Are you having fun right now? Seriously. I’m sure we can all agree that the most un-fun thing about planning a trip to Cancun is the part where you sift through millions of tabs looking for the information you need. Alarming stories and random resort recommendations won't get you closer to the fantastic Playa Delfines beach.
So let's cut through the noise. Welcome to Cancun's ultimate tourism statistics guide. From weather patterns and the best travel time to safety tips and do's and don'ts, you'll have what you need to get you as close to those relaxing Caribbean waves and crispy Cascatan tacos as possible. You might even find the right Cancun tour guide for your adventure. Enough chit-chat, let's go!
In the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula lies the breathtaking jewel of Cancun, a mesmerizing city that opens up like a colorful tapestry of wonders. Quintana Roo’s premier vacation spot is the most visited destination in Mexico, with over 9.5 million tourists touching down in 2022, making Cancun International Airport the busiest in the country.
With the ancient secrets of Mayan civilization, splendid beaches, and cerulean seas, Cancun's hotels easily hosted over 6 million international guests in 2019. Despite loose Covid-19 entry rules, 2020 was a low year, with only 2.4 million recorded hotel arrivals. So how is tourism in Cancun now? The resilient city bounced back, breaking records in September 2021, with 1.6 million tourists in one month, a 4.4% increase from 2019’s record.
Tourists flocked from all over the world to spend the summer or winter in the Mexican Caribbean. Clearly, we’re not the only ones obsessed with Cancun.
Quintana Roo welcomed over 17 million tourists in 2022. That's a lot of day trips and a lot of people. So who visits Cancun the most? Spain, The UK, and Canada are close contenders, but the number one spot goes to;
Travel Truth: What are the tourism issues in Cancun? Over-tourism is a big issue, especially environmentally. Cancun is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world, and irresponsible diving and snorkeling disrupts the natural ecosystem. You can avoid adding to the problem by asking our local Cancun guides about responsible tour companies or exploring the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Cancun has a heavy partying reputation, but there's more to this city than beaches and bars. Let's look a little deeper, shall we?
So why do so many people go to Cancun? It’s a symphony of natural and historical marvels, with its sun-and-saltwater beaches, ear-pounding nightclubs, untouched wildlife havens, and ancient Mayan ruins.
That explains the 2.4 million international visitors that made it to Cancun in the first quarter of 2023. This charming city gives you two sides of one vibrant coin, the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) and El Centro (Downtown Cancun). Luckily, they're only 20 minutes apart, so let's explore both.
Amidst the pulse of life that echoes through the city, nightclubs come alive. During the day, white sand beaches and interactive museums keep you entertained. Welcome to the Hotel Zone, Mexico’s most ambitious and successful travel hot spot. Let’s get you acquainted.
Where To Go: The Hotel Zone’s Top Destinations
Travel Q&A: Why Is Cancun So Expensive? The simple answer is high demand. There's so much to see, and everybody wants to see it, increasing the prices, especially during peak seasons. Is Cancun a luxury destination? Yes, if you consider the private Catamaran tours, five-star hotels, and brand-name shopping experience in the La Isla Village.
Known as the “authentic” Cancun, El Centro’s warmth, cultural vibrancy, and haunting echoes of history come together in a harmonious dance. From markets to music, it’ll leave you forever under its spell.
Where To Go: El Centro's Top Destinations
Alright, the destinations are divine, but there's more to travel than rest, thrilling experiences, and relaxing drinks. Here's what to expect when you're touring Cancun.
Cancun is generally fun and relaxed. However, it's essential to be mindful of local life and live under the rules and customs to keep your experience pleasant and safe. Let's get to the essentials.
While it’s not as large as Mexico City, Cancun has an equally efficient transportation system. Here are some great ways to get around the hotel zone and downtown Cancun.
Now that you know where to go and how to get there, it’s time for the most important element. When to go, and there are options for every kind of traveler.
Perfect Timing: Weather Trends
Warm, breezy, and sunny. That's it. Right? Well, sometimes. Cancun's weather is a little more complex, and there's an ideal time to travel within the city’s seasons.
Perfect Timing: Travel Seasons & Trends
Cancun transforms with the seasons, so when is the best time to visit? December to May and July to August are ideal because of the weather, festivals, and events, but they are more expensive so let's weigh the options.
High Season - December to May & July to August
This is the tourist high season when millions flock to Cancun's sunny beaches and turquoise waters, especially during New Year's and Christmas. It's a great time to travel for those who enjoy festivals like Carnaval, which takes place in February, or swimming with the whale sharks in the summer. The trade-off? Huge crowds and massive price surges
Low Season- September to November & May to June
This time is ideal if you're looking to save on hotel accommodation, venue tickets, and transportation, as there are a bunch of deals all over the city. Low crowds also mean more time to explore freely. The trade-off? High temperatures mixed with humid rainy days. There's also the occasional hurricane warning.
Somewhere In Between- November
If you’re lucky, you can travel in November. While it's slightly rainy, the major storms have passed, leaving moderate weather. The plus? Cool events like the Cancun Jazz Festival are in town.
Travel Tip: The Tourist/FMM Cards- Do you still require FMM forms for Cancun? Mexico is phasing out the physical tourist cards, with most airlines not offering them. Instead, you need to complete an online version at the Cancun Airport website, even if your country doesn’t require a visa.
Tantalizing tacos, fresh ceviche, and sweet churros await, awakening your taste buds and inviting you to indulge in authentic flavors lovingly crafted by culinary masters. These local delights are a must-try.
Before we get lost in food fantasies, let’s touch on some pressing Cancun elements and give you the important information you need concerning safety while you’re in the city.
Every city has its quirks, and these quick tips will keep your time in Cancun pleasant and free from frustrations. If you want to know more about the best social, ecological, and cultural practices, get in touch with a GWG local expert.
Staying Safe: The Cancun Edition
Alright, we're finally addressing the elephant in the room. Cancun’s safety. A burst of violent crime along the Riviera Maya and Tulum related to drug cartel activity towards the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 led to alarming headlines about tourist safety. The good news? It was quickly dealt with, and Cancun was later rated one of Mexico's safest travel cities in 2022.
So what is the crime rate in Cancun? Cancun’s Crime index stands at 56.33 which is moderate, comparable to cities like Miami, and Los Angeles. Its safety index is 43.67, with a high safety rate of 62.50 when walking around in the daytime.
All in all, is Cancun safe to travel in 2023? Yes! Cancun is well-guarded and safe to tour in the day or night time. If you're freaking out about safety in the city, touring with a local guide can help ease your worries. To feel completely safe, keep these tips in mind;
Cancun can be everything you want it to be. There's so much to do and see, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, there's a convenient, hassle-free version of your planning that involves a professional, local Cancun tour guide putting YOUR interests first in a customizable itinerary. Sound like a better option? Great, now let's get started!
P.S. Looking to travel with companions? The more, the merrier. Share this post with your friends and get them as excited about touring Cancun as you are.
Cancun, Mexico
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Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City, Mexico