We get many questions about whether or not Cancun is a safe travel destination, based on recent reports about tourists having trouble in Mexico.

Overall, from our research and the many, many responses from both readers and Cancun travel writers, agents in the industry, etc., we understand Cancun is very safe and should not pose any safety hazards to tourists with common sense.

While we believe that Mexican tourist destinations – especially those with mostly all-inclusive, resort-style accomodations – are safe, following are some tips to ensure you have a happy and safe holiday in Cancun.

• Book with a reputable hotel company, preferably a chain with hotels in many worldwide destinations. This will ensure you are dealing with an international rather than a local management team, and can have any unforeseen issues handled – hopefully – in a professional manner.
• Purchase your airport transfers ahead of time, or book with a travel company which includes hotel transfers. There are many taxis and ‘other’ rides available at the airport in Cancun, however you are at risk of (at best) being bamboozled into a time-share sales pitch-while-driving, and (at worst) being at the mercy of an unscrupulous driver in a foreign country. Without hotel-sanctioned transport, you have no recourse should something happen to you.
• Keep your passport and other valuables with you at all times. If youu have an in-room safe, use it (with one small caveat: certain hotels have guests who reported staff theft, even from in-room safes: try TripAdvisor to see if this an issue at your hotel of choice – even if the hotl doesn’t acknowledge it - and if so you may be better off to carry your important documents with you) – lock away your passport and any other valuable paperwork, money, jewels, etc., and only open it when you need them or when you’re ready to return home.
• When planning and booking excursions, ensure the provider is reputable and ideally recommended by your hotel or travel agent. Look for a professional set-up and many happy previous customers, if possible, and use common sense at all times. Do not leave the group, watch your belongings, and follow any safety guidelines given.
• Do not partake in any activities you would not do in any large urban area: don’t go out alone late at night in unfamiliar neighbourhoods, don’t wander around intoxicated with your ID and passport in your pocket, etc..

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Sights of Cancun

It is a good idea to get our bearings before we proceed to the sights of Cancun.

The main resort area of Cancun was a planned resort community and is built on an island shaped like the figure 7 which is 14 miles long. The first thing that will draw your attention is the long beach that gives way to the Caribbean Sea. The beach is tropically exquisite and you will be wowed by the white sands which line the turquoise waters of the sea. Hotels line the beach along the ‘long’ part of the 7, and to the north the Caribbean Sea continues. To the west you will find Isla Mujeres – the Isle of Women. At the tip of the figure 7 is Playa Chac Mool, a public beach which has lots of restaurants and only a few hotels (such as the Riu and Dreams, as well as Fiesta Americana).

You can take a taxi or local bus into this main city of Cancun to see the sites of Cancun, and there are many markets, nightclubs and fabulous restaurants to enjoy along the way. As you drive down the Paseo Kukulcan, a 20km stretch of road that joins Cancun City to the hotels, you will enjoy the shops, hotels, and malls that line your way. Cancun’s main street, the Avenida Tulum, is graced with breathtaking reproductions of ancient sculptures. The Mexico Magico is a popular theme park.

As you leave for the mainland from Cancun you will find Nichupte Lagoon where you can enjoy all the water sports that you fancy. This lagoon is also home to two hundred species of birds. As you progress further down the coast you will enter the Mayan Riviera tourist area, which consists of a variety of hotels lining the beach and butting up against the tropical Mexican jungle behind them.

For those who appreciate the ancient Mayan culture, be sure and visit the ruins of Chichen Itza. This excavated city includes a magnificent temple and the largest Mayan ball court anywhere. This resplendent location is approximately 200km from Cancun and is accessed by car or bus, and many hotels offer tour packages. You can also visit the Coba Ruins, the most ancient Mayan site. The ruins of the six thousand buildings that made up the area are now overgrown by dense tropical jungle. Here you will also find the tallest pyramid in Cancun.

