White-sand Caribbean beaches and cenotes
Cancún
Cancún · Caribbean beaches and Maya ruins
Cancún fronts the Caribbean with powder-white sand and impossibly turquoise water. Beyond the resort strip lie Maya ruins, jungle cenotes and the laid-back islands of Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
Top sightsSights
Playa Delfines
A wide public beach with the iconic Cancún sign.
Chichen Itza
The great Maya pyramid city, a few hours inland.
Tulum ruins
A cliff-top Maya fort above a swimmable beach.
Cenote Ik Kil
A dramatic sinkhole pool ringed by hanging vines.
Isla Mujeres
A relaxed island of golf carts and snorkeling reefs.
What to eatFood
Cochinita pibil
Achiote-marinated pork slow-roasted in banana leaves.
Ceviche
Fresh seafood cured in lime with chili and cilantro.
Marquesitas
A crisp rolled crepe filled with cheese and caramel.
Good to know
- Cenotes are cooler and less crowded than beaches at midday.
- The ADO buses are a cheap way to reach Tulum and Playa.
- Watch for sargassum seaweed season in summer.
Getting there
Cancún Airport (CUN) is the Caribbean coast’s main gateway, 20 minutes from the hotel zone.
Next city
Oaxaca