All about Cancún in Mexico

Cancún is a major city on the Caribbean coast in the northeast of the state of Quintana Roo in the southeasternmost part of Mexico. Cancún is the center of the Riviera Maya resort area and has about 745,000 inhabitants.

Cancún is one of the most visited cities in the world, but this is not so much due to the city center "El Centro", but to the approximately 20 kilometer long hotel zone "Zona Hotelera" on the 3,000 hectare large offshore lagoon.

The city's round coat of arms by the way is meant to recall Cancún's roots, which lie in Mayan culture. The shape of the coat of arms is based on the ring that served as a gate in the Mayan game of pelota.

Shopping and entertainment

There are numerous shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities, restaurants (our favorite is the Argentinian Big Steak House at Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 12) and night clubs.

Especially the upscale segment is served by the shopping malls. Most visitors come from the US and Canada. Especially during Spring Break, many young American students come to party in Cancún.

The most popular beaches

On the fine sandy beach of the Caribbean coast there are hotels of all categories and sizes. And Cancún is best known for its beaches, which are among the most beautiful in the world.

The white sand and clear turquoise waters are characteristic of the region. The most famous and popular beaches include Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas and Playa Chac Mool.

In the surroundings

About 75km south of Cancún, just past Playa del Carmen and opposite the island of Cozumel, is the fantastic natural water park xcaret - not really a cheap treat, but a great experience. But Playa del Carmen, a popular beach resort on the east coast of Mexico, is of course also worth a visit.

13km northeast directly in front of Cancún lies Isla Mujeres. Since 2015 Isla Mujeres belongs to the Pueblo Mágicos. You can reach Isla Mujeres in about 20 minutes via a fast ferry, which starts e.g. in Puerto Juárez (which is the nearest ferry port). Compared to Cancún, it is more relaxed here and you can spend a great day at the beach.

The famous Mayan archaeological sites of Tulum (south of Cancún on the coast) and Chichen Itzá (east inland) are about 2 hours respectively 2.5 hours by car from Cancún.

In the vicinity of Cancún there are also several nature reserves and national parks, including, for example, the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and the Isla Contoy Nature Reserve. Here you have the opportunity to discover the rich flora and fauna of the Yucuatan Peninsula.

How to get to Cancún from Mérida?

Cancún is connected to Mérida, Valladolid and Chichén Itzá via the Carretara 180 highway. Due to the international airport (IATA code: CUN) in the southwest of the city, Cancún is also the starting point for many travelers on the Yucantan Peninsula.

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