Entertainment in Cancun

Cancun ranks among the top tropical island paradises in the world. It is characterized by resplendent beaches, thrilling nightlife, lots of adventure in the outdoors, and top notch air-conditioned shopping malls and spas.

Entertainment in Cancun is plentiful, and Cancun offers the tourist some spectacular views and experiences:

• At Xcaret you will find the Scenic Tower, a rotating 250ft high tower showcasing a panorama of the sea, land, and sky.
• Cancun has numerous play sites including the Parque Nizuc, where people can swim with dolphins. AquaWorld is another spectacular theme park.
• Romantics can while away the time at Playa Delfines, which offers spectacular views and perfect sunbathing opportunities.
• Enjoy luxurious pampering at the El Dorado Seaside spa and the Spa at The Royal Sands, among other top spas in the area (mostly in the upper-end Cancun hotels). The whole family can visit The Royal Islander for absolute pampering. Royal Sands and the Hilton Cancun are also gorgeous options.
• The Playa Kukulcan has an exquisite shopping mall with the same name.
• The adventurous at heart can take advantage of various jeep services that will enable them to access the jungle. The local trails have iguana feeding spots and underground caves you can swim in.
• If you feel like the sea is the best venue for your adventure, you can go snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear turquoise waters that abound in Cancun.
• From a historical perspective, you can appreciate ancient Mayan civilization from the museums, and the ancient ruins – notably the El Rey Ruins and the Coba Ruins.
• No resort destination would be complete without fine eating spots, and Cancun is richly blessed with many of these. To name but a few we can include the casa O’s Restaurant, the Sunset Grill Restaurant, and the Laguna Grill. Vegetarians are also catered to in Cancun: 100% Natural is one such spot close to the Plaza Caracol Mall.
• If you are wondering where to stay, you will be spoiled for choice among the delightful resorts that adorn the island. Try ORBITZ.COM for the latest Cancun deals!
• Golfers will find plenty to do in Cancun, and can tee off at the Moon Palace Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, for starters.

Traveling Tips For Visiting Cancun

As in any country or city that you travel to, there are some things you must know so as to have a comfortable and hassle-free visit. The following are some general tips:

• Taxi cabs are available everywhere in Cancun and can be easily identified by their white color and single green stripe. The fare cost on the hotel zone route is the highest, and it is prudent to agree upon a fee with the driver before you enter the cab. The prices for various routes are offered at the hotel lobbies. Local taxis can not drive you from the airport to your hotel (most people have hotel transportation pre-arranged*) but they can do the opposite at the end of your stay. There are transport lines for the airport-hotel route.
• *Note that there are many time-share resorts being developed and sold in Cancun as of this writing. Many visitors report being approached by timeshare salespeople at the airport and it is common for these people to give the impression that they are involved with transporting you to your hotel rather than timeshare sales. ALWAYS arrange your hotel transportation ahead of time and have a voucher. Airport personnel can direct you straight to your waiting vehicle and you will not get trapped into a timeshare presentation unexpectedly.
• For local transport while in the city of Cancun, the bus system can’t be beat – it’s economical and efficient, and provides a great way to get around the city. You will be required to pay a given fixed price for one way, always in pesos (the local currency). At the time of this writing, Cancun has four buses: the R1, the R2, the R15, and the R27. These go to various locations and you should check the destination on the right window at the front of the bus. To stop a bus you have to wave it down. The buses don’t stop at all stages, so you have to ask the driver to stop when you’re ready to get off. Use landmarks to note your direction since most locals have poor English.
• Nearly every store and restaurant in Cancun will accept US money and travelers checks. Since the exchange rate is mostly in the locals’ favor you can first exchange your money in the banks, exchange kiosks, or hotels. The bank is your best option in this scenario.
• It is prudent to drink bottled water while in Cancun, and in Mexico generally. The most common ailment of travelers visiting Mexico is what is (not so) affectionately called Montezuma’s Revenge, which is essentially a stomach bug causing abdominal pain, discomfort and diarrhea. Drinking bottled water is one way to protect yourself.