HistoryChichén Itzá
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, with the great pyramid of El Castillo.
Cheap flights to Cancún
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Cancún at a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Airports
- Cancún International (CUN)
- Search code
CUN- Money
- Mexican peso (MXN)
Discover Cancún
Turquoise water, white sand and Mayan ruins within a day's drive. Cancún is Mexico's beach capital, with swimmable cenotes and coral reefs nearby.
What it's called
- Kaan kunoften translated from Maya as "nest of snakes"
- Mexican Caribbeanthe coast around it
- Riviera Mayathe coastline to the south
Things to do in Cancún
History
BeachHotel Zone beaches
A 22 km strip of white sand between the Caribbean and the lagoon.
BeachIsla Mujeres
A 20-minute ferry to calm Playa Norte and golf-cart rides around the island.
NatureCenotes
Swim in crystal-clear sinkholes in the jungle, sacred to the Maya.
Day tripTulum
Mayan ruins on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea.
About Mexico
Mexico has Caribbean and Pacific coasts, deserts, jungles, volcanoes and colorful colonial cities. It has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in the Americas.
- CapitalMexico City
- MoneyMexican peso (MXN)
- LanguageSpanish
Economy
One of Latin America's biggest economies and one of the United States' largest trading partners. Factories build cars and electronics, and Mexico is the world's top producer of silver and avocados. Tourism is a major employer.
Culture
Ancient Maya and Aztec roots mixed with Spanish traditions. Mexican cooking, mariachi music and the Day of the Dead are all on UNESCO's list of cultural treasures, and lucha libre wrestling is a wild night out.
Places to visit
- Oaxacamarkets, mezcal and mole
- Chichén Itzáthe great Maya pyramid in Yucatán
- TulumMaya ruins above a white beach
- San Miguel de Allendecolonial streets and rooftop bars
- Guanajuatoa colorful city of tunnels and alleys
- Los Cabosdesert meets sea at the tip of Baja
Why Mexico is worth it for you
- Close and easyShort, frequent flights from the US and Canada.
- Your money goes farMeals, hotels and tours often cost much less than at home.
- Beach weather all yearThe Caribbean and Pacific coasts stay warm in winter.
- World-class food for littleTacos, tamales and fresh juices from street stands for a few dollars.
Travel more of Mexico
Places worth adding to your trip, from Cancún or on another visit.
FoodOaxaca
Mole, mezcal and markets in a colorful colonial city.
CultureSan Miguel de Allende
A pink-steepled colonial town loved by artists.
CultureGuanajuato
Painted houses climbing a valley and lively student streets.
NatureCopper Canyon
Canyons bigger than the Grand Canyon, seen from the Chepe train.
CultureMexico City
Aztec ruins, museums and the best street food.
See the guide →Eat like a local
- Cochinita pibilSlow-roasted pork from the Yucatán.
- Fish tacosFresh catch on corn tortillas.
- MarquesitasCrispy rolled crêpes filled with cheese, a Yucatán street snack.
The story of Cancún
For centuries this coast belonged to the Maya, whose great city of Chichén Itzá stands two and a half hours inland. Cancún itself was a quiet fishing island until the government picked it for a new resort in the 1970s.
Mexico through history
- c. 600–1200
The Maya city of Chichén Itzá flourishes.
- c. 1325
The Aztecs found Tenochtitlan.
- 1521
Spain conquers the Aztec Empire.
- 1810
The War of Independence begins; Mexico is free in 1821.
- 1910
The Mexican Revolution begins.
- 1968
Mexico City hosts the Olympics.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- December to April is dry and sunny. June to November is hurricane season, with lower prices.
- Getting around
- Buses run along the Hotel Zone; ADO buses and shuttles reach Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the ruins.
- Language
- Spanish
Ready to see Cancún for yourself?
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Flights to Cancún
Tips for flying to Cancún
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When you land in Cancún
Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.
Questions about Cancún
Which airports serve Cancún?
Cancún International (CUN). Search code: CUN.
What currency is used in Cancún?
Mexican peso (MXN).
How do I find cheap flights to Cancún?
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