preen at Mandala Beach Club.
Regardless of which stage you find yourself on the detox/retox cycle, you’ll be in good company with the deep blue sea as your oasis of a backdrop at Mandala Beach Club in the heart of the Party Center.

7 pm – Marlin meals and big pirate energy at Marinero’s.
Line your stomach and transition from a sun-soaked day to a vibrant night at Marinero’s. There’s a nautical theme throughout and live music that won’t burst your eardrums. The marlin burrito, seafood molcajete, and the Marinero’s Platter of calamari, shrimp, and breaded fish are standout menu items.

9:30 pm – Loud Latin beats at La Vaquita.
You might never hear a single non-English song at some of the bars and clubs in the Party Center. Not at La Vaquita. Hip-hop is prevalent, but Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin would be proud of the reggaeton selection at this open-air house of perreo.

Cancun might be known for all-out bacchanalia, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find it’s also a playground for families looking to make great memories. “Cancun is a particularly fantastic destination for families of all kinds,” according to Yandra Orsini who is the senior brand amplification manager at Grupo Xcaret, which operates a wide range of theme parks, hotels, tours, and other sustainable experiences in the state of Quintana Roo where Cancun is located. “Visitors continue to flock to our beautiful region because there’s always something new to see, explore, taste, and experience,” she says. One of those new experiences is Toboganxote, which is reportedly the world’s only 5-in-1 waterslide at Xplor adventure park, located about an hour outside Cancun.

On the experiences front, interactive museums like the Museo Maya de Cancún, offer an exciting way to introduce children to Mexico’s history and they can get up close and personal with wildlife on sea and land. Where lodging is concerned, many resorts in Cancun are family-friendly, boasting amenities like kids’ clubs, splash pools, and family-sized suites. Also, at some all-inclusive hotels like Moon Palace Cancun and select Hyatt Inclusive Collection properties, youngsters play, stay, and dine free of charge when accompanied by paying adults. If you want your kids well-fed, entertained, and engaged, there is big fun on the cards in Cancun.

10 am – Glass bottom boat tour to MUSA.
Take your tots, tweens, and teens on a subterranean adventure without getting wet. Departing daily from Punta Nizuc, this 2.5-hour educational adventure offers a stunning view of the Great Mayan Reef and the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA). Marvel at coral species, exotic fish, and captivating sculptures that were designed to encourage coral growth.

1 pm – Family lunch at La Vicenta.
The whole gang can partake in the yumminess at La Vicenta but kids are the guests of honor. Children eat for free all day and the ‘Chentitos’ Kids Club puts on special activities for two to 11-year-olds.

2:30 pm – Ascend Cancun Scenic Tower.
Standing 260 feet tall in the Hotel Zone, Cancun Scenic Tower (Torre Escénica) grants bird’s-eye views of the city’s chaotic beauty. The tower’s viewing platform lifts and lowers, making it accessible without stair-climbing so there’s no need to break a sweat. If you’ve got a bracelet from any Xcaret Group theme park or tour, the ride is on the house.

3:30 pm – Sand castles at Playa Tortugas.
The Hotel Zone is divided into North, Middle, and South Zones. The Middle and South Zone Caribbean-facing beaches have those postcard turquoise-hued waters with stronger currents. The North, shaped like the horizontal bar of the “7,” faces the calm Bahía de Mujeres with its waves tamed by Isla Mujeres a 30-minute ferry ride away. This is where you’ll find Playa Tortuga, which has shallow waters and a playground for kids to let their hair down in.

5:30 pm – Jolly Roger Pirate Show and Dinner.
Step aboard and meet a crew of rowdy pirates swinging from ropes, battling with swords, and firing off cannons like it’s the golden age of piracy. All while you’re knocking back drinks and digging into grilled lobster or filet mignon. The night ends with a bang—literally—with fireworks lighting up the Caribbean sky. Check-in is from 5:30 pm at the Terminal Maritima Punta Sam pier.

Nizuc Resort & Spa ($$$$)
If your fantasy Cancun vacation includes free-standing soaking tubs, private villas with tropical gardens, or even paddleboarding with your pets, the 29-acre Nizuc Resort & Spa is the place for you. While dogs munch on veal bone beef tartare and poultry sausage burritos, the rest of the clan have six outstanding restaurants to choose from as well as a Dom Pérignon wine cellar experience.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun ($$$)
Gem Spa at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun is no secret among wellness aficionados. It’s a palatial 40,000-square-foot den of tranquility with 26 treatment rooms, a celebrated 10-step hydrotherapy ritual, and experiences inspired by gemstone therapy. Parents may be pleased to know there’s a separate Gem Spa dedicated to young ones aged between five and 15 years old.

Live Aqua Cancún ($$)
For a supremely stylish stay sans the pitter-patter of small feet, make reservations at Live Acqua Cancún, an adults-only, all-inclusive paradise. All 371 rooms have sea views and adjustable mood lighting, there’s a standout spa, seven pools at different temperatures, and a swim-up bar. It’s also right on a pristine beach with Blue Flag certification.

Selina Cancun Lagoon Zone ($$)
Selina is a powerhouse boutique hostel chain that launched in Panama in 2014 and soon took over the world, opening more than 80 locations in just six years. Like other outposts, Selina Laguna Cancun leans into its multihyphenate identity as a gathering spot for digital nomads (there are coworking facilities), tequila-thirsty partygoers, poolside sun worshippers, yogis, and backpackers with its enviable suite of amenities. This includes a tour desk, nightclub, and a movie room as well as shared and private rooms with TikTok-worthy wall art.

Mayan Monkey ($)
Your wallet and social life will thank you for booking a room at Mayan Monkey. Built on the site of what was once a Señor Frogs branch, the party goes on with cocktail-making classes, game nights, and live music. Mayan Monkey is a very social spot so you’ll likely have a slew of new amigos to hit the beach with, the closest being less than 10 minutes away on foot.

The currency used in Cancun is the Mexican peso (MXN). US dollars ($) are accepted in tourist zones but carrying pesos ensures you can pay without limitations and enjoy all experiences—street food, local eateries, markets, and more. At the time of writing, $1 USD exchanges for 18.65 pesos.

Cancun uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs, the same as those in the USA and Canada. Type A plugs have two flat pins, while Type B plugs include an additional grounding pin. Throughout Cancun and Mexico, the standard voltage is 127 V with a frequency of 60 Hz.

While temperatures are sunny and warm year-round in Cancun, be mindful of the Atlantic hurricane season from June to November, and sargassum seaweed on beaches from April to October (monitor the seaweed forecast groups and pages). For fewer crowds and better rates, consider the shoulder seasons of October to November and April to May. Those dreaming of swimming with whale sharks may do so between mid-May and mid-September.

Do pay attention to beach flags for safe swimming—green is safe, yellow means caution, red indicates danger, and black forbids entering the water. Also, protect marine life by using eco-friendly, biodegradable sunscreen in places like Garrafon Natural Reef Park in Isla Mujeres. Tap water is unsafe in Cancun so only drink bottled or filtered water.

Nobody knows how the city’s name and spelling changed. It appeared on initial government documents as “Kan Kun,” which is Mayan for “nest of snakes” or “pot of gold.” Rumor has it that a clerical error was responsible for the change to the now-famous spelling.

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