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Situated on the glorious northeastern coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun is one of the most popular and significant tourist destinations in Mexico, attracting millions of visitors each year with its luxury resort hotels, celebrated cuisine and fabulous nightlife.
And while lounging on a pristine beach and swimming in flawless Caribbean waters is certainly a huge part of multi-centre holidays in Cancun, there is also much to see if you’re interested in Mexico’s rich history, vibrant culture and its breathtaking landscapes.
Cancun Highlights
Cancun is Mexico’s tourist hub and a much-loved holiday destination that appeals to families seeking fun in the sun, couples on romantic getaways, or groups ready to party the night away. Here is the perfect combination of ancient and modern, unspoiled nature and a vibrant beach party culture, together with a whole lot of sun-soaked relaxation.
Watersports
With some of the clearest, bluest seas, Cancun is a great sport for indulging in some watersports. Scuba diving or snorkeling will allow you to experience the magical underwater world of tropical fish and the Great Mesoamerican Reef. There are also opportunities for sailing, water skiing and fishing on most beaches
Discover the Mayans
Mayan culture is one that has fascinated the western world. Visit the Yucatan Peninsula in the north, where you can learn all about the Mayan people and view some of the iconic architecture that the Mayans are famed for.
Go for thrills
For adrenaline junkies, there is plenty in Cancun to keep you entertained. Xcaret is the areas most famous ecological theme park where you can see go on a hike and see wildlife in its natural habitat. You can also swim with dolphins or learn more about sea life at the aquariums.
Just Relax
Cancun is also a top location for pure relaxation. Whether that's by the pool with a book, on the beach under a parasol, or in an award winning spa. Over 30 of the resorts in Cancun have excellent spas where you can truly relax your mind and rejuvenate your body. Many offer traditional treatments such as the Aztec Temzacal meaning 'House of Steam' and popular Greek Thalassotherapy treatments.
Cancun Multi Centre Combinations
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Our Cancun Favourites
Chichén Itzá
Not technically in Cancun but certainly one of the most popular sites to visit when in the Yucatan Peninsula. The much-revered Chichén Itzá – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World – is Mexico’s most visited attraction. Located just over two hours from Cancun, Chichén Itzá makes for an easy day trip whether you drive or book a tour from your resort.
Wander the pyramids and temples of these stunning pre-Hispanic archaeological ruins, which will transport you to a world of remarkable ancient history, and the heart of the Mayan empire.
Museo Maya de Cancún
If you’re keen to step away from Cancun’s tourist hubbub for a few hours, head to the modern and rather beautiful Museo Maya de Cancun for a peek into a world of remarkable Mayan art and history, which has many artefacts on display that were recovered from key archaeological sites around the region.
Take the lush jungle walkway to the back of the museum to uncover the ruins of San Miguelito archaeological site, a once thriving Mayan city that is now a complex of stunning stone stairways, platforms and columns.
Museo Subacuatico de Arte (MUSA)
Cancun’s incredible underwater museum is a fascinating and innovative project created to counteract the effects of climate change on Mexico’s surrounding reefs and oceans. A gallery of approximately 500 submerged sculptures and statues are dotted off the coast of Cancun and Isla Mujeres, offering visitors a one-off ocean view on either snorkelling, scuba diving or glass-bottom boat tours.
Built to deter divers from further sullying the declining coral reefs, these beautiful figures are the creation of dozens of Mexican artists and British-born sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. For a truly mesmerising experience, don’t miss visiting this incredible subaquatic museum.
El Parque de las Palapas
This iconic plaza in Downtown Cancun offers visitors a great opportunity to mingle with locals and absorb its casual Mexican vibes. It’s a popular hangout venue – particularly in the evenings – with heaps of street food vendors, family-friendly entertainment and boutique craft stalls to peruse on a balmy summer’s night.
With frequent live open-air concerts and a buzzing atmosphere, Parque de las Palpas has all the feels of a European small-town square and is the perfect place to people-watch and let the kids run around making new friends on Cancun multi-centre holidays.
