Cancun is one of the most renowned tourist destinations. For several decades, it has been a favourite spot for millions of visitors throughout the year, consistently ranking among the most visited places. There are several reasons for this: the first is its turquoise seas and incredible white-sand beaches. The second is its climate: mild, typically Caribbean, and pleasant almost all year round.

However, beyond that, Cancun has its own unique charms that cannot be found elsewhere. We refer to its people and their hospitality, its culture (a blend of Caribbean, Mayan, and Spanish influences), and its rich gastronomy, which has helped Mexican cuisine become one of the most highly regarded in the world. Cancun is located in Mexico, on the easternmost part of the Yucatan Peninsula. This privileged location means it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and, at the same time, close to pre-Columbian monuments and cities of enormous cultural value. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Cancun is five hours behind Spain.

This blend, along with the wide range of activities available, makes this region one of the best possible destinations. How about diving in its crystal-clear waters? Perhaps you’d prefer windsurfing or simply enjoying its unparalleled nightlife. Everything is set in Cancun for an unforgettable experience, and with Newblue, everything is much easier!

Eating in Cancun is another pleasure of this wonderful Mexican land. There are some magnificent restaurants where you can taste Mexican specialities with a Caribbean twist.

What should you eat in Cancun? Best dishes

As you might expect, you can also savour one of the most famous Mexican dishes in Cancun: tacos. These are corn tacos served with various salsas and typically filled with fish, vegetables, or meat. You can’t miss them. You can’t miss them. Cochinita pibil is another of the star dishes of Cancun’s cuisine.

This is pork wrapped in banana leaves and baked for several hours until it becomes tender and juicy. It is served with lime juice, black pepper, cinnamon, and vinegar, among other ingredients. It’s a fish baked underground or on the grill, wrapped in a banana leaf and served with orange juice and achiote (a Mexican spice blend). Tikin Xic is the name of another local speciality. It is a fish baked underground or in the charbroiler that is wrapped with a banana leaf and served with orange juice and achiote (Mexican spice blend).

Where to eat in Cancun? Best Restaurants

Some of the best restaurants in Mexico are to be found in Cancun. If you’re looking for where to eat in Cancun, there are several establishments well worth visiting. Cüa restaurant is one of the best options for tasting Cancun’s local cuisine. It serves all the specialities of this land, mainly based on the concept of seasoned fish and seafood.

Kai restaurant offers a more oriental touch mixed with Mexican cuisine. It’s a very interesting and delicious fusion. If, on the other hand, you’re a meat lover, we recommend trying one of the dishes at Divina Carne, a restaurant specialising in meats served Brazilian-style on a grill.

The question of what to do in Cancun has countless answers: there are activities of various kinds, always ready for those seeking adrenaline and fun.

Scuba diving

As you might expect, one of the best things to do in Cancun is scuba diving. It has the second largest coral barrier in the world (specifically, up to one thousand kilometres in length) just across its shores. The best places for diving in Cancun are Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres, where the nature park of the same name is located.

Quad biking through the Mayan jungle

Another adventure in Cancun is a quad biking tour through the Mayan jungle. Specifically, you can rent a complete package that includes a quad tour with or without a driver towards a cenote for a swim. Afterwards, adventure activities and zip-lining commence, ending with a lunch of typical Mayan food.

Parasailing in Cancun

An interesting alternative among adventure activities in Cancun: being strapped with a harness to a boat that accelerates and makes you fly with a parachute through the sky. From up there, and at great speed, you can take in the surrounding views and feel like you’re flying. It’s one of the most thrilling experiences you can have in Cancun.

Kiteboarding

With a kite-like parachute and a surfboard, you can skim across the sea off the coast and enjoy Cancun in a different way. This is an exciting sport in Cancun for which all the equipment is provided in the area, allowing you to experience the surroundings and the adrenaline in a unique way.

Cancun is not just a paradise destination where you can find plenty of fun and relaxation. It’s also an opportunity to discover Mexico’s culture and history. If you’re looking for active tourism in Cancun, there are numerous alternatives.

Mayan Museum of Cancun

The Mayan Museum of Cancun is dedicated to the history of this pre-Columbian people who were so important in the region and who were considered by many the most powerful in all of America in their time. It’s also an extremely mysterious town worth investigating and learning more about.

Cancun Wax Museum

The museum houses figures of some notable characters from history as well as contemporary figures, all crafted with remarkable quality. It's an incredibly fun visit for both children and adults, thanks to the impressive realism of the exhibits. One of those activities in Cancun for the whole family. To disconnect and take some great photos with these celebrities: from the Simpsons to Zapata.

Southeast Antique Car Museum

A museum designed for the nostalgic, featuring dozens of vintage vehicles in perfect condition. It’s undoubtedly one of the best opportunities to admire these treasures on wheels and learn a bit about their fascinating history. Don't miss it if you want an active tourism experience in Cancun and the chance to see some of the most iconic car models of the 20th century.

Pirate Dinner and Cruise Show

Inspired by the Caribbean pirates who plagued these coasts during the era of the Spanish Empire, it’s highly recommended to explore this part of history on one of these themed pirate cruises. The experience includes dinner on the ship and a cruise along the coast. This is one of the most entertaining leisure and cultural activities you can do in Cancun.

Local documentation and rates

For Spanish citizens staying less than 180 days, a valid passport covering the entire stay is required (no minimum validity period is demanded) and a return ticket. THE DEPARTURE RATE OF THE COUNTRY IS INCLUDED IN THE TRAVEL PRICE. Citizens of other nationalities should check entry requirements with the Mexican Embassy.

Upon arrival in the country, you must present the immigration and customs form. It is advisable to process it online at: inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/solicitud.html

Environmental Sanitation Tax

In the municipalities of Solidaridad, Benito Juárez, Tulum and Isla Mujeres (Quintana Roo), this local fee must be paid directly at the hotel. Its cost is about 29 Mexican pesos (approx. 1.50 USD) per room per night, except in the hotels on Isla Mujeres, Costa Mujeres and Playa Mujeres whose cost is about 29 Mexican pesos (approx. 1.50 USD) per person per night.

Public Property Utilisation Tax

The state of Quintana Roo applies a new mandatory fee of 244 pesos (approx. 11.77 USD) to foreign visitors over the age of 4. This fee must be paid upon leaving the country. It is advisable to process the payment online at: www.visitax.gob.mx before arrival or during your stay.

(All local taxes or fees are subject to change without notice.)

Currency

The official currency is the Mexican peso, divided into 100 centavos (1€ equals approximately 22 pesos). It’s recommended to bring Euros and exchange them locally. Most credit cards are accepted in most establishments.

Time difference

The time difference from peninsular Spain is less than 7 hours in summer and less than 6 hours in winter.

Healthcare

All healthcare is private since there is no agreement with Mexican Social Security. If you need to take regular medication, it is advisable to bring it, along with basic medicines due to their high cost. Mosquito repellent, sunscreen and bottled water are recommended.

Electricity

Almost all hotels have 220-volt electricity, although the national grid is 110 volts. Don't forget to bring an adapter for flat-pin plugs.

Weather

The climate in the Mexican Caribbean is a semi-tropical climate whose average ranges between 25º and 30º, so you can practically enjoy the beach at any time of the year. In summer, temperatures can reach 34º.

Other Information to Consider

The Caribbean Sea is sometimes affected by a seaweed, sargassum, which is totally harmless to humans, although it may be uncomfortable due to its odour or density. This is a natural phenomenon and its arrival at the coast depends on sea currents. Hotels work to contain it as well as clean up the beaches daily.