Cancun in Mexico is a hot destination for U.S. travelers. Here’s what you need to know before you hit those warm, sandy beaches!

GETTING THERE: The easiest way to get to the Yucatán Peninsula is by airplane. You can fly to Cancun International Airport (CUN), Cozumel International Airport (CZM), or Merida International Airport (MID). It is best to have your ground transportation planned prior to arrival which can be local shuttle, taxi, or rental car.

LANGUAGE: Spanish, though most tourist areas will have some that speak or understand English.

CLIMATE: Tropical with hottest temperatures March to May. The rainy season is June to October when tropical storms are most prevalent. 

MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS): The main currency in Mexico is the Peso. Most restaurants, stores, and resort hotels accept credit cards or debit cards. While most of the larger tourist towns like Cancun will accept a US Dollar, you should consider exchanging some of your usual currency for Mexican Pesos. It is also a good idea to carry cash to aid in bargaining when shopping.

Tipping is acceptable in most places aside from select all-inclusive resorts. Though there is no set rule in Mexico, it is customary tip 10-20% for service. If you choose to tip in US Dollars, please remember to only use paper bills as coins cannot be exchanged to Pesos.

ELECTRICITY: Mexico uses type A and type B plugs operating on 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.

Cancun Area Tours and Excursions:

• Visit Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and Las Coloradas
• Visit Chichen Itza
• Have lunch in Valladolid
• Swim and snorkel in a popular cenote like Grand Cenote in Tulum or Rio Secreto in Playa Del Carmen
• Explore Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve & Muyil Archaeological Site
• Spend an afternoon shopping on Playa Del Carmen’s 5th Avenue
• Plan a vacation around the Day of the Dead celebration November 1st and 2nd
• Swim with sea turtles in Akumal Bay
• Explore San Gervasio in Cozumel
• See MUSA, the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art
• Swim with whale sharks

5 FAST FACTS

1. Chichen Itza, one of the must- see Mayan ruins in the Yucatán Peninsula was named one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007.

2. The largest population of pink flamingos in North America happens to be located in the Yucatán Peninsula at the Rio Lagartos Biosphere Reserve.

3. The Yucatán Peninsula is home to thousands of cenotes, open underground cave systems, with many now open for snorkeling and ziplining.

4. Do you like spicy food? The habanero pepper originated in the Yucatán Peninsula and is a top export product for the region.

5. Bottled water is your best friend. Avoid tap water while in Mexico as it typically is not safe to drink.

5 THINGS TO PACK

1. Sunblock and bug spray. Most resorts will have a small sundry shop on property but may charge much more than you’d like for these simple, must-have items.

2. Light and comfortable clothes. The climate can be very warm and muggy. Don’t forget to check your resorts dinner dress code too. Some may require long pants and closed toe shoes.

3. Portable phone chargers. These are great for your full excursion days, so you have plenty of battery for all those great pictures and video you take.

4. Reusable straw and insulated mug. This is something growing in popularity among frequent all-inclusive resort travelers. Resorts may have limited paper straws available. And the insulated mug will allow you to enjoy your frosty drinks longer as you lounge on the beach.

5. Extra medicine in your carry-on luggage. Due to ever-changing country entry and exit requirements, it is good to plan for extra days should an unplanned situation arise.

Are you ready to check Mexico off your Bucket List? Contact Kimberly today to get started.

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