All About Cancún in Mexico (2025 Travel Guide)

Cancún is a major city on the Caribbean coast in the northeastern part of the state of Quintana Roo, located in the southeastern corner of Mexico.

Cancún serves as the heart of the Riviera Maya resort area on the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and has a population of around 745,000.

The Riviera Maya stretches along the coast from just south of Cancún to Tulum, covering about 130 kilometers of pristine beaches and resort towns.

While Cancún is one of the most visited cities globally, its popularity is not so much because of the city center, "El Centro," but due to the iconic 20-kilometer-long hotel zone, "Zona Hotelera," situated on a 3,000-hectare offshore lagoon.

The city's round coat of arms reflects Cancún's roots in Mayan culture, with its shape inspired by the ring that was used as a goal in the ancient Mayan ballgame, pelota.

Shopping and Entertainment

Cancún offers a variety of shopping, leisure, and entertainment options, including plenty of restaurants (our personal favorite is the Argentinean Big Steak House at Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 12) and nightclubs.

The shopping malls, in particular, cater to the upscale market. Most visitors come from the US and Canada, and during Spring Break, many young American students flock to Cancún for a party scene.

Most Popular Beaches

Cancún is renowned for its beautiful beaches along the fine sandy Caribbean coast, with hotels of all types and sizes lining the shore. The region is famous for its white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

Some of the most popular beaches include Playa Delfines, Playa Tortugas, and Playa Chac Mool, all of which are considered among the most beautiful in the world.

In the Surroundings

About 75 km south of Cancún, just past Playa del Carmen and across from the island of Cozumel, you’ll find the fantastic Water Park Xcaret. It's not exactly a budget-friendly outing, but it’s a unique experience.

Playa del Carmen itself, a popular beach resort on Mexico’s east coast, is also well worth a visit. The town has a lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches that make it a favorite among travelers.

You’ll also find great restaurants and the famous Quinta Avenida, a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, bars, and cafés – perfect for a stroll, a bite, or some souvenir hunting.

Just 13 km northeast of Cancún lies Isla Mujeres, which has been part of the Pueblo Mágico program since 2015. You can reach the island by fast ferry.

The nearest ferry terminal is in Puerto Juárez, die Fahrt dauert dann ca. 10 Minuten. Compared to Cancún, Isla Mujeres has a more laid-back vibe and is a great place to spend a relaxing day at the beach.

For those interested in Mayan history, the archaeological sites of Tulum and Chichén Itzá are must-visit destinations. Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous Maya archaeological sites.

It is known for its massive pyramid, El Castillo, and its history as a major political and ceremonial center.

Tulum, on the coast south of Cancún, is about a two-hour drive, while Chichén Itzá, further inland to the east, takes around two and a half hours by car.

Tulum is a popular destination on the Riviera Maya, known for its stunning beachfront Mayan ruins and white sandy beaches, that attracts travelers looking for both history and relaxation.

If you enjoy nature and wildlife, there are several protected areas near Cancún worth exploring. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and Isla Contoy Nature Reserve are two great options where you can experience the rich biodiversity of the Yucatán Peninsula.

How to Get to Cancún from Mérida?

Cancún is connected to Mérida, Valladolid, and Chichén Itzá via the Carretera 180 highway. With its international airport (IATA code: CUN) located southwest of the city, Cancún serves as a major entry point for travelers exploring the Yucatán Peninsula.

Many visitors start their journey here before heading to other destinations across the region.

Image Source (main image): ©Safa in la, wiki commons, GFDL 1.2, Link

Image Source (Playa del Carmen): ©Dennis Sylvester Hurd, flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link

The pictures were modified (resized, image improvements)