The Yucatan Peninsula: Cancun
The Yucatan Peninsula attracts over 3 million visitors per year and is one of Mexico’s most visited region, from health conscious vegans to nature lovers, explorers, and luxury getaway seekers, it is a place for everyone under the sun! Whether you’re a family, couple, or solo traveler seeking adventure or a low key, chill and relaxing vacation, it’s a favorite destination for both US and international travelers of all kinds.
With countless of things to do along the Yucatan Peninsula, you are guaranteed to have a great time. Explore the famous Cenotes, historical Mayan archaeological sites, enjoy an all day excursion, or get a taste of delicious vegan cuisine in beautiful Playa del Carmen. Whatever you decide, this travel guide will break down all you need to know to help plan your trip.
When planning your trip, it’s important to do your research. Get insights on the food, water, local customs and traditions. This will allow you to appreciate the culture and gain a better understanding of the historical landmarks. It will also help you prepare for food and water safety as well as prevent allergic reactions if you have allergies. It’s also a good idea to learn some basic Spanish to help you communicate with the locals and make your trip more enjoyable.
For the best weather conditions, visiting December to April during the winter dry season is ideally the best time to plan your trip. However, airfare and hotel rates will be much higher. If you want to beat the crowds, visiting during low season, September to November is much quieter and more affordable if you don’t mind some rain or a potential hurricane. The best time would be at the end of November right before the end of hurricane season.
First and foremost, to enter Mexico you’ll need a passport. Then you’ll want to check to see if you need a visa depending on where you are traveling from and immigration status. Also, while not required, obtaining travel insurance is highly encouraged. You may also want to travel with a VPN service to ensure access to all web content as some sites may be blocked in Mexico. It will also help protect and secure your browsing activity.
You can get there by plane, bus, or car depending on where you are coming from. If by plane, there are several airlines that fly into Mexico with Cancun (CUN) being the most popular airport. From there you can take a taxi, shuttle, rental car or use a transfer service to your destination within the peninsula. You can also take the ADO bus transportation to popular cities like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Mexico City, and Merida.
While hiring a tour guide is not mandatory, it can definitely enhance your experience to help make the most of your trip. A tour guide can provide you with insights into the history, culture, and landmarks in the area as well as share some of the best things to do. They can also help you navigate the area, provide local tips, and make recommendations for restaurants, activities, and hidden gems you may not have otherwise known about yourself. Most importantly, it’s a great way to ensure you are exploring within the safe zones.
When packing for your trip and planning your itinerary to the Yucatan Peninsula, it’s important to take into consideration the weather forecast and the activities you have planned. This will determine the different types of clothing to pack (lightweight, breathable t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, pants, dresses, swimwear, cover-ups, etc), shoes and sandals, sunscreen, insect repellant, reusable water bottle, and other travel essentials to check off your packing list including your wifi hotspot. And don’t forget your camera and binoculars for capturing the best moments!
Hotel Zone
The Hotel Zone aka ‘Zona Hotelera’ or the ‘Tourist Zone’, is one of the best places to stay in Cancun. The zone is a narrow strip of hotels and resorts that spans across 14 miles of white sandy beach and offers over 100 resort options to choose from including budget stays, boutique hotels, and a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts.
Distance: 22.5 kilometers (14 miles)
Number of Hotels: 100+
The Location
Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It's approximately 350 miles southeast of Miami, Florida and about 200 feet above sea level.
The Water
The tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Be sure to pack a reusable water bottle (preferably with filtration). Resorts in the Hotel Zone use purification systems so it’s safe to use when you brush your teeth, shower, or wash your face.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V close to what is used in the United States of 120V so there is no need for a voltage converter. Appliances are safe to use if you are traveling from the US.
Rainy Season
Rainy or 'wet' season typically runs from May to October. These are the hotter months. While rain can sometimes be heavy, it's not likely that you will get rain the entire trip. Similar to Florida rain showers, it will downpour, then an hour later, it's bright and sunny!
Language
While Spanish is Mexico's official language, most everyone in the tourist area of Cancun is well-prepared for English speaking tourists. However, if you venture out into the smaller towns, be sure to have a translation tool ready or a basic understanding of the Spanish language.
Time Zone
The current time zone in Cancun is EST (Eastern Standard Time), the same as in the United States except except for when it is DST (Daylight Savings Time) which most of Mexico does not observe. Cancun will be an hour behind during DST.
