Three getaways near Cancun, each with its own personality, showcasing the versatility of the Mexican Caribbean, one of the country’s most coveted destinations.
Cancun and its surroundings: jewels of the Mexican Caribbean – Food & Beverage
It’s no secret that Cancun is one of the most popular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. Travellers land here with the idea of relaxing and enjoying its beaches; however, little by little the more adventurous are encouraged to explore what its surroundings have to offer. Today, in addition to being a great city where you can arrive, settle into a hotel and forget about everything for a few days, Cancun is the starting point for exploring other destinations in the region. The travel itinerary might look something like this:
Day 1: Cancun
Most tourists arrive in this part of the country thanks to Cancun International Airport, considered the second most important airport in the country, in addition to having innovative Cancun Airport Shuttle services. In this destination, travellers will find world-class gastronomic offers, luxurious hotels recognised by the American Automobile Association (AAA) with 4 or 5 Diamonds and an infinity of beaches, many of them with the Blue Flag distinction, which is only awarded to those that comply with a series of international standards of cleanliness and water quality.
It is also an ideal destination for golf lovers and those looking for a getaway focused on wellness, thanks to its wide range of spas and treatments.
Must-do activity: Saying water activities in Cancun can mean two things: the sea or the lagoon; however, the jungle tour offers both. Driving your own two-person speed boat through the Nichupte Lagoon and out through the mangroves into the Caribbean Sea to snorkel the second largest reef in the world is a must-do for every traveller. You can easily get here via the Cancun Airport Transportation service.
Day 2: Holbox
Although it has become more popular in recent years, this island retains its authentic spirit and atmosphere. And how could it not when it has sandy streets that are only traversed by golf carts and bicycles. Here, the biggest attraction is nature, as the island is nestled within the Yum Balam Ecological Reserve, declared a Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Its location – two hours from Cancun – is perfect for enjoying the tranquillity and a change of scenery without being so far from the starting point.
The calm waves on its beaches make it perfect for family trips, while romantic getaways are crowned with one of the best sunsets in the region.
Not to be missed: from May to September the island is visited by the most intrepid travellers who want to swim with the whale shark. This is a completely safe experience as it is a harmless species. It is very important to carry out this activity in a respectful manner and following all the guidelines established for the conservation of this species, which year after year makes this paradisiacal island in the Mexican Caribbean its temporary home.
Day 3: Isla Mujeres
This is where Mexico starts the day, as Isla Mujeres is the first place to receive the sun’s rays. This small island, seven kilometres long and 500 metres wide, can be explored by bicycle or even golf cart, but don’t be fooled by its size, as it has more than 60 hotels. It offers a wide variety of activities for those who want to spend the morning among Mayan vestiges and a historical site known as Hacienda Mundaca, and in the afternoon relax on the beach and try one of the island’s specialties: Tikin Xic fish. Also for those who want to take advantage of the perfect weather conditions to do water sports, such as diving, snorkelling, boat or catamaran rides, kayak and boat tours, zip-lines over the sea, windsurfing or sport fishing.
To get there from Cancun, you have to go by boat or take a ferry from one of its four starting points: Puerto Juarez, Playa Tortugas, El Embarcadero or Playa Caracol.
Not to be missed: visit Punta Sur, which at 20 metres high is the highest part of the island and offers a marvellous view of the Caribbean Sea, Cancun Bay and Isla Mujeres. You can also enjoy the natural spectacle of the waves crashing against the cliffs.
Day 4: Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos is well worth the 40 kilometres from Cancun for its natural attractions, such as the mangroves and cenotes. The number and variety of cenotes in the region is so great that they deserve their own route (called the Route of the Cenotes). A good plan is to choose one or two options among so many of these bodies of water, which were sacred to the Mayans. Some options are: Zapote, Siete Bocas, Las Mojarras and Verde Lucero.
Another of the great attractions of Puerto Morelos is the intimate, yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here, the traveller can find everything from large luxury hotels to local businesses with a more bohemian touch. This city is very close to Cancun and if you decide to visit it, you can easily come here using somo of the Cancun Airport Transfers to Puerto Morelos.
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Not to be missed activity: to get away from the beach and into the jungle, the recommendation is to spend part of the day exploring the different adventure parks in the area that offer all kinds of activities.