Interactive Aquarium
Continuing the conservation theme is the Interactive Aquarium, located within the La Isla Shopping Village in the Zona Hotelera. Popular amongst families looking for a slightly different day out on multi-centre holidays in Mexico, this fun and educational place allows visitors the chance to swim with dolphins, touch starfish and sea urchins and observe more than 140 different species of tropical fish, including many native to Mexican waters.
If you want to get even closer, dive down on the magical Aquarium Trek experience. This twenty-minute walk (like how it would feel on the moon’s surface) takes you along the bottom of the tank wearing Sea-Trek® equipment, allowing you to breathe normally while you gaze at the marine life around you.
Playa Delfines
This beautiful, slightly sloped beach is located at the southern end of Zona Hotelera and is popular with both locals and tourists. Boasting long swathes of white sand and sparkling aquamarine waters, Playa Delfines is a wonderful place for bodyboarding, paddling and swimming – although keep an eye on the conditions as it can get choppy out there.
It is also one of the few beaches in the area without the looming presence of a hotel or resort behind it, and with thatched palapas (sunshades), a playground and public bathrooms on-site, it’s an ideal, family-friendly spot to sojourn for the day and enjoy those sun-drenched tropical vibes.
Playa Forum
If you’re child-free and ready to party, then Playa Forum will be your go-to spot. Curving round a wide stretch in the Zona Hotelera, this beach has a little of everything. Silky-smooth sands and gently lapping waters are set in front of Cancun’s hottest nightlife area with restaurants, bars and clubs aplenty.
Its Spring Break vibes from the beach clubs along the coastline mean that music is pumping, drinks are flowing and clothing is minimal all through the day and into the night!
Playa Langosta
If you’re visiting Cancun with younger children, Playa Langosta will appeal to you for its gloriously wide sandy beach and shallower waters, which make it feel much safer for little ones to swim and play. Older kids (and many grown-ups) love the inflatable obstacle course past the main swimming area, providing loads of additional fun and entertainment, while the on-beach playground offers a little respite from splashing around for the smaller children.
With oceanfront restaurants and beach chair rentals, you could easily spend a whole day here with the family!
Isla Blanca
Located just 40-minutes' drive north of Cancun on a narrow, well-preserved peninsula, Isla Blanca offers an inspiring glimpse of the region before it was the thriving tourist hub it is today. With flawless sun-bleached sands, the ocean on one side and a lagoon on the other, it feels like a world away from the Zona Hotelera.
This virtually empty slice of heaven allows for a more relaxed change of pace on otherwise busy twin-centre holidays. Set up your towels, bring a picnic and spend the day lolling on the sands, paddling in the gentle surf and watching kite boarders glide gracefully over the waves.
Playa Norte
Take a boat trip over to the pretty Isla Mujeres (Island of Women in English) and rock up at Playa Norte, which is considered the island’s best beach and sits just across the bay from Cancun. Providing a slightly more chilled-out vibe than its livelier neighbour, Playa Norte features a handful of beach clubs and places to eat, offering a wonderful place for families to spend the day.
Its water is a dazzlingly bright shade of blue and only reaches chest height even if you wade far out, making it feel safe for the littlest members of your party.
La Isla Shopping Village
Cancun may be a haven for beachside fun, but it is also home to some excellent shopping and none more so than the tourist hub of La Isla. This fashionable open-air mall is set right in the heart of the city’s Zona Hotelera, with heaps of great stores including high-end and affordable brands, as well as activities and entertainment for the entire family.
Catch a movie with the kids and visit the interactive aquarium or take to the skies on the cool Sky Wheel for unforgettable views over the city. Follow up with dinner at one of the dozens of restaurants serving everything from tacos, burgers and pizzas to delicious seafood and Japanese fare.
Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center
This attractive open-air mall is one of the area’s newest shopping hubs, and features loads of popular mid-range shops like Zara Home and H&M. Its real beauty lies in the upper level with stunning marina views from the food court, making for a gorgeous spot to have a casual lunch or dinner.
It’s a place filled with tourists and locals alike as there is an IMAX theatre and a gym, nail salons and hairdressers. You can either take a taxi here or get one of the frequent buses from the Zona Hotelera and go north to the last stop before downtown Puerto Cancun.
Las Plazas Outlet
If you’re a fan of the famous outlet malls in Orlando, you’ll be pleased to know that Cancun has its own smaller version: Las Plazas Outlet. This stylish shopping centre offers a world of discounts on big-name brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Hugo Boss, meaning you may very well need to upgrade that luggage allowance!
It’s just five kilometres away from the Zona Hotelera, so very quick and easy to get to for an afternoon out. Head to the cinema if you fancy catching the latest blockbusters, sit down for a meal and try some authentic Mexican ice cream at La Michoacana for a sugar hit in-between your retail fix!
Mercado 28
This long-standing flea market is a cool place for purchasing locally made handicrafts, artwork and touristy souvenirs to take back from your Mexico multi-centre holidays. Mercado 28 is just a quick bus or taxi ride from Cancun’s Zona Hotelera and offers a vibrant spot to spend a lazy morning.
Flooded with colour and tempting aromas from the lively food court, Mercado 28 is an organised jumble of vendors selling jewellery, handbags, t-shirts, pottery and much more, plus it's a good opportunity to test out your haggling skills. While away a few hours browsing the market stalls in the morning before the heat gets too much, then head back to your hotel for a blissful afternoon by the beach or pool.
Luxury Avenue Cancún
If your California and Cancun twin-centre holidays involve a lot of high-end shopping, then the exclusive Luxury Avenue mall is as close to LA’s famous Rodeo Drive as you’ll get, with a range of world-famous designer labels like Cartier, Hermès, Bulgari and Carolina Herrera to its name.
The mall also plays host to a wide array of live events like artist-led workshops, tequila tastings, kid-friendly brunches and local exhibitions - so there’s something for the whole family.
Parque Nacional Isla Contoy
About 25 miles from Cancun sits the exquisite Isla Contoy, a long, narrow and alarmingly beautiful island comprising a national park with a wildlife sanctuary and research area, which has helped to protect the area from development for more than 60 years.
The Parque Nacional Isla Contoy is a wonderful place for a day trip, and with abundant leafy mangroves and lagoons, it provides a prime nesting spot for more than 170 bird species, while its reef is home to over 240 types of tropical fish. You may even catch sight of a whale shark off the coast between May and September!
Cenote Siete Bocas
The Yucatán Peninsula is known for its cenotes – natural sinkholes exposing crystal-clear groundwater below – and is home to at least 6,000, each as mystical as the last. One of the closest to Cancun is the Cenote Siete Bocas (seven mouths in Spanish) due to the number of different openings and passages featured within its intricate cave system. An hour’s drive south towards Puerto Morelos brings you to this spectacular cenote, where you can swim, snorkel, jump in and explore the caves to your heart’s content – perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Punta Laguna Nature Reserve
Approximately 90 minutes’ drive outside of Cancun lie the verdant rainforests of the Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, and if off-the-beaten-path jungle adventures are in your plans for multi-centre holidays in Mexico, then this is a slice of nature you won’t want to miss.
Enlist a local jungle guide to take you through the forest in search of amazing animals like Spider Monkeys, lizards, giant grasshoppers and snakes. Then for a splash of adrenaline, zipline across a lake and kayak back to the dock!
Swimming with whale sharks
Swimming with whale sharks is high up on many people’s Mexico bucket lists and the tropical waters of the Riviera Maya are abundant with these gentle giants. They may be huge – weighing around 18 metric tonnes – but they are extremely peaceful, unhurried, and very safe to swim alongside.
