Cancun City Guide

Try local dishes like cochinita pibil, tikin xic, and panuchos. International food is common, especially in the Hotel Zone. Vegan and vegetarian options are growing, mostly downtown. Street food and some restaurants stay open late in downtown and nightlife areas.

Nightlife is lively and focused in the Hotel Zone with clubs like Coco Bongo, The City, and Mandala, plus many bars and lounges.

Coffee culture is developing with international chains and local specialty cafés mainly downtown.

Tipping is expected in most services. 10-15% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxi tips are optional, hotel staff and tour guides usually get small tips.

SIM cards are sold at the airport and official stores. Telcel offers the best coverage and some eSIMs. Registration with ID or passport is required.

Hotel Zone and tourist areas are generally clean with regular waste pickup. Some local neighborhoods are less tidy.

Many OXXO minimarts are open 24/7. Some pharmacies and private clinics offer late or round-the-clock service. Late-night street food and fast food options exist.

Supermarkets like Walmart, Chedraui, Soriana, and Superama carry international products. Local markets like Mercado 28 offer fresh produce and meats. Most supermarkets open early and close late, including Sundays. Bargaining is for markets only, not supermarkets.

Cards like Visa and Mastercard work in big hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets mostly in the Hotel Zone. Small shops and street vendors often accept only cash. It's best to carry some pesos for small purchases and tips.

ATMs are easy to find in banks, malls, and convenience stores like Banamex, HSBC, and Santander. Use ATMs inside banks during business hours to avoid fees and for safety.

International schools like International American School of Cancun and Colegio Británico offer classes in English and Spanish. Contact schools early about admissions.

The community is growing but less established than in nearby cities. Meetups happen mainly through online groups and cafes.

Parque Las Palapas is the main city park. The Hotel Zone has beachfront paths. Nichupté Lagoon offers natural green spaces.

Popular running routes include Boulevard Kukulcan with ocean or lagoon views. Safe in busy areas but avoid poorly lit spots at night.

You can find chain gyms and local options. Many resorts also have fitness centers.

Tennis courts are at resorts and some clubs. Equipment rental and coaching may be available.

Padel is growing in popularity with some dedicated courts and clubs.

Yoga studios and classes are found downtown and in resorts, with various styles and mostly English-speaking instructors.

Various gyms offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Boxing, and Taekwondo with some English-speaking instructors.

No skiing around Cancun since it's a tropical coastal city.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are popular, especially in Nichupté Lagoon. Rentals and guided tours are common year-round.

Surf spots are limited due to the reef protecting the coast, so waves are small. Better surfing is over an hour away in Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Excellent diving on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and cenotes. Many dive shops and certification centers operate year-round. Water is clear with rich marine life.

Private hospitals like Hospital Galenia and Amerimed have English-speaking staff and good care. Public healthcare is basic with longer waits. Pharmacies are widespread and sell many OTC meds.

Tap water is unsafe to drink. Use bottled water, widely available. Hotels and restaurants usually provide purified water and ice.

Plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly resorts in the Hotel Zone. Baby supplies are easy to find. Family attractions include Xcaret, Xplor, and Ventura Park.

Cancun is welcoming and safe in tourist areas, with annual Pride events and some inclusive venues. Use discretion in more conservative neighborhoods.

Pet policies vary, but many rentals allow pets. Vet services and pet supplies are available. Outdoor seating for pets exists in some cafes.