Know Before You Go
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Don't forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Cancun is hot all year around, and if you don't apply it often, you'll pay for it later. While you can buy sunscreen in the city, it's expensive, so plan ahead and save your skin and wallet from any unnecessary damage.
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Space out your itinerary. Time works differently in Mexico with things always taking much longer than they should. To avoid becoming frustrated with Mexican time, don't plan your activities back to back.
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If you are staying in a self-catering resort or hotel, you can take the bus to Walmart. Buses indicate if they are headed to the supermarket giant as it's an in-demand route among tourists.
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When you head out for a meal, you'll be greeted by staffers enticing you to take a seat at their restaurant. If you are unsure about where to eat, take a look at their menu. It's a great way to get a free drink and score on 2-for-1 specials.
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Keep a look out for tequila tasting sessions. You'll learn about the drink's history, how it's made and get a chance to taste a variety of unique flavours.
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If you visit Cancun from August to September, you'll have the opportunity to witness turtle release parties. At dusk, hundreds of endangered loggerhead turtles make their way out to sea as part of conservation programs to boost their population numbers.
Getting Around Cancun
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The cheapest way to get around Cancun is with the bus. A single ride will cost MXN 9.50 around the hotel zone. Larger bills are hard for drivers to give change, so make sure you have a few coins and smaller notes for trips around town.
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Taxis are the most expensive way to get around Cancun. They are not metered, and as a result, their fares fluctuate between MXN 170 to MXN 350 for a couple of kilometres. If you need to take a taxi, discuss the price of the trip before you begin the ride.
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If you plan on moving around a lot during your stay, a car rental will be worth it. While parking is hard to find in the hotel zone, a car will make day trips to destinations outside the city easier and faster.
When is The Best Time to Visit Cancun?
The best time to visit Cancun is during its peak season (December to April). The weather is near perfect, and despite the crowds, you'll find affordable room rates and cheap flights on budget airlines. If you book your accommodation a few months in advance, you'll find the best deals before rates start to increase.
Just avoid mid-March to early April, if you don't want to be around for the spring breaker rush.
From May to August the weather becomes more humid, and temperatures start to rise. On the plus side, you'll find significant discounts on hotels and airfare, plus the spring crowds will start to thin out.
If you are planning on visiting Cancun during its autumn and winter seasons, storms could change your plans. From September to November the region faces its worst hurricanes, but it's also the best time for last minute deals.
For travellers on a budget, check the weather forecast for the next ten days. If it's clear, you'll be able to find some great holiday packages and have Cancun's famous beaches all to yourself.
Airports in Cancun
Cancun International Airport
Located 18 km from the city centre is Cancun International. It is Mexico's second busiest airport and the busiest point of entry into the country. The airport has three commercial terminals used for domestic routes, international airlines from North America and low-cost carriers. It's also a focus city for Aeroméxico, Interjet, VivAaerobus and Volaris.
Getting To and From Cancun International Airport
The bus from the airport to Cancun is the cheapest option if you are on a budget. Fares are MXN 130 one way and can be bought online. The buses are available every day and take 25 minutes to get to the city centre.
Taking a taxi from the airport to Cancun is the most expensive option. If you need to take a cab into the city, pre-arrange your ride. Last minute taxi rates are five times higher, and tickets can be purchased at booths inside the terminals.
There are also shared shuttles running from the airport and Cancun. While it is more expensive than taking the bus, you are paying for a more comfortable journey. The only downside is that your journey will take longer and the service is only available between 8 am to 8 pm.