Compare Cancun holidays

However, if this is exactly what you’re hoping to avoid, don’t worry. The Hotel Zone is split into sections with the revelry largely contained to one area. There are dozens of resorts that are designed for families and/or couples, around which you’ll find world-class spas and fine-dining restaurants where the high-quality tequila is for sipping not shooting.

Around Cancun, there’s so much to discover. Take day trips to ancient Mayan ruins, such as the pyramid-structure of Chichén Itzá, and cool off in the clear water of hidden cenotes – natural limestone sinkholes tucked into the Yucatan’s rainforest. Sail out to nearby reefs for snorkelling or diving with tropical fish and cruising turtles or plunge down to Cancun’s famous underwater sculpture museum.

A great time to visit Cancun is the end of April and early May, when crowds have dispersed, and the weather is still sunny and dry. This is also when prices tend to drop, meaning it’s a great time to pick up a cheap holiday.

The hurricane season runs from the end of May until October. It is hot and humid with afternoon downpours to be expected particularly in September and October. Low season perks include a decided lack of crowds (outside mid-July to the end of August when it’s Mexican holiday season) and cheaper rates. July is also when you can swim with whale sharks.

Elbow some culture into your Caribbean holiday with a trip to the legendary ruins of Chichen Itza. The most famous Mayan site in the Yucatan, it's a jumble of temples and courtyards, topped off by the Pyramid of Kukulcan, Chichen Itza's pride and glory.

Discover the Temple of the Jaguars, learn about the Platform of the Skulls and unleash your inner Indiana Jones.

Swimming holes

Cenotes are natural swimming holes sunken into the ground, sort of like open-air lidos, but a bit more magical. Crisp and clear, their mineral-rich waters are rich with mystery. Nothing comes close to snorkelling through jade green waters and gazing up to a sky framed with jungle vines.

Just over an hour’s drive south, near Playa del Carmen, you’ll find Cristalino Cenote and Cenote Ponderosa. For a longer adventure – about two hours’ away – is Cenote Ik-Kil. Located near the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, it makes a great day trip from Cancun.

There are dozens more scattered throughout the peninsula, so grab your swimmers and make a beeline for the nearest swimming hole.

Xcaret Park

Particularly great if you have kiddies in tow, Xcaret Park is a cultural theme park, an eco-zoo and a natural playground rolled into one.

Follow jungle trails, swim in underground rivers, take a rafting trip and spot everything from pink flamingos to scarlet macaws in the canopy. Snorkel among scores of stingrays, swim with nurse sharks (yes, really) and wind down afterwards with a wander through the wine cellar.

Tulum

Easily one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Tulum will blow your mind. A vast swathe of perfect sugary beach smattered with coconut palms, it's the Caribbean as you've always imagined it.

Whisk around the ancient clifftop ruins – which include a soaring watchtower and two well-preserved temples – before wandering down to the beach for a dip in the Caribbean and a lazy dose of sunshine. As day trips go, it doesn't get much better than this.

Coba

Combine your trip to Tulum with a visit to Coba, just 45 minutes’ away by road. It's considerably less crowded than Chichen Itza and, as an added bonus, you can clamber to the top of one of the highest pyramid in Mayan Mexico. The pyramid stretches to a dizzying 42 metres (137 feet), so you'll need strong legs and a stomach for heights, but the view from the top is worth every ounce of effort.

To get there, you'll hike along shady jungle trails with howler monkeys swinging in the branches, adding even more atmosphere to the whole affair.

The area is full of shops, bars and restaurants catering to international visitors, with most locals speaking excellent English.

For families

The majority of Cancun’s clubs are clustered around the northern corner of the Hotel Zone (near to Coco Bongo). For a quieter stay, look to the southern end of the spit towards El Rey.

Further north, Isla Blanca is much more sedate, with a range of family-focussed hotels, while Isla Mujeres offers a more exclusive experience.

For travellers on a budget

A short hop away from the buzz of Cancun’s Hotel Zone is El Centro, where you’ll find a string of low-budget accommodation. Set slightly back from the beach (but only a five-minute drive to Playa Tortugas), this neighbourhood packed with affordable restaurants and bars, too.

If you want to be right in the action, you’ll also find some no-frills holidays and budget hostels around Chac Mool beach and Playa Caracol. This lively area also hosts most of Cancun’s biggest clubs.

For food and drink

For a taste of the ‘real’ Cancun, head downtown to El Centro. You’ll find local restaurants serving delicious Yucatan and Mexican fare, such as tacos and fajitas; cochinita pibil – an orange-marinated slow-roasted pork dish – and chilaquiles, corn tortillas quartered and fried with salsa, are other specialties to look out for.

Wandering through the streets and parks and browsing the markets are great ways to experience snippets of local life. Few tourists stay here, but there are a handful of hotels.

For nightlife

If you want to dance ‘til dawn then spend lazy days in the sun, there’s only one place to be in Cancun. Its most brag-worthy nightlife clusters around a couple of streets in the Hotel Zone, where you’ll find notable names such as Coco Bongo and Señor Frog's. Take your pick from a number of beach clubs to start your night, before bar-hopping your way until morning.

You’ll also find a cluster of clubs between neighbourhoods Puerto Cancun and Quinta La Ceiba.