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.

When to go to Cancun

Are you wondering when to go to Cancun?

The weather is definitely one of the most important considerations when you are making plans to visit Cancun. As one of the most desirable tropical paradises in the world, Cancun is amazing during the sunny season when the sea waters are warm and enjoyable. Luckily for you, Cancun enjoys this tropical weather almost year-round, and the temperatures average 80 degrees F in good weather.

During the tourist ‘off-season’ between May and October Cancun gets some rain. This does not seem to hinder people from sunbathing and sightseeing, however, and there is still a thriving tourist trade, including daily visits from cruise ships.

The period from November to April is dry in contrast and temperatures average between 82-86F. With this in mind, many people opt to visit Cancun in early September since it is pleasantly sunny and hot. Since school holidays are generally over at this time Cancun has fewer crowds and is thus more enjoyable.

Cancun enjoys the most visitors in the peak travel period between December & April. In the span of these five months there are generally pleasant temperatures both day and night, making it an ideal time to visit this resort destination. However, with more tourists the prices tend to be elevated, mostly in mid-December until early January. Persons planning to visit Cancun at these times, including the Spring and Easter breaks, are well advised to make bookings for accommodation well ahead. The prices decrease after Easter and since the weather is still quite pleasant one can enjoy an economical holiday then.

NOTES: The season between June and October is prone to hurricanes, and visitors are advised to pay attention to storm watches. Also, those who really enjoy swimming in the lovely waters of the Caribbean Sea are advised to avoid doing so between the 2nd and 4th weeks of April. It is during this time that thimble jelly-fish mate at the shores, and any contact with them will result in fever and other possible complications.