Cancun

Shop and eat at Mercado 28

Looking for colourful, unique, one-of-a-kind souvenirs? Mercado 28 is the place to go. A bustling flea market bursting with craft shops, souvenirs, jewellery and local goods (plus a fair amount of the normal budget clothes, hats, footwear etc), Mercado 28 is the kind of place where you have to work for a good find. Decent things won’t jump into your hands, but dig and you’ll find them. Tired out from all the bartering, this is also a good spot to grab a taco lunch or dinner. Visit here, but with a side of caution, as scammers are known to operate throughout the stalls.

Catch a tan on the white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen

Every Cancun trip needs a beach day. The answer? Playa del Carmen. Perfect a golden tan and dip your toes in the warm Caribbean seas at this coastal resort town that offers dreamy reefs, diving and snorkelling opportunities. Watersports and beach clubs will keep you busy if lying horizontally isn't your thing, or why not have some downtime and find shade in the many restaurants and bars that Playa del Carmen has on offer. When the sun goes down, hit up the destination's renowned nightlife. Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen, L'Ambassade and Mandala are all party favourites with the crowds.

Beach hop along the Caribbean Seas

If Playa del Carmen isn't quite what you’re looking for worry not, as Cancun and the dreamy Caribbean coastline has plenty more to offer. If you’re looking for something a little more chilled and away from the crowds, Playa Delfines or the cute fishing village of Puerto Morelos are both good options, whilst Playa Chac Mool will keep all you adventure seekers and adrenalin junkies busy. If beach parties are your ideal day vibe on the other hand, then Kool Beach Club, Akiin Beach Tulum and Unico Beach located in the charming town of Puerto Morelos, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are where it’s at. Every beach along the Caribbean coastline has its own vibe, so there's sure to be one that’s just right for you.

Experience the legendary nightlife of Cancun

There's a reason so many young Americans make the Spring Break pilgrimage to Cancun each year - the nightlife is lit! Oh yes, Coco Bongo Cancun, The City, Mandala Beach Club and Dady O are just a few of the clubs that will open their doors to a summer of partying. These are the places which have played host to some legendary DJs over the years including Walter Vazquez, DJ Max Ku and DJ Filth. Like to party with the sunshine on your skin? Cancun is also home to beach parties galore, as the likes of Kool Beach Club and Mamita’s Beach Club are open all day long. Tropical drinks, beach parties and spicy margaritas - this is what a summer in paradise looks like.

Take a snorkelling trip at Playa del Carmen

The shores may be where it’s at for endless partying and feasting on Mexico’s finest foods, but there's a whole other life just waiting to be discovered under the turquoise seas. Feeling adventurous? How about a snorkeling trip at Playa del Carmen? Explore the tropical fish, colourful corals and clear blue waters of the Caribbean sea. Manchones, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel are just a few areas in and around Cancun where you can expect to find reef sharks, vibrant coral and an array of exotic fish. And if you don’t fancy going out into the ocean, the Underwater Museum of Cancun has 470 life-sized sculptures for you to snorkel your way around.

Take in Cancun’s fabulous beaches with an open air sunset dinner

Sure it’s nice spending days out in the open, but sunset is when Cancun’s beach beauty is at its finest. So what better way to appreciate the views then whilst enjoying an open air sunset dinner? If you’re after some idyllic al fresco spots Casitas is one of the most romantic restaurants you’ll find in the city, whilst La Habichuela Sunset has panoramic views of the lagoon, and Cocos and Grill is all about the authentic dishes. If these still aren’t ticking the pure travel porn boxes, Puerto Madero and Captains Cove will be sure to give you those insta sunset likes.

Explore the tropical jungle and discover ancient Mayan ruins

Coastline beaches and turquoise seas aren't the only landscape Cancun has to offer; wildlife and beautiful rainforests are also on your doorstep throughout the region. You can expect to find all types of wildlife here, ranging from the Mexican Rattlesnake to the Mexican Spinytail Iguana, and even the ocelot wild cat found in the forests of Mexico. But it’s not just animals you can expect to discover amongst the dense greenery. Ancient Mayan ruins are also hidden deep within the Mexican islands dotted around Cancun. The Yucatan Peninsula is home to some of the most impressive ruins which include Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Thrill seekers can test their nerve on a zipline through the jungle

If you fancy yourself as a self-styled Tarzan, why not jump on a zipline and see the Mexican jungle in style? An experience which will have you seeing Cancun and the rainforest from a whole new perspective, this one isn’t for the faint hearted. Puerto Vallarta (the region you’ll be superman style flying over) is one of Mexico's most enticing destinations, where the coastal and jungle worlds meet, creating epic views as far as the eye can see. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds, monkeys and other wildlife, and top off the experience with an ice cold beer in celebration.

