Is Cancún Worth a Visit or It Is an Extremely Overrated Tourist Trap?

With 50 years of modern history, Cancun is one of the youngest cities in Mexico. Despite this fact, Cancun has become one of the most visited and important tourism hotspots in Central America. For many people, Cancun is the dream destination. In fact, the weather is good throughout the whole year, the Caribbean white sand beaches are gorgeous. And if you are searching for a good party – this is probably your place to be!

But, if you are looking for the best things to do in Cancún, Google suggestions would be – “Visit Chichen Itza”, “Visit Tulum”, “Visit Coba”, etc. And I agree with Google! The best things to do in Cancún, are actually not in Cancún! All the great spots and surrounding areas you should visit when travelling to Yucatan can be visited without staying in Cancún.

Cancún has gotten a bad reputation during the last couple of years and you will probably find very mixed reviews online. And there are many reasons for that! I, personally, think that Cancún is one of the most overrated places I’ve been to, but of course, there are reasons why you might really enjoy a visit to Cancún as well. If you’re considering visiting Cancún, you should be aware of the following facts:

• Cancún feels more American than Mexican
• Cancún is too overpriced: Be aware of booking too many activities!
• The sellers are very aggressive and too cheeky!
• The Mexican culture is not authentic!
• Cancún is overcrowded and overbuilt – it feels not like the tropical heaven but like the concrete heaven.
• … and not to forget – it is heaven if you are looking for All Inclusive offers or parties…
• The coastline of Cancún is suffering a lot (at the moment) from seagrass
• The beaches are not the typical tropical paradise and they are NOT secluded
• Cancún is a great party spot, but not the best place for chilling.
• Everybody tries to make money out of ANYTHING!

Can you spot the line waiting to get a photo with the Cancun Sign??? Isn’t it ridiculous?

We flew from Munich to Cancún and we spent two days in the city in order to get used to the weather and the new time zone. This was the only reason why we stayed there for 72 hours.  The two days were enough to realize Cancún is not our place to be. The strip of Cancún felt like the cheapest version of Las Vegas. There were many drunk Americans everywhere. The beaches are wide, but overcrowded for my taste. Everyone tried to make money out of our visit, no matter if it was parking, buying something or just having some lunch. The two days were arduous! The best feeling was leaving Cancún after 72 hours of constant disappointment …

I’m trying to stay fair with Cancún as with any destination I’m visiting. The city of Cancún is not the place where I want to spend my holidays, but this doesn’t mean you won’t like it. It depends on the type of traveller. If you are the “All Inclusive” type of a person, or you don’t mind touristy destinations, or dealing with overpriced activities doesn’t bother you – there is a good chance you will like Cancún. But if you are looking for the real culture, adventure, nature, and the real vibe of Mexico, it is better to leave the city as soon as possible after landing, I guess!

Main Strip, Avenida Kukulkan in Cancún

Here are some interesting facts about Cancún you probably didn’t know:

• In 1970, Cancún was home to only three residents. Today over half a million people live in Cancún … without counting tourists!
• Cancún is actually an island and the famous Hotel Zone is a peninsula on a peninsula.
• Before Cancún got its name, it used to be called Ekab (Black Earth). The word Cancún is Mayan and means “Nest of Snakes”.
• The beachfront of the Hotel Zone, also called Zona Hotelera, faces the Caribbean Sea on one side, and the Nichupte Lagoon on the other.
• Zona Hotelera is home to 22.5 km of white sand beaches.
• All beaches are public, but (!) the strip is so overbuilt so it was difficult to find a path to the beach.
• Before the bridges Calinda and Nizuc were built, Cancún was separated from the mainland.
• Cancún and the Riviera Maya region are home to over 47.000 weddings every year.
• The international airport is the second busiest airport in Mexico and Latin America.
• The white sand beaches are made from crushed coral from the Great Mayan Barrier Reef.
• The Great Mayan Barrier Reef in Cancún is the second largest coral reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
• Almost 12 km of an artificial white sand coastline were added during the last couple of years.

As you would expect from a major travel destination, Mexico has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.

Best Luxury Hotels in Cancun

NIZUC Resort & Spa: Located in a secluded spot along the Cancún coastline, NIZUC Resort & Spa offers a luxurious and serene retreat. The resort features elegant rooms and private villas with stunning ocean views, private pools, and outdoor showers. Guests can indulge in the world-class spa, dine at multiple gourmet restaurants, relax by the infinity pools, and enjoy access to a private beach. The resort’s exceptional service and attention to detail ensure an unforgettable luxury experience.