Plenty of tour boat options are available from Cancun to go out and get up close, with most whale sharks in the area hanging out off the coasts of the smaller islands like Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox and Isla Contoy from May to September – so make sure you plan your trip accordingly!
Marquesitas
This favourite local dessert dish is a crispy crêpe rolled and stuffed with melted shredded cheese and a sweet filling of your choosing, which could include jam, chocolate spread, or peanut butter. These unusual sounding but delicious treats are pressed and cooked in a waffle iron that melts it all together for a gooey taste sensation. There are dozens of restaurants and cafés serving up incredible marquesitas, but perhaps the best place to try is at one of the street food stalls in the lively El Parque de las Palapas!
Lorenzillo’s Seafood Restaurant & Bar
One of Cancun’s most popular Caribbean and seafood fine dining restaurants, Lorenzillo’s stands out for having its own lobster farm, meaning the seafood is about as fresh as you can get. Located in the Zona Hotelera with gorgeous views out over the lagoon, this is a family-friendly place but also great for romantic dinners out on Cancun multi-centre holidays.
You may struggle to choose from the wide array of inventive and elegant lobster dishes on offer; try the aromatic Isla Mujeres lobster bisque, or the Mayan-style lobster seasoned with salt, covered with sour orange and achiote spice and cooked on the grill.
Marakame Café (traditional Mexican brunch buffet)
Tucked away in an upscale neighbourhood in Downtown Cancun, Marakame Café is a not-so-hidden gem among locals and tourists seeking a chilled-out café ambience, with great food and drinks to top it off.
Serving traditional Mexican-style breakfast and brunch buffets, it’s a lovely, casual spot for families, couples and groups to dine in the mornings. While live music begins at 10pm every Friday and Saturday, offering a cool hangout spot for a few drinks under the twinkling lights of its outdoor courtyard.
Taqueria Coapeñitos
You can’t come to Mexico and not sample a taco or two. There are hundreds of places to grab this iconic cuisine, but make your way to Taqueria Coapeñitos, one of the best-rated eateries in Downtown Cancún. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, this small but mighty fast-food joint serves authentic street-food-style tacos alongside a terrific selection of beer to wash them down, plus frequent 2 for 1 offers on cocktails!
Thai Cancún
If you’re after some Asian flare on your Mexican travels, then the delightful Thai will be a welcome sight, and taste. Serving good-quality Thai cuisine, this beautiful restaurant is located within La Isla Shopping Village overlooking the tranquil waters of Nichupté Lagoon, offering an incredibly romantic spot for dinner.
Dine under its swaying thatched roof huts above the water and enjoy its tantalising menu including fragrant curries and rice, excellent noodle dishes and a great selection of seafood options. The sweet spring rolls filled with pineapple, mango and chocolate sauce certainly go down well, too!
Cancun FAQs
Cancun FAQs
Cancun FAQs
Cancun enjoys a year-round tropical climate of warm weather, averaging around 28°C in June and 23°C in January. Low season runs generally between May and October due to it being the wettest period of the year, with frequent showers and hot and humid weather. December to April is considered the best time to go as the climate is drier and more settled – keep an eye out for the Spring Break holiday though as it gets quite busy during this time.
Cancun is 6 hours behind the UK. Flights from London usually depart in the morning and are between 10- and 11-hours’ duration, while if you’re combining twin-centre holidays with Orlando for example, it’s a short 2-and-a-half-hour flight if you fly non-stop. Flights back to the UK are often evening departures so you’ll arrive back home the next day.
Yes! The roads in Cancun and the Riviera Maya are much more accessible and easier to drive on – unlike some of the remoter parts of Mexico – with good signage and excellent conditions. Hiring a car from the airport means you can get to your hotel quickly and enjoy the freedom of travelling around the Yucatán Peninsula at your own pace.
Absolutely, we encourage it! Mexico borders southern USA and edges the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, meaning it’s perfectly placed to combine multiple stops including Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and even New York, if your plans include a quick city break and a longer beachside trip in one epic holiday.
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