Things to do in Cancun, Mexico

My guest post takes us to the popular holiday resort of Cancun in Mexico where Jerry from Cancun Trip shares his Cancun get-away and his tips for maximum enjoyment from relaxation to party.

Cancun is only 2 to 3 hour flight from most central US airports. However our red-eye from Denver to Atlanta, 4 hour layover, and arriving in Cancun at 10AM, was tiring. I was suddenly reminded we were in Mexico as we exited the airport and were attacked by transportation solicitors. Luckily, I have a smart wife who had pre-arranged our transportation with a company called Cancun Shuttle. For about $50US got us a round trip private shuttle to and from our hotel. I thought it was a little steep, but later found out a one way cab ride can cost the same.

View of Cancun from the hotel room

After a 15 minute drive we arrived in the “hotel zone” at The Westin Regina. Depending on your travel standards one might rate this hotel from great to decent. Great service, awesome pool on the beach and air conditioning everywhere was everything I needed. My wife was a little grossed out from the little bits of mildew spots throughout our room. However, we were happy to spend the rest of the day sipping cocktails at the pool. Did I mention how good the service was?

Pool at Westin Regina in Cancun

The things to do in Cancun seem endless. You can participate in all the normal beach activities, but you can also find some more interesting activities like, scuba diving, lagoon adventures and even swimming with whale sharks. We ended up scuba diving with a small outfit called Pointe Estes. The dive package included training and 2 tanks of air at a popular dive spot near Isla Mujeres, all for only $80US each. If you are an experienced diver, I heard going to a spot near Cozumel is one of the best in the world.

Learn to scuba

Cancun night life

Within the “hotel zone” seemed very touristy, which is nice for convenience sake, but going to downtown Cancun will give you a more ethnic experience. We found that taking the local bus was inexpensive and easy. As we explored the surroundings we stumbled upon a market. Bring your negotiation skills cause these guys like to bargain. I bought my wife a sterling silver bracelet for only $30US and negotiated for myself 3 Cuban cigars for only $15US. One vendor recommended a close-by restaurant called La Parilla. Loved it! The decor was as authentic as the food and only cost us $10US for 2 buffet lunches.

Restaurant music in Cancun

No matter what time of year in Cancun you can find a party. There are tons of happening clubs and bars throughout the “hotel zone”. A lot of them charge an entry fee and include drinks all night. Be careful of people trying to sell you club packages on the street, its a scam! My wife and I love the deep house music and felt right at home at a club called Nectar. Really cool, contemporary club with a house DJ and know for their after hour parties.

All in all this was quick and inexpensive Cancun vacation getaway that I would definitely go again.

Tips for Visitors to Cancun

• Bring your sunscreen. The sun rays are super ultraviolet!
• Take the local bus as opposed to a cab. 1$US can get you anywhere in the “hotel zone”.
• Try to find things less touristy. Senior Frogs is not the only place to get food and a drink.
• Use your hotel safe. No comment.
• Most places take US dollars and credit card. Change will be given in Pesos
• For peace and tranquility go in August – October
• For hardy party go in April – June
• Eat at JP Captain. Deluxe food, good prices and on a pier over lagoon. Even saw crocodiles swimming below us.

My thanks* to Jerry for his tips on enjoying Cancun, and you can find other Cancun articles at his blog at Cancun Trip.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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