Secrets The Vine Cancún: Situated along the stunning shores of Cancún, Secrets The Vine is an adults-only resort that exudes sophistication and luxury. The resort offers spacious and stylish rooms with panoramic ocean views, private balconies, and luxurious amenities. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining options, relax by the infinity pool, rejuvenate at the world-class spa, and enjoy live entertainment and activities throughout their stay.

Le Blanc Spa Resort: An adults-only, all-inclusive resort, Le Blanc Spa Resort is renowned for its opulence and sophistication. The rooms and suites are elegantly designed with luxurious amenities and modern comforts. The resort offers a world-class spa, multiple gourmet restaurants, several infinity pools, and a private stretch of beach. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s personalized butler service and enjoy activities such as yoga classes and cooking demonstrations.

Best Mid-Range Hotels

Hyatt Ziva Cancún: This family-friendly resort offers a perfect balance of affordability and luxury. The rooms and suites are spacious and well-appointed, featuring modern amenities and balconies with ocean or garden views. The resort boasts multiple swimming pools, including an adults-only pool, a children’s water park, a spa, and a variety of dining options. Guests can enjoy activities like snorkeling, beach volleyball, and live entertainment.

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún: Located on the beautiful beaches of Cancún, this all-inclusive resort offers a vibrant and enjoyable stay. The rooms are comfortable and stylishly furnished, with views of either the Caribbean Sea or the lagoon. The resort features several swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, multiple restaurants and bars, and a range of activities and entertainment for guests of all ages.

Beachscape Kin Ha Villas & Suites: Situated on the quieter side of Cancún’s hotel zone, Beachscape Kin Ha offers affordable accommodations with a beachfront location. The rooms and suites are spacious and offer either ocean or lagoon views. The resort provides direct access to a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, along with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a beachside bar. It’s a great option for travelers seeking a comfortable stay on a budget.

Best Hostels

Selina Cancún Downtown: Located in downtown Cancún, Selina is a trendy hostel offering a vibrant and social atmosphere. The hostel provides a variety of accommodation options, including dormitory rooms, private rooms, and unique social rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a communal kitchen, a bar, a swimming pool, a co-working space, and regular social events and activities. It’s a great choice for budget travelers looking for a lively and engaging experience.

Mayan Monkey Cancún: Known for its lively atmosphere and modern design, Mayan Monkey is a stylish hostel situated in the heart of the hotel zone. The hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, all with air conditioning and comfortable beds. Guests can socialize in the common areas, relax by the swimming pool, enjoy the rooftop terrace, and participate in various activities organized by the hostel, including group outings and nightlife events.

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Booking.com)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Cancun here (Tripadvisor)

Explore a wide range of hotels in Cancun here (Agoda)

Discover affordable hostels in Cancun here (Hostelworld)

Easily compare prices and book hotels in Cancun here (Hotellook)

Mexico Accommodation

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

• Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Booking.com)
• Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico (Tripadvisor)
• Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico (Agoda)
• Discover affordable hostels in Mexico (Hostelworld)
• Easily compare prices and book hotels in Mexico (Hotellook)

Mexico Flights

Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Mexico.

Private Airport Transfers

Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Rental Car in Mexico

Looking to rent a car in Mexico? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Mexico to find you the best price possible.

Mexico Tours

If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Mexico.

Travel Insurance

When it comes to travel insurance, we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That’s why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing.

Enjoy the day!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.

Mexico Accommodation

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

• Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Booking.com)
• Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico (Tripadvisor)
• Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico (Agoda)
• Discover affordable hostels in Mexico (Hostelworld)
• Easily compare prices and book hotels in Mexico (Hotellook)

Mexico Flights

Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Mexico.

Private Airport Transfers

Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

Rental Car in Mexico

Looking to rent a car in Mexico? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Mexico to find you the best price possible.

Mexico Tours

If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Mexico.

Travel Insurance

When it comes to travel insurance, we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That’s why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing.

Enjoy the day!

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Rest assured, we only recommend products and services that meet our high standards and that we genuinely believe in. The opinions expressed are solely our own and are based on our personal experience.