Go for a dip at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park

Still hungry for more outdoor adventure? Head on over to Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where snorkelling, kayaking, dolphins and ziplining are all part of this natural recreational activities park. Situated by the shores, this will be a day crammed with adventures and unforgettable experiences. Just 25 minutes from Cancun, the recreational reef doesn't just offer an array of activities; there's also a panoramic pool, lounge chairs, hammocks, and even a mayan sauna giving you the choice to chill out and relax surrounded by turquoise Caribbean seas.

Go local in Playa del Carmen by exploring the colourful cafés and shops

If you’re in need of a break from the sun-kissed shores, the colourful cafes of Playa del Carmen are where it’s at. Stay cool in the shade as you sip on a refreshing drink or have a spot of brunch and indulge in the ultimate retail therapy, shopping in the many shops dotted around Playa del Carmen. If you’re after some delicious coffees and snacks El Sano Juicio, Cafe Con Gracia (make sure you try the frappes too) and Tu Cafe all offer delicious choices.

Wine & Food Festival

Cancun

Food and drink is a huge part of Cancun culture, so this wine & food festival really is a no brainer. River Maya brings the chefs, wines, world-class gastronomy and award winning sommeliers to an incredible venue where wine tastings, gala dinners, cooking demonstrations, live music and culinary trends are all on the menu.

Inception Festival

We all know Cancun is THE place to go for Spring Break, and Inception Festival is the biggest Spring Break party of them all. Nightclub headliners and beachside day parties make up this festival which occurs every March. If you’re after a party, and we mean a party, Inception Festival is your answer.

Cancun Jumpoff

Think circus & masquerade parties, Hip Hop and R&B music, Reggae/Soca themed events and non-stop partying, and you’ve got Cancun Jumpoff. 3 and 4 day packages give you entry into this uniquely urban fiesta, which is perfectly complemented by Cancun’s sandy beaches and blue seas.

Viva México en Cancun

Also known as Día de la Independencia or Mexican Independence Day, Viva México is a festival specific to Cancun and commemorates the beginning of Mexico’s War of Independence with Spain. Occurring throughout the month of September, the festival is a celebration of all things arts and culture and is a combination of dancing, street entertainment and all types of music. The main event takes place on the 15th and 16th of September with crowds gathering in the town square to enjoy the local festivities with colourful parades and civic ceremonies.

Day of the Dead

THE festival of all festivals, Day of the Dead is a holiday designed to honour the deceased. It may sound a little gloomy but this is infact a celebration of life, love, and those who have now passed. Floats, performers, actors, acrobats, dancers, musicians and even giant skeleton marionettes make up the festival, so grab your colourful costume and join in the parade.

Maya Cancun Museum

Located in the heart of Cancun, this museum takes you on a journey through the culture of Cancun’s founding people. Covering all aspects of Mayan history, the exhibition holds 350 Mayan artefacts and is a must if you’re looking to learn about the true history behind this tropical wonderland.

Cancún Underwater Museum

A museum experience with a difference. In a bid to protect the coral reef in Cancun, Cancún Underwater Museum have created an artificial coral, where visitors can enjoy a 45 minute snorkelling experience alongside fish, rays and turtles. The museum is also home to a whopping 470 life-sized sculptures for you to snorkel your way around.

Cancun Wax Museum

Yes Cancun has a wax museum, and yes you can visit it. Wax works include Elvis, Amy Winehouse and even the Pope. With 100 characters across music, television, politics, war and terror, you’ll find all types of unexpected figures here so be prepared to reenact your favourite scenes from the celebrity world.

Tequila Museum

Learn about the culture of this place in a different way, courtesy of tequila. Mexico’s signature spirit (and many people’s arch nemesis) has a rich and surprising history you really do need to know about. Oh, and make sure you allow yourself some time for the sampling room. Afterall, no tequila tour would be complete without trying Cancun’s key cocktail ingredient.

Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano

This unique country’s Spanish influences and distinct culture are most evident in the Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano. Displays of religious artefacts, skeletons, piñatas and poetry encapsulate Mexico’s culture and traditions. Be amazed as you dive deep into learning all about Mexico’s weird and wonderful ways.

Chorizo taco

Churros

Kiwi Margarita

Enchiladas

Cochinita Pibil