With its aquamarine sea, unblemished beaches, and the famous Underwater Museum of Art, Cancun is a perfect summer destination for tourists looking for leisure and adventure. Thanks to its balmy weather, and all-inclusive resorts that are worth every penny, Cancun offers visitors a holistic experience - think exploring ancient Mayan ruins, indulging in eco-activities, and hanging out in its vibrant nightclubs. There is so much to do when it comes to this oceanfront city, but one needs to plan beforehand to ensure a pleasant traveling experience. Here are the nine important things to know about visiting Cancun in the summer.
10 How To Get To Cancun?
Cancun is pretty easy to reach. The Cancun International Airport (CUN) is situated in Quintana Roo right on the Yucatan Peninsula. The international airport is Mexico’s second-busiest airport and offers several flight options including low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Frontier Airlines offers cheap nonstop flights between Houston and Cancun, especially during the summer. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the Hotel Zone from the airport. Visitors can use the authorized airport transportation including shuttles, taxis, and shared vans that can be booked online in advance.
- Tip: The first-class buses are comfortable, and they cost about $4.20 to reach the downtown Cancun bus terminal.
9 Things To Get Before Visiting Cancun
To travel to Cancun one should hold a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. In addition to this, the traveler should complete the Mexican Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Multiple) which is issued at any Mexican consulate or directly from the airline. The Mexican Tourist Card is very important, so it is recommended to carry a photocopy all the time. A visa is also needed (when it is applicable). In addition to this, a return flight ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and documentation for the purpose of the visit such as hotel bookings are required.
Checklist:
- Passport
- Mexico Tourist Card
- Visa for Mexico (when applicable)
- Return Flight Ticket
- Proof of Sufficient Funds
- Documentation such as Hotel Booking
8 Visa Requirement
There are certain countries that are not exempted from visa applications. Some of them are India, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. While those who come from the United States, Canada, and European Union can visit Cancun for up to 180 days without a visa. Though every visitor is subject to applying for the Mexico Tourist Card.
7 Where To Stay In Cancun?
When it comes to choosing a convenient spot to stay in Cancun then one should definitely consider Zone Hotelera (Punta Cancun), which is 20 minutes drive from downtown Cancun. This place is a hotspot for many luxurious to budget-friendly hotels offering exciting vacation packages including all-inclusive plans. The 13-mile-long Hotel Zone is close to many facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants, shopping malls, and water sports. There are three areas including the North Hotel Zone, Middle Hotel Zone, and the South Hotel Zone.
- North Hotel Zone: Ideal for surfing spots, wide options for dining, and nightclubs
- Middle Hotel Zone: This spot consists of family-friendly attractions
- South Hotel Zone: Perfect for those looking for a peaceful setting with serene beaches
6 The Hottest Month In Cancun
Summer occurs between June to September in Cancun with the hottest temperature recorded in the month of July with an average high of 90 °F and a low of 77 °F. Between June to August, one can expect a few crowds, and it is the best time to enjoy the soothing warmth of the sun at the beach and do fun water sports such as surfing.
- Note: The hurricane season happens between September and October.
5 How To Save Money In Cancun
It is better to travel around Cancun by bus, which is normally affordable (less than a dollar). The bus makes frequent stops along the Boulevard Kukulcan and the downtown area.
Another way to save is by booking all-inclusive hotel packages which include all meals, complimentary water sports, gym access, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It is good to know that Cancun has a list of myriad all-inclusive resorts to choose from.
Avoid purchasing from beach hawkers who might sell souvenirs at a high price. Instead, politely refuse to purchase or bargain for a fair price.
- Tip: It is recommended to always pay in pesos instead of dollars.
4 Currency To Use
Interestingly, the Mexican peso and the dollar currencies share the same $ symbol. So if one is paying is $ just make sure that the currency is in pesos. As mentioned, it is wise to pay in the local currency than in dollars in order to save. One of the best ways to exchange currency is by using credit cards and getting cash from bank ATMs, instead of third-party machines. Some widely used credit cards are Visa and MasterCard.
- Tip: Downtown Cancun offers better exchange rates than those in the Hotel Zone and at the airport’s currency exchange booths.
3 Safety In Cancun
Generally speaking, Cancun is a relatively safe city in Mexico compared to other places. The crime rates are pretty lower as this is a hotspot for tourism. Still, it is advisable to stay vigilant. Visitors should be aware that there are sometimes criminal activities and violence that might occur in any region. This is why it is important to avoid places, where illicit activities are more prone to occur.
It is also important to swim at safe beaches, for instance, green beach flags are known for their safe waters, while red and yellow flags indicate potential dangers. While the black flag beaches are places where swimming is prohibited.
2 Places To Avoid In Cancun
To have a pleasant experience in Cancun, it is better to avoid certain places. Below is a list of neighborhoods to avoid when visiting Cancun:
- Region 95
- Region 100
- Region 239
- Region 247
- Region 248
- Region 251
- Region 259
- Region 260
1 Drinking-Water in Cancun
It is advisable to avoid drinking tap water when visiting Cancun so that one does not have to face the adverse effects of health problems such as nausea or diarrhea. Instead, purchase bottled water to stay hydrated, especially in summer.